Helpful Guides:
- VA Guide to Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (opens in a new window)
Help applying for state and federal benefits:
Veterans’ Agents
Veterans’ Agents (or “Veterans’ Services Officers”) are available in every city and town in the Commonwealth to help veterans access federal and state benefits (mandated by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115). The expertise of Veterans’ Agents varies dramatically, however, as smaller communities have part-time agents only. If your local Veterans’ Agent is less experienced, you may wish to pursue help from an Agent in a neighboring community or from a Veterans’ Services Organization (VSO). A town-by-town directory of Veterans’ Agents is available at this Department of Veterans Services web link: www.mass.gov/?pageID=veteransutilities&L=1&sid=Eveterans&U=veteransagents_A
US Army Wounded Warrior Program
The US Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2, formerly the Disabled Soldier Support System) provides soldiers seriously disabled (by hostile or non-hostile causes) with free, expert, special advocacy help with enrolling for benefits and linking with support services. AW2 Soldier Family Advocates are available to severely disabled soldiers and their families, including soldiers disabled by disease or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Call 1-800-237-1336 or e-mail, AW2@hoffman.army.mil.
www.armyfamiliesonline.org/skins/WBLO/display.aspx?Action=display_page. . .
Information on benefits and eligibility:
The Veterans’ Affairs Benefits Hotline:
(800) 827-1000*
This is a good resource for all but residents of southeastern Massachusetts (Nantucket, Barnstable, Bristol and Dukes counties). There’s “a bug in the system”; the phone company connects these residents to the Boston VA Regional Office even though the Veterans Benefits Administration serves them through the Providence Road Island Regional Office only. Southeastern Massachusetts residents may get help by calling the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services representative in RI at 401-223-3685 (Dick Early).
Help appealing a VA claim denial:
- Resources on the appeals process
To appeal a denial to a VA claim, contact your preferred Veterans Services Organization (below) and download the pamphlets: “Understanding the Appeal Process” and “How Do I Appeal,” available from the US Department of Veterans Affairs at www.va.gov/vbs/bva/pamphlet.htm. Appeals are reviewed by the VA’s Board of Veterans Appeals (www.va.gov/vbs/bva). If the Board decision does not go your way, the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (www.vetapp.uscourts.gov) may review the Board’s decisions. Unfortunately appeals are backlogged and can typically take two or more years to resolve.
- Veterans’ Services Organizations (VSOs)
Veterans’ Services Organizations (VSOs) are private organizations with staff or volunteers at regional VA offices, hospitals, and communities to help veterans file a claim for benefits or file an appeal to a denial. They are referred to as “service representatives” and are often older veterans themselves. 8 private VSOs have service representatives at the Boston VA Regional Office* (JFK Federal Building, Boston, MA 02203). Services are free of charge and do not require membership with the Veterans’ Services Organization. These include:- AmVets 617-303-5698
- American Legion 617-303-5695
- Blinded Veterans Association 617-303-5691
- Disabled American Veterans 617-303-5675
- Military Order of the Purple Heart 617-303-5696
- Paralyzed Veterans of America 617-303-1395
- Veterans of Foreign Wars 617-303-5688
- Vietnam Veterans of America 617-303-5687
In addition, Massachusetts has its own Department of Veterans’ Services, a state-run VSO, which also staffs a representative at the Boston VA Regional Office: 617-303-5544 www.mass.gov/veterans
*Note: if you are a resident of Nantucket, Barnstable, Bristol, or Dukes counties in Massachusetts, you are served by the Providence RI Regional Office (380 Westminister Mall, Providence, RI 02903). A good starting place for veterans service assistance from this office is: Dick Early, Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, 401-223-3685.
- National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates
Unfortunately it’s not easy to find free or paid attorneys to represent veterans through the appeals process. If you are appealing a denial for benefits you may wish to find a paid lawyer who specializes in veteran benefits cases through the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates. Some will work on a contingency basis (they are paid when you are paid). Contact 1-800-810-8387 for a referral. www.vetadvocates.com
Help Appealing the Quality of Care at a VA Medical Facility
Patient Advocates
The appeals process is designed for decisions related to a veteran’s eligibility for medical care or reimbursement for medical services. However, disputes over the appropriateness of medical care—such as whether a veteran qualifies for a specific assistive technology (AT) service or device—are not handled by the Board of Veterans Appeals. Instead, these issues must go through the administrative channels of the Veterans Health Administration (www.va.gov/health).
The best place to start is by working with the Patient Advocate at your VA medical facility. Every VA medical center has one, and they can help address concerns and navigate the system effectively.
Congressional Representatives
When veterans are dissatisfied with their care or unable to access necessary services, they sometimes turn to their federal congressional representative for advocacy support. This step is typically taken after all available options within the VA medical facility have been exhausted.
Constituent advocates from congressional offices may be able to help veterans get answers or secure better access to services within the Veterans Health Administration. However, their level of effectiveness depends on the specifics of each case. To find your Massachusetts representative and their contact information, visit www.congressmerge.com.