Recent VA News Releases

To view and download VA news release, please visit the following
Internet address:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel


VA Announces On-Line Claims Applications

WASHINGTON (July 16, 2008) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
announced today that on-line applications are now accepted from
veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for
disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational
rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional
requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application. 

Effective immediately, VA will now process applications received through
its on-line application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's
signature.  The electronic application will be sufficient authentication
of the claimant's application for benefits.  Normal development
procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP
applications. 

VONAPP (www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm) is a Web-based system that benefits
both internal and external users.  Veterans, survivors and other
claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational
rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints
of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery. 

VONAPP reduces the number of incomplete applications received by VA,
decreasing the need for additional development by VA claims processors.
The on-line application also provides a link to apply for VA health care
benefits and much more.

Over 3.7 million veterans and beneficiaries receive compensation and
pension benefits from VA and approximately 523,000 students receive
education benefits.  Approximately 90,000 disabled veterans participate
in VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.

For more information about VA benefits, go to VA's website at www.va.gov
<http://www.va.gov/>  or call our toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000.