Information for Veterans, Families, and Caregivers
Veteran Resources
Explore practical guides, training materials, videos, reference documents, and educational resources addressing VA benefits, health care, caregiver programs, claims evidence, representation, and benefit protection.
These materials are organized by subject so veterans, caregivers, family members, and service officers can locate useful information without searching through unrelated content.
- Practical VA Benefits Guides
- Training Videos and Presentations
- Books and In-Depth Resources
Practical Information and Downloadable Resources
VA Benefits Guides and Training Materials
Review practical materials addressing caregiver and survivor benefits, disability claims, medical evidence, benefit protection, and problems veterans may encounter during the VA claims process.
Caregiver and Family Benefits
Resources addressing VA caregiver programs, family support, and benefits that may become important after a veteran’s death.
Caregiver Program Training
Review VA caregiver programs, eligibility standards, functional assessments, available support, review options, and practical program-navigation issues.
View TrainingDeath Benefits Guide
Review information intended to help veterans’ survivors and family members identify potential benefits, required actions, and available sources of assistance.
View GuideDisability Claims and Evidence
Materials addressing medical nexus evidence, reporting obligations, disability evaluations, and protection of earned VA benefits.
Nexus Letter Guide
Access information and supporting materials addressing medical nexus evidence and the role of a medical opinion in a VA disability claim.
View ResourceAvoiding Accidental VA Benefits Fraud
Learn how reporting errors, misunderstandings, and unintentional omissions can create serious problems involving VA benefits.
Read ArticleVA’s Disability Evaluation System Fails Veterans
Review concerns involving VA disability evaluations and the effect those problems may have on veterans seeking earned benefits.
Read ReportUnderstanding Representation and Your Options
Representation, Fees, and Claimant Rights
Review practical guides addressing fees charged in connection with a VA benefits matter and the process for ending an existing representation relationship.
PDF Claimant Guide
How to Challenge a Fee
Review information about questioning or challenging a fee charged in connection with representation in a VA benefits matter.
View GuidePDF Claimant Guide
Revocation of Representation
Review information about ending an existing representative’s authority and notifying VA of a change in representation.
View GuideUnderstand the relationship before taking action
Representation and fee disputes may involve filing requirements, deadlines, notices, or documents specific to the circumstances. Review the applicable guide carefully and retain copies of all correspondence and submitted materials.
- Review written fee agreements
- Keep copies of representation documents
- Document notices and correspondence
- Confirm that VA records any requested change
DAV Educational Videos
VA Claims and Benefits Video Library
Review educational videos addressing who should file a claim, service connection, claim development, compensation examinations, disability ratings, and options for reviewing a VA decision.
Getting Started
Begin with eligibility, filing considerations, and the primary ways a disability may be connected to military service.
Claim Eligibility
Who Should File a VA Claim?
Review who should consider filing a claim for VA disability compensation.
Watch Video
Service Connection
Seven Ways to Service-Connected Disability
Review several ways a disability may be connected to military service.
Watch VideoClaim Development and Examinations
Learn what generally happens after filing and how compensation and pension examinations fit into the development of a claim.
Claims Process
What to Expect After Filing a VA Claim
Learn what generally happens after VA receives a disability claim.
Watch Video
Compensation Examinations
C&P Exams
Understand the purpose and role of C&P examinations in a VA disability claim.
Watch Video
Exam Preparation
These 3 C&P Exam Mistakes Get You Auto-Denied
Review common mistakes veterans may make during the examination process.
Watch VideoRatings and Decision Review
Review how VA assigns disability ratings and the options available when a claimant disagrees with a decision.
Disability Ratings
Determining VA Disability Ratings
Learn how VA evaluates service-connected disabilities and assigns percentage ratings.
Watch Video
Decision Review
How to Appeal Your VA Claim Decision
Review available next steps when you disagree with a VA claim decision.
Watch VideoPresentations, References, and Service Officer Education
Additional Training Materials
This section provides chapter-developed presentations and reference materials that support veteran education and service officer training. Additional resources will be added as they are prepared and approved.
Training Presentation
VA Caregiver Program Training
Review a detailed Chapter 82 training presentation addressing VA caregiver programs, eligibility, functional assessments, review options, Veteran-Directed Care, and practical program navigation.
View Training PresentationThe PDF opens in a new browser tab.
Books by a Chapter 82 Author
Featured Books and In-Depth Guides
For readers who need more than a short guide or training presentation, these books provide detailed, policy-grounded references for navigating VA health care and caregiver programs.
VA Health Care Reference
Navigating VA Health Care
A Veteran’s Guide to Enforcing Your Rights, Fixing the Record, and Holding the VA System Accountable
A practical guide to understanding the VA health care structure, using policy, working with Patient Advocates, escalating unresolved problems, correcting medical records, and building a documented case for accountability.
- Understand VA health care roles and accountability
- Document problems and build an effective paper trail
- Use complaint, escalation, and record-correction processes
Chapter 82 Fundraising Partnership
Navigating VA Caregiver Programs
A Veteran and Caregiver’s Guide to PCAFC, Veteran Directed Care, and PGCSS
A working reference covering caregiver-program eligibility, functional assessments, documentation, decisions, appeals, reassessments, care plans, and long-term program participation.
- Compare PCAFC, Veteran Directed Care, and PGCSS
- Understand functional assessments and daily-care evidence
- Prepare for decisions, reviews, appeals, and reassessments
These are independent educational publications. They are not published by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency.
Direct Links to First-Party Sources
Official VA, DAV, and Veteran Support Resources
Access current information and online tools directly from the Department of Veterans Affairs, DAV National, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, the Veterans Court, and the Veterans Crisis Line.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Benefits and Health Care
Apply for benefits, locate forms, manage claims, and access official VA information.
- VA.gov VA Benefits and Health Care Explore and manage VA benefits, health care, records, and services.
- VA.gov Search VA Forms Locate current VA forms by form number, name, or subject.
- VA.gov Find an Accredited Representative Search for an accredited VSO representative, attorney, or claims agent.
- VA.gov Decision Reviews and Appeals Review VA’s Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal options.
- VA.gov Check Claim or Appeal Status Check the status of a claim, decision review, or appeal.
- VA.gov Family Caregiver Assistance Review PCAFC eligibility, application information, and caregiver benefits.
- VA Geriatrics and Extended Care Veteran-Directed Care Learn about consumer-directed home and community-based services for veterans who need personal-care assistance or help with daily activities.
DAV National
National DAV Services
Connect with DAV benefits assistance, offices, transportation, and national veteran resources.
- DAV National VA Benefits Help Learn about DAV assistance with VA claims and appeals.
- DAV National Find a DAV Office Search for DAV national service offices and local chapters.
- DAV National Veteran Topics and Resources Browse DAV information covering benefits, health, and veteran-support topics.
- DAV National DAV Medical Transportation Review DAV transportation information for VA medical appointments.
Appeals and Support
Board, Court, and Crisis Support
Access federal appeal information and confidential support for veterans and their families.
- Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans’ Appeals Review Board appeal information, wait times, reports, and contact resources.
- United States Federal Court Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Access court forms, rules, decisions, and filing information.
- Veterans Crisis Line Confidential Crisis Support Connect with 24-hour support for veterans and their loved ones.
Chapter 82 Veteran Service Officers
Need Help Understanding Your Benefits?
Educational resources can help you understand the VA system, but every veteran’s circumstances are different.
Contact DAV Chapter 82 to request assistance from our veteran service team. A service officer can help you review your circumstances, understand available options, and identify the forms or evidence that may be relevant to your benefits matter.