FAQs • Hood County, TX • CivicEngage

I was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS. Someone told me this is a presumptive illness for veterans and may be eligible for compensation. Is this true?: Yes. ALS is considered presumptive. For more information, you may refer to the following webpage:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1583.
Call us at the Hood County Veteran Service Office so we can set up an appointment with you to file your claim. Be sure to bring with you a DD 214 or discharge documents.

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Veterans Services

1. In case of a Government Shutdown, how with this effect the VA services?: Many services for Veterans will continue. Check this link to find services which will continue and answer many of your questions.
http://www.va.gov/FieldGuide_Flyer_Final_6261.pdf

2. I am already receiving VA benefits but I need to change my address/direct deposit information.: To change your address or direct deposit information, complete a VA form 20-572. You may call this information in using the number on the form, mail it to the address provided, or we will fax it for you here at the Veterans Service Office. If you are changing your direct deposit to another bank, DO NOT close your old bank account until the first payment hits in your new bank account.

3. My father who is now deceased was a war time veteran. Does my mother qualify for benefits?: It depends on several things. If the veteran died of a service connected illness or injury, she can apply for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC). If he did not have a service connected disability when he passed away, then she could be eligible for Death Pension based on her income, number of dependents and her status, meaning "Housebound" or in an Assisted Living or Nursing Facility. On the Veterans Services Home Page in 'Quick Links" Click on "Death Pension" for answers to questions related to this benefit.

4. I was in Vietnam and believe I may have been exposed to Agent Orange. Do I have any benefits?: Exposure to Agent Orange is not a disability, however there are diseases recognized to be presumptive due to exposure to Agent Orange. On the Veterans Services page in"quick links" select Agent Orange Presumptive Illnesses for more information and how to apply for disability compensation.

5. I am looking to buy a house and want a VA loan. How much will the VA loan me?: The VA doesn't loan money. It guarentees to the bank a percentage of your mortage if you default making it less risky for the bank to lend money to Veterans and encouraging them to do so. This quick link has very detailed information that should be helpful. If you have additional questions, call the Veterans Service Office and we will be glad to help with all options for Texas Veterans.
http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/

6. I was in the Army for 3 years back in 1974. Where do I get a Veterans ID Card? Some stores offer discounts for veterans and they say I need an ID Card: If you are a veteran enrolled in the VA Heath Care System, you may be issued a VA Health Care Card. It is not a Veterans ID card per se; it just identifies that you can use the VA medical facilities. If you are have a service connected disability, it will say so on that card. The only veterans authorized a Military ID card are Military Retirees drawing retirement pay, disabled veterans rated 100 percent service connected, and their dependents. Your DD 214 identifies you as a veteran and store policy will govern what they will accept to qualify for a discount.

7. I was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS. Someone told me this is a presumptive illness for veterans and may be eligible for compensation. Is this true?: Yes. ALS is considered presumptive. For more information, you may refer to the following webpage:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1583.
Call us at the Hood County Veteran Service Office so we can set up an appointment with you to file your claim. Be sure to bring with you a DD 214 or discharge documents.

8. My grandfather passed away some years ago and served in WWII. I would like to get a copy of his military records for historic reasons. How do I do that?: Follow the quick link, "Get Your Military Service Records" on this webpage or google Standard Form 180, complete the form and fax it to 314-801-9195.

9. My husband died 4 years ago from an illness that is now considered presumptive due to exposure to agent orange. I didn't know anything about this at the time and my husband never filed a claim.: You should file for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) on a VA form 21-534. If you have medical records and a copy of his death certificate that confirm his condition was the cause of his passing, you may be entitled to monthly compensation. You will also need to enclose with your claim a copy of your marriage certificate and his DD214. Call for an appointment with us as soon as you can.

10. My husband was in the military for 8 years before we were married. We divorced in 1987 and had no children together. He just passed away last year. Am I entitled to benefits?: No. You are not the suviving spouse.

11. I got out of the military in 1982 after serving 5 years. What education benefits do I have?: You had the old GI bill which expires after 10 years. If you didn't use it within 10 years of your discharge, then you loose those benefits. This is the reason we encourage newly discharged soldiers to enroll in school right away. The longer you are out of the military and working a civilian job, the least likely you are to go to school. On line classes offered by many colleges today make it easier now for working veterans to get a higher education and we encourage them to do that. If your initial enlistment was in Texas, look into the Hazelwood Act, a State program for Texas Veterans. We have information here at the office to help you.