Isabella Carter
Vietnam veterans may be eligible for a variety of benefits, including disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. However, the process of applying for these benefits can be challenging and time-consuming. To prove Vietnam service for a claim, individuals may need to provide a variety of documentation, including military records, STRs, buddy letters, photos, letters sent home, TDY orders, travel vouchers, pay records, and unit history. In some cases, individuals may need to submit additional evidence to support their claims, especially if they are filing for an illness that is not on the list of presumptive diseases associated with military exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Military records | Service in Vietnam |
| STRs | Service in Vietnam |
| Buddy letter | |
| Photos | |
| Letters sent home | |
| TDY orders | |
| Travel vouchers | |
| Pay records from DFAS | |
| Unit history | |
| Marriage certificate | |
| Medical report |
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What You'll Learn
- A 'Buddy Letter' from a fellow veteran can be used as proof
- Photos, letters home, TDY orders, and travel vouchers can be used to verify 'boots on the ground'
- Pay records from DFAS can be used to prove service in Vietnam
- Veterans can apply for VA disability compensation for presumptive health conditions
- Veterans Service Officers (VSO) can help veterans file claims and appeals
A 'Buddy Letter' from a fellow veteran can be used as proof
A Buddy Letter from a fellow veteran can be used as proof of Vietnam service for a claim. A Buddy Letter is a statement from a fellow veteran who has personal knowledge of the claimant's service-connected injury, illness, or event that caused it. This can include details of the veteran's physical or mental condition and how it impacts their day-to-day life.
The letter should include the name of the person making the statement and how they know the veteran. It should also include specific details about the service-connected injury, illness, or event, including dates and locations if possible. It is important to only include information that is known to be true and to sign and date the letter. The person making the statement should also include a certification that they are telling the truth to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Buddy Letters can be particularly helpful when key evidence, such as medical records, is missing. They can also be used to support existing medical records or to bridge the gap between sparse or non-existent records and the reality of a veteran's service-related condition. For example, in cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it can be helpful to have statements from family members or fellow service members confirming the changes in a veteran's behaviour or symptoms.
There are a few ways to submit a Buddy Letter. One way is to use VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, which includes sections for the veteran's identification information, the statement itself, and a declaration of intent where the person making the statement will sign and date the form. Another way is to obtain an affidavit with a notary, which is another way to swear that the testimonies in the Buddy Letter are true.
It is important to note that the person making the statement must be deemed competent, meaning they have sufficient personal knowledge of the subject about which they are testifying. This could be someone who knows how the veteran's conditions affect them daily or someone who witnessed a specific incident the veteran experienced during their service.
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Photos, letters home, TDY orders, and travel vouchers can be used to verify 'boots on the ground'
When it comes to proving service in Vietnam, especially for veterans who might not have official documentation, there are several alternative forms of evidence that can be used to verify "boots on the ground". Photos, letters home, TDY orders, and travel vouchers can all serve as valuable proof.
Photographic evidence can provide a visual record of an individual's presence in Vietnam. While not all photos may have location details, they can often be corroborated with other evidence or used to support claims of specific incidents or locations. Letters written home to family and friends can also be crucial in establishing service in Vietnam. These letters may contain details of the writer's experiences, locations, and dates, providing a firsthand account of their time in Vietnam.
TDY (Temporary Duty) orders and travel vouchers are official military documents that can indicate a service member's temporary assignment or travel to Vietnam. These documents can be especially important for aircrew members who may not have had other forms of documentation when travelling to Vietnam. TDY orders outline the specifics of a temporary duty assignment, including the location and duration, while travel vouchers provide financial evidence of travel to and from Vietnam.
Together, these forms of evidence can help verify an individual's service in Vietnam, even in the absence of traditional military records. They offer a glimpse into the personal experiences and official movements of service members during their time in Vietnam. It is important to note that while these documents can provide valuable proof, they may not always be sufficient on their own. Other forms of evidence, such as buddy letters, unit histories, and military reports, can also be crucial in supporting claims and providing a comprehensive picture of an individual's service in Vietnam.
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Pay records from DFAS can be used to prove service in Vietnam
When it comes to proving service in Vietnam, one crucial source of evidence is pay records from the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS). DFAS maintains comprehensive financial records for military personnel, including those who served in Vietnam.
Pay records from DFAS can provide valuable insights into an individual's service history and locations. These records typically include details such as duty stations, deployment information, and any special payments or allowances received during their service. By examining these records, individuals can verify their presence in Vietnam and support their claims of service during the Vietnam War.
To obtain pay records from DFAS, individuals can contact the DFAS office in Indianapolis, specifically the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS-Indianapolis), located at 8899 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46249-0150. Additionally, the DFAS website (http://www.dfas.mil/) offers a convenient resource for accessing information and services.
It is worth noting that pay records may not always be sufficient as standalone proof of service in Vietnam. In some cases, additional evidence may be required to corroborate an individual's claims. This could include awards and decorations received during service, unit rosters, photographs, or even letters sent home mentioning their service in Vietnam.
However, combining pay records from DFAS with other forms of evidence can significantly strengthen a claim of service in Vietnam. By cross-referencing these records with other sources, individuals can piece together a comprehensive picture of their service history, filling in any gaps that may exist in official documentation. Therefore, when pursuing proof of Vietnam service, it is advisable to explore multiple avenues of evidence, including pay records from DFAS, to build a robust and compelling case.
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Veterans can apply for VA disability compensation for presumptive health conditions
Veterans can apply for VA disability compensation if they have a service-connected condition, i.e., an illness or injury caused or worsened by active military service. This includes presumptive conditions, where the VA automatically assumes that the veteran's service caused their condition.
There are several types of presumptive conditions. The first is a chronic illness that appears within a year of discharge. This includes long-lasting illnesses caused by exposure to contaminants or other hazardous materials, as well as mental or physical health conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST). Another type of presumptive condition is an illness resulting from being a prisoner of war (POW).
Veterans can apply for VA disability compensation online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional, such as an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative. To support their claim, veterans can submit various forms of proof of their service in Vietnam, such as military records, buddy letters, photos, letters sent home, TDY orders, travel vouchers, and historical pay records.
It is important to note that combat or hostile fire pay does not prove "boots on the ground" in Vietnam. However, proof of receipt can support buddy evidence, and unit history information can help strengthen the claim. Additionally, veterans can request the JSRRC to research and verify specific incidents during their service in Vietnam.
Veterans can also access their personal health records and download reports to share with their VA and non-VA doctors, as well as check their VA disability and pension payment status and survivor benefits. They can find out their compensation rate based on their disability rating and dependents.
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Veterans Service Officers (VSO) can help veterans file claims and appeals
Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are accredited representatives who can help veterans file claims and appeals. They are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide responsible and qualified representation on VA benefit claims. VSOs are typically recommended for accreditation by a VSO that is recognized by the VA. This means that the VSO has certified to the VA that the representative possesses good character and is fit to represent veterans and their families.
VSOs provide their services on benefit claims free of charge, which is particularly beneficial for veterans who may not be able to afford the fees charged by accredited attorneys or claims agents. It is important to note that veterans are not automatically assigned an accredited representative, but they may have appointed one in the past. If a veteran appoints a new accredited VSO representative, they will replace the current one.
To find a VSO, veterans can use the online directory provided by the VA, which allows searches by state/territory, zip code, or VSO name. It is recommended that veterans speak to the VSO before submitting an online request for representation. Veterans can appoint a VSO by completing the VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative. This form can be filled out online or as a PDF, and mailed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center.
In addition to assisting with VA claims, many VSOs also offer a range of Veteran-centric programs such as transportation to and from VA medical center appointments, funds and volunteers for disaster relief, and grants. They also advocate on behalf of veterans by lobbying Congress and supporting requests for resources needed by the VA to better serve veterans and their families. Overall, VSOs play a crucial role in ensuring that veterans have access to the benefits and support they need.
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Frequently asked questions
Proof of service in Vietnam for a claim can include a variety of documents such as military records, STRs, buddy letters, photos, letters sent home, TDY orders, travel vouchers, and pay records.
In the absence of official documentation, you can submit other forms of evidence, such as photos, letters with return addresses, or buddy letters, which can help support your claim.
Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide variety of benefits, including disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation, employment, and burial. Additionally, VA presumes that some disabilities diagnosed in Vietnam Veterans were caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service.
