You've completed your briefing and have a list of benefits you may qualify for. Here's a step-by-step action plan for filing the claims you qualify for.
You've completed your Vet Debrief briefing and now you have a personalized list of benefits you may qualify for. The next question is: what do you actually do with this information? Here's a practical action plan organized by priority.
First, contact a Veterans Service Organization. Before you file any claims, apply for any programs, or fill out any forms, connect with a free VSO representative. The DAV, VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and your county veteran service officer all provide free claims assistance. They'll review your briefing results, help you prioritize which benefits to pursue first, and guide you through each application process. Having a VSO is the single most impactful thing you can do.
Second, enroll in VA healthcare if you haven't already. This is especially important if you served in a combat zone (you get 10 years of free healthcare) or if you have any service-connected disability rating. VA healthcare enrollment opens the door to medical treatment, prescriptions, mental health services, and the toxic exposure screening that could support future disability claims. Enroll online at VA.gov or call your local VA medical center.
Third, prioritize your disability claims. If your briefing identified conditions that may be service-connected but aren't yet rated, work with your VSO to file those claims. Start with conditions you have the strongest evidence for — service treatment records, current diagnoses, and buddy statements. Don't wait until everything is perfect; file an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) immediately to protect your effective date while you gather evidence.
Fourth, check your state benefits. Many state benefits — like property tax exemptions — require separate applications through your state or county. Your briefing identified which state benefits apply to you; now visit your state's department of veteran affairs website or contact your county veteran service officer to find out how to apply. Some state benefits have filing deadlines, so don't delay.
Fifth, look into education and employment benefits if they apply. If your briefing identified GI Bill eligibility, VR&E eligibility, or veterans' preference for federal hiring, start exploring your options. Education benefits can expire (the Post-9/11 GI Bill must be used within 15 years of your last separation), so understanding your timeline is important.
Finally, share your experience with other veterans. If Vet Debrief helped you discover benefits you didn't know about, chances are the veterans in your life have the same blind spots. Share the tool with your veteran friends, post about it in your veteran communities, and help spread the word. The more veterans who know what they've earned, the more veterans who actually receive it.