Essential Resources for Our Heroes
This page is designed by a veteran for veterans with one goal in mind: to provide veterans with a comprehensive list of resources that can assist with everything from mental health and housing to education and job training. As a veteran, you've given immeasurable service to our nation, and it's our turn to serve you. Whether you're a recent service member or have been a veteran for many years, the resources compiled here can provide support, information, and assistance for various aspects of life after service. We honor and appreciate your sacrifices and hope this page becomes a valuable tool in navigating the benefits and services available to you.
Scroll down now to explore a comprehensive list of programs, services, and organizations dedicated to supporting you in your journey.
Essential Tools
These indispensable tools will enhance your healthcare experience by offering convenient online options, significantly simplifying various tasks and processes for you.
ID.me is a reputable American company specializing in online identity verification. Its primary purpose is to enable individuals to easily authenticate their legal identity online. By utilizing ID.me's digital credentials, users gain convenient access to a range of services, including government portals, healthcare platforms, and exclusive discounts offered by various retailers.
My HealtheVet is an online personal health record for Veterans, Servicemembers, and caregivers, offering access to a vast Health Education Library and promoting collaboration between patients and VA providers. Users can conveniently communicate with their healthcare team, manage appointments and health records, and refill prescriptions online.
VeteransGuide.org is a comprehensive online resource for U.S. Armed Forces veterans, offering essential information and expert guidance for maximizing VA compensation benefits. Established by the Disability Advocate Group in collaboration with the National Advocates for Veterans Disability Assistance, the platform simplifies the complexities of obtaining a variety of VA benefits, from financial to medical assistance.
Our VA Disability Calculator is a useful tool designed to help veterans estimate their combined disability rating and potential disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This calculator simplifies a rather complex process, providing veterans with a better understanding of how the VA might evaluate their disabilities.
See our directory below for more resources.
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Directory of Veteran Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA provides a variety of benefits and services to veterans, including health care, education, disability compensation, home loans, and burial benefits. The VA also offers a variety of services to support veterans' mental health and well-being.
National Veterans Foundation (NVF): NVF operates a crisis hotline for veterans and their families. They also provide outreach services for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Veterans Crisis Line: This is a free, confidential resource that's available to any veteran, even if they're not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. The caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping veterans of all ages and circumstances.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): DAV provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): WWP provides free programs and services focused on the physical, mental, and long-term financial well-being of injured veterans, their families, and caregivers.
American Legion: The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs): VSOs are non-profit groups that advocate for veterans and provide services to help them with the benefits process. There are many VSOs, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV): NCHV is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state, and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid, and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year.
GI Bill Education and Training Benefits: This is a program for veterans and service members providing educational benefits such as tuition for school or job training.
National Center for PTSD: This center provides information and resources about PTSD and traumatic stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm feeling overwhelmed by this process. Can anyone help me file my VA claim?
A: Absolutely, we understand that the process can feel daunting. Rest assured, there are several organizations and professionals available to assist you in filing your VA claim. They can guide you through the process, helping to ensure you submit all necessary documents and evidence.
Q: My claim was denied, and I'm feeling disheartened. What are my options?
A: It's completely normal to feel this way, and you're not alone. Many veterans face challenges in getting their claims approved. However, a denial is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision, and there are several routes for this, including filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD), requesting a Higher-Level Review (HLR), or appealing to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Don't lose hope, keep pushing forward.
Q: I'm worried that I don't have enough evidence to support my claim. What can I do?
A: It's understandable that you might be concerned about this. If possible, gather as much medical and service-related evidence as you can. This can include service treatment records, doctor's reports, medical test results, and even letters from fellow servicemen and women who can attest to your condition. If you're struggling to find enough evidence, consider reaching out to a professional for help.
Q: I'm still on active duty, and I'm already struggling with a condition. Should I wait until I'm discharged to file a claim?
A: We know this must be a challenging time for you. While every situation is unique, it can often be beneficial to start the claim process while still on active duty. It could be easier to gather necessary evidence and documentation. However, you should consider your individual circumstances and perhaps seek advice from a VA claims expert.
Q: My condition is affecting my day-to-day life, and I'm anxious about how long the VA will take to process my claim. What should I expect?
A: It's completely valid to feel this way. The duration for processing a VA claim can vary depending on several factors. It's important to remember that the VA is dealing with a high volume of claims, but every effort is made to process claims as swiftly as possible. Meanwhile, ensure you're seeking all available help for managing your condition. Your health is important.
Q: I've been diagnosed with a condition that wasn't present during my service. Can this still be considered a service-connected disability?
A: Absolutely, and we know how confusing and frustrating this situation can be. Your condition can still be considered service-connected if it can be proven that your military service aggravated it or caused it to develop. Evidence will be key, so make sure to gather all medical documentation linking your condition to your service.
Q: My claim was approved, but I'm not happy with the disability rating I received. What can I do?
A: It's totally understandable to feel disappointed and perhaps even overlooked. If you feel that your disability rating doesn't adequately reflect the severity of your condition, you can challenge it. You have the right to submit new evidence and request a reconsideration of your disability rating.
Q: I've heard about 'presumptive service connection.' Could you explain what this means?
A: Yes, of course. We know these technical terms can be confusing. In simple terms, 'presumptive service connection' means that the VA assumes certain conditions are related to military service, even if they develop after active duty has ended. This assumption is generally based on specific periods or locations of service, and it's designed to ease the process for veterans.
Q: I'm feeling anxious about not having a diagnosis yet. Can I still file a claim?
A: We understand how stressful this uncertainty can be. Even without a diagnosis, you can still notify the VA of your intent to file a claim. However, having a medical diagnosis will significantly strengthen your claim. So, while you can start the process, it's essential to seek a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Q: I'm afraid I've waited too long to file my claim. Have I missed my chance?
A: We know how daunting it can be to feel like you've missed an opportunity. But remember, there is no set deadline for filing a VA claim. It's never too late to seek the benefits you've earned from your service. However, it's also true that the sooner you file, the sooner your effective date for benefits will be. So, don't delay further if you believe you're eligible for a VA claim.
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