Independence Day & How to file Disability Claims

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Veteran & Family Services Office

Independence Day – July 4th, is a day that all of our military members, both past and present, have fought to achieve and maintain. Our United States flag is a symbol of that independence and freedom. The colors of the flag represent valor, innocence and justice. Long may she wave!

VA Disability Claims:

Are you considering filing a VA claim for disability? Disability compensation from the VA is tax free and non-reportable. The amount of monthly financial compensation is determined by the disability percentage awarded. It can range from $171 to over $3,700 per month. There are many conditions that qualify for compensation. Veterans from different eras have presumptive conditions specifically related to their era. You may possibly qualify with hearing loss, humming/ringing/buzzing in the ears, diabetes, hypertension, breathing conditions, cancers etc. You don’t have to be missing an arm or a leg to qualify. Because you served your country whether you were drafted or volunteered, you may have conditions that qualify you for disability.

Make an appointment or come to our office. The Veteran and Family Service Office (VFSO) will discuss the possibilities of conditions for which you can or should file. We will do most, if not all of your paperwork for filing the claim. Documentation to support filing the claim will be discussed. We are here to make it as easy as possible to file claims and to help you receive what the VA promises to provide for Veterans.

To get started, we will have to do a Power of Attorney (POA). This POA only applies to VA claims. It allows access to you VA claims file: nothing else. We will also discuss establishing your claim date. To get started, bring or email a copy of your DD214. We need a mailing address and a phone number. If you don’t have your DD214, the process can be started and your DD214 can be ordered.

You have earned any and all VA benefits for which you qualify and the Veteran and Family Services Office is here to assist with accessing those benefits. Don’t feel that you are taking benefits away from “someone who needs it more”. You have EARNED it!

The VFSO is here to support Veterans, Veteran families and GRIC employees/families.

We can assist with Surviving Spouse claims, ordering discharge papers (live and deceased Veterans), ordering headstones or helping to navigate other VA/Veteran benefits.

Disable Native American Veterans with ratings under 50% no longer have to pay copays for office visits or medications at the VA. We can assist with the paperwork for the waiver. Provide a copy of your Tribal enrollment from any federally recognized Tribe and VFSO will assist with the co-pay waiver form.

As a disabled Veteran, you may qualify for some Arizona State entitlements.

Veteran and Family Services Office 520-562-9704

Peer Support Specialist Wesley Rhodes -520-610-4383

Peer Support Specialist Darrell Whitman 520-610-2037

Veteran Service Officer Kim Skelton 520-610-7644

Email: Kimberly.skelton.vfso@gric.nsn.us