Services

Our trained volunteer drivers provide free transportation to and from VA medical appointments. No veteran should have to miss critical healthcare because getting there is a barrier.

Hospital Services Coordinator

Charles B. Cooper

Omaha VA Medical Center — Station 26636

4101 Woolworth Avenue, Room 1203
Omaha, NE 68105-1850

(402) 995-3453

Navigating the VA benefits system can be complex and overwhelming. Our accredited DAV Service Officers provide free, expert assistance to veterans of all generations — no membership required.

DAV Service Officers are professionally trained and accredited advocates who work on your behalf at no cost. They can help you file claims for disability compensation, pension, health care, survivor benefits, and more. They'll help you gather supporting evidence, prepare your forms and briefs, and represent you throughout the entire claims process.

Service Officers also represent veterans before Discharge Review Boards, Boards for Correction of Military Records, Physical Evaluation Boards, and other official panels. Whether you're filing your first claim, appealing a decision, or looking to have an existing rating reviewed, a Service Officer can make a real difference in the outcome.

If you are currently being represented by an attorney for VA purposes, our Service Officers are unable to directly assist without a signed letter of release on their official letterhead.

VA Disability Calculator

What a Service Officer Does

Analyzes your service records, medical history, and VA correspondence to identify all benefits you may be entitled to — including conditions you may not have considered.

Assembles evidence, completes required VA forms, and submits claims on your behalf. Follows up with the VA throughout the review process and communicates with you at every step.

If your claim is denied or your rating seems too low, a Service Officer can file for a Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board Appeal.

Schedule an Appointment

Understanding VA Disability Ratings

One of the most common questions we hear is: why doesn't my combined rating equal the sum of my individual ratings? The answer is the VA's "whole person" method. Here's how the math actually works.

A veteran receives a letter from the VA notifying them that they have two service-connected disabilities — a TBI and a back injury — rated at 50% each. Normally, 50% + 50% would equal 100%, but this veteran's total disability rating is listed as 80%.

This is how the combined ratings table works:

The VA takes 100 (representing a whole efficient person) and subtracts the highest individually rated condition (TBI at 50%). This means the veteran is initially considered 50% disabled and 50% efficient.

100% whole efficient person − 50% = 50%

The veteran's back injury is also rated at 50%, but no longer at 50% of the whole efficient person. Instead, the back injury rating is subtracted from the remaining efficient person.

50% remaining efficient person − 50% = 25%

So only 25% (for the back injury) is added to the first 50% (for the TBI).

50% (TBI) + 25% (back injury) = 75% combined disability rating

The VA rounds the combined disability rating to the nearest 10, so 75% becomes 80% total disability.

Use the DAV Disability Calculator to estimate your own combined rating. For additional information on how the VA rates disability claims, visit the VA Benefits site. If you believe your current rating doesn't accurately reflect your conditions, speak with a Service Officer.

Do I have to be a DAV member to get help?

No. DAV Service Officers provide free assistance to all veterans and their families, regardless of membership status. You do not need to join DAV to receive claims help.

How long does the VA claims process take?

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your claim and the VA's current workload. Initial claims typically take several months. The national average is currently approximately 120 days from submission. Submitting a well-documented Fully Developed Claim (FDC) upfront — something your Service Officer can help with — often speeds up the process significantly. Your service officer will usually start the process with an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966); this starts a 12-month clock to file your claim. Your claim will be back-paid to the date of your Intent to File.

What if my claim was denied or my rating seems too low?

You have the right to appeal. The VA's Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) provides three lanes: a Supplemental Claim (new evidence), a Higher-Level Review (same evidence, senior reviewer), or a Board of Veterans' Appeals hearing. A Service Officer can review your rating decision and recommend the best path forward.

Can I get help with conditions I didn't claim initially?

Absolutely. Many veterans are unaware of all the conditions they may be eligible to claim, including secondary conditions caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected disability. A Service Officer can review your records and identify potential claims you may have overlooked.

What documents should I bring to my appointment?

You don't need to bring anything for your initial consultation! The first thing we will do is start working with the VA to get the necessary records, including your current rating and most recent decision letter. When developing a claim, you may bring copies of your medical records from private healthcare providers or we can submit a form to have the VA request them directly. Depending on what additional documentation is needed for your claim, your Service Officer will advise you on what to bring in. If you have ever used the services of an attorney for VA purposes, you will need to bring a signed letter of release on their official letterhead

Military Veteran Services Center

Bellevue University

812 Bruin Blvd
Bellevue, NE 68005

Appointment Line: (402) 557-7820

Appointment line open Mon–Fri, 0830–1500

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Appointment Hours

Service Officer availability

Monday – Thursday0900 – 1600

Friday0900 – 1200

Saturday – SundayClosed

All hours are local time. No membership required.

Monthly Meetings & Events

Chapter 47 holds regular meetings and social events that bring together veterans from across the Bellevue–Offutt community. Whether you're a long-time member or just moved to the area, you'll find a group of people who understand your service and your experiences. Check the calendar for upcoming meeting dates, or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.

Support Our Mission

Your donation helps Chapter 47 serve disabled veterans in the Bellevue community. Every dollar goes directly to local programs and services.

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