Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5931

04/13/2026

The VA has military sexual trauma coordinators who can help Veterans access VA services and programs. A list of VA military sexual trauma coordinators according to states: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/mstcoordinators.asp

04/06/2026

For all: Enhancing DFAS411: Important Updates to Phone Menu Options
(Note: To reach Retired & Annuitant Pay Customer Service, you can call 800-321-1080. The local phone number is 317-212-0551. The DFAS411 updates in this article are for informational purposes only.)
We’re excited to share updates to the DFAS Customer Care Phone Menu (1-888-332-7411) to make it easier to reach the right representative to assist with your inquiry.
What’s New
The DFAS411 phone line now starts with options for selecting what type of caller you are Retiree or Annuitant, so all the options that follow apply to the customer type you choose. You no longer need to listen through options about Active Duty pay or Civilian travel issues before the menu options begin to make sense.
What Are the Prompts?
When calling the DFAS411 (1-888-332-7411) phone line, option 1 is for those calling to report a death of a retiree or check on an existing Casualty claim.
Option 2 is for Retirees, Annuitants, and Former Spouses. The next menu choice then separates those groups into: option 1 for Retirees, option 2 for Annuitants, and option 3 for Former Spouses. Once you’ve selected the one that applies to you, continue to listen and follow the prompt that best summarizes your issue.
Calling DFAS vs. Self-Service Options
While the redesigned phone menu should help avoid reaching the wrong area or having to be transferred to get assistance, wait times to speak with a Customer Service Representative can still be long. Therefore, our self-service options are still the easiest and fastest way to receive assistance.
Accessing your myPay account at myPay (https://mypay.dfas.mil) remains the best way to instantly obtain tax documents (like your 1099-R) and update your information (such as your bank account or mailing address). You can also submit a request through AskDFAS for a tax statement to be reissued by mail (including if a mailing address update is needed). If your mailing address on file is current, you can even submit the request through our phone menu’s self-service option. Using these available options helps keep the wait time lower for those callers that require assistance not available through self-service. Visit our AskDFAS Online Tools for Retirees webpage to see more information about AskDFAS (https://www.dfas.mil/retonlinetools).
Thank You for Your Patience
We know that it can be difficult to reach a DFAS Customer Service Representative quickly during peak times, especially during tax season. Our hope is that by simplifying and enhancing our phone menu, we will get you to the right person for assistance the first time without the need for any call transfers or unnecessary delays. We are always dedicated to finding ways to make your experience calling DFAS a positive one and welcome any feedback on better achieving that goal.

04/01/2026

Just found this:

03/11/2026

To military brothers and sisters and explanation on how to get copies of our VA Decision Letters.

03/11/2026

A friend sent this to me and no matter the source still good information:

Many veterans might not realize that they have access to financial and medical benefits. Some funds and services can go unclaimed.

02/27/2026

I received this:

Dear Defense Finance Accounting System Customer,

Calling customer service for help can be a chore! To make it easier to get straight to the heart of the matter, we've added a new option for confirming your identity when you call DFAS.

Customers who opt in can now use a verification one-time PIN sent to the mobile phone number registered in myPay to securely and quickly complete verification.

The next time you log into myPay, you will be prompted to review your verification methods and opt in.

If you have questions about this communication, you may contact a customer service representative by calling 1-888-332-7411.

I tried calling to verify, but the wait stated 2 hours on hold.

02/05/2026

For all:

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/specific-environmental-hazards/
What burn pit and other toxic exposure conditions are now presumptive?
We’ve added more than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions based on the PACT Act. The full name of the law is the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. This change expands benefits for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans.

These cancers are now presumptive
Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Genitourinary cancer
Head cancer of any type
Hematologic and lymphatic cancers
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer of any type
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type
Learn more about presumptive cancers related to burn pits

These illnesses are now presumptive
Asthma that was diagnosed after service
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Emphysema
Granulomatous disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Pleuritis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis

VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments. If you have a health condition caused by exposure to burn pits or other specific hazards in the air, soil, or water during your service, you may be eligible. Read this page to learn more.

02/02/2026

For all examples of Nexus Letter to help:

02/02/2026

For all:

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/shad

https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Environmental-Exposures-Hub/Environmental-Exposures-Topics/Project-112-SHAD/Fact-Sheets

Project SHAD, an acronym for Shipboard Hazard and Defense, was part of a larger effort called Project 112, which was conducted during the 1960s. Project SHAD encompassed tests designed to identify U.S. warships' vulnerabilities to attacks with chemical or biological warfare agents and to develop pro...

01/26/2026

On December 20, 2025, Commander Ernie Carpenter honored our military brother Robert Thomas on the occasion of his 90th birthday for his military service.

10/27/2025

Posts 5931, 3373 and Pup Tent 1 enjoyed a Sunday afternoon of bingo at the VA!!

10/11/2025

Post 5931 is doing a recruiting event this weekend at Cruising the Coast. They are set up at Cigar Bar 124 Davis Ave Pass Christian MS