Working through the claims process through the Department of Veterans Affairs can be a difficult and time-consuming process. There are things you can do to make things much smoother for you when making or updating claims through the system.
First, you can work through a Service Officer. Mostly volunteers who are veterans themselves, Service Officers are specially trained experts who can help you walk through any interactions with the VA. The Post 409 Service Officer, John Perry, holds office hours Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Veterans Service Office located inside the Downriver Community Conference (DCC) building located at 15100 Northline Rd., Suite 101 in Southgate.
Another thing you can do to help make your time spent working on your VA claim more efficient is to make sure you have the proper documentation. According to Phil McCaskey, American Legion Service Officer, Department of Michigan, all or some of the following items may be needed depending on the claim:
- Certified copy of DD214 or Report of Separation
- Copy of marriage certificate
- Copy(ies) of birth certificates for each claimed dependent (includes spouse)
- Copy(ies) of death certificates
- Copy(ies) of divorce decrees for both Veteran and spouse
- Copy of guardianship document/court letters
- Copy of Social Security award letters showing current benefits rate
- Statement from doctors showing current medical condition that is being claimed – include doctor’s name, address, phone and fax numbers
- Medical evidence showing that disability was caused by or arose during your active duty service
- Medical treatment records
- Any correspondence from the VA
- Collateral statement(s)
- Social Security Number(s) for each claimed dependent
Please note that additional documentation may be required depending on what type of claim is being submitted.
Make your time and the time of your Service Officer count: get all your documentation together before you need it. It will work out much better if you do. If you’re missing anything, make sure to let the Service Officer know right away. They may be able to help you get copies of what you need.
Questions can be directed to the volunteers at the VSO. They are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only from 8am to 3:30pm. Please call only during operating hours – they cannot receive voicemail messages. The number to call is 734-720-7855.