VA Claims & Benefits Resources
Find information, tools, and trusted help for filing claims, understanding benefits, and taking the next steps.
A Helpful Start Point - Not Official Legal or VA Advice
New Hats For Vets is not a government agency, law firm, claims representative, or medical provider. The information here is for general guidance only and may not apply to your situation. Please contact the appropriate government agency or qualified professional for official advice and decisions about your benefits or care.
VA.gov - File A Disability Claim
The official starting point for filing a VA disability claim online, learning what evidence is needed, and understanding how to submit a claim.
Best For: Starting a new claim, filing online, understanding basic claim requirements.
VA.gov - Check Claim or Appeal Status
The official VA tool for tracking the status of disability claims, decision reviews, appeals, pensions, DIC, burial benefits, and other VA benefit requests.
Best For: Checking updates after filing, tracking appeals, monitoring pending decisions.
Find a VA-Accredited Representative
Use the VA’s official tool to find an accredited VSO representative, attorney, or claims agent who can help file claims or requestdecision reviews.
Best For: Finding qualified claims help and avoiding unaccredited advisors.
DAV - Free Benefits Assistance
DAV provides free, professional help for veteras and families pursuing earned benefits, including disability, healthcare, employment, education, and financial benefits.
Best For: Free claims help, benefits guidance, transition support, long-term assistance.
VFW - VA Claims and Separation Benefits
VFW Accredited Service Officers help veterans, service members, and families understand VA benefits, prepare forms, submit evidence, and navigate the VA claims process.
Best For: Claims preparation, evidence submission, benefits questions, pre-discharge claims support.
American Legion - Veterans Benefits Help
The American Legion connects veterans and families with accredited service officers who provide no-cost assistance with VA benefits, disability applications, and related support.
Best For: Free benefits help, VA disability applications, education and employment resource referrals.
Veterans Benefits Administration
The VBA is the central benefits hub for exploring VA programs such as compensation, pension, education, insurance, housing assistance, and other veteran benefits.
Best For: Exploring different VA benefit programs beyond disability claims.
VA Accreditation Search
Use the VA Office of General Counsel accreditation search to verify whether an attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative is officially accredited to assist with VA benefits matter.
Best For: Checking credentials before working with someone on a claim.