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1. How do I contact the Federal VA?

Call the VA National call center at 800-827-1000. The regional office is located at;
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

2. How do I know if I qualify for Veterans benefits?

To be considered a “Veteran”, you must have served on federal active duty other than training, and you must have received an “Honorable”, “Under Honorable”, or “General” discharge.

The minimum amount of active duty time required varies for different benefits and what time period the Veteran served in. Certain programs require that active duty time was served during a war period. Some VA benefits are based on income, and some are not. And individuals who served in the National Guard or Reserve forces for at least 20 years may also qualify for certain benefits.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office to meet with a Veteran Service Officer by calling 319-291-2512 to discuss your personal circumstances and find out what benefits you may qualify for.

3. Where can I call for a ride to the VA Hospital in Iowa City?

Call the Veterans transportation van at 319-486-2158. Rides are scheduled between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. This service is coordinated by the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging.

4. What is the telephone number for the VA Clinic in Waterloo?

The phone number is 319-235-1230.

The Waterloo VA Outpatient Clinic is located at:
945 Tower Park Drive
Waterloo, IA 50701-3500.

Office hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

5. What is the telephone number for the VA Hospital?

- Des Moines VA Hospital Phone: 800-294-8387
- Iowa City VA Hospital Phone: 800-637-0128.

6. Where is the Iowa Veterans Home?

The Iowa Veterans Home is located at:
1301 Summit Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158

Call 800-645-4591 for admissions information.

7. When does the Commission of Veteran Affairs meet?

The Commission meets once a month, generally the 1st Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. You can call the office at 391-291-2512 for their next scheduled meeting.

8. How do I get a copy of my DD-214 (military discharge report)?

· County Veterans Affairs or Recorders Offices: If you have ever filed a copy of your DD-214 at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs or Recorders office, you may request a copy by going to that office in person. If you filed this in another county, you will need to contact that county office to inquire about obtaining a copy.

· Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: If you were a resident of Iowa at the time of your discharge, you may contact the IDVA (1-800-838-4692) to find out if it’s on file and request a copy. If you were a resident of another state, you will need to contact that state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.

· National Personnel Records Center: you may submit your request online by going to the website www.archives.gov and following the directions

9. What property tax credits are available for Veterans?

Property Tax Exemption: This is a statewide benefit that reduces a veteran’s assessed home value for property tax purposes by $1,850. In order to qualify, a service member must have served on active duty during a period of war or for a minimum of 18 months during peacetime. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits. · Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit: This is a statewide benefit that provides 100% exemption of property taxes for 100% disabled service-connected veterans and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits.

10. How are Veterans benefit claims processed?

Attached is a document that explains the process.

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