Veterans' Guide to Benefits

Other Sources of Assistance

Operation Enduring Freedom - Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans

Every U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) has a Returning Veteran Coordinator to assist those returning from service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Bedford VAMC (781) 687-2000
Boston VAMC* (617) 232-9500
Northampton VAMC (413) 584-4040
*serving Brockton, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury campuses

For more information on the VA’s programs for returning veterans, visit www.oefoif.va.gov.

The Department of Veterans’ Services has produced a publication with information about rights and benefits specifically for OEF/OIF veterans. The publication, entitled “Welcome Home: Your Guide to Veterans’ Benefits and Rights” can be accessed on the DVS website or you can call to request a copy.

Department of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington Street, Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 210-5480
Fax: (617) 210-5755
www.mass.gov/veterans
Email: mdvs@vet.state.ma.us

Canines for Combat Veterans

Canines for Combat Veterans is a project of New England Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) based in Princeton, MA. NEADS provides extensive training for service dogs to assist veterans with physical disabilities so that they can maintain their independence. NEADS dogs are granted public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To be eligible to receive a dog, individuals must spend two weeks attending a training course with their dog and pay a fee. NEADS offers fundraising assistance and flexible payment options. It is NEADS’ policy not to deny any application on the basis of the applicant’s ability to pay.

Contact information

NEADS, Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans
P.O. Box 213
West Boylston, MA 01583
(978) 422-9064 voice or TDD
www.neads.org

Agent Orange and Gulf War Helpline

VA and many other government departments and agencies have conducted research studies on the possible health effects of Agent Orange exposure on U.S. veterans. VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as associated with exposure to Agent Orange. The VA has a toll-free helpline for Vietnam veterans to answer their questions about Agent Orange exposure, healthcare, and benefits. This same toll-free number (800-749-8387) connects callers with a special Persian Gulf War helpline to inform those veterans about medical care and benefits available to them. For more information call the Agent Orange and Gulf War Helpline (800) 749-8387 and visit the website www.va.gov/agentorange.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a wide range of benefits to U.S. veterans and their families. It offers its benefit system through three major units: the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Healthcare System, and the National Cemetery Administration. Among the types of benefits that veterans receive through the VA are education and job training, disability compensation, pension payments, life insurance programs, a loan guarantee program, and hospital and medical care services. In addition to medical centers, the healthcare system includes nursing homes, domiciliary, and Vet Centers offering readjustment counseling.

Contact Information

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office
JFK Federal Building, Room 1525
Boston, MA 02203
(800) 827-1000
www.va.gov

Toll-free numbers for contacting VA

VA Benefits: (800) 827-1000
Life Insurance: (800) 669-8477
Education (GI Bill): (888) 442-4551
Healthcare Benefits: (877) 222-8387
Gulf War/Agent Orange Helpline: (800) 749-8387
Status of Headstones and Markers: (800) 697-6947
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (800) 829-4833

For health care services, contact your nearest VA medical facility

Bedford VA Medical Center: (781) 687-2000
Brockton VA Medical Center: (508) 583-4500
Jamaica Plain (Boston) VA Medical Center: (617) 232-9500
Northampton VA Medical Center: (413) 584-4040
West Roxbury (Boston) VA Medical Center: (617) 323-7700

State park parking fee waiver

There is no charge for parking a vehicle with disabled veteran license plates at any state park. For more information contact:

Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02114-2104
(617) 626-1250
www.mass.gov/dcr
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us

Hanscom AFB Commissary

Active duty military personnel and retirees, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and their families can shop at the Hanscom AFB Commissary to buy quality grocery products at cost.

Store services:

• ATM
• Bakery (including party cakes and photo cakes)
• Deli (including sandwiches to go)
• Hot Foods Department
• Plants

Contact information

Hanscom AFB Commissary
1709 Building A - Griffiss Street
Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-6290
(781) 377-4210
www.commissaries.com

Legal Assistance by Counties

If you need help with legal matters, contact one of the legal services below, which may offer sliding fee and pro bono services.