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The VA can make applying for benefits very time consuming and confusing for the average Veteran, so here are a few tips to consider.

First, contact the National Archives and use their E-vet on-line application process to send for your DD-214, Military Records, Medical inpatient records, Military Outpatient records, and your awards and commendations. This process will have to be repeated for each request and a signature page faxed to the National Archives for each request. (Be sure the request goes through by receiving the confirmation page).

Second, go to the VA website and enter V.O.N.A.A.P in the search box as this will bring up the On-line application. If you were injured in any way in the service, then apply for Service Connected Benefits. If you are unemployed and unable to work due to age or physical or psychological conditions and served one day during a conflict era, then apply for your Non-Service connected pension.

You will need to follow instructions exactly as the website explains it to you and it takes about one hour to complete the form. Be sure to print two copies and then hit send. Once submitted, the form is electronically delivered to the Benefits office in your area.

If you fit the profile of a Service connected Veteran, then start a new application with the same demographics from the drop down box at the beginning of the page and fill in the answers to the questions asked. It never hurts to file for both.

Third, now that you have applied, your date has been etched in stone as to the day the VA will pay you retroactively. Go directly to any Veteran Service provider (VSO) such as DAV, VVA, Purple heart foundation, Amvets, etc. and speak to them about giving them power of attorney for this claim to them so they can handle your case. You are now shopping for the service rep with the most recent training.

Next, you need to be proactive in your medical or psychiatric issues, this means to go to the VA for all appointments and if you do not have a diagnosis, then be sure to see your primary care physician and get him to diagnose you and estimate the prognosis. If you are told to go to counseling then go to every meeting, if given physical therapy then show up each time, you must remain medication compliant.

This means going to pick up refills on time when they are about to run out. You will need to go to the VA for any pains or aches you experience and almost become a pest so that it seems as if you're trying to work through your issues

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