Mass Vets Advisor

If your clothing been damaged by a prosthetic, orthopedic device such as a wheelchair, or by the medicine you’re taking for a skin condition, you may qualify for money each year to help buy new clothes. This disability benefit is known as an annual clothing allowance. To find out if you can get this benefit visit the VA's Clothing Allowance webpage, or call the VA at 800-827-1000. To find a VA medical center near you to assist in this process visit https://www.va.gov/find-locations/.

If you disagree with a VA decision dated on or after February 19, 2019, you can choose from 3 decision review options to continue your case: - Supplemental Claim; - Higher-Level Review; - Board Appeal. To request a decision review and learn more about your available options, visit https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/.

If you qualify for VA dental care benefits, you may be able to get some or all of your dental care through VA. To find out how to get VA dental care or how to buy dental insurance if you don’t qualify, please visit the link above. To find a VA dental clinic near you: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). To learn more about VA DIC, see if you are eligible, & to apply for this benefit please visit https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/.

The VA encourages veterans to file their disability or increased compensation claims online. To learn more about the process & file today visit the link above. To learn about VA Disability Compensation: benefits.va.gov/compensation/ To talk to a local Veterans Services Officer (VSO) about filing a claim or for assistance: mass.gov/info-details/find-a-veterans-service-officer-near-you. To find/file in-person at a VA regional office near you: va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits.

If you have an illness caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service, you may be eligible for disability compensation. Visit the link above to learn more. To learn about VA Disability Compensation: benefits.va.gov/compensation/ To talk to a local Veterans Services Officer about filing a claim or for assistance: mass.gov/info-details/find-a-veterans-service-officer-near-you. To find/file in-person at a VA regional office near you: va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits.

Veterans who may have been exposed to infectious diseases during military service may be eligible for free VA exams & healthcare. Visit the link above to learn more. To learn about VA Disability Compensation: benefits.va.gov/compensation/ To talk to a local Veterans Services Officer about filing a claim or for assistance: mass.gov/info-details/find-a-veterans-service-officer-near-you. Contact a local VA Environmental Health Coordinator: publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp

Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service may be eligible for free VA exams & healthcare. Visit the link above to learn more. To learn about VA Disability Compensation: benefits.va.gov/compensation/ To talk to a local Veterans Services Officer about filing a claim or for assistance: mass.gov/info-details/find-a-veterans-service-officer-near-you. To find/file in-person at a VA regional office near you: va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits.

The VA's Fiduciary Program protects veterans & other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or due to age, are unable to manage their financial affairs. The VA will only determine an individual to be unable to manage his or her financial affairs after receipt of medical documentation or if a court of competent jurisdiction has already made the determination. To learn more about applying for the program & to determine your eligibility please visit the link above.

The VA's Grant & Per Diem (GPD) Program is offered annually to fund community agencies providing services to Veterans experiencing homelessness. The purpose is to promote the development & provision of supportive housing &services with the goal of helping homeless Veterans achieve residential stability. To learn more about GPD, this year's grant awards list, & how your organization can apply, please visit the link above to the VA's GDP landing page.