Frequently Asked Questions
How can the Veteran Services Office Help me?
We are here to help get you any benefits you maybe entitled to
What is an "Appointment of Service Representative" and why do I need one?
We are your advocate to fight the VA on your behalf. It is important to have a service representative to help navigate the VA system.
If I select a Service Organization as my representative, are there any charges or meetings I must attend?
No, there are no charges or meeting that you must attend
If I need a copy of my DD214/Military Discharge, how can I get a copy?
You can request a copy of your DD214 and service records at NPRC (National Personnel Records Center) or come into our office and we can assist you.
I would like to find out more about military discharge upgrades and correction of military records. Where can I go to get information?
You can research at www.va.gov or you can come into our office and fill out a DD Form 293. If it has been over 15 years you will need to apply for a correction of military records.
Where do I go for a military ID card?
You will need to go to the nearest military base. Schedule an appointment online at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ If you are eligible through VA disability you must bring your commissary letter to your appointment.
Will the VA fill my prescriptions from my private doctor?
A VA facility may fill an outside prescription. You will need to provide your original prescription to your primary doctor and ask if the medication is available through the VA pharmacy.
Are there any VA medical facilities in the North Texas area and where are they located?
Yes, Dallas VA Medical Center, Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic, Denton Community Based Outpatient Clinic and Decatur Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
How can I get a copy of my VA medical records?
You can request a copy of records from the records department at the Dallas VA Medical Center or the FWOPC. If you have access to www.myhealth.va.gov you have access to records from visits at the VA facility such as x-rays, lab results, consults and etc.
I think my current disability/illness was caused by the military and want to file a claim for service connected benefits. What should I do?
You should contact your local County Veterans Service Office for an appointment. You should gather the following documents to bring to you appointment.
- DD214
- Copy of your military service records (copies or originals)
- List of any civilian doctors you have seen for the condition
- Marriage License/Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Spouses information: SSN, DOB, Place of birth
- Banking Account # and Routing #
- Birth Certificate and SSN for all children under 18
Once you have all the items gathered call to make an appointment with your local County Veterans Service Office.
I have been turned down several times before for my service-connected injuries and no one can help me.
There may be several reasons your claim was denied. Schedule an appointment at your local County Veteran Service Office and bring all prior VA correspondence.
Can I get a copy of my VA claim file that includes everything I ever send to the VA and everything the VA ever sent me concerning any claim I've submitted?
Yes, but it could take many months to receive
I am a disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran. How do I get a disability status letter from the VA so that I may take advantage of my property tax exemption benefits?
You can call the (800) 827-1000 or go to your local Veterans Service Office to request a Tax Summary letter.
What is a non-service connected pension and who is eligible?
It is a benefit program that provides financial support to low income Wartime Veterans. The amount paid under the program depends on income. If a Veteran alone makes less than $13,000 a year they may qualify. If a Veteran and family make less than $17,000 a year they may qualify.
Can a widow of a veteran who was receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation(DIC) which was terminated due to remarriage have the benefit payments reinstated if their current spouse dies, or they get divorced?
Yes
I'm concerned about my education benefits and have questions. Who do I call?
Contact (888) GILBILL-1 (888-442-4551)
I'm a veteran living in Texas. Does Texas have a state benefits for veterans?
Yes, please see the following list:
100% PERMANENT & TOTAL - COMPENSATION & IU
- DOD community privileges: Commissary/PX possible medical benefits waiver of National Service Life insurance premiums
- Tax-free student loan forgiveness filed through the Department of Education
100% Service-Connected Disabled & IU
- Dental Treatment
- Total Exemption from property taxes (for homestead residence)
70% Service-Connected Disabled
- Property tax exemption for first $12,000 (Texas benefit)
50% Service-Connected Disabled
- Property tax exemption for first $10,000 (Texas benefit)
- Special license plates $3 fee for first plates, regular price for additional vehicle (Texas benefit)
- Free TX hunting & fishing license package
30% Service-Connected Disabled
- Property tax exemption for first $7,500 (Texas benefit)
- Dependents considered for compensation purposes and payment calculations
- Non-competitive Federal employment
- Mileage reimbursement for VA Medical appointments
10% Service-Connected Disabled
- Medical care for rated disability/(ies) at no charge. Co-pay for non-related prescriptions and Dr. visits.
- Hearing aids and glasses
- Property tax exemption for first $5,000 (Texas benefit)
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling [Title 38, Chapter 31]
- Clothing allowance for prosthetic devices
- Veterans preference on civil service [10%]
ALL TEXAS VETERANS:
- Certificate of eligibility for Home Loan Guarantee
- Home Loan guarantee fee exemption
- SDVI (must file within 2 years of a "new service-connection"
- Educational assistance under the "Hazlewood Program"
- Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) programs (Require 90 days cumulative service and any discharge other than dishonorable)
- Housing Assistance and Home Improvements through Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB)
I want to apply for a VA home loan and need a certificate of eligibility. What should I do?
Access your certificate of eligibility through eBenefits. If you do not have eBenefits you can contact the Texas Land Board at (800)252-8387
Are there any state homes for veterans in Texas?
Yes, there are 9
The costs of my prescriptions are more than I can afford. Will the VA fill them for me?
If you are enrolled in the VA Healthcare you can take your prescriptions to your primary doctor and ask if VA will cover these medications. Depending on your priority group, you may be subject to a small copay that is billed out every 90 days.
I'm retired, VA disability rated veteran. How can I find out more about the Combat related special compensation (CRCS) program?
Go to https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crsc.html and learn more about the CRSC program and the requirements.
As an honorably discharged veteran, I know that I am eligible to be buried in a VA cemetery. Is there one in the North Texas area and can I reserve a spot?
You can contact the National Cemetery in DFW area at (214) 467-3374 and complete a pre-need application
Who do I call to report the death of a retired military member?
You can call your local Veterans Service Office or (800)827-1000
We are here to help get you any benefits you maybe entitled to
What is an "Appointment of Service Representative" and why do I need one?
We are your advocate to fight the VA on your behalf. It is important to have a service representative to help navigate the VA system.
If I select a Service Organization as my representative, are there any charges or meetings I must attend?
No, there are no charges or meeting that you must attend
If I need a copy of my DD214/Military Discharge, how can I get a copy?
You can request a copy of your DD214 and service records at NPRC (National Personnel Records Center) or come into our office and we can assist you.
I would like to find out more about military discharge upgrades and correction of military records. Where can I go to get information?
You can research at www.va.gov or you can come into our office and fill out a DD Form 293. If it has been over 15 years you will need to apply for a correction of military records.
Where do I go for a military ID card?
You will need to go to the nearest military base. Schedule an appointment online at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ If you are eligible through VA disability you must bring your commissary letter to your appointment.
Will the VA fill my prescriptions from my private doctor?
A VA facility may fill an outside prescription. You will need to provide your original prescription to your primary doctor and ask if the medication is available through the VA pharmacy.
Are there any VA medical facilities in the North Texas area and where are they located?
Yes, Dallas VA Medical Center, Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic, Denton Community Based Outpatient Clinic and Decatur Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
How can I get a copy of my VA medical records?
You can request a copy of records from the records department at the Dallas VA Medical Center or the FWOPC. If you have access to www.myhealth.va.gov you have access to records from visits at the VA facility such as x-rays, lab results, consults and etc.
I think my current disability/illness was caused by the military and want to file a claim for service connected benefits. What should I do?
You should contact your local County Veterans Service Office for an appointment. You should gather the following documents to bring to you appointment.
- DD214
- Copy of your military service records (copies or originals)
- List of any civilian doctors you have seen for the condition
- Marriage License/Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Spouses information: SSN, DOB, Place of birth
- Banking Account # and Routing #
- Birth Certificate and SSN for all children under 18
Once you have all the items gathered call to make an appointment with your local County Veterans Service Office.
I have been turned down several times before for my service-connected injuries and no one can help me.
There may be several reasons your claim was denied. Schedule an appointment at your local County Veteran Service Office and bring all prior VA correspondence.
Can I get a copy of my VA claim file that includes everything I ever send to the VA and everything the VA ever sent me concerning any claim I've submitted?
Yes, but it could take many months to receive
I am a disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran. How do I get a disability status letter from the VA so that I may take advantage of my property tax exemption benefits?
You can call the (800) 827-1000 or go to your local Veterans Service Office to request a Tax Summary letter.
What is a non-service connected pension and who is eligible?
It is a benefit program that provides financial support to low income Wartime Veterans. The amount paid under the program depends on income. If a Veteran alone makes less than $13,000 a year they may qualify. If a Veteran and family make less than $17,000 a year they may qualify.
Can a widow of a veteran who was receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation(DIC) which was terminated due to remarriage have the benefit payments reinstated if their current spouse dies, or they get divorced?
Yes
I'm concerned about my education benefits and have questions. Who do I call?
Contact (888) GILBILL-1 (888-442-4551)
I'm a veteran living in Texas. Does Texas have a state benefits for veterans?
Yes, please see the following list:
100% PERMANENT & TOTAL - COMPENSATION & IU
- DOD community privileges: Commissary/PX possible medical benefits waiver of National Service Life insurance premiums
- Tax-free student loan forgiveness filed through the Department of Education
100% Service-Connected Disabled & IU
- Dental Treatment
- Total Exemption from property taxes (for homestead residence)
70% Service-Connected Disabled
- Property tax exemption for first $12,000 (Texas benefit)
50% Service-Connected Disabled
- Property tax exemption for first $10,000 (Texas benefit)
- Special license plates $3 fee for first plates, regular price for additional vehicle (Texas benefit)
- Free TX hunting & fishing license package
30% Service-Connected Disabled
- Property tax exemption for first $7,500 (Texas benefit)
- Dependents considered for compensation purposes and payment calculations
- Non-competitive Federal employment
- Mileage reimbursement for VA Medical appointments
10% Service-Connected Disabled
- Medical care for rated disability/(ies) at no charge. Co-pay for non-related prescriptions and Dr. visits.
- Hearing aids and glasses
- Property tax exemption for first $5,000 (Texas benefit)
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling [Title 38, Chapter 31]
- Clothing allowance for prosthetic devices
- Veterans preference on civil service [10%]
ALL TEXAS VETERANS:
- Certificate of eligibility for Home Loan Guarantee
- Home Loan guarantee fee exemption
- SDVI (must file within 2 years of a "new service-connection"
- Educational assistance under the "Hazlewood Program"
- Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) programs (Require 90 days cumulative service and any discharge other than dishonorable)
- Housing Assistance and Home Improvements through Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB)
I want to apply for a VA home loan and need a certificate of eligibility. What should I do?
Access your certificate of eligibility through eBenefits. If you do not have eBenefits you can contact the Texas Land Board at (800)252-8387
Are there any state homes for veterans in Texas?
Yes, there are 9
The costs of my prescriptions are more than I can afford. Will the VA fill them for me?
If you are enrolled in the VA Healthcare you can take your prescriptions to your primary doctor and ask if VA will cover these medications. Depending on your priority group, you may be subject to a small copay that is billed out every 90 days.
I'm retired, VA disability rated veteran. How can I find out more about the Combat related special compensation (CRCS) program?
Go to https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crsc.html and learn more about the CRSC program and the requirements.
As an honorably discharged veteran, I know that I am eligible to be buried in a VA cemetery. Is there one in the North Texas area and can I reserve a spot?
You can contact the National Cemetery in DFW area at (214) 467-3374 and complete a pre-need application
Who do I call to report the death of a retired military member?
You can call your local Veterans Service Office or (800)827-1000