As a veteran, I often hear from other former servicemen and women about the problems they have encountered with the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have experienced these issues, please contact my district office at (972) 470-0892 for assistance.
Additionally, I must have a signed privacy release before my staff can send an inquiry on your behalf in order to comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act.
How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly?
Benefits Information: 1-800-827-1000
Health Care Benefits: 1-877-222-8387
Life Insurance: 1-800-669-8477
Debt Management: 1-800-827-0648
Mammography Helpline: 1-888-492-7844
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-829-4833
CHAMPVA: 1-800-733-8387
Headstones/Markers: 1-800-697-6947
Gulf War Helpline: 1-800-749-8387
Education Assistance (GI Bill): 1-888-442-4551
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website: www.va.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office:
Waco VA Regional Office
One Veterans Plaza
701 Clay Avenue Plaza
Waco, TX 76799
VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas VA Medical Center
4500 South Lancaster Road
Dallas, TX 75216
Phone: (214) 742-8387
(800) 849-3597
Fax: (214) 857-1171
Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetary
2000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75211
Phone: (214) 467-3374
Fax: (214) 467-3316
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a claim for VA disability compensation for the first time?
You can file an original claim for compensation online or by downloading and completing VA Form 21-526. Additionally, the VA may request a copy of your discharge paper, military medical records, and current medical evidence to support your claim. Your application and supporting documentation should be submitted directly to your VA regional office.
How long will it take to receive a decision on my compensation claim?
The length of time depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim. Most claims are being processed within six months, but can take longer due to the complexity.
My claim for benefits to the VA has been denied. What can I do?
The VA Medical Center has Patient Advocates who are able to assist patients with their problems. You can contact the local Patient Advocates by calling the VA at (214) 857-0482 or (800) 849-3597 ext. 70482.
Where can I learn more about the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), or check the status of my appeal?
Check out the on-line pamphlet Understanding the Appeals Process (PDF). This publication explains the steps involved in the appellate process.
If my condition has changed, how do I get my ratings decision increased to receive additional benefits?
You can submit a claim by submitting VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, or you can write a letter specifying the disability that has worsened and submit any current medical evidence that supports your claim for an increased disability evaluation. You may also contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and make a request to increase your benefits over the phone. Note that if you are unable to submit the request on your own, your Power of Attorney can submit your request on your behalf.
Special Info for Operation Enduring Freedom & Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans
The mission of the Operation Enduring Freedom & Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Program is to ensure continuity and improved coordination of healthcare and benefits for seriously injured or ill service members returning from theaters of combat operations as they transition from DoD to VA healthcare.
What is an OEF/OIF veteran?
• Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Gulf War or were in combat against a hostile force during a period of “hostilities” after November 11, 1998 and have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
What is included in the transition assistance for returning combat veterans?
• Priority care at enrollment
• Education of health care benefits
• Expediting disability or service connected injury claims
• Scheduling health care within 30 days
• Post-deployment screenings
• DoD Outreach during post-deployment health reassessment for benefits education & coordination of care
• Mental health services and groups specific to service period
• Re-adjustment counseling
• Vocation and Occupational Rehabilitation
• Polytrauma services
• Education of Women’s Health care services
• Gulf War Registry and associated exams
• Specialized blind rehabilitation services
For referrals of OEI/OIF veterans and active duty, please call Social Work Service at (214) 857-0388 or (800) 849-3597.
Program Location:
Dallas VA Medical Center
Room 1B-214 (Clinical addition, near pharmacy)
4500 South Lancaster Road
Dallas, TX 75216
***National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for veterans 1-800-273-TALK(8255) of if in immediate crisis, CALL 911 or go to the nearest emergency care center.***
Useful Resources for Veterans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Manual
VA Forms
U.S. House Veterns Committee
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
U.S. Department of Defense
VA Cemeteries
Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service
Texas Veterans Commission
HealthierUS Veterans - Department of Veterans Affairs
Military ONESOURCE - This website developed by the Department of Defense is a "one stop" where service members and their families can seek assistance with any issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Veterans' Preference - This website through the Office of Personnel Management contains information for veterans seeking employment and assists in determining a veterans special right and privilege for Federal civil service employment.
U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program - This program assists and advocates for severely wounded, injured, or ill OIF and OEF Soldiers and their families.
The National Guard Online Community
MyArmyLifeToo - This website is an online community for Army families featuring a variety of updated topics.
Veterans Service Organizations
The American Red Cross
The American Legion
Disabled American Veterans
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Marine Corps League
American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Blinded Veterans Associations
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Blue Star Mothers of America
Gold Star Wives
U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Jewish War Veterans
Center for Women Veterans
Pearl Harbor Survivors
Vietnam Veterans of America
Non-Commissioned Officers Association of America
The Retired Enlisted Association
Fleet Reserve Association
Military Officers Association of America
Fisher House
Soldiers' Angels
Navy Safe Harbor Program
Fallen Patriot Fund
United We Serve - Military Retreats
VFW Unmet Needs Program
