Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get my disability compensation claim re-evaluated?
Am I eligible for the GI Bill?
Where do I go to get information about applying for a VA loan to purchase a house?
I am a veteran and have fallen on hard times. Where can I go for help?
Who is eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses?
What is the difference between the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs? Isn't the MD Department part of the Federal VA?
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs is a State government agency, separate from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
How do I get my disability compensation claim re-evaluated?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs processes all requests for re-evaluation of a disability claim. The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs has Service Officers located throughout the state who can assist you with filing a request to have your claim re-evaluated. Call (800) 446-4926 to speak to a Service Officer.
Am I eligible for the GI Bill?
Yes, if you were on active duty and received an honorable discharge. Once you are discharged, you have 10 years to use your Montgomery GI Bill. Go to the GI BIll web site for more information.
I have been out of the military for more than 10 years. How do I get an extension of my GI Bill educational benefits?
Montgomery GI Bill Benefits end 10 years from the date of your last discharge or release from active duty. If your benefits are scheduled to expire mid-term, they are extended to the end of the term or semester. The delimiting date can be extended past the 10-year deadline if you were prevented from attending classes due to:
- A severe disability
- You were held against your will by a foreign government or power
VA can also extend your 10-year period if you reenter active duty for 90 days or more after becoming eligible. The extension ends 10 years from the date of separation from the later period. Periods of active duty of less than 90 days can qualify for extensions only if you were separated for:
- A service- connected disability
- A medical condition existing before active duty
- Hardship
- A reduction in force
For more information, go to the GI Bill web site.
Who is eligible for the 100% service connected disabled veteran benefits provided by the State of Maryland?
If you have been certified by the VA to have a 100% service connected disability and are able to provide documentation, then you are eligible to receive benefits in Maryland as a 100% service-disabled veteran.
When I call the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs' (800-827-1000) number, it is usually busy. Do you have another phone number for the VA?
We do not have another phone number to contact the VA, but we can provide assistance and information so that you may not need to contact the VA. Call (800) 446-4926 to speak to a Maryland Veteran Service Officer.
Where do I go to get information about applying for a VA loan to purchase a house?
The VA home loan program is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information go to the VA Loan Guaranty Services web page.
How do I find out the status of a claim I submitted several months ago and why does it take so long for claims to be resolved?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently requires an average of 163 days to reconcile a claim. If the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs assisted you with filing your claim, or if you are not currently represented by another Veteran Service Organization, we can assist you with obtaining information about its status. Call (800) 446-4926 and speak to a Veteran Service Officer. If you used a representative from another Veteran Service Organization to assist you with filing your claim, contact your representative to obtain more information.
I am a veteran and have fallen on hard times. Where can I go for help?
Maryland has local Social Services Departments in each county. Go to the Maryland Department of Human Resources or call (800) 332-6347 to find your local Social Services office.
Who is eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses?
100 percent service-connected disabled veterans can obtain free hunting and freshwater fishing licenses. For more information, go to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources web site.
I am a disabled veteran and I need a placard or disabled license plates for my vehicle. Where do I go to obtain them?
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues placards and license plates for individuals with disabilities. The MVA will accept a letter from the Veterans Administration stating that you have a total (100%) disability to issue a disability license plate. You can choose a regular disability plate or a disabled veteran plate with the universal symbol. Go to MVA web site for more information.
I live in Maryland but work out of state. When I call the VA's 800 number it transfers me to the facility closest to me in the state, but I need to call Baltimore. Do you have another phone number?
Yes, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs local phone number in Baltimore is (410) 230-4530.