Veteran Benefits & Assistance

Veteran Benefits & Assistance
Originally founded in 1899 as the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the Veterans of Foreign Wars continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families.

Certified Advocates

Throughout the State of Illinois and at the VA Regional Office in Chicago, VFW Service Officers that are Accredited and Certified by the VA fight for the rights of our Nations veterans on a daily basis. These highly trained professionals, specializing in all programs administered by the VA stand ready and willing to provide whatever VA benefits assistance is required! These services are available at no cost to veterans or their dependents! Nor does one have to be a member of the VFW to receive our services.

From a simple request of a discharge document to a case with complicated issues that may require extensive medical and Court Cases research, we will exhaust all means to obtain a favorable decision. In the event a claim is denied we will represent the case through the appellate process to the Board of Veterans Appeals (VBA) and if not successful to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) if warranted.

How VFW Service Officers Advocate for You:

Help you identify issues and develop evidence
Answer your requests for assistance
File your claims with VA in a timely manner
Review your rating decision for accuracy

What We Will Do:

During your interview, WE WILL review your information and inform you of what benefits you should claim as well as any other benefits that may be available
WE ARE trained VA benefits experts who have access to VA computer systems in order to provide you with the information you need for your claim to succeed
WE WILL submit your claim to VA in a timely manner to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit to which you are entitled
WE WILL conduct a thorough review of your decision before VA sends it to you. The VFW has a 90% success rate in correcting errors, helping you avoid the lengthy appeals process
If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of your claim, WE WILL help you appeal VA's decision

Please feel free to contact a VFW Representative for help with filing a claim for VA benefits, VA health care and all eligible VA benefits at:

VFW Service Office

Derek Giffin, Director

VFW Service Office

Location:

2122 West Taylor St

Room 105

Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-980-4284

Fax: 312-706-6680

Email: Derek.Giffin@va.gov

BUDDY TO BUDDY PROGRAM

The Buddy to Buddy Program is set up to help veterans that may need the support of another veterans to help them handle transition from military to civilian life. Please click on the links provided for more information.

B2B articles

B2B program materials

Federal Benefits for Veterans & Dependents

A to Z Benefits Information

VA Benefits Fact Sheets

Apply for VA Benefits

Google Resources for Veterans & Families

Survivor & Dependent Benefits

VA Benefits and Services

Check the status of your VA claim online

Veteran Benefits Calculator - The American Legion

Benefits – Military.com