Veterans Services
Veterans are not a burden - they are our responsibility
Volusia County Veterans Services Division assists all former and present members of the Armed Forces and their dependents in preparing claims for compensation, pension, vocational training and other benefits and privileges to which they are entitled under federal and state laws and county regulations.
Through the efforts of the staff, more than $176 million is distributed to veterans and their dependents each year.
We encourage you to call our office to make an appointment to discuss your concerns with a Service Counselor.
In addition, you may also call the US Department of Veterans Affairs toll-free at 800-827-1000.
NEWS:
Counselors expand outreach with new software
Office Hours and Locations
***ALL VETERANS SERVICES OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FROM MONDAY OCTOBER 7, 2019 THROUGH THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2019 FOR COUNSELOR TRAINING*** NORMAL OPERATIONS RESUME FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2019
DeLand:
123 W. Indiana Ave., Room 100, DeLand
Walk-ins are welcome from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are available (not required) on Tuesday. Call 386-740-5102 to schedule an appointment.
Orange City:
775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Suite 104, Orange City
Walk-ins are welcome from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday. Appointments are REQUIRED on Tuesday and Wednesday. Call 386-775-5205 to schedule an appointment.
New Smyrna Beach:
717 W Canal St., New Smyrna Beach
Walk-ins are welcome from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are available (not required) on Tuesday and Wednesday. Call 386-423-3324 to schedule an appointment.
Daytona Beach:
1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach
Walk-ins are welcome from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are available (not required) on Wednesday and Thursday. Call 386-254-4646 to schedule an appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I just want a veterans ID card; how can I get one?
We do not issue veteran ID cards, the VA does through their website here
What should I expect/bring to my appointment?
All Volusia County Veterans Service Counselors are certified and accredited by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, and are all veterans themselves.
Expect to spend about an hour with one of our counselors in a private office setting. You will be interviewed to determine what benefits you may be eligible for. If it is possible to take care of your needs by filing a claim or submitting forms that day we will do so. If further development is needed, you will be given “homework” and asked to come back.
Please bring the veteran’s DD214 (Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty). If you do not have a DD214, we can assist you in obtaining one.
If you have questions, it may be helpful for you to write them down and bring them to your appointment.
Am I eligible for any benefits?
You might be surprised! We encounter many veterans and surviving spouses of veterans who had no idea that they are eligible for monthly compensation from the VA. Whether you were on active duty, the National Guard or Reserves the best way to find out is to come in to one of our offices as a walk in, or make an appointment with one of our Service Counselors (see Office Hours and Locations).
You can also find general information on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website:
here for disability,
here for National Guard/Reserves,
and here for health-care.
How do I check the status of my claim?
Call the US Department of Veterans Affairs at 800-827-1000
-or-
Come in to one of our offices as a walk in, or make an appointment with one of our Service Counselors (see Office Hours and Locations).
Can I call and talk to my Service Counselor? I just have a quick question….
Due to the personal and confidential nature of VA claims it is rare that any information can be given over the phone as all the information provided to the Veterans Services Division is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, 4 USC 552a, 38 USC 7332, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), implemented by 45 Code of Federal of Regulations Parts 160 and 164. Additionally, claimants’ files are exempt from disclosure under Federal Law and are kept confidential and discussed only with the claimant or designated representative, as indicated in the claimant’s file. There must be a current valid 21-0845 (Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party) on file with Volusia County Veterans Services prior to discussing a veteran’s information with any outside party.
During business hours our Service Counselors are seeing clients and priority will be given to clients that are in our offices over returning phone calls. Our Staff Assistants are able to forward phone messages to Service Counselors, but the preferred way to speak to a specific Service Counselor is to go in to their office as a walk in, or make an appointment with them (see Office Hours and Locations).
How can I get a copy of my DD214?
You can obtain one through the National Personnel Records Center here
-or-
you can come in to one of our offices as a walk in, or make an appointment with one of our Service Counselors (see Office Hours and Locations) and we will assist you in obtaining one.
I got mail from the VA that I don’t understand, can you help me?
Absolutely! Please bring your mail in to one of our offices as a walk in, or make an appointment with one of our Service Counselors (see Office Hours and Locations).
Where can I drop off paperwork for my Service Counselor?
Clients attempting to leave documents will be politely asked to meet with a Counselor to ensure proper and timely processing.
Documents are not to be accepted by Staff Assistants on behalf of Counselors unless the Counselor has alerted the Staff Assistant to accept material from a named individual.
The Veterans Services Division can assist you with the following issues:
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Director
Robert Watson
West Volusia
386-740-5102
Daytona Beach
386-254-4646
Mission: To inform veterans and their dependents of benefits to which they are entitled, and to assist them in obtaining those benefits by filing claims and supporting documents that will justify their claims.
