To help make your visit with the Veterans Claims Officer (VCO) go as smoothly and efficiently as possible, please remember to bring the following documents with you:
Any Claim
- Original or certified copy of veteran’s discharge papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of compensations and pensions
If Claiming Dependents on Your Claim
- Copy of marriage certificate (if currently married) or a detailed list of previous marriages
- Copy of birth certificate(s) and/or final decree(s) of adoption for dependent children
- Social Security numbers for dependent children
If Claiming Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits
- Completed Aid and Attendance VA Form 21-2680 (for homebound veterans)
- Completed Aid and Attendance VA Form 21-0779 (for veterans living in a nursing home)
- Completed Care Expense Statement (for caregivers)
- This form must be picked up from a VSO.
Compensation Claims
- Copies of veteran’s private medical records or completed Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
- Copies of veteran’s service treatment records (if you are filing a pre-discharge claim)
Pension Claims
- Copies of veteran’s medical records (if the veteran is under 65, not receiving Social Security Disability, and not residing in a nursing home)
- List of all current income sources
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation Claims
- Copy of veteran’s death certificate or DD1300 (if the veteran died on active duty)
- Copy of marriage certificate (if currently married) or a detailed list of previous marriages
Survivors Pension
- List of all current income sources
- Copy of veteran’s death certificate or DD1300 (if the veteran died on active duty)
- Copy of marriage certificate (if currently married) or a detailed list of previous marriages
Pre-Discharge Claims via the BDD Program
- You’re a service member on full-time active duty (including with the National Guard or Reserves)
- You know your separation date
- Your separation date is in the next 180 to 90 days
- You’re available to go to VA exams for 45 days from the day you submit your claim
- You’re able to provide a copy of your service treatment records for your current period of service when you file your claim
College Fee Waivers
For the College Tuition Fee Waiver, a walk-in appointment is not necessary. You may drop off the following documents at any time on Wednesday when the VSO is here:
- Completed College Fee Waiver Application
- List of all of the student’s current income sources
If you are filing for the College Tuition Fee Waiver for the first time, you will also need to provide the following documents (in addition to the ones listed above):
- VA letter verifying the veteran’s service-connected disability
- Copy of the student’s birth certificate
- Copy of any of the following that establishes the student’s dependency:
- Parents’ marriage certificate (for stepchild)
- Final decree of adoption (for adopted child)
- Court-ordered custody (for child ruled to be under “care, custody and control”