For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
See also: In The Military
VA accepts certified
copies of vet recordsQuestion: I read that I must provide a copy of my discharge certificate to the Department of Veterans Affairs when filing a disability claim. I only have my original. Will the VA accept a photocopy?
A: Yes. However, an attorney or representative of a veterans service organization who has completed a VA course on military records must certify the copies.
Certified representatives from the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Ex-Prisoners of War and the State Office of Veterans Services are on the first floor of the VA's E-Wing, located on the Diamond Head end of Tripler Army Medical Center. You do not have to belong to the organization to utilize their help.
These certified representatives can assist you, not only by certifying your documents, but helping you to file your claim and act on your behalf through the entire process. There is no charge for their services.
For assistance call the VA at 433-1000, State Office of Veterans Services at 433-0420, DAV Service Officer at 433-0490, VFW Service Officer at 433-0494, American Ex-Prisoners of War at 433-0428 or the American Legion Service Officer at 433-0496.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran,
call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049
or visit the VA Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii
or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin,
can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.
