Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, a time for you and your family to reflect on whether you have the right coverage to secure your financial future.

To learn more, watch the video link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzERtgS3VI

You are encouraged submit your private medical records for consideration during the processing of your benefits claim. Here’s how to submit your private medical evidence for your claim: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_disabilityexams.asp

Get step-by-step instructions on how to check your status here: www.va.gov/resources/how-to-check-your-va-claim-appeal-or-decision-review-status-online/

If you are a current or former U.S. Air Force member, you may be entitled to the VA home loan benefit. Check your eligibility by requesting your Certificate of Eligibility online or by reaching out to a VA-approved mortgage lender. Learn more. Visit:
https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/how-to-request-coe/

On the 77th birthday of The U.S. Air Force, we salute the dedicated Airmen providing unrivaled airpower for America.

TOMORROW, we are proud to host the Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Outreach Symposium from 1 – 2:30 p.m. ET. , and this symposium offers the chance to meet the specific needs of our Hispanic Veterans.

sessions are live and offered to Veterans, and their families!

For more information visit: https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/72005

Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) responders are trained to provide support no matter what you’re experiencing. After you dial 988 and press 1, here’s what happens:

1️⃣ - Once you’re connected to a VCL responder, they’ll listen to better understand what you’re going through and why you called.

2️⃣ - They may also ask a few questions to make sure they’re providing support and resources that best fit your needs. You decide how much information you share.

3️⃣- The responder will work with you and help you make a plan to stay safe.

If you choose, the responder will share your name and some personal information with your local VA su***de prevention coordinator who will contact you the next business day. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect to the VCL.

Learn more: https://news.va.gov/114074/what-to-expect-veterans-crisis-line/

Veterans are often the first to help others and may find it hard to ask for help themselves. If you or a Veteran you know needs support, don’t wait. Reach out. Visit www.VA.gov/REACH for resources today.

Find the right Veteran Resources Quickly and Easily Transitioning to civilian life can be tough. Finding the right VA Resources shouldn't be. Find the VA Resources you need easily and quickly.

You can view your VA payment history online with your VA.gov sign in. If you're a Veteran, you'll see your payment history for disability compensation, pension benefits, and education benefits. View your history by visiting https://www.va.gov/va-payment-history/ and signing in.

Do you need in-person assistance? Our regional offices offer resources to Veterans, service members, their families, and survivors. Learn more about the services they provide, hours of operation, and the leadership team there to serve you.
Find your regional office today: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp 📍

Don't miss out on important VA benefits news and outreach information! Stay informed on updated benefits, new programs, and national and local events. The newsletter comes out the first week of every month. Subscribe today to the Veterans Benefits Newsletter and stay in the know. Sign up:
https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/subscribe.asp

With the Decision Letter Download Tool, you no longer have to speak with VA or wait for a paper letter in the mail to know the decisions made on your claim. This video shows how to log on to your VA.gov account and download your VA decision letters electronically using the VA Decision Letter Download Tool. https://youtu.be/Y9TKxj3P-A4

Download your VA Decision Letters Veterans can now access their VA decision letters electronically on VA.gov using the Decision Letter Download Tool. This new option improves the digital self...

VA recognizes . Here is a message for our Spanish speaking Veterans, dependents, survivors and caregivers.

¿Ha oído hablar de los depredadores de reclamaciones?

Los depredadores de reclamaciones son individuos no acreditados por VA que se aprovechan de los beneficios de los veteranos. Estos depredadores de reclamaciones están llenos de promesas que son demasiado buenas para ser verdad y cobran “honorarios” por las reclamaciones iniciales de beneficios de VA. También pueden intentar manipular a los veteranos para que exageren sus síntomas de incapacidad y así lograr porcentajes de incapacidad más altas con VA.

Usted puede proteger sus beneficios de los depredadores de reclamos, recordando que solamente los abogados, agentes de reclamos y representantes de VSO acreditados por VA pueden ayudarlo legalmente con sus reclamos de beneficios iniciales. Solo los abogados y agentes de reclamos acreditados pueden cobrar una tarifa (luego que VA haya emitido su decisión inicial) por:

• Consultar o asesorar a los reclamantes de VA
• Recopilar pruebas para un reclamo
• Preparar y presentar un reclamo complementario
• Enviar solicitudes de revisión de nivel superior
• Presentar una apelación a la Junta de Apelaciones de Veteranos

Lea más sobre los depredadores de reclamos visitando: https://news.va.gov/133852/beware-claims-predators-want-to-prey-on-your-benefits/

Our busy lives can make it hard to keep up with loved ones and friends. Make time today to pick up the phone and check on a buddy. You never know the positive impact one call can make.

You may be eligible for mental health benefits through the VA care network.

Find tools and resources that can help you check your eligibility and apply: MentalHealth.va.gov/get-help/benefits.asp

Don’t let claims predators jeopardize your benefits! Empower yourself with the correct guidance on how to safely file a VA benefits claim. https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/

Don’t navigate the VA benefits process alone! Find a VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, or VSO representatives to assist you in filing a claim. From ensuring accuracy in paperwork to advocating for your rights, VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, and VSO representatives are dedicated to safeguarding your benefits.

Protect your benefits from claims predators by reviewing all forms and making sure to retain copies for yourself. It is important to never sign a fee agreement with someone who will not sign a VA representation form (VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a) and never sign a blank form for someone else to complete later.

Save the date! 📅 Join us on September 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET for the Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Outreach Symposium. Tune in to learn more about the services and benefits we offer to all Veterans. Learn more: https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/72005

Did you know that VA-guaranteed home loans don’t require private mortgage insurance? This monthly cost saving is not generally offered with no or low down payment conventional or FHA loans. For more information about VA home loan benefits, visit:
https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/purchase-loan/

Next week we're hosting several events in:

• Maine
• Michigan
• New York
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania

If you're in one of these locations and are planning to attend, visit VA News for specific dates and times. See you there!

https://news.va.gov/131861/get-1-on-1-assistance-at-va-vetfest-events/

Filing a VA disability claim? Learn about Disability Benefits Questionnaires or DBQs and how they support claims for disability benefits. Your health care provider can fill out and submit medical evidence on the appropriate DBQ for claimed conditions.

Learn more about DBQs. https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_publicdbqs.asp

We are hosting a virtual class on Agent Orange and What You Need to Know on September 26 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Topics will include:
• Overview of the Vietnam War and use of Agent Orange herbicide
• VA presumption of Agent Orange exposure and related health conditions
• Review of eligibility for the Agent Orange Registry and PACT Act benefits

Register today at: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/webappng/sites/veteransaffairs/meeting/register/92fe09d075fb4858b0ae63b447e72908?ticket=4832534b0000000536e64111b21e38e7b647dd70e10f6ef90805537cf2e7f4daecf62291b7410cec×tamp=1725996309744&RGID=rba627a931f1b4b6047ad8d9249afeca9

If you are having difficulty with registration. email [email protected] with subject line “Agent Orange Class”.

Navy Veteran Darnette Evans wasn’t living her best life because too much “stuff” was getting in the way. Teaming with her Whole Health coach, she cleared the clutter to get back to doing what she loves.

Read the rest of her story and find out what whole health can do for you.

https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/features/Crafty_Veteran_Overcomes_Obstacles.asp

We need Veterans to contact us if they return to active duty so we can adjust their VA disability payments. 📞 1-800-827-1000

Facing financial hardship? Money troubles can lead to emotional distress, negatively impacting your mental health, and – at times – leading to thoughts of su***de. VA provides support as well as fraud resources to help Veterans with money management and other life challenges.

https://www.va.gov/initiatives/protecting-veterans-from-fraud/

For 24/7, confidential crisis support, Dial 988 then Press 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Navigating the VA benefits process can be daunting, but with the proper guidance and awareness you can protect your benefits from claims predators.

Whether you are filing an initial claim for benefits, or need assistance with a denied claim, always verify the representative’s accreditation credentials before sharing personal information. https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/

Remember it is important to be cautious of individuals requesting sensitive login credentials to access your information through secure VA websites like VA.gov. This is a red flag and you should question if they are accredited by VA.

If you suspect a representative acted unlawfully or unethically while assisting you in filing a VA benefits claim, file a report and learn more at www.vsafe.gov or by calling 833-38V-SAFE.