Veterans needing help filing a claim can get help in person at a clinic hosted by the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs on November 18.

The Veterans Claims Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Owensboro National Guard Armory, located at 3300 Tamarack Drive.

Organizers said the clinic is an opportunity for veterans and their families to file claims for disability compensation, non-service-connected pensions, survivor benefits, health care and education.

“Awareness events give us an opportunity to help more veterans and their families,” said Bryan Ward, veterans field benefits representative for the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. “A lot of veterans aren’t aware of the resources and benefits available to them, so the events are really trying to reach them.” »

Ward said it was ideal for the veteran to be present – ​​rather than a family member showing up on the veteran’s behalf – because of the sensitive nature of filing a claim and the need for a signature.

“However, we are dealing with a lot of family members and we may be able to get the ball rolling for the veteran,” he said. “Then we can always follow up with the veteran by phone. We also file claims for family members, such as widows of deceased veterans, or verify their eligibility for benefits.

Those who need to file a claim must bring a DD214, medical records, marriage license if applicable, and social security numbers. Ward said there will be several VA officials on site, so filing a claim shouldn’t take long.

“If they have all their documents, they usually move pretty quickly,” he said. “Oftentimes, we can review the application, add the veteran to our system and have it ready in 30 minutes. If we need additional items or documents, we will have already put together their file so that the rest can be handled over the phone.

For anyone who cannot make it to the clinic but has questions, contact Ward at (email protected) or 270-705-3331.