Next Steps

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers lots of information, including:

• An overview of the VA Disability Compensation program
• A series of videos about VA Disability Compensation and other programs
• An annual benefits booklet
• Overviews of its Pre-Discharge and Fully Developed Claims (FDC) programs
• Details about its Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program

Applying for VA benefits and proving that you have a right to them can be hard. It’s important to get qualified help from someone who knows the system and regulations:

• Search the VA’s online database to find an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative, claims agent, or attorney. It works best to search by state, not zip code.
  • Note: VSO representatives do not charge for their services, while a claims agent or attorney is not allowed to charge you to file an initial claim, but can charge a fee to help you appeal a VA decision.
• The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency offers information, resources, and support for veterans and their families through the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) and the Michigan Veterans website.
• Search for a veterans benefits counselor in your county.

You can:

• Submit your application online (typically the fastest way to apply) by answering a few questions at VA.gov and then following the instructions.
• Complete VA Form 21-526EZ, the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, and submit it with copies of your service treatment records to the VA's Detroit Regional Benefit Office.
• Go to the VA's Detroit Regional Benefit Office and have a VA employee assist you. Bring copies of any records needed to support your claim.

If you're currently on SSI, SSDI, or DAC benefits, and you're looking for a job, a trained Benefits Planner can help you avoid problems with your job plan. If you need help or have questions about your situation, you can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST.

View DB101's full list of experts who can help you understand different benefits.