Fellow Service Officers,
Effective May 1, 2021,
Ms. Dawn M. Thomas will become the American Legion Department Service Officer for Georgia.
Her contact information is as follows:
Dawn M. Thomas
Department Service Officer
404-929-5345
I know she will be a tremendous asset in the position! Please give her a warm welcome.
Attached is the latest Service Officer Contact roster with the updates you have recently sent me.
It has been a pleasure to serve as your Department Service Officer (for over 3 years now).
Please continue to do great things for Georgia Veterans and the American Legion as a whole.
Thanks,
Mark
Mark D. Demers, MBA, CM
Veteran Appeals Officer/
American Legion Department Service Officer
Georgia Department of Veterans Service
1700 Clairmont Road
Decatur, Georgia 30033
Newest information Please refer here before other tabs.
VIRTUAL VETERANS CLAIMS CLINIC
The Atlanta Regional Office will host an appointment only 
Virtual Veterans Claims Clinic on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
To schedule a virtual appointment, dial 404-929-3100 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM beginning Monday, April 5, 2021 until Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
Military Discharge Request: The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
National Archives – Veterans’ Service Records
COVID-19 Vaccination information is to provide information to assist Georgia Veterans and families find vaccine locations. COVID-19 Vaccine Information
This page has information about the duties and resources for Post Service Officers.
Why the Post Service Officers can’t be a certified Service Officers.
Please review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between American Legion Department of Georgia and Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) dated 19th February 2020
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE OFFICES SERVICING YOUR DISTRICT
Veterans and families should make an appointment before visiting an office due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Visitors are asked to wear a face mask and observe social distancing guidelines. All offices require appointments.
First District
Dublin- https://veterans.georgia.gov/dublin
Statesboro- https://veterans.georgia.gov/statesboro
Savannah- https://veterans.georgia.gov/savannah
Glennville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/glennville
Hinesville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/hinesville
Brunswick- https://veterans.georgia.gov/brunswick
Second District
Albany- https://veterans.georgia.gov/albany
Bainbridge -https://veterans.georgia.gov/bainbridge
Moultrie- https://veterans.georgia.gov/moultrie
Thomasville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/thomasville
Third District
Lagrange- https://veterans.georgia.gov/lagrange
Griffin- https://veterans.georgia.gov/griffin
Columbus- https://veterans.georgia.gov/columbus
Americus- https://veterans.georgia.gov/americus
Fourth District
Fort McPherson- https://veterans.georgia.gov/fort-mcpherson
Atlanta- https://veterans.georgia.gov/atlanta
Griffin- https://veterans.georgia.gov/griffin
Decatur-https://veterans.georgia.gov/decatur
Macon- https://veterans.georgia.gov/macon
Fifth District
Carrollton- https://veterans.georgia.gov/carrollton
Newnan- https://veterans.georgia.gov/newnan
Lagrange- https://veterans.georgia.gov/lagrange
Marietta- https://veterans.georgia.gov/marietta
Rome- https://veterans.georgia.gov/rome
Cartersville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/cartersville
Sixth District
Macon- https://veterans.georgia.gov/macon
Warner Robbins- https://veterans.georgia.gov/warner-robins
Milledgeville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/milledgeville
Cordele- https://veterans.georgia.gov/cordele Dublin- https://veterans.georgia.gov/dublin
Seventh District
Dalton- https://veterans.georgia.gov/dalton
LaFayette- https://veterans.georgia.gov/lafayette
Cartersville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/cartersville
Rome- https://veterans.georgia.gov/rome
Cedartown- https://veterans.georgia.gov/cedartown
Eighth District
Lyons- https://veterans.georgia.gov/lyons
Douglas- https://veterans.georgia.gov/douglas
Glennville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/glennville
Waycross- https://veterans.georgia.gov/waycross
Brunswick- https://veterans.georgia.gov/brunswick
St. Mary’s- https://veterans.georgia.gov/st-marys
Ninth District
Blairsville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/bainbridge
Canton- https://veterans.georgia.gov/canton
Gainesville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/gainesville
Oakwood- https://veterans.georgia.gov/oakwood
Clarkesville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/clarkesville
Lawrenceville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/lawrenceville
Tenth District
Clarkesville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/clarkesville
Hartwell- https://veterans.georgia.gov/hartwell
Conyers- https://veterans.georgia.gov/conyers
Athens- https://veterans.georgia.gov/athens
Macon- https://veterans.georgia.gov/macon
Greensboro- https://veterans.georgia.gov/greensboro
Eleventh District
Washington- https://veterans.georgia.gov/washington
Greensboro- https://veterans.georgia.gov/greensboro
Milledgeville- https://veterans.georgia.gov/milledgeville
Waynesboro- https://veterans.georgia.gov/waynesboro
Augusta- https://veterans.georgia.gov/augusta
A New Georgia Department of Veterans Service office opens in Grovetown.
It will serve veterans in Columbia, Richmond, Lincoln, and McDuffie counties.
Doors open at 5170-B Wrightsboro Road, Grovetown, GA
To schedule an appointment, call 706-210-2067 or email the office manager at james.hood@vs.state.ga.us
Twelfth District
Albany- https://veterans.georgia.gov/albany
Tifton- https://veterans.georgia.gov/tifton
Valdosta- https://veterans.georgia.gov/valdosta
Waycross- https://veterans.georgia.gov/waycross
Moultrie- https://veterans.georgia.gov/moultrie
Douglas- https://veterans.georgia.gov/locations/douglas
SERVICE OFFICERS TOOLKIT (webpage links)
DD214 Military Discharge Request
Service Officers,
If you have veterans that are requesting Rental Assistance, please direct them to: https://www.atlantaregionalhousingforum.org/renthelp
Thanks,
Mark
Mark D. Demers, MBA, CM
VA HEALTHCARE
(2) MyHealthyVet
(4) Healthcare Co-Pay Schedule
(5) Prescription Co-Pay Schedule
(6) Mission Act
(7) VA Tele-health
(10) Community Care Eligibility
(12) Community Care Urgent Care Providers
(15) VA Medical Facilities in Georgia
(16) Women Healthcare Programs
(18) VA Caregiver Program
COMPENSATION
(1) VA Welcome Kit
(4) Schedule for Rating Disabilities
(5) Compensation Benefit Rates
(7) Blue Water Navy Act Fact Sheet
(8) Special Monthly Compensation Fact Sheet
(9) Special Monthly Compensation Rate Table
(10) DBQ Fact Sheet
(11) DBQ Forms
(13) Active Military Service and VA Compensation Rule
(14) How the VA Determines Effective Dates
(15) NEXUS Letters
APPEALS
(1) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA)
(2) Appeals Modernization Fact Sheet
SURVIVOR / DEATH BENEFITS
(3) How to Calculate Survivors Pension
(4) Aid and Attendance (Pension)
(6) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
PENSION
(2) Veterans Pension
(4) Pension Rates
AMERICAN LEGION TFA / NEF
(1) Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)
(3) National Emergency Fund (NEF)
HOMELESS VETERANS RESOURCES
(2) National Coalition of Homeless Veterans
(3) Veteran Empowerment Organization
(4) Hope Atlanta
(5) United Way Critical Needs Guide
(7) American Legion Homeless Taskforce
(9) VETLANTA
RECORDS REQUEST / VA DEBT MANAGEMENT
(1) Request DD-214 / Military Records
(2) Request Service Treatment Records
(3) Debt Management – If You Owe
(4) Submit a Waiver
CRSC / CRDP DISCHARGE UPGRADES
(2) DD Form 293
(3) Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
(4) Apply for CRSC
(6) Concurrent Retired Disability Pay (CRDP)
VA NURSING HOME OPTIONS
(1) VA Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, ans Home Health Care Info
(2) Geriatrics and Extended Care Home Page
(3) Community Learning Centers (VA Nursing Homes)
(4) Residential Settings and Nursing Homes
(5) Geriatrics and Extended Care Worksheets and Handouts
(7) Veteran Shared Decision Making Worksheet
(8) VA Geriatrics and Extended Care Co-pays
(9) Application for Extended Care Services
STATE NURSING HOME OPTIONS
(2) Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home – Augusta
(3) Forms – Augusta
(4) Georgia War Veterans Home – Milledgeville
ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOMES
(1) Gulfport Campus
(3) How to apply
VA EDUCATION PROGRAMS
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E)
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN SERVICES (GDVS)
(1) Claims Help
(2) Appeals Help
If you have members that want to be an accredited representative with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), they can apply for employment with GDVS when vacancies become available. GDVS Field Offices and the Appeals Division are accredited to file claims for veterans with POA with: Georgia Department of Veterans Service, American Legion, VFW, American Red Cross, American Ex-POWs, Jewish War Veterans, Retired Enlisted Association, and Fleet Reserve Association. GDVS files all claims and appeals for the American Legion in Georgia. Other states and departments do things differently.
Other VSOs within the State of Georgia file claims for veterans: AMVETs, DAV, Wounded Warrior etc. so you may be able to apply for employment with them and become accredited with them .
Another way is to become a CLAIMS AGENT. This is INDIVIDUAL accreditation and you would be filing claims for Veterans UNDER YOUR OWN NAME not the American Legion. See attached for how to become a CLAIMS AGENT. Training is on your own. There are services that train claims agent for a fee such as: https://www.longtermcarelink.net/va_accredidation_training_and_test.htm
Thanks,
Mark
Mark D. Demers, MBA, CM
Veteran Appeals Officer/
American Legion Department Service Officer
Georgia Department of Veterans Service
Each Group will have a presentation (P) followed by any associated handouts (H). Related Webpage links are also listed. New Links are in Brown and dated when placed on page.
If there is a linked handout within the presentation, you may have to allow it to be viewed on your computer.
POST SERVICE OFFICERS DUTIES (P)
VA CLAIMS PROCESS (P) Check update tab
Individual Unemployability (IU) (H)
Agent Orange Presumption to BWN (H)
VA APPEALS PROCESS Check update tab
VETERAN DEATH BENEFITS (P)
Veteran Death Notification Checklist (H)
VA HEALTHCARE PRESENTATION (P)
Enhanced VA Options – MISSION Act (H)
AMERICAN LEGION BENEFITS: (P)
SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION (P)
VA PENSION (P)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) is transitioning to an exclusive online process on Oct. 13, 2020. (8Oct2020)
BLUE WATER NAVY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT (P)
SERVICE OFFICERS TOOLKIT (webpage links)
VA HEALTHCARE
(2) MyHealthyVet
(4) Healthcare Co-Pay Schedule
(5) Prescription Co-Pay Schedule
(6) Mission Act
(7) VA Tele-health
(10) Community Care Eligibility
(12) Community Care Urgent Care Providers
(15) VA Medical Facilities in Georgia
(16) Women Healthcare Programs
(18) VA Caregiver Program
COMPENSATION
(1) VA Welcome Kit
(4) Schedule for Rating Disabilities
(5) Compensation Benefit Rates
(7) Blue Water Navy Act Fact Sheet
(8) Special Monthly Compensation Fact Sheet
(9) Special Monthly Compensation Rate Table
(10) DBQ Fact Sheet
(11) DBQ Forms
(13) Active Military Service and VA Compensation Rule
(14) How the VA Determines Effective Dates
(15) NEXUS Letters
APPEALS
(1) Appeals Modernization Act (AMA)
(2) Appeals Modernization Fact Sheet
SURVIVOR / DEATH BENEFITS
(3) How to Calculate Survivors Pension
(4) Aid and Attendance (Pension)
(6) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
PENSION
(2) Veterans Pension
(4) Pension Rates
AMERICAN LEGION TFA / NEF
(1) Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)
(3) National Emergency Fund (NEF)
HOMELESS VETERANS RESOURCES
(2) National Coalition of Homeless Veterans
(3) Veteran Empowerment Organization
(4) Hope Atlanta
(5) United Way Critical Needs Guide
(7) American Legion Homeless Taskforce
(9) VETLANTA
RECORDS REQUEST / VA DEBT MANAGEMENT
(1) Request DD-214 / Military Records
(2) Request Service Treatment Records
(3) Debt Management – If You Owe
(4) Submit a Waiver
CRSC / CRDP DISCHARGE UPGRADES
(2) DD Form 293
(3) Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
(4) Apply for CRSC
(6) Concurrent Retired Disability Pay (CRDP)
VA NURSING HOME OPTIONS
(1) VA Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, ans Home Health Care Info
(2) Geriatrics and Extended Care Home Page
(3) Community Learning Centers (VA Nursing Homes)
(4) Residential Settings and Nursing Homes
(5) Geriatrics and Extended Care Worksheets and Handouts
(7) Veteran Shared Decision Making Worksheet
(8) VA Geriatrics and Extended Care Co-pays
(9) Application for Extended Care Services
STATE NURSING HOME OPTIONS
(2) Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home – Augusta
(3) Forms – Augusta
(4) Georgia War Veterans Home – Milledgeville
ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOMES
(1) Gulfport Campus
(3) How to apply
VA EDUCATION PROGRAMS
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E)
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN SERVICES (GDVS)
(1) Claims Help
(2) Appeals Help