I Need Help With VA Benefits, Claims, or Family Coverage
Benefits matter when they change access to care, caregiving, housing, income, or support after a death.
Start with the benefit that could change the care plan or protect income while time still matters.
If Time Is Short, Start Here
If the illness may be connected to military service and no claim has been filed, ask a VA-accredited representative whether to act now.
If a Veteran dies while a claim, decision review (VA’s process for challenging a decision), or appeal is still pending, an eligible person may be able to request substitution and continue it.
A service-connected condition may also affect whether survivor benefits are available later.
If the Veteran is terminally ill, say so during the first contact. Not later in the process. The first call.
“He’s terminally ill. Can this existing claim be considered for priority processing?”
Ask what medical evidence is needed. VA Form 20-10207 can be used to request priority processing for an existing claim.
Priority processing doesn’t guarantee approval or a completion date.
Don’t delay medical care, hospice, caregiving help, or placement while waiting on a benefits decision.
Know Which System You’re In
VA health care and VA financial benefits are separate systems. Starting with the wrong one can delay the answer.
For care, enrollment, or health services, start with the VA medical center, treating team, or VA social worker.
For a disability claim, pension, denial, or survivor benefit, start with a VA-accredited representative.
Ask:
“Is this a VA health-care issue, a VA benefits issue, or something handled by another program?”
If the Veteran is homeless or may lose housing, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 or use I Need Help Finding or Keeping a Home →
If the Discharge Was Other Than Honorable
Don’t assume the discharge means VA will say no.
People with other-than-honorable or some bad-conduct discharges may still qualify for VA care or benefits. VA can make a Character of Discharge determination (VA review of whether service qualifies for benefits) for VA eligibility purposes, and a discharge upgrade may also be an option.
Ask a VA-accredited representative or the eligibility office at a VA medical center:
“Can VA review this discharge for eligibility, and what care or benefits can this person use now?”
If the Veteran is in a mental health crisis, don’t wait for an eligibility decision. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, call 911 if there’s immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room, or go directly to a VA medical center.
Apply and let VA make the eligibility decision instead of assuming the answer is no.
Use a VA-Accredited Representative for Claims
A VA-accredited representative may work through a Veterans Service Organization, a state or county Veterans service office, or as an accredited attorney or claims agent.
Ask whether the person helping is VA-accredited.
Veterans Service Organization representatives provide claims help at no charge. Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees in some situations after VA has made an initial decision.
You can check a person’s accreditation through VA before relying on them.
Name the Need Before the Program
Start with what the family needs:
- help with a claim or pension
- help after a denial
- health coverage for an eligible family member
- care or caregiver support
- survivor benefits
Then ask which VA system or program handles it.
If someone can’t manage their own VA payments, VA has a separate fiduciary process (VA appoints a person to manage the VA payments). A financial power of attorney doesn’t cover it. See I Need to Manage Someone Else’s Money →
Work non-VA programs at the same time when they may help. Don’t wait for one system to solve everything.
If You’re Trying to Get Coverage for a Spouse or Family Member
CHAMPVA may provide health coverage for certain eligible spouses, surviving spouses, dependent children, and some approved Primary Family Caregivers. Ask whether the family member qualifies and whether an application is required.
If a Decision Went Against You
A previous denial may not settle what’s available now if the Veteran’s health, evidence, income, or circumstances have changed.
Ask:
“What review or appeal path applies to this decision?”
Then ask:
- What exactly was denied?
- Can we get it in writing?
- What’s the deadline?
- What evidence could change the decision?
A pension denial based on service dates isn’t a judgment about what the Veteran did. Ask what rule was applied and whether another program fits.
Before You Rely on the Plan
Ask:
- Does a deadline apply?
- Could the date VA receives the claim or request affect payment?
- Who owns the next step?
- What can move forward while the decision is pending?
Keep copies of applications, records, decisions, names, dates, and confirmation numbers.
Helpful Resources
Check whether someone is VA-accredited and find a representative near you.
Free, 24/7 help for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing housing. Also 1-877-424-3838.
VA information about how discharge status can affect eligibility and when VA may review it.