First Time Applicants
To initiate a claim for disability, veterans must file a VA Form 21-526. There are several ways in which to file an initial claim: 1) file the claim on line at the Veterans Online Application website, VONAPP, 2) file the claim directly through the nearest Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) claims office, 3) file the claim through a Veterans Service Organization (for a list of qualified veteran service organizations that can provide assistance with a claim, click here), or 4) you can contact a Veterans Services Officer (VSO) from the Virginia Department of Veteran Services.
Appellate Process, Claims that the VBA has Denied:
If a veteran wishes to appeal a claim denied by the Veterans Benefits Administration, please contact the National Veterans Legal Services Program, click here, or call 202-265-8305.
Legal Issues Related to the Substantiation or Service Connection of a Claim: For legal issues relating to the substantiation or service connection of a disability claim, veterans should contact an attorney who specializes in veterans administrative law.
Other Legal Issues:
For other legal issues, including but not limited to the upgrade of a military discharge, veterans should contact an attorney who specializes in veterans administrative or military judiciary law.
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Veteran Service Officer Locations, Region IV:
Richmond
1. McGuire VA Medical Center Telephone: (804) 675-6546 Mon - Fri, 8 am - 4 pm
1201 Broad Rock Blvd
Room 1M-169A
Richmond, VA 23249
2. American Legion Telephone: (804) 675-6546 Tues & Fri, 9 am - 4 pm
(Department of Virignia)
1708 Commonweatlh Ave
Richmond, VA 23230
3. Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center Telephone: (804) 675-6546
1st Mon each month , 8 am - 12 pm
1601 Broad Rock Blvd
Richmond, VA 23249
Fort Lee -- by appointment only Telephone: (804) 675-6546 Wed & Thurs, 9 am - 3 pm
1. Soldier One Stop
Bldg 3400
Room 107A
Fort Lee, VA 23801
Mechanicsville
1. Mechanicsville DSS Telephone: (804) 675-6546 2nd
Mon each month , 9 am - 3 pm
7374 Creighton Parkway
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
2. Virginia Employment Commission Telephone: (804) 675-6546 3rd
Mon each month , 9 am - 3 pm
8093 Elm Drive
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Amelia Telephone: (804) 675-6546 4th
Mon each month , 9 am - 3 pm
Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia
10300 Pridesville Rd
Amelia, VA 23002
Farmville
Virginia Employment Commisssion Telephone: (434) 385-0815 1st
Fri each month , 9 am - 12 pm
223 Sunny Chase Road (434) 385-0816
Farmville, VA 23901
Emporia
Richardson Memorial Library Telephone: (434) 447-3231 2nd & 4th Thurs/ ea month,
1 Spring Street 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Emporia, VA 23847
South Boston Telephone: (434) 447-3231 1st, 3rd, 5th Tues/ ea month,
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
South Boston Library
509 Broad Street
South Boston, VA 24592
