Veteran Resources

The Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov/ or https://www.va.gov/contact-us/
Phone: 1-800-698-2411

The American Legion (National): https://www.legion.org/
Phone: 1-800-433-3318

The American Legion (Alamo Post 2): https://americanlegionalamopost2.org/
Phone: 210-732-1891

Texas Veterans Commission: https://tin.al/fLWL
Phone: 1-800-252-8387

VA Solid Start: https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/#brxe-fcefib
Phone: 1-800-827-0611

Note: See documents tab for VA checklist (under medical) for starting benefits. If you have questions contact the VA Office.

Outside VA Claims Specialists and other additional help

Social Groups, Lawyers, and other Claims specialists are another way for the veterans to get started with their VA Claim. Often veterans may not know where to begin to get a VA claim started and/or to add to their existing claim. These organizations provide excellent service in helping veterans with their claims; often by raising an existing, low VA Rating, or registering for 1st time benefits. They can be found by doing a simple google search, or military affiliated social media groups. Make sure you do your research on the company and ask questions before you sign any contract. If you have doubts, start with the American Legion, VA benefits Office, or phone a military friend first!

Note: according to the VFW: 

Many Veterans seek support (Veteran/VA Claims Specialist, Lawyers) and help with filing VA benefits claims for the payments they deserve. Be cautious of "claim predators" - unaccredited companies or individuals targeting Veterans' benefits for profit.

How to identify claim predators: 

• Charging High Fees: Predatory companies charge absurd fees or require you to pay a portion of your VA benefits. Never pay anyone a fee to file an initial claim for benefits. 
• Making Dishonest Promises: Don't trust anyone who claims they can help accelerate the claims process and obtain a 100% disability benefits evaluation. Remember, only VA has the authority to determine disability ratings. 
• Requiring Binding Contracts: No one should ever charge a fee to file an initial claim for VA benefits. Never sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized individual/company a percentage of your benefit payment in exchange for help with your VA claim. 

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): https://vfw.org/
The VFW is a great source to point you in the right direction to help get you started on your claim.

The American Legion: https://www.legion.org/
A veteran support group that is found on a national level and will walk the veteran through the process step by step.