Veterans needing assistance filing claims can get in-person help during a clinic being hosted by the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs on November 18.
The Veterans Claims Clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Owensboro, located at 3300 Tamarack Drive.
Organizers said the clinic is an opportunity for veterans and families to file claims for veterans disability compensation, non-service connected pensions, survivor benefits, healthcare, and educational benefits.
“Outreach events give us the opportunity to help more veterans and their families,” said Bryan Ward, a Veterans Field Benefit Representative with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. “Many veterans are unaware of the resources and benefits available to them, so the events really try to reach them.”
Ward said it’s ideal if the veteran is present — rather than a family member showing up a veteran’s behalf — because of the sensitive nature of filing claims and the need for a signature.
“However, we deal with a great deal of family members and may be able to get the ball rolling for the veteran,” he said. “Then we can always follow up with the veteran over the phone. We also file claims for family members such as widows of deceased veterans or see if they are eligible for benefits.”
Those needing to file a claim should bring a DD214, medical records, a marriage license if applicable, and Social Security numbers. Ward said there will be several VA officials on site, so filing a claim should not take long.
“If they have all their paperwork they usually go pretty quick,” he said. “Often we can go over the claim, add the veteran to our system, and have it ready in 30 minutes. If we need additional items or documentation, we will already have their file built so the rest of it may be handled over the phone.”
For anyone who cannot make it to the clinic but who has questions, contact Ward at [email protected] or 270-705-3331.
