Claims Assistance
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits including education, compensation, pension, housing, and health care. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) maintains a claims assistance office at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office in New Orleans as well as parish service offices (PSO) in all 64 parishes in the state. LDVA staff advise and assist Louisiana veterans and their dependents in filing and pursuing claims with the federal VA. Services are free and may be obtained by visiting any PSO.
- To assist in submitting a claim for VA benefits, PSOs will help to identify what evidence is needed to have the best possible chance of having a claim approved.
- LDVA will monitor the claim as it progresses through the development process and intercede if problems with a claim should arise. LDVA staff will explain and clarify VA procedures that apply to the claim.
- If a claim is denied by the VA and the veteran disagrees with the VA’s decision, LDVA’s PSOs and Claims Office will help through the appeal process. For example, LDVA can assist in preparing a proper notice of disagreement, representing the veteran at a personal hearing, etc. LDVA has expertise and experience in helping veterans and family members in obtaining a variety of federal VA benefits and services including:
Disability Compensation
A payment to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred, or aggravated as a result of military service.
Pension
Financial support for veterans with limited income when they have 90 days or more of active-duty military service, one day of which was during a wartime period. To qualify, a veteran must be permanently and totally disabled for reasons traceable neither to military service nor to willful misconduct or must be over 65 years of age. The veteran must have been discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment assistance, training, and education are available for veterans who were released from service under conditions other than dishonorable and have service connected disabilities.
Health Care Benefits
Medical treatment and hospital care for veterans with service connected disabilities and others who meet VA eligibility criteria.
Education Benefits
Montgomery GI Bill benefits for former active–duty service persons and eligible members of the Reserve Components.
Burial Benefits
Including burial in state or federal veterans’ cemeteries. Headstones and markers may be provided for burials in private cemeteries. Please see the “Cemetery” section for more information.
VA Guaranteed Home Loans
May be used by veterans and unmarried surviving spouses of those who died of a service-connected disease or disability, to purchase or refinance a home.
Federal VA Compensation and Pension
www.vba.va.gov
1-800-827-1000
The Veterans Benefits Administration provides information on compensation and pension as well as education, vocational rehabilitation, home loans, survivor benefits, and life insurance. Benefit information for returning veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, benefit fact sheets, and a federal benefits booklet for veterans and dependents is available.
VA Medical Centers
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VA Medical Center, Alexandria
2495 Shreveport Highway
Pineville, LA 71306
(318) 473-0010
1-800-375-8387
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Southeast LA Veterans
Health Care System
1601 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
1-800-935-8387
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VA Medical Center, Shreveport
510 E. Stoner Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 221-8411
1-800-863-7441
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VA Hospital, Jackson, MS.
1500 East Woodrow Wilson Ave.
Jackson, MS. 39216
PH# 601-362-4471
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VA Outpatient Clinics
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Baton Rouge
7968 Essen Park Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 761-3400
Jennings
1907 Johnson St.
Jennings, LA 70546
(337)824-1000
Leesville
3353 University Parkway
Leesville, LA 71446
(337) 392-3801
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Franklin
603 Halfleigh Street
Franklin, LA 70538
(337) 828-9092
Bogalusa
319 Memphis Street
Bogalusa, LA 70427
(985) 735-9029
Lafayette
2100 Jefferson St, Suite 102A
Lafayette, LA 70501
337-261-0734
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Hammond
1131 South Morrison Ave
Hammond, LA 70403
985-902-5100
Monroe
250 DeSiard Plaza Dr
Monroe, LA 71203
800-832-3525; 318-343-6100
Houma
1750 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Suite 107
Houma, LA 70360
985-851-0188
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Reserve
4004 West Airline Hwy
Reserve, LA 70084
985-479-6770
Slidell
60491 Doss Drive
Slidell, LA 70460
985-690-2626
Natchitoches
Natchitoches Community Based Outpatient Clinic
740 Keyser Avenue
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 357-3300
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Vet Centers
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Baton Rouge Vet Center
5207 Essen Park
Suite 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 761-3440
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Kenner Vet Center
2200 Veterans Blvd.
Suite 114
Kenner, LA 70062
(504) 565-4977
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Shreveport Vet Center
2800 Youree Drive
Building 1, Suite, 105
Shreveport, LA 71104
(318) 861-1776
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Rapides Parish Vet Center
5803 Coliseum Blvd.
Suite D
Alexandria, LA 70303
(318) 466-4327
1-877-927-8387
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for most Louisiana state veterans’ benefits, programs, or services, a veteran must first establish general eligibility for Louisiana state veterans’ benefits. Eligibility criteria for Louisiana state veterans’ benefits, programs, and services, including exceptions to minimum military service requirements, is set in state law (LA Revised Statues, Chapter 29).
General eligibility consists of two broad requirements:
- Military Service (character; type; duration)
- Louisiana State Residency
Specific programs/benefits may have additional requirements. Veterans with other than honorable discharges may be eligible for LDVA benefits if they qualify for certain federal benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Spouses and dependents of deceased veterans who met the LDVA eligibility requirements also may be eligible for certain programs and services.
For additional information, please call 1-877-GEAUXVA or visit your local parish veterans service officer. For a list of parish service offices across the state, please visit our Contact Page.