by Anne Stokes
The VA provides benefits that help millions of veterans and their families, but navigating the federal bureaucracy can be daunting. At the San Diego Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, experienced veterans service representatives know how the system works and what it takes to get veterans and their families the benefits they’ve earned.
Many veterans just don’t know about the help that’s available to them. VSRs can determine what you’re eligible for, what documentation you need and how to get that documentation to the right place.
And it’s not just veterans: Dependents can be eligible for educational benefits, such as the Cal-Vet tuition fee waiver and Chapter 35 assistance. Surviving spouses may be eligible for Dependent and Indemnity Compensation.
VSRs can also make referrals to other service providers and connect veterans and their families with county services, housing, job training and more.
Where to find help
County of San Diego Office of Military & Veterans Affairs
5055 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 1-866-726-8831
Fax: 858-573-7381
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/ais/veterans_services/
Military Veterans Resource Centers offer a one-stop-shop where veterans can get help with VA benefits and connect with other community resources.
North Inland Military & Veterans Resource Center
North Inland Military &
Veterans Resource Center
649 W. Mission Ave.
Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 1-866-726-8831
Fax: 760-740-5571
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
South Region Military & Veterans Resource Center
401 Mile of Cars Way, Ste 300
National City, CA 91950
Phone: 1-866-726-8831
Fax: 619-731-3357
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Coastal Military & Veterans Affairs Resource Center
3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd.
Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone: 1-866-726-8831
Fax: 760-754-0740
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At San Diego County libraries, veterans can connect with VSRs for help with paperwork and filing claims. Certain locations offer VET-CONNECT video conferencing and monthly in-person assistance.
Alpine Branch
1752 Alpine Blvd., Alpine
VET-CONNECT appointments: Thursdays, 858-694-3222
Bonita-Sunnyside Library
4375 Bonita Road, Bonita
VET-CONNECT appointments, 619-475-4642
Borrego Springs Branch
2580 Country Club Road, Borrego Springs
VSR walk-in appointments: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
VET-CONNECT appointments, 858-694-3222
Imperial Beach Branch
810 Imperial Beach Blvd., Imperial Beach
VET-CONNECT appointments, 619-424-6981
Julian Branch
1850 Highway 78, Julian
VET-CONNECT appointments: Thursdays. 858-694-3222
Lakeside Library
12428 Woodside Ave., Lakeside
VET-CONNECT appointments, 619-443-1811
Poway Branch
13137 Poway Road, Poway
VET-CONNECT appointments: Wednesdays, 858-694-3222
Valley Center Branch
29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center
VET-CONNECT appointments, 760-749-1305
Forms and documentation to have:
Having the right documentation can help get your claim process started quickly. However, even if you don’t have complete records, VSRs can help you obtain them. When working with a VSR, it’s helpful to have:
DD 214
Marriage certificate
Birth certificates
Available medical records
Military records
Bank information (some programs may require direct deposit)
