How to apply for Arizona Veteran Benefits Counselors (Free VA Claims Help)

Who it's for

Arizona's Veteran Benefits Counselors give free help to veterans, their dependents, and survivors with federal and state benefits — preparing and filing VA disability compensation and pension claims, appealing VA decisions, representing claimants at VA hearings, filing survivor benefits, requesting military records, and certifying DD-214 discharge paperwork. All counselors are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Getting the VA rating right matters twice in Arizona: the rating drives federal compensation AND the state property tax exemption, which is prorated by the disability percentage. Counselors work in person, by phone, or virtually across Arizona, including at the State Veteran Homes in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma. No one needs to pay a private company to file a VA claim.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork
• Any existing VA correspondence or award letters
• Medical records related to the claim

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Arizona Veteran Benefits Counselors (Free VA Claims Help). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork, any existing va correspondence or award letters, medical records related to the claim — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork, any existing VA correspondence or award letters, and medical records related to your claim.
2. Contact an Arizona Veteran Benefits Counselor by calling 1-602-255-3373 or applying online through the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services.
3. Meet with your counselor in person, by phone, or virtually — whichever works best for you. Counselors are available at locations across Arizona, including the State Veteran Homes in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.
4. Work with your counselor to prepare and file your VA disability compensation, pension, or survivor benefits claim. Counselors can also help you appeal a VA decision, request military records, or certify DD-214 paperwork.
5. Attend any VA hearings with your counselor representing you, if needed, until a final decision is reached on your claim.

What to expect: After you connect with a counselor, they will guide you through every step of the claims process at no charge. Processing times for VA claims vary, so ask your counselor for an estimate based on your situation. Keep in mind that your VA disability rating matters in two ways in Arizona: it determines your federal compensation and also affects the state property tax exemption, which is prorated by disability percentage. There is no set renewal date for this counseling service — you can return to an Arizona Veteran Benefits Counselor any time you have a new claim, an appeal, or a change in your situation.