How to Apply for Veterans' Benefits

Thousands of eligible veterans annually fail to receive their health, education and monetary benefits. Follow these steps to apply for them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Obtain a copy of your Military Service Record (DD214); if you do not have a copy, don't panic. Go to the Department of Veterans Affairs website and search archives for SF 180. Scroll down the list until you find SF 180. Download and print the Standard Form 180 to request your Military Service Record. Fax the document for faster service.
2. Visit the American Legion website.
3. Highlight the ¨Veteran¨ title and scroll down to ¨General Information.¨
4. Look for the ¨VA Claims¨ link on the left-hand side of the page and click on it.
5. Read the information on the page and print it out by clicking on the ¨Printable Version¨ link.
6. Push the ¨Back¨ button on your browser to return to the non-printable version. Scroll down to the ¨American Legion Department Service Officer¨ link and click.
7. Read the information on the page. It will help you understand how the American Legion Service Officers can help you obtain health, education and veterans' benefits.
8. Scroll down the page to the Directory of DSO and use the ¨Arrow¨ icon to scroll down to find your state. Highlight your state and press the ¨Go¨ button.
9. Read and print the pop-up window by clicking on the ¨Print this Page¨ link.
10. Make a list of all your questions, concerns and problems before you contact your nearest American Legion service officer. Remember he is there to help you.
11. Contact your nearest American Legion service officer by visiting the addresses listed or calling the contact phone numbers. The officer can help you apply for all of the benefits your are entitled to.

Tips & Warnings

• The American Legion service officer is an expert in the field of veteran compensation. He will serve as your legal representative with the Department of Veterans Affairs.