First, protect the effective date for your claim! Call the VA at (800) 698-2411 or MyVA411, Option #5 and tell the VA representative you want to establish an INTENT to file a claim. This will protect your effective date for one year while we help you prepare and submit your claims to the VA.
You must submit a FOIA Request/VA Form 20-10206 to the Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center. The VA will respond by providing a link that is good for 180 days. If you need assistance, your VSO can submit the FOIA request electronically. Call 850-595-2409 to set up an appointment.
Compensation is paid to a Veteran with a disability related to military service. To qualify for pension, a Veteran must have war time service and be permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older. A Veteran's eligibility for pension is determined by income level and the number of his/her dependents. Veterans may only receive one or the other - whichever is greater.
Yes, it may be increased if the condition has worsened since the last C&P exam. However, the rating may also be decreased. This is why you should consult with an accredited VSO regarding rating criteria for the specific disability prior to submitting a new claim. Nothing is protected unless it's been in place for 20 or more years.
You can visit the Pensacola VA Joint Ambulatory Care Center (JACC) located at 790 Veterans Way, Pensacola, FL 32507 or enroll online. You will need your DD214 (military discharge).
Yes. The Pensacola VA Joint Ambulatory Care Center (JACC) has a Womens Clinic (Juliet Section).
You can submit an online request through the National Archives, or you may submit a Standard Form 180 to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. You may contact your Escambia County Veterans Services Officer at 850-595-2409 if you need assistance with the application.
On July 12, 1973, a fire destroyed approximately 16-18 million official military records. It only involved Army and Air Force records. The records affected were:
An additional allowance for dependents is payable if a Veteran is rated at 30% or higher. You will need a marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for children (including stepchildren if living with you). You may contact Escambia County Veterans Services at 850-595-2409 if you would like assistance with this application.
If your death can be liked to your military service or one of your service-connected disabilities or you were 100% Permanent and Total for 10 years prior to death, your surviving spouse should apply for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which is a tax free monthly payment. Another potential benefit, Survivors Pension is a "need based" benefit payable if you served during one of the war time periods (i.e., Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War). If a spouse qualifies for both DIC and Survivor's Pension, the VA will only pay the greater of the two, which is DIC. A burial benefit may be paid if you are in receipt of VA compensation or your death is determined to be service-connected.
Yes. A widow becomes eligible to have her DIC benefits reinstated if the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce, or annulment.
No. The VA will guarantee a portion of the home loan, making it easier for Veterans to secure a mortgage. It is still the Veteran's responsibility to secure a lender and to work with the lender for a VA Home Loan Guarantee.
The 2-1-1 Northwest Florida (United Way) can provide you with assistance and guide you to charitable organizations; all you have to dial is 211. Your local Veteran service organizations, churches, and community organizations may also be able to assist Veterans in need.
Claim sharks are unaccredited individuals or companies that illegally charge fees - often a percentage of the Veteran's back pay to "assist" with disability claims violating federal law. They are professionals who use aggressive tactics through the mail, telephone and various online tools. Key identification factors:
No accreditation with the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC)
Upfront fees or percentage fees
Guarantees increases or other false promises
Predatory contracts
Simply, only a valid Florida ID card or driver's license that reflects your current Escambia County address. A DD214 is not required but is helpful. Also, if you bring with you a direct deposit slip or canceled check it may facilitate your future VA payments.
Yes, but only after your lawyer withdraws from representation and that letter is provided to our office. This protects Veterans who are presently involved in an appeal process. Changing representation during that process can be detrimental to the Veteran.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
Under Florida law, IP addresses and both the content of emails and email addresses are public records. If you do not want your IP address and the content of your email or your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in person.