Cutting the Red Tape:
Help from Heather
If you can't find the information you need on-line and you need our help with a federal agency, we might be able to help you.
In order to make an inquiry on your behalf, Rep. Wilson's office must have a signed privacy release form from you.
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Quick Links:
Active Duty Servicemembers and their Families
Answers to some frequently asked questions concerning
Federal veterans’ programs:
- Where can I learn more about the
Board of Veterans Appeals, or check on the status of my appeal?
My claim for benefits to the VA had been denied. What can I do?
I am having a problem with the VA Medical Center (getting medications from the pharmacy, appointments, etc). Who can I get in contact with to resolve these issues?
My rating decision by the VA was made years ago and my condition has changed. What can I do to get my benefits increased?
How do I request a copy of my DD 214 or other service records?
How can I get replacement medals?
How can I upgrade my discharge or reentry code?
How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Find it on the Web – Veterans Links
Helpful Resources for Active Duty Servicemembers and their families
Military OneSource “Whether its help with child care, personal finances, emotional support during deployments, relocation information, or resources needed for special circumstances, Military OneSource is there for military personnel and their families... 24/7/365!”
NM Operation Home Front their mission is “To provide financial aid to qualifying military personnel of New Mexico Guard and Reserve Units.”
TRIWEST Healthcare Alliance provides an interactive map to help you find local and national resources available in your area.
Blue Star Mothers of America is a national, non-profit service organization made up of mothers who now have, or have had, children serving in the military. There are currently five chapters in New Mexico: Farmington, Rio Grande Valley (Albuquerque), Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and Bosque Farms.
Other useful links include:
U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program
The National Guard Online Community
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Army MRW
MyArmyLifeToo
ArmyFRG
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions concerning Federal veterans’ programs.
Where can I learn more about the Board of Veterans Appeals, or check on the status of my appeal?
Have a look at the on-line pamphlet Understanding the Appeal Process (PDF). This on-line brochure from the Board of Veterans Appeals is intended to explain the steps involved in filing an appeal and to serve as a reference for the terms and abbreviations used in the appeal process.
Appeals to the Board of Veterans Appeals can take a long time to reach a decision. The appeals are reviewed in the order that they are received. To check on the status of the appeal, you may contact: (202) 565-5436. If the appeal has been remanded, you may need to contact that particular regional office. The best number to do that is 1-800-827-1000. .
My claim for benefits to the VA had been denied. What can I do?
If you were denied your request by the VA, you will need to, within one year of receiving the decision letter, file a Notice of Disagreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This will entitle you to appeal this decision. If you do not file your Notice of Disagreement within one year, your claim will be closed, and will require new and material evidence to reopen.
I am having a problem with the VA Medical Center (getting medications from the pharmacy, appointments, etc). Who can I get in contact with to resolve these issues?
The VA Medical Center has Patient Advocates who are there to assist patients with their problems. You can contact the Patient Advocates by calling the general number for the VA at (505) 265-1711, and asking to speak with a Patient Advocate during normal business hours. After hours, you may contact: 265-1711, extension 2352 or 2516, for the Administrative Officer on Duty.
My rating decision by the VA was made years ago and my condition has changed. What can I do to get my benefits increased?
You may contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and make the request to increase your benefit over the phone. You may also send the request in writing to the Department of Veterans Affairs, to the Regional Office that rated your claim. If you are unable to submit this request on your own, your Power of Attorney can submit your request on your behalf.
How do I request a copy of my DD 214 or other service records?
For copies of your military service records you may contact:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
For service records, such as the DD 214, you can fill out the SF-180, and mail it to the National Personnel Records Center.
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
You can also send an electronic request to the National Personnel Records Center.
How can I get replacement medals?
To request medals you have never received before, or to request a replacement set of your service medals, you will need to fill out the SF-180, which you can find on the web. All requests must be completed in writing.
Once completed, you can send it to the address shown below:
ARMY:
National Personnel Records Center
Medals Section (NRPMA-M)
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
AIR FORCE:
National Personnel Records Center
Air Force Reference Branch (NRPMF)
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
NAVY/MARINE CORPS/COAST GUARD:
Bureau of Naval Personnel
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
How can I upgrade my discharge or reentry code?
The character of discharge will determine if a veteran is eligible for veterans’ benefits through the VA. The re-entry code is important in determining if a veteran is eligible to re-enter the service after he or she has been discharged. To upgrade these records, you will need to submit the proper application to the appropriate board for consideration.
Changes to Military Discharges (DD 214) or other military records cannot be done through VA. Here is some regularly updated information on Correcting Military Service Records and Discharges.
 How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The VA has toll free numbers for the convenience of veterans and dependents.
Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000
Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477
Debt Management 1-800-827-0648
Mammography Helpline 1-888-492-7844
Tele. Dev. for Deaf (TDD) 1-800-829-4833
CHAMPVA 1-800-733-8387
Headstones/Markers 1-800-697-6947
Gulf War Helpline 1-800-749-8387
Education (GI Bill) 1-888-442-4551
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a Regional Office in Albuquerque.
Department of Veterans Affairs
500 Gold SW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Albuquerque VA Medical Center
505-265-1711
Santa Fe National Cemetery
501 North Guadalupe Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 988-6400
Fort Bayard National Cemetery
P.O. Box 189
Fort Bliss, TX 88036
915-564-0201
There are many helpful resources available to you on the World Wide Web. Here is a small sampling of links that contain useful information for New Mexico veterans. We encourage you to search the web for other resources as well.
U.S. House Veterans Committee
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Manual (PDF)
Veterans' Preference
Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to Federal jobs. This link will give you more information about veteran preferences for federal positions.
VA Forms
VA Cemeteries
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
My HealtheVet (MHV) – Department of Veterans Affairs
My HealtheVet is the “VA’s Web-based portal that allows veterans to register and record personal health information and combine it with parts of their electronic health records.”
TRIWEST Healthcare Alliance homepage
HealthierUS Veterans – Department of Veterans Affairs
Board of Veterans' Appeals Ombudsman (Customer Service)
Veteran Service Organizations
The American Red Cross
The American Legion
Disabled American Veterans
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Marine Corps League
American Veterans of WW II, Korea and Vietnam
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Blinded Veterans Association
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Gold Star Wives
U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Jewish War Veterans
Center for Women Veterans
Pearl Harbor Survivors
Vietnam Veterans of America
Non Commissioned Officers Association of America
The Retired Enlisted Association
Fleet Reserve Association
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
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