Department of Veterans Affairs

I have had very good dealings with the Veterans Administration since I left active service. Everyone I have dealt with has been professional and responsive.

That said, while still in the service:

• Go to the VA Benefit brief (part of ACAP) before you ETS. The single most important thing you can do. Remember, the VBA (benefits, like GI Bill and compensation) is not the same as VHA (health). Same monster government agency, two different hydra brains.
• If you are putting in for compensation, go see a Veteran Service Officer. I hear DAV is the best and the VFW officers right behind them. You want to do compensation claims right the first time. That is what the VA Rep who gave the VA Benefit brief said, twice.
• Sign up for eBenefits while your CAC card is still valid. Makes getting an account very easy.

After you get out:

• Go to the VA hospital and get enrolled. You will need your DD-214 Member 4 that you get when you out process and they may issue you a VA Id card. Even though you just had an ETS exam, go and have another one with the VA.
• Make sure they spell your name right. Miss a 't' in your middle name and it costs you time and gasoline.
• Marvel at all the Vietnam War veterans who are now just getting enrolled at the VA when you are at the VA medical center.