DEPARTMENTS RESIDENT SERVICES DOING BUSINESS OTHER AGENCIES HOW DO I... HomeResident ServicesVeterans Services VETERANS SERVICES Santa Rosa County Veterans Services assists in filing Department of Veteran Affairs claims or other VA benefits, as well as answering any questions you may have regarding Florida's benefits for veterans. All VA claims are submitted online, directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once this happens, only the Veteran or Claimant will receive letters from the VA. Therefore, when the VA has completed your claim, please bring your rating decision to our office so we may update our records. Get enrolled into the Department of Veterans Affairs Health System. For all veterans, spouses, or dependents who wish to file for VA benefits click here. Intent to File: If you have already used eBenefits, called the VA, or asked us to submit your Intent to File (ITF), please remember you have one year to the day that you filed your ITF to submit your claim and all evidence to the VA. If you would like our team to help you, please contact us no later than 60 days prior to your ITF deadline. Veteran Education & G.I. Bill – Click here for more information. Who to notify upon the death of a veteran: Veteran was receiving VA benefits: 1-800-827-1000 / VA Veteran was retired from the military: 1-800-321-1080 / DFAS Veteran was retired from civil service: 1-888-767-6738 / OPM For all veterans: 1-800-772-1213 / Social Security Did veteran have life insurance? Contact #’s listed on policy ATTENTION When filing any type of disability claim, you may need a “Buddy Statement” and/or a “Nexus Statement” to support your claimed issue. A “Buddy Statement” is a written statement from anyone who served with the vet or any friend or family member who is aware of the disability. “Buddy Statement” must contain a certain legal phrase at the end – and just before the buddy signs it: I hereby certify that the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. You may also need to prove that the condition you are claiming is a direct result of your military service. This is referred to as a “Nexus Statement” that MUST be completed and signed by a licensed doctor. Both the Buddy Statement and Nexus Statement should be signed in BLACK INK only. Click here to download Nexus Statement Hours of Operation: Mon. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. *Accepting walk-ins, appointment recommended Milton Office 6051 Old Bagdad Hwy, STE 204 Milton, FL 32583 Gulf Breeze Office 5841 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Jay Office 3927 Hwy 4 Jay, FL 33565 Are you or do you know a veteran in crisis or who is suicidal? Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1 Confidential crisis chat is available at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255 DO NOT WAIT Schedule an Appointment Important Links Contact Us SUBSCRIBE TO UPDATES WASTE COMPLAINT FORM WATCH LIVE MEETINGS CURRENT ROAD CLOSURES JOB OPPORTUNITIES Quick Links Site Map Contact Us Accessibility Title VI / Nondiscrimination / ADA Statement Copyright Notices Enable Google Translate