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Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology

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 Representative Michael McCaul, Proudly serving the People of the 10th District of Texas Return Home About Michael About Michael Constituent Services Constituent Services
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Veterans

I can help you navigate matters concerning compensation and pension’s claims, records requests, benefit eligibility questions, medical services, replacement medals and commendations. In addition, please feel free to contact one of my district offices with questions you may have or to request personal assistance with any of the VA processes.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Veterans Benefits:

How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Additional contact information is available at the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

What is the difference between disability compensation and disability pension?

  • Disability Compensation: A monthly monetary benefit paid to veterans whom are disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during military service.
  • Disability Pension: A monetary benefit paid to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled for reasons not the result of their own willful misconduct and not related to their military service. This benefit is income-dependent.

What type of VA claim do I file?

  • An Original Claim is the first claim for disability compensation or pension benefits. Original claims are filed on VA Form 21-526.
  • **An Increase Claim is a claim for increased compensation/rating for a disability already found to be service-connected.
  • **A Supplemental Claim is a claim for compensation for a disability that was not part of your original claim.
  • **A Reopened Claim is a claim requesting reconsideration of an issue previously considered and denied by the VA (after the appellate period expires).

** Can be accomplished by completing VA Form 4138, or you can simply submit a written statement describing the action you are requesting.

How do I obtain replacement medals, awards, and commendations?

It is a great honor to help veterans and their families obtain a soldier’s military service awards. Please complete a Privacy Authorization Form and mail it with DD Form 214 (if available) to one of my district offices.

How do I obtain a copy of my military service or VA medical records?

Several resources are available to obtain copies of the various records related to your service. My office can work with the various resources more effectively than the general public. Please complete the Privacy Authorization Form and mail it to one of my district offices. Be sure to include your full name, social security number, serial number, branch of service, dates of service, and date of birth. If you have your discharge papers and you are requesting records and/or medals, please include your DD Form 214 to expedite the process. If you prefer to obtain the records yourself, please submit a written request to:

National Personnel Records Center 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis , Missouri 63132-5100

What do I do if my records were destroyed in the 1973 fire?

Some records can be reconstructed or obtained from alternate sources. However, most of the records for Army military personnel who served between 1912-1959 and Air Force personnel with surnames Hubbard through the letter Z who served between 1947-1963 were almost completely lost. I can facilitate the search for you, or you are welcome to contact the following agency for assistance:

National Personnel Records Center 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis , Missouri 63132-5100

How Can I Obtain a VA Home Loan?

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers loans to qualified veterans to assist in the purchase of a home. Individuals who qualify must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. A veteran who does not have a certificate can obtain one by completing VA Form 26-1880, Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement. For more information on the VA Home Loan program, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website