Department Service Office
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Indiana is home to some of the best service officers in the nation. Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families.
While the majority of a service officer’s work involves application for VA disability benefits, these compassionate professionals also provide information, referrals and resources on education, employment and business, death benefits and other important topics. |
Our team of experienced veteran service officers will help you get the benefits you earned at no cost.
This is a FREE service provided to ALL U.S. military veterans regardless of membership.
This is a FREE service provided to ALL U.S. military veterans regardless of membership.
The American Legion, Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office is comprised of six, highly experienced, highly knowledgeable, full-time employees who truly care about veterans. The staff shares 63 years of combined experience. Headquartered in the Indianapolis federal building, the staff maintains a mutually beneficial working relationship in close proximity with VA regional office management and employees. Our department service officers receive hundreds of phone calls, letters, and emails, and conduct many face-to-face appointments every week. Our service offices help ensure veterans receive their entitled benefits by reviews approximately 500 VA rating decision every month, and, when necessary, helping veterans file appeals, assisting at appeal hearings, and writing appeal briefs.
“There are a lot of veterans for us out there to serve and we are dedicated to providing them the absolute best service possible.”
– John Hickey, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Directo
– John Hickey, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Directo
Service Officer Resources
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Department Service Office
575 N. Pennsylvania St. Room 325, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: (317) 916-3605 Fax: (317) 916-3406 Email: al.vbaind@va.gov |
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Our veterans service officers work closely with Veterans Affairs to manage your benefits claims process every step of the way. They assist hundreds of Hoosier with claims and benefits each month free of charge for all veterans regardless of membership.
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Our department service office caseload assignments are divided by the first letter of the veteran’s last name as shown below. Also as show below, our service officers’ duty assignments differ each day.
Veterans needing to contact their assigned service officer should call the office at 317-916-3605 shortly after 7:30 AM on their service officer’s call days. We will then place the caller’s name on a call-back list for receiving a returned call at a given time the same day. Veterans working with county veterans’ service officers are encouraged to call their county veterans service office first and then call our office only if the county veterans’ service officer cannot answer the concern or inquiry. So we may keep our phone lines open for veterans needing advice concerning their claims and/or appeals, we encourage veterans to contact the VA toll free phone line at 1-800-827-1000 for simple claim or appeal status inquires. This is necessary due to the large number of veterans we serve throughout the state, and our efforts to keep local county veterans service officers involved and informed with the processing of claims for veterans within their counties. 
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Department Service Office StaffOffice Visits by Appointment Only: Please Call 317-916-3605 for an appointment before visiting the office.
Bryce Hullett A through G, T, P through R and T Client Call Days – Mondays and Wednesdays Client Appointment Day – Tuesdays Prehearing Conference and Casework Days – Thursdays and Friday H through O, S, and U through Z Client Call Days – Monday and Wednesdays Client Appointment Day: Thursday Prehearing Conference and Casework Days: Tuesday and Fridays John Hickey: Supervision and Management, Outreach, Public and Organization Communications, Training, Special and/or Security Level Claims, County Veterans Service Officer Calls, Urgent Calls and Interviews, Budgeting, Planning, and Special Projects |
Post Service Officer Award
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Many post service officers volunteer much of their time assisting veterans within their local communities. American Legion posts may nominate their post service officer for an award by completing and returning a Post Service Officer Award nomination form to the American Legion Department Service Office by March 23rd of each year. Click button below to download the form.
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Veterans Service Updates December 2020
Department Veterans Service Office December Business Hours: The Department Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM during the month of December except during the Christmas/New Years Holidays from Thursday, December 24th through Friday, January 1st. Due to COVID-19 Virus restrictions, however, in-office visits are not allowed until further notice. You may contact the department service office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605 [Until further notice, our Direct Number has changed to 317-721-6114 due to COVID-19 restrictions]; calling a long-distance toll-free number of 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-916-3406; or by using the following e-mail address: al.vbaind@va.gov. Veterans, however, should first contact their local County Veterans Services Office (CVSO) for assistance. You may find your local County Veteran Service Office using the following link: https://www.in.gov/dva/2370.htm. American Legion accredited CVSOs know they may call our office for help answering veterans’ inquiries if necessary. This process makes contacting qualified veterans service officers much easier.
Local Veterans Service Issues:
Indianapolis Regional Office Update: The Indianapolis VA Regional Office is now open to the public for in-person interviews between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Veterans requesting benefits appointments should call (317) 916-3736 to schedule an appointment. Chapter 31 participants should contact their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to schedule an appointment. New applicants to the program can call (317) 916-3740 for additional information.Most of the American Legion Veterans Service Office staff have returned to work at the office in the federal building, but we cannot receive visitors or take in-office appointments due to limited public visitation areas at the building. Veterans may, however, call The American Legion Veterans Service Office to talk with one of our service officers if they cannot reach their local county veterans service officer.
National Veterans Service Issues:
VA Vet Centers Expand Services: The Vet Center Eligibility Expansion Act extends Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment counseling and related mental health services to National Guard and Reserve troops who did not deploy to combat areas but instead participated in drug interdiction or fighting national disasters or emergencies. The is VA already authorized to provide counseling through Vet Centers to veterans and service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, who have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility, who experienced military sexual trauma, who provided direct emergent medical care or mortuary services to casualties of war, or who served as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat zone or area of hostility. But members of the National Guard, Reserve or Coast Guard who participated in a drug interdiction, or who served in response to a national emergency or major disaster or civil disorder were not eligible to receive Vet Center services even though such service can have serious mental health consequences. The new law extends that eligibility to these individuals. (source: military.com)
COVID-19 VA Health Administration (VHA) Debt Relief: Some veterans are charged a co-pay for VA health care services. On April 6, 2020, VHA stopped printing and mailing monthly patient statements. VA understands that COVID-19 has negatively affected some Veterans. As a result, VA will not charge interest or add administrative charges, and will halt collection actions on medical care debt until at least December 31, 2020.
Monthly patient statements may resume in January 2021. The statements will include copayments for medical care and prescriptions received since patient statements were suspended, in addition to unpaid copayment charges prior to April 2020.
In November 2020, Veterans with a balance on their accounts will receive an information-only letter that will state that balance and will contain information on how to make a payment, if the Veterans choose to do so. VA staff will also make calls to Veterans with balances greater than $2,000.
Veterans can make voluntary payments while statements are suspended. Veterans will need their account number to access their balance and other related information.
You can get an account balance by:
•Calling 866-400-1238.
•Calling the facility revenue office at your local VA Medical Center.
•Consulting the letter VA mailed to Veterans in November 2020 which will include a current account balance. (source: VA Vantage Point Blog, November 9, 2020)
Reporting Compromised Information Concerns: If a veteran or their family member believes their VA information may have been compromised through a scam, they may contact VA’s Identity Theft Helpline at 1-855-578-5492 or visit VA’s Identity Theft website at https://www.va.gov/identitytheft/.
Direct Deposit/Unbanked Update: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Finance Center is encouraging veterans to use direct deposit, which is more efficient and secure than paper checks. VSOs are asked to help veterans “become banked” through the Veterans Benefits Banking Program: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp . When helping veterans file disability claims, please encourage them to include direct deposit information; if benefits are granted, the checks can be sent electronically. [Please note: Use of VA Form 0296 (Direct Deposit) has been discontinued, effective Oct. 13, 2020.] Veterans can no longer use VA Form 0296 for changing their direct deposit account. They must now instead:
Local Veterans Service Issues:
Indianapolis Regional Office Update: The Indianapolis VA Regional Office is now open to the public for in-person interviews between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Veterans requesting benefits appointments should call (317) 916-3736 to schedule an appointment. Chapter 31 participants should contact their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to schedule an appointment. New applicants to the program can call (317) 916-3740 for additional information.Most of the American Legion Veterans Service Office staff have returned to work at the office in the federal building, but we cannot receive visitors or take in-office appointments due to limited public visitation areas at the building. Veterans may, however, call The American Legion Veterans Service Office to talk with one of our service officers if they cannot reach their local county veterans service officer.
National Veterans Service Issues:
VA Vet Centers Expand Services: The Vet Center Eligibility Expansion Act extends Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment counseling and related mental health services to National Guard and Reserve troops who did not deploy to combat areas but instead participated in drug interdiction or fighting national disasters or emergencies. The is VA already authorized to provide counseling through Vet Centers to veterans and service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, who have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility, who experienced military sexual trauma, who provided direct emergent medical care or mortuary services to casualties of war, or who served as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat zone or area of hostility. But members of the National Guard, Reserve or Coast Guard who participated in a drug interdiction, or who served in response to a national emergency or major disaster or civil disorder were not eligible to receive Vet Center services even though such service can have serious mental health consequences. The new law extends that eligibility to these individuals. (source: military.com)
COVID-19 VA Health Administration (VHA) Debt Relief: Some veterans are charged a co-pay for VA health care services. On April 6, 2020, VHA stopped printing and mailing monthly patient statements. VA understands that COVID-19 has negatively affected some Veterans. As a result, VA will not charge interest or add administrative charges, and will halt collection actions on medical care debt until at least December 31, 2020.
Monthly patient statements may resume in January 2021. The statements will include copayments for medical care and prescriptions received since patient statements were suspended, in addition to unpaid copayment charges prior to April 2020.
In November 2020, Veterans with a balance on their accounts will receive an information-only letter that will state that balance and will contain information on how to make a payment, if the Veterans choose to do so. VA staff will also make calls to Veterans with balances greater than $2,000.
Veterans can make voluntary payments while statements are suspended. Veterans will need their account number to access their balance and other related information.
You can get an account balance by:
•Calling 866-400-1238.
•Calling the facility revenue office at your local VA Medical Center.
•Consulting the letter VA mailed to Veterans in November 2020 which will include a current account balance. (source: VA Vantage Point Blog, November 9, 2020)
Reporting Compromised Information Concerns: If a veteran or their family member believes their VA information may have been compromised through a scam, they may contact VA’s Identity Theft Helpline at 1-855-578-5492 or visit VA’s Identity Theft website at https://www.va.gov/identitytheft/.
Direct Deposit/Unbanked Update: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Finance Center is encouraging veterans to use direct deposit, which is more efficient and secure than paper checks. VSOs are asked to help veterans “become banked” through the Veterans Benefits Banking Program: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp . When helping veterans file disability claims, please encourage them to include direct deposit information; if benefits are granted, the checks can be sent electronically. [Please note: Use of VA Form 0296 (Direct Deposit) has been discontinued, effective Oct. 13, 2020.] Veterans can no longer use VA Form 0296 for changing their direct deposit account. They must now instead:
- Call VA at 800-227-1000 and answer security questions to change direct deposit by phone:
- Update direct deposit information using the veteran’s VA.gov account. Veterans may sign-in or create a VA.gov account using the following link: https://www.va.gov/change-direct-deposit/ , or
- Visit a VA Regional Office. The Indianapolis VA regional office will accept visits now by appointments. Veterans may call 317-916-3635 for scheduling an appointment.
Veterans Service Updates November 2020
Department Veterans Service Office November Business Hours: The Department Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM during the month of November 2020 except during the Thanksgiving Holidays on Thursday the 26th and Friday the 27th. Due to COVID-19 Virus restrictions, however, in-office visits are not allowed until further notice. You may contact the department service office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605; calling a long-distance toll-free number of 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-916-3406; or by using the following e-mail address: al.vbaind@va.gov. Veterans, however, should first contact their local County Veterans Services Office (CVSO) for assistance. You may find your local County Veteran Service Office using the following link: https://www.in.gov/dva/2370.htm . American Legion accredited CVSO know they may call our office for help answering veterans’ inquiries if necessary. This process makes contacting qualified veterans service officers much easier.
Local Veterans Service Issues:
Indianapolis VA Regional Office Opens for Appointments Only: The Indianapolis VA Regional Office Public Contact department is now open to the public for scheduled appointments during the following times and using the following procedures:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Many Veterans Failing to Report for VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examination: Currently, the frequency of veteran “no shows” at scheduled C&P exams “has exploded during COVID,” according to VA’s contract examination provider, Veterans Examination Services (VES). Veterans must attend their exams to avoid their claims being denied, or at least contact VA to update their status.
The key problem is that many veterans have not been answering their phones without the proper caller ID that indicates VA is trying to reach them. Thus, when VES and other VA-contracted medical services make phone calls to veterans, the caller ID isn’t recognized as VA.
Veterans can choose to use telehealth for some of their C&P Exams, or have the exam rescheduled, but they need to speak with VES about their options. A variety of methods are being used by VES to contact veterans: multiple phone calls and emails, texting, and “please call us” letters sent in the mail. However, many veterans still do not reply.
If you have a VA claim pending or expect to be called for a reevaluation examination, please answer your phone call even if you do not recognize the phone number calling.
VA’s Veterans Examination Services (VES) is Willing to Conduct Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams at American Legion Posts: VES is looking for locations to bring their contracted C&P exams closer to veterans and their communities. If the location meets safety and cleanliness standards, VES can provided doctors and portable exam tables along with other medical equipment. VES will set up the exam equipment, bring in their providers, and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). American Legion posts/districts/departments interested in helping VES with veteran outreach and/or providing a facility for a C&P Exam station may contact Tony De Falco of Veterans Evaluation Services at (713) 305-3650, or send an email to Tony.DeFalco@vesservices.com. (Source, VA&R Weekly Update ending 10/16/2020)
National Veterans Service Issues:
VA Debt Collection: Many VA overpayments and/or debt collections were suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. VA plans to start recollecting those overpayments and debts beginning in January 2021.
VA Claims and COVID-19: Regulations should allow VA to grant service connection for COVID-19 conditions if COVID-19 had its onset during service, or if an underlining service-connected condition made the COVID-19 worse. VA should also be able to grant higher compensation ratings for service-connected disabilities made worse by COVID-19. Also, VA should grant service connection for the cause of death if COVID-19 is listed as a primary cause of death along with a service connected disability, or if COVID-19 is listed as a primary cause of death with a service connected disability listed as a contributory cause of death.
VA Renames its Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services: What has been known as Vocational Rehabilitation (or Voc. Rehab.) is now “Veteran Readiness & Employment.” VA believes the new name better highlights 38 CFR Chapter 31’s career/employment program and will help mitigate confusion about the program’s benefits while building greater awareness. VA indicates the new name puts emphasis on the veteran and VA’s mission to help them reach their employment goals, while moving away from the terms “vocational” and “rehabilitation.” VA will, however, will continue abbreviating the service as VR&E.
Local Veterans Service Issues:
Indianapolis VA Regional Office Opens for Appointments Only: The Indianapolis VA Regional Office Public Contact department is now open to the public for scheduled appointments during the following times and using the following procedures:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Call 317-916-3736 to schedule in-person interview, tele-benefits or phone appointments
- VA will then send the veteran/beneficiary a letter confirming the date and time of the schedule appointment and COVID-19 protocol.
- The visitor must have a mask to enter the Federal Building
Many Veterans Failing to Report for VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examination: Currently, the frequency of veteran “no shows” at scheduled C&P exams “has exploded during COVID,” according to VA’s contract examination provider, Veterans Examination Services (VES). Veterans must attend their exams to avoid their claims being denied, or at least contact VA to update their status.
The key problem is that many veterans have not been answering their phones without the proper caller ID that indicates VA is trying to reach them. Thus, when VES and other VA-contracted medical services make phone calls to veterans, the caller ID isn’t recognized as VA.
Veterans can choose to use telehealth for some of their C&P Exams, or have the exam rescheduled, but they need to speak with VES about their options. A variety of methods are being used by VES to contact veterans: multiple phone calls and emails, texting, and “please call us” letters sent in the mail. However, many veterans still do not reply.
If you have a VA claim pending or expect to be called for a reevaluation examination, please answer your phone call even if you do not recognize the phone number calling.
VA’s Veterans Examination Services (VES) is Willing to Conduct Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams at American Legion Posts: VES is looking for locations to bring their contracted C&P exams closer to veterans and their communities. If the location meets safety and cleanliness standards, VES can provided doctors and portable exam tables along with other medical equipment. VES will set up the exam equipment, bring in their providers, and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). American Legion posts/districts/departments interested in helping VES with veteran outreach and/or providing a facility for a C&P Exam station may contact Tony De Falco of Veterans Evaluation Services at (713) 305-3650, or send an email to Tony.DeFalco@vesservices.com. (Source, VA&R Weekly Update ending 10/16/2020)
National Veterans Service Issues:
VA Debt Collection: Many VA overpayments and/or debt collections were suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. VA plans to start recollecting those overpayments and debts beginning in January 2021.
VA Claims and COVID-19: Regulations should allow VA to grant service connection for COVID-19 conditions if COVID-19 had its onset during service, or if an underlining service-connected condition made the COVID-19 worse. VA should also be able to grant higher compensation ratings for service-connected disabilities made worse by COVID-19. Also, VA should grant service connection for the cause of death if COVID-19 is listed as a primary cause of death along with a service connected disability, or if COVID-19 is listed as a primary cause of death with a service connected disability listed as a contributory cause of death.
VA Renames its Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services: What has been known as Vocational Rehabilitation (or Voc. Rehab.) is now “Veteran Readiness & Employment.” VA believes the new name better highlights 38 CFR Chapter 31’s career/employment program and will help mitigate confusion about the program’s benefits while building greater awareness. VA indicates the new name puts emphasis on the veteran and VA’s mission to help them reach their employment goals, while moving away from the terms “vocational” and “rehabilitation.” VA will, however, will continue abbreviating the service as VR&E.
Veterans Service Updates October 2020
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Veterans Service Update
Department Veterans Service Office October Business Hours: The Department Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM during the month of October. Due to COVID-19 Virus restrictions, however, in-office visit are not allowed until further notice. You may contact the department service office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605; calling a long-distance toll-free number of 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-916-3406; or by using the following e-mail address: al.vbaind@va.gov. Veterans, however, should first contact their local County Veterans Services Office (CVSO) for assistance. You may find your local County Veteran Service Office using the following link: https://www.in.gov/dva/2370.htm . American Legion accredited CVSO know they may call our office for help answering veterans’ inquiries if necessary. This process makes contacting qualified veterans service officers much easier. Local Veterans Service Issues: Drive-thru Clinics Available for Flu Vaccine for Indiana Veterans SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 – Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever this year to minimize the risk of illness and possible hospitalization. Hand washing, face coverings and social distancing are all important in eliminating infections. Veteran Health Indiana is providing free flu shots to Veterans through a series of Drive-thru Flu Clinics or at scheduled patient appointments (such as for labs, primary care, nursing, specialty or behavioral health). VA Community Drive-Thru Flu Clinics are open from 9:30 to 11:30 AM and 12 to 2 PM at the schedule below. Bring your VA card and wear a short sleeve shirt on the following days: Bloomington VA Clinic, 2100 South Liberty Drive, Suite B, Bloomington, IN 47403 September 22 or 29 October 6, 13, 20 or 27 November 3, 10 or 17 Crane VA Clinic / Purdue Westgate, 13598 East Westgate Drive, Odon, IN 47562 October 30 November 5 Indy West VA Clinic, 3850 Shore Drive, Suite 203, Indianapolis, IN 46254 September 25 October 2, 9, 16, 23 or 30 November 6, 13 or 20 Martinsville VA Clinic, 2200 John R. Wooden Drive, Martinsville, IN 46151 September 21 October 5 or 19 November 2 or 16 Shelbyville VA Clinic, 30 West Rampart Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176 September 28 October 26 November 9 Terre Haute VA Clinic, 380 West Honey Creek Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802 September 23 or 30 October 7, 14, 21 or 28 November 4 or 18 Wakeman VA Clinic, 3791 10th Street, Building 1010, Edinburgh, IN 46124 September 24 October 8 or 22 November 5 or 19 West Lafayette VA Clinic, 3851 N. River Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906 September 17 October 1, 15 or 29 and November 12 Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Parking Lot A (along West 10th Street) – follow flu vaccine signs to white tent. Monday through Friday hours: 8 AM to 3 PM – available through November 20 Saturday hours: 9 AM to 1 PM – available September 19 through October 24 New Veteran patients should contact Veteran Health Indiana’s Health Benefits Unit office at 317-988-4301 to enroll in VA healthcare or enroll on-line at www.va.gov/health-care. For additional flu vaccine information or to learn which community retail pharmacies are offering Veterans flu shots, visit www.indianapolis.va.gov/patients/flu.asp (resource, VAMC, September 18, 2020) Service Office Updates
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Service-Connected Chronic Depression May Hasten Non-Service-Connected Cancer Deaths: Literature review supports the contention that an individual with cancer and chronic depression will have a more negative outcome than one who doesn't, due to factors which include a lower level of immune system capability. We can therefore often argue it’s likely as not (50% or greater probability) that a veteran’s service-connected depression can contributed to his or her non service-connected cancer death. This could help win service-connected death benefits (Dependency Indemnity Compensation) for surviving spouses of veterans who have died of non-service-connected cancers if those veterans were service connected for depression. Supporting internet articles can be found at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4356432/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085667 . Interested surviving spouses should contact a qualified County Veterans Service Officer or the American Legion Department Service Office for claims filing assistance.VA Benefits Cost of Living Increase: VA compensation and pension benefits received a 1.6% cost of living increase this year. The increase took effect on December 1, 2019 and will show on the compensation and pension benefit payments paid on or about January 1, 2020. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veteran Act of 2019 goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. On this date, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will begin deciding claims for disability compensation for Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, if they meet the eligibility criteria as provided in the law, i.e., verified service in the offshore waters and have a current diagnosis of a disease(s) as specified in section 3.309(e) of title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam can apply for disability compensation. Survivors can also apply for the benefits for those deceased Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam. In addition, Veterans who served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Sep. 1, 1967 to Aug. 31, 1971 can apply for disability compensation. For new compensation claims, claimants can file using VA Form 21-526EZ and for new Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Claims, claimants should file on the VA Form 21P-534EZ. All previously denied claims should be filed as supplemental claims using VA Form 20-0995. To determine eligibility, Veterans are encouraged to work with an accredited claims representative or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional office to understand eligibility requirements before filing a claim. (source: Federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)) |
Highlights of Benefits Won with American Legion Representation
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(The American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office employees a staff of six full-time employees responsible for ensuring veterans received their earned benefits. The following are a few examples of benefits won that veterans might not have otherwise received if not for our department service office staff.)
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Highlights of Benefits Won
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Q&A with
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Q: Describe the general mission of the Indiana Legion Veterans Service Office
A: We find that if not for the service organizations, and specifically the work we do in here, a lot of veterans wouldn’t even know about the benefits that their entitled to in the first place, let alone how to file for those benefits. We provide representation and claims filing assistance for veterans. We can help them with their paperwork, get their claim started, and give them some advice as to how to best win that claim. We follow the claim as it goes through the VA system. We work closely with VA. If we see they’ve made an error or have an issue, we address that immediately to best serve our clients, our veterans. Q: Why file a claim? What benefits are available to me? A: Filing a claim really opens up a lot of doors. If you’re service connected for a disability of 10 percent or more, VA health care services are available to you. You basically gain free medical coverage for just about anything. It opens the door to property tax exemption for wartime era veterans. And, if a veteran has as little as a zero percent service connected disability rating, they can get their children state paid tuition to state supported universities in Indiana. Filing a claim really opens a lot of doors to other benefits for our veterans. Q: What can a veteran expect when filing a claim with The American Legion? A: We first talk with the veteran to find out what it is they want to claim. We then advise them on the best evidence to gather to best win their claim. Lately, it’s been taking VA roughly four months to reach a decision on an initial application. As close as we work with VA, we will see the decision before the veteran does in most cases. We’ll send the veteran correspondence asking if they are satisfied with the VA’s decision or if they’d like to move forward with the claims process. If they do, we’ll take it from there. Q: What happens if a benefit claim is denied by VA? A: A lot of times, when a veteran files a claim on their own, and the VA denies it, the veteran will just accept it. In my case, the government told me what my rating was and I just accepted it. It wasn’t until later on that I discovered I was entitled to a much higher rating. That’s when I really started to become involved with the service organizations. Studies show that veterans that file their claims through a service organization receive up to 50 to 60 percent more than those that file on their own. We work with veterans to gather as much paperwork and evidence necessary for VA to approve their claims. But, if a claim is denied, we will guide the veteran through the appeals process. If the veteran is dissatisfied with the VA’s decision then we help with the appeal process. We’ll help the veteran during hearings and, if necessary, we’ll take written briefs on the veteran’s behalf go to the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington D.C. Q: What advantages do veterans gain by filing VA claims through The American Legion A: Our service officers are knowledgeable, experienced veterans. We work closely with the VA, in fact we share a hallway. If there is an issue or a mistake on a claim at this VA regional office, we can walk down the hall and talk to the adjudicator, the decision maker, the director, the assistant director, the service center manager, etc. We meet with those officials every month and we have a good working relationship. We work together for the benefit of veterans. We also ensure our veterans get the medical benefits their entitled to at VA. We work the education systems and benefits, we cooperate with Work One and VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services. We really try to provide a full service and be knowledgeable about any benefits that veterans maybe entitled to help them file. Q: What advice would you give to a veteran new to the claims process? A: First thing a veteran needs to do is find a qualified veteran service officer and file with them. Please don’t file a claim on your own. It’s easy to make a lot of mistakes. The American Legion, Department of Indiana Service Office will file your claim for free regardless of whether you’re a member or not. We’re here to help you avoid mistakes and avoid years of going through the appeals process. We encourage veterans to come in and work with one of our service officers and use our expertise. We can offer advice and inside information on how to best file, the type of evidence required, how to word their statements, etc. Q: What improvements are being made to expedite the VA claims process? A: When I first started as a service officer, it was before computers. I can remember typewriters on the desks. We’ve been making the gradual change from paper filings to filing digitally. In the past, we’d have case files several inches thick with paperwork. Today, we have what’s called the Veterans Benefits Management System which allows us to scan in all documentation and reference a veteran across the country to see what information VS has on that individual. This simplifies and organizes the claims process for our veterans now more than ever. For a long time it took VA around two and a half years before they made an initial decision. Lately, VA has been really great about making these decisions in a timely matter. It now takes around four months. Q: Anything to add? A: We have a lot of hard working volunteers out there in communities across the state. Each American Legion post has a service officer. These officers can guide you with any questions and help you find the right outlets to file your claim. So, gather as much paperwork as you have available to you regarding your claim. Be sure to bring your DD214. If you’re being discharged from service try to get copies of all of your service medical records. If it’s been a long time since you’ve been out of service, and you’re filing for something that occurred while you were actively serving, be sure to bring your civilian medical records. It’s a privilege doing this work, and I really feel that if you asked anyone else in this office they would tell you the same thing. We really enjoy the work of helping veterans. Our veterans deserve it and they can use all the help they can get. Thank you. |
About John Hickey
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Shortly after high school, John was drafted as an infantryman in the U. S. Army and deployed to Vietnam. Roughly six months into his combat tour, he was shot twice and redeployed to the United States where he finished his two year active duty obligation at Fort Knox, Kentucky. John returned to school under VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation program and obtain and undergraduate degree in paralegal technology while working as veteran service officer. With more than 30 years’ experience, John is one of the nation’s top veterans service officers (VS0)s. He and this team of highly qualified experienced VSOs truly care about their mission; providing service to service members and veterans.
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we change lives for veterans, their families and communities
HoursMonday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
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