General
Vet2Vet Services (Veterans Helping Veterans)
At Veterans Affinity, we will lead you the way! We help Veterans apply for needed VA or community care and earned benefits. We can help with many applications and also help navigate the VA as needed. To be effective in our role though, the Veteran MUST be enrolled in the VA. Below are are common applications we support:
- Order DD214 or Military Service Record
- Assist and Submit VA Enrollment Application
- Schedule VA Appointments
- Assist with Transitional Housing or Home Placement
- Obtain Medical Records for Any Care Provided Outside VA
- Coordinate Home Care & Durable Medical Equipment
- Assist with Applying for VA Caregivers Assistance
- Assist Submitting Intent to File (VA Claims)
- Assist with Applying for Disability Housing Grants
- Assist with Applying for VA Aid & Attendance
- Assist with Applying for VA Disability Claim
- Assist with Applying for VA Pension Benefits
- Assist with Pre-Need Burial in VA Cemetery
- Assist Submitting POA – VA Specific
- Assist with Survivor’s Benefits
- And Other Applications as Needed
Elderly Veterans
Our mission focuses on our elderly Veterans. According to the 2012 U.S. Census brief, Veterans age 65 or older numbered in excess of 12.4 million. These Veterans served in conflicts around the world including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even in the Persian Gulf War. As Veterans age, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide benefits and services that address a variety of issues including the changing health risks they face, as well as financial challenges through VA benefits and health services.
More Information: https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-elderly.asp
VA Welcome Kit
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.
Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your care as you age.
Welcome Kit Info: https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Where to Start
Resources and Support: https://www.va.gov/resources/
VA Contact Information: 800-827-1000 or at va.gov
VA Locations: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
Veterans Benefits Administration Fact Sheets: https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets.asp
Helpful Phone Numbers: https://www.va.gov/resources/helpful-va-phone-numbers/
To apply for specific VA care and benefits, go to Forms & Applications.
Request Military Service Records & DD214
Veterans can obtain missing military records (and awards) through National Archives website. Many requests can be filed electronically or submitting SF Form 180; be sure to have Veteran’s Date of Birth, Social Security number, service number, and dates of service.
FYI: The DD Form 214 was issued to Veterans who served between 1950-present day. Veterans serving between 1941-1949 were issued either WD AGO (War Department General’s office) Forms or the NAVPERS (Navy Personnel Command).
Order Online from National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
Standard Form 180 (REQUEST PERTAINING TO MILITARY RECORDS) https://www.archives.gov/files/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf
Apply or Update For VA Health Benefits
VA form 1010EZ is for enrollment into the VA VA health care system. The information provided on this form will be used by VA to determine your eligibility for medical benefits and on average will take 30 minutes to complete. This includes the time it will take to read instructions, gather the necessary facts and fill out the form.
VA Form 10-10EZ (ENROLLMENT APPLICATION FOR HEALTH BENEFITS) https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/1010ez-fillable.pdf
If already enrolled in the VA, use the VA Form 10-10EZR (when needed) to update your personal, insurance, or financial information AFTER you are enrolled. NOTE: Its important to complete/submit VA Form 10-10EZR when a Veteran is receiving Social Security, becomes unemployed for any reason, or there is a significant decrease in income from the previous year.
VA Form 10-10EZR (HEALTH BENEFITS UPDATE FORM) https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-10ezrfill.pdf
Types of Veteran ID Cards
There are many types of identification cards you can use to show you’re a Veteran. You only need to have one of them for this purpose. Learn about the different types of VA ID cards and other Veteran ID options.
Veteran ID Cards Information: https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/
DOD ID Card Information: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-life-cycle/new-to-the-military/getting-connected/department-of-defense-identification-cards/
The Uniformed Services ID Card
Veterans determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100% disability rating or are 100% unemployable due to a service-connected injury or disease can receive a DOD ID Card.
Uniformed Services ID Card Office Locations: https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
When you’re enrolled in VA health care, you’ll use your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) to check in to your appointments at VA medical centers. Learn how to get or replace a Veteran Health Identification Card.
VHIC Information: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card/
Veteran ID Card (VIC)
A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card—and how to apply.
VA ID Card Information: https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/
My HealtheVet (Heal-the-Vet)
Once enrolled into the VA, Veterans can schedule appointments online, refill prescriptions, view their health records, and send Secure Messages to their healthcare team using My HealtheVet.
Register for My HealtheVet: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home
My HealtheVet FAQ: https://www.va.gov/resources/my-healthevet-faqs/
eBenefits
The eBenefits Portal is an online resource for tools and benefits-related information for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, Active Duty Servicemembers, their Families, and those who care for them.
Register for eBenefits: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage
Brochure: https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/docs/EBN_Brochure.pdf
Patient Advocate
The Patient Advocacy Program is for all veterans and their families who receive care at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities and clinics. The VA wants to be sure you have someone to go to with your concerns in a timely manner and to help you receive care.
For Assistance: 800-698-2411
Patient Advocacy: https://www.va.gov/health/patientadvocate/
Locations: https://www.va.gov/DIRECTORY/GUIDE/home.asp
Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS): https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/
Congressional Inquiries
Public Law entitles constituents to correspond with their elected officials. Interested parties may ask their elected officials to help them with a matter involving them, the Department of the Defense (DoD), and the Veterans Administration (VA).
NOTE: Recommend Veterans and their Families exercise due diligence prior to elevating a matter to the congressional level.
Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? The representative locator will assist you by matching your ZIP code to your congressional district, with links to your member’s website and contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions – Health Care Benefits Overview
https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications/hbco/hbco_faq.asp
Search VA.Gov
Search VA.Gov for information: https://www.va.gov/search/?query=your+medical+concern
Veteran-Owned Businesses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers support for Veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities.
The Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) is devoted exclusively to promoting Veteran entrepreneurship, the OVBD facilitates the use of all U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs by Veterans, service-disabled Veterans, reservists, active-duty service members, transitioning service members, and their dependents or survivors.
More Information: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
The Veteran Owned Business Directory
The Veteran Owned Business Project is a comprehensive, user friendly member network directory of small, medium and large businesses owned by Veterans, service disabled Veterans (SDVOSBs / DVBEs) active duty military, reservists and military spouses.
Now Americans in the United States and abroad have an easy way to proudly search for products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all made by, sold by or serviced by United States military Veteran business owners, service disabled veteran business owners, active duty military business owners, military reservists and military/veteran spouse business owners!
Search by State: https://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/?mode=geo#BrowseByState