Appointment Checklist

The following checklist will help you gather the information you will need to file complete Compensation, Pension, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and Survivors Pension claims.

Compensation Claims

You must provide the following to file a compensation claim:

  • Original or certified copy of DD Form 214 or equivalent.
  • Copies of all, if any, current relevant private treatment records or Disability Benefits Questionnaires. (http://benefits.va.gov/disabilityexams/).
  • Direct deposit information including account number and bank routing number.

If you are claiming dependents, you must also provide:

  • Copy of birth certificates or final decree(s) of adoption for dependent childre.
  • Social Security numbers of dependents
  • Copy of a marriage certificate

If veteran or spouse was previously married, provide a complete history of previous marriage(s) including the following:

  • Documentation of final dissolution of marriage(s) (If possible)
  • Date and location marriage ended
  • Date and location of each marriage (city and state)
  • How did marriage end (death or divorce)
  • Name of spouse

Pension Claims

 You must provide the following to file a Pension claim:

  • Original or certified copy of DD Form 214 or equivalent with proof of wartime service. Certain VA benefits require wartime service. Under the law, the VA recognizes these periods of war time:
  • World War I: April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918.
  • For Veterans who served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920.
  • Extended through July 1, 1921, for Veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918.
  • World War II: December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946.
  • Korean War: June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955.
  • Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961, for Veterans who served "in country" before August 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975.
  • Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through a date to be set.
  • Direct deposit information including account number and bank routing number.

If veteran is under the age of 65, not in receipt of SSDI, and not in a nursing home, also include copies of recent medical records signed by a physician and showing clinical description of permanent and totally disabled status, diagnosis, and prognosis.

  • A listing of all current income and net-worth information such as Social Security benefits, retirement income, and dividends.

If you are claiming dependents, you must also provide:

  • Copy of marriage certificate.

If veteran or spouse was previously married, a complete history of previous marriage(s) including date and location of each marriage (city and state), name of spouse, method of marriage dissolution (death or divorce), and date and location marriage ended. If possible, include documentation of final dissolution of marriage(s).

  • Copy of birth certificates or final decree(s) of adoption for dependent children.
  • Social Security numbers of dependents.

Aid & Household Benefits

If you are claiming aid and attendance or household benefits, you must also provide:

  • A completed VA Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status of Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance (available on the VA’s website at Examination for Housebound Status (PDF))
  • If veteran is in a nursing home, also provide VA Form 21-0779, Requesting for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (available on the VA’s website at Request for Nursing Home Information (PDF))
  • If claiming medical expenses from a caregiver or assisted living or nursing home, provide a completed Care Expense Statement (available on the Veterans Service Office website.

Once all materials have been gathered, please call 209-966-3696. to make an appointment.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Claims

In order to file a Dependency and Indemnity Compensation claim, you must provide:

  • Original or certified copy of DD Form 214 or equivalent.
  • Copy of Veteran’s Death Certificate. DD Form 1300 or equivalent, if veteran died on active duty.
  • Direct deposit information, account number and bank routing number.
  • Copy of marriage certificate to show dependency.
  • If veteran or spouse was previously married, a complete history of previous marriage(s) including date and location of each marriage (city and state), name of spouse, method of marriage dissolution (death or divorce), and date and location marriage ended.

Household Benefits Requirements

If you are claiming aid and attendance, or housebound benefits, you must also provide:

  • A completed VA Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status of Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance (available on the VA’s website at Examination for Housebound Status (PDF)).
  • Copy of marriage certificate to show dependency.

If veteran or spouse was previously married, provide a complete history of previous marriage(s) including the following:

  • Documentation of final dissolution of marriage(s) (If possible)
  • Date and location marriage ended
  • Date and location of each marriage (city and state)
  • How did marriage end (death or divorce)
  • Name of spouse

If claiming aid and attendance, or housebound benefits, you must also provide the following:

If veteran is in a nursing home, also provide VA Form 21-0779, Requesting for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (available on the VA’s website -- Request for Nursing Home Information (PDF)).

If claiming medical expenses from a care giver, assisted living or nursing home, also provide a completed Care Expense Statement (available on the Veterans Service Office website.)

Once ALL materials have been gathered, please call 209-966-3696 to make an appointment.

College Fee Waivers

The College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veterans' Dependents waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California community college, campus of the University of California, or campus of the California State University system. This program does not cover campus based fees like books, housing and parking. The student must meet the in-state residency requirements as determined by the school.

Every student must provide:

- A completed College Fee Waiver (CFW) Application [DVS40 (Rev 2/14)]

Verification of income:

- A copy of the Student's Income Tax Return filed with IRS (signed 1040, 1040EZ, or Tele File PTIN#) or Franchise Tax Board (FTB) must be submitted with the application. If a copy is not available, a statement from the IRS or FTB must be provided verifying the student's annual gross income (AGI) or verifying there is no record of a return filed. The student's AGI plus the value of support provided by a parent cannot exceed $12,316 per year (Academic Year 2015-2016). 

A new student must also provide:

  • Verification of dependency
  • A copy of the birth certificate

Verification of the relationship for the following:

  • Adopted child: a copy of the adoption order
  • Child under "care, custody and control": a copy of the court order
  • Stepchild: a copy of the parents' marriage certificate

Verification of service-connected disability:

  • A VA letter verifying the veteran either

1) has a service-connected disability,

2) had a service-connected disability at the time of death, or

3) died of a service-related cause.

Once all materials have been gathered, please call 209-966-3696 or fax to 209-966-3293