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1. How do I make an appointment?

Call Washington County Veteran Services to make an appointment at one of our offices. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except for federal holidays. When required, in-person meetings are by appointment only at all three of our locations: Stillwater, Cottage Grove, and Forest Lake.

2. When can I expect a return call/email?

On regular business days you can expect a return phone call or email within 24 hours. Please do not call/email repeatedly in that 24 hour period as it slows down the process.

3. What information do I need to begin?

Required information varies for different benefits. One document that will be needed is a DD Form 214; active military discharge document. If this document cannot be found our office can assist in obtaining it for you. Before 1951, this discharge document was the AGO Form 53-55. Also, please refer to the checklists provided on our website.

4. How do I know if I am eligible for "Compensation"?

Service connection for a disability may be established in the following ways: 

• Direct:  Service medical records show that the disabling condition was diagnosed during military service and the condition has continued to affect the Veteran.
• Aggravation:  Evidence demonstrates that the disabling condition which existed prior to service was aggravated beyond normal progression during military service.
• Presumptive:  Evidence demonstrates that the disability is one predetermined by the VA to be presumed for service connection by time, place and type of service.
• Secondary:  Evidence demonstrates that the disability developed as a result of, or residual of, another service connected disability.
• Injury as a Result of VA Medical Treatment:  This is a disability that the Veteran incurred, had aggravated or died from because of medical treatment at a VA Facility.

5. How do I know if I have any benefits?

Our office can assist you with this information. There are also publications and websites with information about VA benefits and eligibility.

6. Can I have my claim reconsidered even though it was denied in the past?

If you have new and material evidence to support your previously denied claim or information telling the VA where the evidence can be obtained, we can help submit the proper paperwork to reopen the claim.

7. What is a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and how do I get one?

The Department of Veterans Affairs is providing a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for Veterans to use at VA medical facilities. The VIC will be issued only to Veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments.

8. Do I have to pay for medical services at the VA?

A service connected disabled Veteran does not have to pay for medical care at a VAMC for his/her service connected disability. Depending on the percentage of disability, the service connected Veteran may have co-payments for non-service connected disability services and/or prescriptions. These co-payments may be waived if the Veteran completes a financial means test and meets the criteria for exemption. Note: 50–100 percent service-connected Veterans do not have any co-pays for services and/or prescriptions, even for non-service related conditions. If a Veteran is not service-connected, there may be co-payments for services and prescription costs.

9. How do I get a ride to the VA for an appointment?

Call 612-467-2768.

• Transportation to VA appointments is provided free of charge. Riders are not eligible to collect travel pay since there is no cost incurred.
• Veterans are encouraged to request transportation as soon as they know about their appointment(s) and at least a week prior.
• Riders are always first-come first-serve and based on availability.
• Riders may have to wait before or after appointments to serve other ride requests.
• Family members and caregivers may ride along, space dependent.
• Please let the Transportation Coordinator know if you have any mobility limitations, require a walker, manual wheelchair, oxygen tank, or have other needs.

10. Are there any monetary burial benefits available?

Any Veteran who receives VA monies (i.e. compensation or pension), or who dies in a VA facility or who dies of a service connected disability is eligible for funeral/burial reimbursement.

11. Are my dependents eligible for any VA benefits when I die?

The widow/widower of a recognized war-time Veteran may be eligible for a pension. This pension is based solely on financial need. The widow/widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability is eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, also known as DIC. This compensation is not based on financial need. The widow/widower of a Veteran who was rated at 100 percent, permanent and total, service connected disabled for ten years or more is also eligible for DIC even if the Veterans death was not due to service connected conditions. In this circumstance, there may be an additional allowance for the widow/widower if he/she was married to the Veteran for eight years or more and lived continuously with the Veteran prior to death.

12. Are there any benefits for my dependents besides death benefits?

When a Veteran is rated 30 percent service connected or more, the Veteran is given an additional allowance for dependents. Veterans who are in receipt of pension are also given an allowance for dependents; however, with pension all dependent income is counted/included. When a Veteran is rated at 100 percent permanent and total or a Veteran dies due to a service connected disability, dependents are eligible for education benefits.