Veteran pension and compensation

About this service

The Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO) helps veterans, survivors, and dependents apply for VBA benefits. These are federal benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).

Notes:

The VSO does not decide claims, schedule Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams, assign disability ratings, or manage VA payments
All eligibility and benefit decisions are determined by the VA.
For survivor benefits see VA survivor benefits page

Details

What the VSO does

The Marin County VSO assists veterans and claimants by:

Explaining claim types and options
Reviewing available evidence and helping identify required documentation
Preparing and filing claims with the VA on behalf of veterans
Helping interpret VA decision letters and advising on next steps

What documents do I need?

Depending on the claim, common documents and evidence include:

DD-214 / discharge papers
- You may request from the National Personnel Records Center: Military Service Records)
VA or private medical evidence supporting claimed disabilities
Marriage certificate, divorce decrees, birth certificates (for dependents)
Banking information for direct deposit
Any relevant prior VA correspondence or decisions

How do I start a VA claim through the VSO?

To get started:

Complete a representation form (VA Form 21-22)
Contact the VSO to schedule an appointment (Email, Phone or Online Booking Page)
Gather any available documents (DD-214, medical records, etc.)

The VSO can help prepare and submit your claim.

What is the difference between compensation and pension?

Compensation
Tax-free monthly payments for disabilities caused or aggravated by military service

Pension
Income-based benefit for veterans who meet age, income, service or disability requirements

What is a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam?

The VA may request a C&P exam to evaluate your claimed conditions.

Exams are scheduled by the VA or contracted providers
Exams may take place at a VA facility or contractor location
This is not treatment or ongoing medical care

For additional information: VA claim exam

I received a call for a C&P exam — is it a scam?

Not necessarily. The VA often uses third-party contractors.

Common contractors include:

Loyal Source Government Services — Phone: 833-832-7077
OptumServe — Phone: 866-933-8387
QTC / Leidos — Phone: 800-682-9701
Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) — Phone: 877-637-8387

⚠️ Missing an exam may delay your claim or result in a denial of your claim.

Can the VSO schedule or reschedule my C&P exam?

No.

Exams are scheduled by the VA or its contractors
The VSO cannot schedule, cancel, or reschedule exams
Contact the number on your appointment notice

How claims are processed (what to expect)

The VA reviews submitted claim and evidence
The VA may request additional information
The VA may schedule a C&P exam
The VA issues a decision letter

Your decision will include:

Approval or denial
Disability rating (if applicable)
Effective date
Monthly payment (if applicable)

Processing times vary. Many claims take several months, but complex cases may take longer.

How do I add or update dependents on my VA benefits?

You may be eligible to add dependents to receive additional payment if you receive VA benefits.

For VA disability compensation, you must have a combined disability rating of at least 30% to receive additional payment for dependents.

Add/update online (Recommended for faster processing):
Manage Dependents

Typically processed in a few weeks
Upload documents directly and track status online

By mail (processing may take several months):

Submit VA Form 21-686c and supporting documents to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

The VSO can help review documents, complete and submit forms.

The VSO does not have access to your individual VA.gov account
Submissions through the VSO follow standard mail processing timelines

Can I get back pay for adding a dependent?

Possibly. See: Manage Dependents for more details.

How do I update direct deposit?

Update directly with the VA:

Online:
Change VA Direct Deposit

Phone:
800-827-1000