Veteran Affairs During COVID-19

Posted on: April 1, 2020
The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

Updated April 1, 2020. This is a quickly changing situation. Please check back for more information.

Can I still apply for VA disability and non-service connected compensation benefits? 

Yes, the VA is still accepting and processing benefit applications. You can file an application by calling 1-800-827-1000. You can also file online at these websites:

I applied for benefits. Is the VA processing my application?

Yes. The VA is still reviewing applications. It will make a decision with the information that it has if it can. But, it is still scheduling appointments for Compensation & Pension exams whenever possible either in person or via telehealth. It is very important that you attend any exam the VA schedules for you.

Will I still receive my monthly check from the VA?

Yes. The VA continues to deliver VA benefits and services to veterans, their families, and survivors. If you did not receive your monthly check, call the Regional Office at 1-800-827-1000 to find out why. If you cannot get in touch with someone, or if the VA tells you that you will no longer get your monthly check for any reason, you can apply for free legal help from Southeast Louisiana Legal Services by calling our COVID-19 Legal Helpline at 1-844-244-7871 or you can apply online at https://lastate.kempscaseworks.com/server/shared/a2jviewer.htm.

Can I go to my local Regional Office?

No. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Offices are closed to the public. They will not provide any in-person services including walk-in claims assistance, scheduled appointments, or counseling. Veterans can continue to get information about their benefits or application status by calling 1-800-827-1000.

Will I still receive my GI bill?

Yes. Student veterans will continue to receive their GI Bill benefits. The VA continues to provide the same level of education benefits to students who have to take courses online due to the COVID-19 crisis. Students will receive the same monthly housing allowance payments they received for resident training. They will receive this housing allowance until 12/21/2020 or until the school resumes in-person classes, whichever is first.

Before the COVID-19 Crisis, the Debt Management Office told me I owed money. They were taking money out of my check. Will they still take this money out?

It depends. If you lost your job due to COVID-19, the debt management office can suspend collection of the debt for 60 days. Call them at 1-800-827-0648 to tell them about your situation about how COVID-19 is impacting you.

Before the COVID-19 Crisis, the Department of Treasury took money out of my Social Security check for past due copayment debts, will they still take this money out?

No. All deductions for debts related to co-pays until September 21, 2020 have been suspended

 

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