Veterans Affairs

Department Functions

To assist veterans and their dependents in filing applications to determine their basic eligibility and conditions of benefits entitlement as administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes research, preparation, development, presentation and prosecution of claims submitted to the VA Regional Office in Columbia, SC, or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C. Though state-mandated, the local VA Office is county-funded. Additional services include benefits counseling, veterans assistance and dependents assistance

• Helps veterans file applications for the review of discharge or the correction of military records
• Coordinates with other local and state agencies to render advice and assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors
• Visits VA hospitals and nursing homes, as well as veterans' homes to explain where to go and who to contact when applying for pension or benefit entitlement
• Assists in filing annuity applications for surviving spouses of military and civil service retirees
• Provides veterans with information about how to obtain a VA home loan
• Has applications for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, which is required to secure a VA Home Loan Guarantee
• Provides veterans and their dependents with information about education benefits
• Schedules hospital appointments and assists in re-ordering prescriptions
• Schedules transportation to VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC., for appointments, as well as compensation and pension (C&P) examination

This Office Does Not

• Assist in the distribution of benefit claims for estranged or separated spouses
• Determine eligibility or entitlement
• Disburse funds
• Provide job placement