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>What is a DD 214?

The DD Form 214 (or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is one of the most important documents that a Veteran will receive immediately after separating from service.

  • With a DD 214, you can verify:
    • Dates of service
    • Rank
    • Military education
    • Decorations and awards
    • Type of discharge (honorable, other-than-honorable, etc.)

> I can't find my DD 214 or my service medical records. Can I still file a claim?

Life happens. People move around and sometimes important documents can get lost in the shuffle. If you don't have your military personnel or medical records, we can assist you with ordering your records from the National Archives or the appropriate facility.

You can also order them yourself by visiting the National Personnel Records Center

> What are Service Medical Records?

Service Medical Records (SMR) document all of the outpatient, dental, and mental health treatment that former service members received while in military service. SMR's do not include inpatient hospital records.

> Where can I get a copy of my award letter?

Please call the VA Hotline at (800) 827-1000 and request your most recent award letter. They will mail a copy to your home address. Our office does not process award letters. You can also visit eBenefits and print a copy from your account.

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> Am I eligible for a free hunting and fishing license?

  • If you are receiving 10% or greater service connected compensation, you are not required to have a hunting and fishing license in the state of Illinois. For more information and to apply, please contact the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs IDVA.

> How do I get "Veteran" on my Illinois driver's license?

  • Recent changes in the law have made it much easier to obtain the "Veteran" designation on your driver's license. To receive the "Veteran" designation, you will have to provide a copy of your DD 214 to the DMV.

> Does the VAC accept charitable donations?

  • The VAC maintains a Not-For-Profit fund which can be used to provide assistance to Veterans. Please contact us directly if you wish to make a donation.

> I have furniture, clothes, and food that I would like to donate to Veterans in need. Do you take those items?

  • While we don't accept donations of physical goods, we work closely with the Midwest Veterans Closet, located in North Chicago, IL. Please consider donating your items directly to them so that they may be distributed to Veterans in need.

> How do I take advantage of the Illinois property tax exemption for disabled Veterans?

  • Veterans who qualify for the property tax exemption can visit the Lake County Assessor's office website and file for the exemption online. Please visit the Lake County Assessor's website and complete the Smartfile E-Filing procedure.
  • For step-by-step instructions, please download the Smartfile guide here.
  • If you have any further questions, please contact the Assessor's office at: (847) 377-2050.
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> I served years ago and have never filed a claim. Is it too late for me?

It's never too late to file a claim. We have secured benefits for Veterans from all eras, as early as WWII. The best time to get started is today.

> How long does it take to file a claim?

  • Generally, when we submit a fully developed claim to the Regional Office, you can expect to wait roughly 4 to 8 months for the VA to make a decision on your claim.
  • Be aware that the COVID 19 pandemic is causing delays at the VA, so processing and adjudication of claims may take longer than 4 to 8 months.

> My claim was denied. What should I do next?

  • If your VA claim was denied, please contact us to schedule an appointment. One of our VSO's will review the decision and help you formulate a plan to appeal the denied claim.

> How can I check on the status of my claim?

  • Please contact the VA Hotline at (800) 827-1000 and request a claim status update.

> Do you offer financial assistance at the VAC?

  • Yes, we stand ready to assist eligible Veterans during hard times. Please visit our financial assistance page for more information.

> Do you charge for assistance? Does this cost any money?

  • All of the services and assistance offered by the VAC are Pro Bono, or free of charge.

> I've been scheduled for a Compensation and Pension exam. Do I need to go?

  • Yes, C&P exams are mandatory and are crucial to the outcome of yoru claim. If you fail to appear for a C&P exam, oftentimes, your compensation claim will end up being denied.

> How do I get enrolled for VA health care?

  • To get enrolled for VA health care at the James A. Lovell Federal Healtch Care Center, you can either apply online or you can visit the Eligibility Office, located on the 1st Floor of Buillding 133CA.

You'll need to bring the following items with you:

  • A copy of both sides of your current insurance card
  • A Member 4 copy of your DD 214

You can also call the Eligibility Office at: (224) 610-3747.