The Veterans Service Office (VSO) assists veterans and their dependents by:

• Filing Claims: We help you prepare and file claims for the various benefits you are eligible to receive.
• Retrieving Documents: We assist in obtaining necessary documents such as service records, medical records, and other required documentation.
• Explaining VA Benefits: We provide clear explanations of the VA benefits available to you and guide you through the application process.
• Guidance and Support: We offer support and advice to help you navigate the complexities of VA benefits and ensure you receive the benefits you are eligible for.

To ensure we can assist you effectively, please bring the following essential documents to your appointment:

• Military Discharge Papers: DD214 (Veteran’s Discharge)
• Personal Identification: Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• VA Correspondence: Any letters or communications you have received from the VA

Depending on additional circumstances or your specific needs, you may also need to bring documents, such as:

• Retirement Orders
• Marriage Certificate and Social Security Number (SSN) for your spouse
• Birth Certificates and SSNs for dependent children (18 & under or 19-23 if in college)
• Copy of active duty service medical records
• Copy of current, private doctor/medical records
• Doctor’s note, nexus letter, or diagnosis regarding new disabilities
• Death Certificate(s) (if applicable)
• Itemized bill for funeral/burial expenses along with a paid receipt
• Divorce decrees for any previous marriages
• Direct Deposit Information: Must be in the form of a VOIDED check, OR a direct deposit slip from your bank, OR SF-1199a form completed & signed by your financial institution

Having these documents on hand will help us provide you with the most accurate and efficient service. If you have any questions about specific documents, please contact our office before your appointment.

Online

Visit VA.gov

The fastest and easiest way to set up or change your direct deposit information is through your va.gov account.

Click for Step-by-Step Instructions

By Phone

1-800-827-1000

If you don't have a va.gov account, you can call the VA directly and update it over the phone:

For international calls: 918-781-7550

By Mail

SF1199a Form

Have your financial institution complete the SF1199a form and fax or mail it to:

Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547

Fax: 1-844-531-7818

In Person

Bring a voided check or direct deposit slip from your bank to either:

VA Regional Office
110 9th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203

- OR -

Call MCVSO to schedule: (931) 553-5173

• If you don't have a bank account: The Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) provides a list of veteran-friendly banks and credit unions that will work with you to set up an account.
• If you prefer a pre-paid debit card: You can sign up for the Direct Express card.

There are extra benefits available that you may qualify for, depending on a favorable decision for a VA benefit or specific personal situations. These benefits can be found in the Service Connected Matrix, Non Service Connected Matrix, and Circumstance Matrix.

Service connection is the acknowledgment by the VA that a veteran's disability or condition is directly related to their military service. Establishing service connection is essential for receiving VA disability benefits.

You can check the status of your claim on va.gov or by calling the VA Call Center at 1-800-827-1000. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with your VSO at 931-553-5173.

The VA offers a wide range of benefits for veterans and their families. Here are some of the key types of benefits available:

• Service Connected Disability Compensation: Monthly payments for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
• Non-Service Connected Pension Benefits: Needs-based payments for wartime veterans with limited income and assets.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical services, including hospital, outpatient, and long-term care.
• Education and Training: Programs like the GI Bill to help cover the cost of education and training.
• Housing Assistance: Home loan guarantees, specially adapted housing grants, and more.
• Life Insurance: Insurance options to provide financial security for your family.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment: Services to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment.
• Survivor Benefits: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivor Pension, and other benefits for surviving family members.
• Burial and Memorial Benefits: Assistance with burial expenses, headstones/markers, burial flags and more.

For a comprehensive list and detailed information on all available benefits, please visit the VA’s website at www.va.gov.

Below are the three different types of ID cards available and where you can obtain each type.

For a VA Healthcare ID Card:

Clarksville VA Clinic Walk-in Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 0730-1600 Fort Campbell VA Clinic Walk-in Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 0730-1600 (closed for lunch from 1230-1300)

For a DOD ID Card:

Fort Campbell DEERS ID Card Facility By appointment only; please visit the RAPIDS appointment scheduler online to make an appointment.

For a TN State ID Card:

Veterans Drivers License Authorizes honorably discharged veterans to have language or a symbol indicating their military service placed on their driver license; Click here for the Driver Service Center location near you.

The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. To learn more about the PACT Act, including exposure locations and presumptive conditions, please visit the VA PACT Act Benefits page.

For Veterans in Tennessee seeking to schedule registry exams related to environmental exposures, please contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator:

The fastest and easiest way to get a copy of your military discharge (DD214) is to download and print it directly from your va.gov account. If you do not have a va.gov account, you can sign up for one by clicking here or try these alternate options:

• Department of Veterans Affairs
• National Archives
• Tennessee War Records
• Montgomery County Register
• Schedule an appointment with MCVSO

On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) destroyed approximately 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF). The records affected were:

The following video provides an overview of the fire and its impact:

For more detailed information, you can visit these pages:

• Remembering the 1973 NPRC Fire
• NPRC Fire of 1973
• Request Reconstruction of Military Records using NA Form 13055

These resources will help you understand the extent of the damage and what steps can be taken to recover lost records.

Discharge upgrades and corrections are processed by your respective branch of service. Click on your branch below for more information:

• Army
• Marine Corps and Navy
• Air Force and Space Force
• Coast Guard

To obtain a Benefits Summary Letter from the VA for any state benefit or verification reason, you can:

• Print Online: Log in to your va.gov account to view and print your Benefits Summary Letter directly.
• Call the VA Regional Office: at 1-800-827-1000 to request a Benefits Summary Letter. You can choose to have the letter mailed, faxed, or emailed to you.

Once you receive the Benefits Summary Letter, you can present it to your local property tax office, vehicle registration office, or any other state agency to file for benefits or for verification purposes.

Yes, Tennessee offers a variety of state benefits for veterans and their dependents. These benefits include property tax relief, vehicle tags, recreational discounts, hunting/fishing licenses, and more.

For detailed information about Tennessee state veteran benefits, please visit the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services website.

Tennessee State Veterans Homes are operated by the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board. Eligibility for these homes generally includes being a veteran or the spouse of a veteran who meets specific service criteria. To determine your eligibility and find a facility near you, please visit the Tennessee State Veterans Homes website.

To learn more about Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), click on your branch of service below:

• Army
• Marine Corps and Navy
• Air Force and Space Force
• Coast Guard

Note: To qualify for CRSC, you must be retired.

For more detailed information about the VA Waiver, Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), and CRSC, visit the DFAS CRSC webpage.

To understand the VA Waiver and Retired Pay Adjustments or if you have questions about your CRSC pay or eligibility, visit this DFAS page or call 1-800-321-1080.

TN: The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services maintains and manages five Veterans Cemeteries in the state to include one in Nashville, one in Memphis, two in Knoxville, and one in Parkers Crossroads. To pre-register for burial, please visit the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services website

KY: For information on Kentucky State Veterans Cemeteries and to pre-register, visit the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries webpage

VA National: To find more information or apply for burial in a VA National Cemetery, visit the VA National Cemetery Administration webpage

Burial at Sea: For information on Burial at Sea, visit the U.S. Navy's Mortuary Services Burial at Sea webpage

• VA: 1-800-827-1000
• DFAS: 1-800-321-1080 (if military retired or SBP beneficiary)

If you need assistance filing for survivor or burial benefits, we are here to help. Please call the VSO to schedule an appointment (931) 553-5173.

If you have multiple disability ratings, the VA uses a combined rating table to calculate your overall disability rating. Calculating your combined disability rating involves more than simply adding up your individual ratings. That’s why your combined rating may be different from the sum of your individual ratings. Watch the video below for more information.

Click the VA calculator below for more info.

VA Calculator