If you intend to file a claim with the Department of Veteran Affairs (V.A.), you will have to understand each of the steps that you will take. What you are about to read is only an overview. Additional information will be provided as you progress through this section. So, if you do not entirely understand something presented below, don't worry about it now, for we will cover it in greater depth later.

Steps to Filing a Claim With V.A.

STEP 1	You will need to request your OMPF (Official Military Personnel File). This is done by sending Form SF180, Request For Records, to NPRC (National Personnel Records Center), St. Louis, Mo. Your OMPF will include your medical records, the DA Form 20, unit and duty assignments, and orders of personnel actions.
STEP 2	At the same time you solicit NPRC for your OMPF, you will send a request to the U.S. Army & Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC), formerly the U.S. Armed Services Center for Unit Records Research (CURR), Alexandria, Virginia, for research on the stressors responsible for your service-connected problem(s), such as Agent Orange or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Be sure to tell them that you've contacted NPRC for your OMPF.
STEP 3	When you receive your OMPF, copy the DA Form 20 and send JSRRC the Copy only. Be sure to retain the original in a safe place where you can easily find it later.
STEP 4	When you receive the results of JSRRC's research, you will then proceed to your VARO (Veteran Affairs Regional Office) where you will ask to file a claim related to your stressors. You may be eligible for compensation and medical care, so be sure to ask for information on both.

On To Step One
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