Veteran
Disability & Assistance Resources
This page is offered to our members, and anyone who visits our website, with various veteran resources to assist in understanding what resources are available to veterans in terms of obtaining veteran disability benefits that they might qualify for given their specific circumstances of military service.
GLVFA offers this information below without regard to sponsoring any such resource we make available here. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of veteran related websites that speak to veteran disabilities. Entering "veteran disabilities" into a search engine such as Google will reveal many of such resources available to veterans. The purpose of this page, then, is to offer a few key resources we feel could be of good use for our members.
GLVFA offers this information below without regard to sponsoring any such resource we make available here. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of veteran related websites that speak to veteran disabilities. Entering "veteran disabilities" into a search engine such as Google will reveal many of such resources available to veterans. The purpose of this page, then, is to offer a few key resources we feel could be of good use for our members.
VA Crisis Line
For help, dial: 988 then press 1
Veterans News Network
The Veteran News Network (VNN) is a channel for Veterans, largely by Veterans, that offers a fun and informative mix of specialized programming that honors, entertains, and informs Veterans of the benefits and services that they have earned. Please, email the VA regarding this live stream (24x7) video channel at [email protected] with any comments you have.
Click on the YouTube video below to enter into the live stream channel (active 24x7)
VA Benefits
for Family and Caregivers
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, including health care, life insurance, or money for school. As the survivor of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation.
If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself. Find out which benefits you may qualify for and how to get them.
If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself. Find out which benefits you may qualify for and how to get them.
VA Health Care Benefits
All Veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country—at home or abroad—are now eligible for VA health care. This includes all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.
National Cemeteries
Veteran Burial Benefits
& Eligibility
For information about VA burial benefits, visit one of VA’s National Cemetery Locations in-person, visit online at VA burial benefits and memorial items, or call toll free at 800-827-1000. To plan ahead for you and your family, visit NCA’s pre-need eligibility website.
Florida National Cemeteries
Veterans Online Memorial
VLM is a digital platform dedicated to the memory of more than 10 million Veterans and servicemembers. VLM interactive features allow you to post Tributes (comments), upload images, share your Veteran's military service timeline and achievements, biographical information, historical documents and more.
Pact Act
The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
The PACT Act will bring these changes:
The PACT Act will bring these changes:
- Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
- Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
- Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
- Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
- Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures
Expanded PACT ACT
The VA announced that all veterans who have served in a combat zone since the Vietnam War, as well as those who participated in training or operations and came into contact with hazardous materials, will be able to enroll in VA healthcare starting March 5. 2024. Veterans are not required to have a service-connected disability or file a compensation claim to be eligible for VA care.
You are encouraged to apply for VA health care starting March 5, 2024, if any of these descriptions are true for you:
For many of out GLVFA members who served in Vietnam or other wars mentioned above, and/or worked around toxins in or outside of war zones, can qualify to enroll for VA Healthcare starting Mar 5th. Even if you are enrolled in Medicare, simultaneously being enrolled in VA Healthcare gives you options such as no co-pay prescriptions, including prescriptions mailed to your home from the VA, free mental health care, VA primary and specialty care in Brooksville, New Port Ritchy, Tampa and other VA healthcare facilities, and much more.
You are encouraged to apply for VA health care starting March 5, 2024, if any of these descriptions are true for you:
- You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, or
- You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, or
- You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service
For many of out GLVFA members who served in Vietnam or other wars mentioned above, and/or worked around toxins in or outside of war zones, can qualify to enroll for VA Healthcare starting Mar 5th. Even if you are enrolled in Medicare, simultaneously being enrolled in VA Healthcare gives you options such as no co-pay prescriptions, including prescriptions mailed to your home from the VA, free mental health care, VA primary and specialty care in Brooksville, New Port Ritchy, Tampa and other VA healthcare facilities, and much more.
Florida Veteran Benefits Guide
2025 Publication
The Florida Department of Veteran Affairs (FDVA) has published their 2025 veteran benefits guide. Click on the button below to review a digital copy of the guide.
VA.gov
This is the main resource for all things "Veterans". This website is a large site with many different options regarding veteran services they provide. While the PACT ACT resource offered above covers all wartime (and some peacetime) era veterans, the VA.gov website is the official website for our veteran members to visit. VA.gov answers most questions a veteran might have whether the questions are about benefits, healthcare, local resources available, and much more. GLVFA endores the VA website (www.va.gov) as the main veteran resource site for our members to use when desiring to learn more about benefits they might be entitled to.
VA Disability Claims
VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you’ve earned.
File for disability compensation by completing an online form known as VA Form 21-526EZ. Click on the button below to begin the online application process.
NOTE: You can file a disability claim for any injury or activity that may have caused you harm while performing military service. It is highly advisable to seek out a Veteran Services Officer (VSO) to assist in the filing process as the VSO can assist you in reviewing your military service health records, documents, advice, and file for benefits on your behalf. However, initiating a disability claim using the VA online claim option below (button) creates an official "Date of Claim" record, which is used for all possible disability back pay you may receive if one or more disability claims are approved y the VA. Once your disability claim date has been established, be sure to seek out a VSO to further assist in the claims process.
NOTE: You can file a disability claim for any injury or activity that may have caused you harm while performing military service. It is highly advisable to seek out a Veteran Services Officer (VSO) to assist in the filing process as the VSO can assist you in reviewing your military service health records, documents, advice, and file for benefits on your behalf. However, initiating a disability claim using the VA online claim option below (button) creates an official "Date of Claim" record, which is used for all possible disability back pay you may receive if one or more disability claims are approved y the VA. Once your disability claim date has been established, be sure to seek out a VSO to further assist in the claims process.
Veteran Resource Officers
Hernando County, FL
There are many veteran resource officers available to our members. Since most of our members live in Hernando County, they may seek out official veteran resource officers assigned to the county (officers are located in Brooksville, FL
Hernando County Veteran Services Department provides assistance to veterans, their survivors and dependents in obtaining both state and federal benefits. Click on the blue link here to visit their website: Veteran Services | Hernando County, FL
The Veteran Services Officers (VSOs) for Hernando County, Florida are:
Tony Graham and Robert Werts. Their office is located at 621 W Jefferson St, Brooksville, FL 34601. Their phone number is (352) 754-4033.
If you live in another county (not Hernando), you can find your specific county VSO by clicking on the button below:
Hernando County Veteran Services Department provides assistance to veterans, their survivors and dependents in obtaining both state and federal benefits. Click on the blue link here to visit their website: Veteran Services | Hernando County, FL
The Veteran Services Officers (VSOs) for Hernando County, Florida are:
Tony Graham and Robert Werts. Their office is located at 621 W Jefferson St, Brooksville, FL 34601. Their phone number is (352) 754-4033.
If you live in another county (not Hernando), you can find your specific county VSO by clicking on the button below:
Local Veteran Organizations
Veteran Service Officers
Contacting a veteran service officer (VSO) is the first step in determining if you may qualify to apply for veterans benefits from the VA. If you have never filed for veteran benefits before, contacting a local VSO is the proper way to begin the process of applying for benefits.
Below are various local service organizations that can assist you to learn more about veterans benefits you may be entitled to. The VSOs can also assist you in filing initial and follow-on disability claims to the VA based on your military service and your military service health treatment records along with your civilian health records.
Below are various local service organizations that can assist you to learn more about veterans benefits you may be entitled to. The VSOs can also assist you in filing initial and follow-on disability claims to the VA based on your military service and your military service health treatment records along with your civilian health records.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Main Florida Chapter
Ph:(352) 6225126
Email:[email protected]
Website:https://vfwfl.org/
VFW main website: VA Claims & Separation Benefits - VFW
Local VFW Post Springhill, FL: VFW Post 10209
14736 Edward R Noll Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34609 · 9.2 mi
(352) 796-0398
* Call to inquire about/reach their VSO
VFW Veterans Service Office (main office)
Jason Smith, Director
PO Box 1437, RM 217
St. Petersburg, FL 33731
Phone number: (727) 319 7483 Fax: (727) 319-7776
E-mail: [email protected]
Main Florida Chapter
Ph:(352) 6225126
Email:[email protected]
Website:https://vfwfl.org/
VFW main website: VA Claims & Separation Benefits - VFW
Local VFW Post Springhill, FL: VFW Post 10209
14736 Edward R Noll Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34609 · 9.2 mi
(352) 796-0398
* Call to inquire about/reach their VSO
VFW Veterans Service Office (main office)
Jason Smith, Director
PO Box 1437, RM 217
St. Petersburg, FL 33731
Phone number: (727) 319 7483 Fax: (727) 319-7776
E-mail: [email protected]
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
HERNANDO COUNTY Post #67
15229 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville, Florida 34613
(813) 468-0361
Post Commander: Mary Ann Keckler
Post #67 VSO: Leon Harvey
Phone: 352-797-2876
[email protected]
DAV Main website:
Local DAV post Brooksville, FL: Hernando County #67 - Home
HERNANDO COUNTY Post #67
15229 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville, Florida 34613
(813) 468-0361
Post Commander: Mary Ann Keckler
Post #67 VSO: Leon Harvey
Phone: 352-797-2876
[email protected]
DAV Main website:
Local DAV post Brooksville, FL: Hernando County #67 - Home
American Legion
Main Florida West Coast Chapter
(located at the VA Medical Center):
9500 Bay Pines Blvd, room 214, Bay Pines, FL 33744
(202) 263 5759
Click here to: EMAIL SERVICE OFFICER (ask for assistance)
Local Area Chapter
Charles E. Murray American Legion Post 186
12091 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville FL 34613
(352) 597-9995
Website: Charles E. Murray American Legion Post 186
Post 186 Veteran Service Officer (VSO): Eric Hollinger, can be reached HERE.
Offers Assistance with VA Claims
** Call Post to Inquire How Best To Reach VSO
Main Florida West Coast Chapter
(located at the VA Medical Center):
9500 Bay Pines Blvd, room 214, Bay Pines, FL 33744
(202) 263 5759
Click here to: EMAIL SERVICE OFFICER (ask for assistance)
Local Area Chapter
Charles E. Murray American Legion Post 186
12091 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville FL 34613
(352) 597-9995
Website: Charles E. Murray American Legion Post 186
Post 186 Veteran Service Officer (VSO): Eric Hollinger, can be reached HERE.
Offers Assistance with VA Claims
** Call Post to Inquire How Best To Reach VSO
Veteran Disability Law Firms
A veteran disability lawyer is beneficial because they possess in-depth knowledge of the complex VA claims process, can effectively gather and present supporting evidence, navigate appeals, and advocate for your best interests to maximize your chances of receiving the proper disability rating and benefits you deserve, especially when your claim is denied or you believe the initial ratings are inadequate; essentially, they can significantly improve your odds of a successful outcome compared to navigating the system alone.
Note: VA disability law firms generally do not work on INITIAL VA disability claims, that is the job of the veteran themselves or from using a local veteran services officer (VSO).
For members who have filed VA claims and have been denied or did not receive the VA rating decision they believe they are entitled to, members may want to choose to reach out to a VA disability law firm (i.e., law firm that specializes in VA law based on the 38 CFR (U.S. Law that covers veteran disabilities). Please review the following YouTube video:
Note: VA disability law firms generally do not work on INITIAL VA disability claims, that is the job of the veteran themselves or from using a local veteran services officer (VSO).
For members who have filed VA claims and have been denied or did not receive the VA rating decision they believe they are entitled to, members may want to choose to reach out to a VA disability law firm (i.e., law firm that specializes in VA law based on the 38 CFR (U.S. Law that covers veteran disabilities). Please review the following YouTube video:
GLVFA does NOT sponsor or otherwise advocate for the following veteran disability law offices (and its attorneys). However, the following attorneys have been used by several of our members with success in getting member disability claims processed with the VA.
Note: in most cases, we advocate working with a local veteran services officer first, especially if you have never filed a VA disability claim before. However, if any member has been working on their VA disability claims and have had some difficulty in getting claims approved by the VA, it may be prudent to call one of the following VA disability firms to discuss your specific situation.
Cuddington Law
Sean Cuddington, Attorney at Law
402 933 5325
or contact them online by clicking here: Contact Our Social Security & Veterans' Disability Lawyers | Cuddigan Law
This VA accredited law firm only specializes in disability law, and covers both social security (SSI) and VA Disability needs. The firm is located in Nebraska but operates throughout the U.S. for VA disability cases that they accept. Review their YouTube video below then call them for consultation regarding your specific veteran disability situation.
Sean Cuddington, Attorney at Law
402 933 5325
or contact them online by clicking here: Contact Our Social Security & Veterans' Disability Lawyers | Cuddigan Law
This VA accredited law firm only specializes in disability law, and covers both social security (SSI) and VA Disability needs. The firm is located in Nebraska but operates throughout the U.S. for VA disability cases that they accept. Review their YouTube video below then call them for consultation regarding your specific veteran disability situation.
After Service, LLC
Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law
800 955 8596
or contact their office online by clicking here: Nationwide Veteran Disability Lawyer - Gregory M. Rada
This VA accredited law firm only specializes in veteran disability law. If your VA disability compensation claim has been denied, contact their office to discuss your specific veteran disability claim needs.
As a disabled veteran who has experienced the VA disability compensation claims and appeals process himself, he has the knowledge, experience, and passion to secure the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
To learn more about attorney Gregory Rada, view the YouTube video below:
Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law
800 955 8596
or contact their office online by clicking here: Nationwide Veteran Disability Lawyer - Gregory M. Rada
This VA accredited law firm only specializes in veteran disability law. If your VA disability compensation claim has been denied, contact their office to discuss your specific veteran disability claim needs.
As a disabled veteran who has experienced the VA disability compensation claims and appeals process himself, he has the knowledge, experience, and passion to secure the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
To learn more about attorney Gregory Rada, view the YouTube video below:
VA Outreach Documents & Videos
Click on the appropriate button below to view the VA's outreach repository of documents and videos that cover many aspects of VA services: Benefits, Healthcare, Careers, Burial, Family Members, Education, Housing Assistance, Life Insurance, and more.