FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Where can I file a claim

    1. If a claimant has an account through eBenefits, that individual “can” file their own claim through that website. However, it is strongly encouraged that the individual utilizes our trained staff (Veteran Service Officers) to review and submit claims to prevent delays and ensure that the claim is submitted as a “Fully-Developed Claim” (FDC).

    2. Texas Veterans Commission Veteran Service Officers

    3. County Veteran Service Officers

    4. Other Veteran Service Organizations (i.e. Military Order of Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans).

  • How much does Harris County VSD charge for their services?
    NOTHING    . The VSD will assist with the filing of disability, pension, and other claims, as well as the filing of appeals representing the client/claimant to the various VA decision makers up to and including the Appellate Law Judge (ALJ) at the Board of Veterans Appeals.

  • If I receive services from Veteran County Services Officer (XX), can I see another Veteran County Service Officer (YY), or a Texas Veterans Claims Benefits Advisor?

  1. Most Veteran County Service Officers receive their funding for services provided within their county only.

  2. Texas Veterans Claim Benefit Advisors (CBAs) do not have jurisdictional limits and can assist any veteran who has TVC as their representative (whether they are in Austin, Fort Worth, Afghanistan, Maine, or Philippines). TVC’s CBAs can assist veterans and their eligible dependents from any county within the State of Texas at any location in which we have an office located.

  3. An advantage to receiving services from a TVC CBA, as well as most VCSOs, would be our use of veteran assistance software and databases directly to/from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • How do I know if I am eligible for VA Compensation?
    Disability Compensation is a tax-free monetary entitlement paid to Veterans as a result of an injury or disease suffered, incurred, or aggravated as a direct result of one’s military service.

  • What is DIC (Dependents Indemnity Compensation)?
    Dependents Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free benefit payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a Veteran or servicemember who died either on active duty or as a result of their service-connected disabilities.

  • What is Veterans Pension?
    Veterans Pension is a tax-free benefit payable to low-income wartime Veterans (provided they meet military and income requirements).

  • What is a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)?
    There are over 70 recognized veteran service organizations as well as State Veteran’s Affairs which are recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many are non-profit groups which advocate on behalf of Veterans, Servicemembers, dependents, and survivors.

  • What is a Veteran Services Representative (VSR)?

    1. The Veteran Services Representative has undergone a formal application process, extensive training, and been recognized by the VA as being capable of assisting claimants with their affairs before the VA. VSRs have passed the necessary examinations, background checks, and must maintain proficiency standards to remain as VSRs.

    2. VSRs assist with the completion of a claimant’s application for benefits as well as the reviewing claims for accuracy.

    3. If necessary, VSRs assist in the development of a “Fully-Developed Claims” (FDCs) with the gathering of evidence on the claimant’s behalf.

  • What is a Veteran County Services Officer?

    1. Texas Government Code, Chapter 434, Subchapter B requires that if a Texas County has a population of more than 200,000 there shall be a County Veteran Services Officer assigned.

    2. VCSOs have also undergone the formal application process, extensive training, and been recognized by the VA as being capable of assisting claimants with the filing of claims.

    3. In some cases, VCSOs may be “Certified” but not “Accredited”. This simply would mean that they have the knowledge and skill to perform the necessary tasks at hand but must submit any claims to the VA Regional Office for review and ultimate submittal.

  • If I filed an Intent to File (21-0966), how many claims can I submit within that one year?

    1. The Intent to File holds a “Date of Claim” open for up to 1-year from date of receipt by the VA. Upon submittal of ANY claim for benefits, the 21-0966 is considered utilized or used.

    2. The VA WILL NOT recognize more than one intent to file concurrently (back to the date of filing) for the same benefit (i.e. Compensation, Pension) (38 C.F.R. ⸹3.155(b)(6)).

  • Is there a phone number where I can talk with a representative?
     You may contact our Houston Office at (281) 876-6600.

  • If TVC does not represent me, is there a VA phone number I can call for questions?
    The VA toll-free number is 1-800-827-1000.