How to apply for Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Claims Assistance (Free VA Claims Help)

Who it's for

Tennessee Department of Veterans Services officers help veterans and their families file claims for federal VA benefits — disability compensation, pension, Aid and Attendance, and survivor benefits — at no cost. TDVS operates State Veterans Services Offices across the state, from Memphis and Jackson to Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Mountain Home, and also trains County Service Officers who file claims in counties statewide. Getting the VA rating right matters twice in Tennessee: the rating drives federal compensation AND state benefits like the disabled veteran property tax relief. 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 Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Claims Assistance (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 the nearest State Veterans Services Office to make an appointment — call TDVS at 615-741-2345 or apply online. Claims assistance is completely free; you do not need to pay a private company.
3. Meet with a TDVS Veterans Service Officer or a TDVS-trained County Service Officer. They will review your documents and help identify the benefits you may qualify for, such as disability compensation, pension, Aid and Attendance, or survivor benefits.
4. Work with your officer to complete and file your VA claim or appeal. They will guide you through every step of the paperwork at no charge.
5. Submit your claim through your officer and keep copies of everything submitted for your records.

What to expect: After your claim is submitted, the VA will review it and may request additional information or medical exams — processing times vary, so ask your TDVS officer for an estimate based on your claim type. Once a VA rating decision is issued, your officer can help you understand the result and file an appeal if needed. In Tennessee, your VA disability rating matters for both federal compensation and state benefits such as disabled veteran property tax relief, so getting the rating right is important. There is no set renewal deadline for claims assistance — you can return to a State Veterans Services Office or County Service Officer any time your situation changes or you need to file a new or updated claim.