Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation and how do they assist veterans?
The Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that assists veterans and their families in obtaining VA claim benefits.
Their mission is to ensure veterans receive the support they have earned for their service.
How do I get started with a New Claim, an Increase, or an Appeal?
Click Start Claim, or visit the Foundation to get started.
What if Dale K. Graham has already assisted me with a claim and I already have an account?
If you have received assistance from the Foundation and you want to move forward with a New Claim, an increase, or an Appeal, simply contact us to schedule an appointment.
We'll schedule you for the next available time slot.
What documents will I need?
When filling out the Intake form, you will need a copy of your DD214, NGB-22, or VA Decision Letter.
If you do not have these, you can still complete the Intake Form, but you will need to upload these documents as soon as possible so that we can call you to schedule an appointment.
Relevant medical documents and Service Treatment Records (STR) may also be needed.
Where can I obtain my service records?
Your DD 214/ Separation Documents, Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), Medical and Health Records, and Service Treatment Records (STR’s) can be retrieved by reaching out to The National Archives or by calling 1-866-272-6272.
What happens after I complete the Intake form?
Once you submit the Intake Form, please give the foundation about two weeks to review your information and setup your account.
After your account is setup, a representative will call to schedule your Assessment Appointment.
What is an Assessment appointment?
The Assessment Appointment is a scheduled meeting between the veteran and the claim writer.
During this visit the veteran’s claim options and instructions will be discussed.
Does the Foundation offer remote appointments?
Remote appointments are being restructured at this time and will be available soon.
You may book an in-person appointment and check back with the foundation for remote openings.
What happens after the Assessment Appointment?
After the Assessment Appointment the veteran will collect all their evidence (DBQ's, Medical Records, Buddy Letters etc...) and/or see a doctor to get current evidence, if needed. Next, the evidence will need to be uploaded to the foundation via the Secured Document Collection Email that we send to you. Our representatives will review the evidence and message you with the next steps. You can also bring the evidence to the foundation for us to upload, or you can upload it through your Secured Client Portal. If you use the Secured Client Portal, please reach out and let us know as it does not alert us that you have uploaded everything.
After I upload my evidence, what happens next?
When all your evidence has been uploaded to the foundation, please give the claim writer time to review and write the claim. This process can take up to 60 days due to the large number of veterans we serve. We always strive to ensure the claims are written to maximize approval chances.
Once the claim has been sent to the VA, what can I expect?
After we submit the claim to the VA, the veteran should expect a decision to take 3 to 4 months or more. Please create a VA.gov or eBenefits.va.gov account to review your status with the VA. We cannot tell you the status of your claim once we submit it to the VA.
Why am I being contacted by a VA Contractor for a C&P Exam and what should I do?
After we file your disability benefits claim, the VA “may” ask you to complete an additional claim exam (also known as a Compensation and Pension, or C&P, Exam). This exam helps the VA determine if you have a service-connected disability and rates your disability if you have one. Please make sure you attend this appointment. Missing it can delay or even cause a denial of your benefits.
VA Contractor Companies List:
Veterans Evaluation Services (VES), call 877-637-8387
OptumServe Health Services (OSHS), call 866-933-8387
Leidos QTC Health Services (QTC), call 800-682-9701
Loyal Source Government Services (LSGS), call 833-832-7077
What steps should I take after receiving my Decision Letter?
When you receive your Decision Letter, it is totally up to you if you would like to move forward with the next steps. If you have been Awarded your benefits, and you would like to pursue a new condition, simply complete a new Intake Form on our website by clicking the Start Claim button. Please follow the same process to pursue an Increase or an Appeal/Contest. A representative will call you to set up another appointment.
What if I just have questions about the Decision Letter?
The veteran must upload a copy of the letter through their Secured Client Portal by logging in to their account and tapping the paperclip icon at the bottom of your account portal. Also, type the question in the Messaging Section of their account portal. Otherwise, reach out to your claim writer.
What if I receive a 30-Day, 60-Day, or 60- Day Notice?
If you receive one of these letters, it is imperative that you bring it to the foundation or upload it through your Secured Client Portal immediately so your representative can review it and move forward accordingly.
What is the process for retroactive benefits or backpay?
When an Intent to File/VA Form 21-0966 is submitted to the VA, the date that the VA accepts this form marks the start of the disability claims clock. Then the veteran has up to one year to meet with one of our representatives, provide their evidence to the foundation, and for the claim writer to submit the claim to the VA. If the VA approves the disability claim, they will compensate the veteran retroactively to the date they accepted the Intent to File/ VA Form 0966.
What if I choose to work with a different VSO?
If you choose to switch to a different organization, simply contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and let them know you would like to change to a new representative.