VA provides transition assistance to service members

  • Published
  • By Steve Tucker
  • Veterans Affairs Office
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Congratulations!  You are ready to depart the military and begin the rest of life's adventures!  While many of you may have established plans that will aid in your transition, some of you will be influx as you job search or decide to possibly attend school. However, one thing that all of you have in common is the opportunity to take advantage of the Pre-Discharge program to apply for Veterans Compensation Benefits.

If you are within 180-days of discharge or retirement, this is the time to gather the documents needed to process a Pre-Discharge claim in Korea.  Filing a claim in Korea will help to expedite the processing of any disability claim.  The steps to getting a claim submitted are simple:

1. Attend the Transition Assistance Briefing to learn about your rights and benefits.

2. Obtain a complete copy of your Service Treatment Records to include any behavioral health records you may have.  It is recommended that you make an additional copy of these documents for your own records, as you will be submitting your STRs with your claim.  Not having a complete copy of your STRs will force your claim out of the Pre-discharge program and require it to be worked at a Regional Office as a standard claim.

3. Once you have a complete copy of your Service Treatment Records, submit them to the Veterans Affairs Benefits Delivery at Discharge Office at Yongsan Garrison, along with a completed VA Form 21-526EZ.  If you have dependents, you will also want to complete VA Form 21-686c and attach copies of your marriage certificate, any divorce decrees for you or your spouse, and copies of birth certificates for any of your children 23 years old or younger who reside with you.  If any children are over 18 years old and are attending school, complete VA Form 674 and include proof of attendance at their school.  If your claim is rated at 30 percent or higher, you will be entitled to additional funds for your dependents.

The best time to get started is as soon as you are approved for separation or retirement! Providing complete copies of your STRs, completely and accurately filling out the required forms, and attaching any supporting documents will help to expedite the processing of your claim under either the Benefit Delivery at Discharge program or the Quick Start program, depending upon your discharge date. 

For additional information on these programs, contact the VA office at 738-5121, Monday through Friday (0800-1130 or 1230-1630).  Congratulations on your completion of service to the nation and best of luck as you enter the world as a Veteran!