Shreveport VA Disability Claims: Caddo Parish VSO & Free Help Guide

Complete Guide to Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Louisiana State Benefits, and Disability Claims

Veterans in Shreveport file disability claims through VA.gov or with free help from the Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office at 1031 Creswell Avenue. The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center at 510 East Stoner Avenue provides comprehensive healthcare, including 24/7 emergency services. The average VA disability claim decision takes 75.7 days as of March 2026. Louisiana offers a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled Veterans.

Quick Facts

What Is Overton Brooks VA Medical Center?

The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is the primary VA healthcare facility serving Veterans in Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding communities across Northwest Louisiana. Located at 510 East Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101, the medical center is part of the VA Shreveport Healthcare System and serves more than 37,000 Veterans every year across 15 Louisiana parishes, 5 counties in southern Arkansas, and 10 counties in east Texas.

The medical center is classified as a Clinical Referral Level 1C Facility and accepts referrals from the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System and the Alexandria VA Health Science Center. The hospital is accredited for 111 inpatient beds and provides over 462,000 outpatient visits per year.

VA Shreveport Healthcare System Facilities

The medical center manages 3 clinics in Monroe, Louisiana; Longview, Texas; and Texarkana, Arkansas. VA Shreveport Health Care operates 5 locations across Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and east Texas, including the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and 4 community-based outpatient clinics.

Contact Information and Hours

• Main Phone: 318-221-8411

• Emergency Services: Available 24/7

• Appointment Scheduling: 318-990-5051

• Toll-Free: 800-644-8370

• Emergency Room: (318) 990-5501

Veterans can schedule appointments by calling the main number or through My HealtheVet online.

Services Available at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center provides a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, mental health, and specialty services.

Primary Care Services

Primary care is available at all 5 VA Shreveport healthcare facilities. Services include:

• Routine medical exams and health screenings

• Preventive care including immunizations

• Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)

• Women’s health services

• Telehealth appointments through VA Video Connect

Mental Health Services

Mental health care is a major focus at Overton Brooks. Services include:

• Individual and group therapy

• PTSD treatment including specialty post-traumatic stress disorder programs

• Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder treatment

• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling

• Substance use disorder treatment with medication-assisted treatment

Mental health group appointments have 0-day wait times, while individual mental health appointments average 24 days for new patients and 45 days for established patients.

Specialty Care Services

Specialty services available at Overton Brooks include:

• Audiology (hearing loss testing and hearing aids)

• Cardiology (non-invasive cardiology)

• Dental services (average 5-day wait for new patients)

• Dermatology

• Gastroenterology

• Neurology

• Oncology (cancer treatment)

• Ophthalmology (vision care)

• Optometry

• Orthopedics

• Pain Medicine

• Physical Therapy

• Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine

Wait Times at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center

Wait times vary by service. As of 2026 data:

Source: VA Access to Care data

Emergency Care

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency services. Veterans experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. VA covers emergency care at non-VA facilities under certain conditions, including if the Veteran is enrolled in VA health care and the VA facility was not reasonably available.

For mental health crises, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988, Press 1, texting 838255, or chatting online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

VA Healthcare Eligibility and Enrollment

VA healthcare enrollment is separate from VA disability compensation. Veterans can qualify for VA health care even without a service-connected disability.

Who Qualifies for VA Health Care

You may qualify for VA health care if you:

1. Served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

2. Served at least 24 months of continuous active duty (or the full period for which you were called to active duty)

3. Meet income and net worth thresholds for non-service-connected care

Under the PACT Act, combat Veterans now have 10 years of healthcare eligibility following their separation from service. Veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat against a hostile force after November 11, 1998, and were discharged after October 1, 2013, are eligible for free VA health care for any condition related to service for up to 10 years from their most recent discharge or separation date.

VA Health Care Priority Groups

When you enroll, you are assigned to one of 8 priority groups that determine enrollment timing and copay obligations.

How to Enroll in VA Health Care

Option 1: Online (Fastest)

1. Go to VA.gov/health-care/apply

2. Complete VA Form 10-10EZ electronically

3. Upload supporting documents

4. Receive confirmation and priority group assignment

Option 2: By Phone

1. Call 877-222-8387

2. A representative will complete the application over the phone

Option 3: In Person

1. Visit the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center at 510 East Stoner Avenue

2. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and income information

3. Complete VA Form 10-10EZ with staff assistance

Option 4: By Mail

1. Download and complete VA Form 10-10EZ

2. Mail to: Health Eligibility Center, PO Box 4009, Atlanta, GA 30348-4009

Required Documents for Enrollment

• DD-214 (or separation papers)

• Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

• Income information from the previous calendar year (for non-service-connected Veterans)

• Current insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance)

• VA disability award letters (if applicable)

PACT Act: Expanded Benefits for Shreveport Veterans

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is the largest expansion of VA health care and benefits in decades. It covers Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

Who Qualifies Under the PACT Act

The PACT Act covers Veterans who served in:

• Vietnam War (Agent Orange exposure)

• Gulf War (burn pits, chemical exposure)

• Iraq and Afghanistan (burn pits, particulate matter)

• Global War on Terror (any combat zone after 9/11)

• Other locations with toxic exposure as designated by VA

Presumptions of service connection take effect for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam (January 9, 1962–May 7, 1975), Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base (January 9, 1962–June 30, 1976), Laos (December 1, 1965–September 30, 1969), certain provinces in Cambodia (April 16–30, 1969), Guam or American Samoa or their territorial waters (January 9, 1962–July 31, 1980), or the Johnston Atoll or a ship that called there (January 1, 1972–September 30, 1977).

What the PACT Act Adds

The PACT Act makes more than 20 burn pit and toxic-exposure-related conditions presumptively service-connected. This means Veterans do not need to prove a direct medical nexus — if they served in a qualifying location and have a qualifying condition, VA presumes service connection.

Under the PACT Act, Veterans exposed to toxic substances can access:

• Free hearing aids and eyeglasses

• Affordable health care options with medication copayments starting at $8 and capped at $33

• Expanded eligibility for VA health care enrollment

• Toxic exposure screening during VA health care visits

Burn Pit Registry

The VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry helps VA better understand potential health effects of exposures. Veterans deployed to Southwest Asia or Egypt after August 2, 1990, or Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, or Uzbekistan on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible to participate. Participation is voluntary and cannot negatively impact VA health care access or compensation and benefits claims.

What Shreveport Veterans Should Do Next

1. Visit VA.gov/PACT to check eligibility

2. Contact the Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office at (318) 676-7540 for free claim assistance

3. Call 800-698-2411 with questions about PACT Act eligibility

4. Enroll in VA health care even if you have not filed a disability claim

VA Disability Compensation: Eligibility and Rates

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for Veterans who have physical or mental health conditions caused or worsened by military service. The amount depends on your disability rating, which ranges from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%.

Who Qualifies for VA Disability Compensation

To qualify, you must meet all of these requirements:

1. Active military, naval, or air service with an honorable discharge (or other than dishonorable)

2. A current diagnosed condition (physical or mental)

3. An event, injury, or illness during service that caused or worsened the condition

4. A medical nexus connecting the current condition to service

Veterans can also file for secondary conditions — new disabilities caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition. For example, a Veteran with a service-connected knee injury may develop depression or arthritis as a secondary condition.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Rates are effective December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026. The 2026 COLA increase was 2.8%.

Veterans with a 30% or higher rating can claim additional compensation for dependents, including a spouse, children under 18, and children in school between 18 and 23. Use VA Form 21-686c to add dependents to an existing award.

What Shreveport Veterans Should Do Next

1. Gather your DD-214 and all relevant medical records

2. File an Intent to File (ITF) on VA.gov to lock in your effective date

3. Contact the Caddo Parish VSO at (318) 676-7540 for free assistance

4. Submit VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)

5. Attend your C&P exam if scheduled — this is critical to your claim

How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits in Shreveport

There are three ways to file a VA disability claim from Shreveport.

Option 1: Online Application (Fastest)

1. Go to VA.gov and sign in with a DS Logon, ID.me, or Login.gov account

2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ electronically

3. Upload supporting documents (DD-214, medical records, buddy statements)

4. Submit and receive a confirmation number

The current version of VA Form 21-526EZ was revised in January 2026.

Option 2: Free Help from Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office

1. Contact the Caddo Parish VSO at 1031 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101

2. Call (318) 676-7540 or (318) 676-7555 to schedule an appointment

3. A Veterans Assistance Counselor will file an Intent to File to preserve your effective date

4. The counselor will help gather evidence and submit your claim to VA

5. The Caddo Parish VSO can represent you throughout the process at no cost

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) staffs 74 service offices around the state with federally VA-accredited Veterans Assistance Counselors who file claims on behalf of Louisiana veterans free of charge.

Option 3: By Mail

1. Download VA Form 21-526EZ from VA.gov

2. Complete the form and attach copies of all supporting documents

3. Mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Required Documents for a VA Disability Claim

Fully Developed Claim Program: Faster Processing

The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program is the fastest way to get a VA disability claim adjudicated. By submitting all relevant evidence with your initial claim, you trigger an expedited 3 to 4 month processing track instead of the standard 12+ months.

How to File a Fully Developed Claim

1. Gather all evidence up front: DD-214, medical records, buddy statements, nexus letters, and any other supporting documents

2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ and indicate your election of the FDC track in Section V

3. Submit everything together — online at VA.gov, by mail, or through the Caddo Parish VSO

4. Do not submit additional evidence after filing — this can drop your claim from the FDC track back to the standard timeline

FDC vs. Standard Claim Processing Times

Source: VA claims data, June 2026

VA Pension and Survivor Benefits

VA Pension (Wartime Veterans)

VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for wartime Veterans with limited income. Unlike disability compensation, pension does not require a service-connected condition.

Eligibility requires:

• Wartime service (at least 90 days active duty, with at least 1 day during a wartime period)

• Honorable discharge

• Limited income and net worth

• Age 65 or older, OR permanently and totally disabled, OR a patient in a nursing home, OR receiving Social Security Disability Insurance

Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits provide additional monthly payments for Veterans who need help with daily activities or are confined to their home.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, and parents of Veterans who died from service-connected causes.

Survivors may qualify for DIC if:

• The Veteran died from a service-connected condition

• The Veteran was permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition at time of death

• The Veteran died while receiving VA compensation for a service-connected condition

Surviving spouses may be able to file for benefits of presumptive conditions under the PACT Act, even if the veteran never filed a claim, making them eligible for DIC.

Survivors Pension

Survivors Pension is a needs-based benefit for surviving spouses and children of wartime Veterans who meet income and net worth limits. The Caddo Parish VSO and LDVA counselors can assist with filing survivor death benefits and DIC claims.

Louisiana State Veterans Benefits

Beyond federal VA benefits, Louisiana offers its own package of state-level benefits for Veterans and their families.

Louisiana Property Tax Exemptions

Louisiana provides significant property tax relief for disabled Veterans. The state offers additional homestead exemptions beyond the standard $7,500 homestead exemption based on VA disability rating:

Source: Louisiana Constitution Article VII, Section 21

Veterans with a 100% service-connected rating or 100% unemployability may receive a full property tax exemption. The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a qualifying disability rating is eligible for the exemption if the surviving spouse occupies and remains the owner of the property.

Louisiana Title 29 In-State Tuition Exemption

The Title 29 in-state tuition exemption provides educational benefits for children, spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Eligibility includes:

• Children of living veterans: Must be between ages 16 and 25; veteran must be a Louisiana resident for at least one year prior to the student starting school

• Spouses of POW/MIA veterans

• Surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans

The exemption covers tuition, matriculation, and other school-imposed fees at public postsecondary institutions, including non-residency and special fees. Benefits may be given for a maximum of four years of education.

Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund

The Military Family Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and members of the Louisiana National Guard or Reserves in an amount up to $10,000 for a need-based claim in a 12-month period. The fund pays for housing, utilities, some medical services, and other essential expenses creating a financial hardship.

For more information, call (225) 219-3700 or email holly.talley@la.gov.

Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal

The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal is available to all eligible Louisiana veterans and to the families of those killed in action. The medal is awarded with:

• Blue ribbon for honorable discharge

• Purple ribbon for Purple Heart recipients

• Black ribbon for prisoners of war

• Yellow ribbon for those killed in action

Louisiana Veterans Service Offices

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) operates 84 locations across the state, including veterans service offices, veterans homes, and veterans cemeteries. LDVA’s accredited Veterans Assistance Counselors file claims with the federal VA on behalf of veterans for compensation and pension, as well as educate veterans on available state and federal benefits.

Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office:

• Address: 1031 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101

• Phone: (318) 676-7540 or (318) 676-7555

To find the nearest office, use the LDVA locator at vetaffairs.la.gov/locations or call 225.219.5000 for assistance.

VA Home Loans in Louisiana

Louisiana Veterans can use the federal VA home loan guaranty for zero-down mortgages with no private mortgage insurance (PMI). The 2026 conforming loan limit for Bossier Parish is $806,500 per FHFA conforming limits. VA loans in Louisiana averaged 0.22% below national averages for 30-year fixed rates in January 2026.

VA Life Insurance

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) closed to new applicants after December 31, 2022. The Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) program replaced S-DVI and provides guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage of up to $40,000 for Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at zero percent or higher.

VALife does not require proof of good health. There is no time limit to apply for veterans age 80 and under. Veterans who apply for VALife on or after January 1, 2026, will have their S-DVI policies end the day their VALife applications are approved.

The VA Claims Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: File an Intent to File (ITF)

An ITF establishes your effective date — the date from which VA will calculate back pay if your claim is approved. You have one year from filing an ITF to submit your complete claim. The Caddo Parish VSO can file an ITF for you during your first appointment.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Strong evidence makes claims faster and more likely to succeed:

• Service treatment records (request from the National Personnel Records Center)

• Private medical records (VA Form 21-4142 authorizes release)

• Buddy statements from fellow service members

• Personal statement describing symptoms and impact on daily life

• Nexus letter from a medical provider linking condition to service

Step 3: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ

Submit your complete application online at VA.gov, by mail, or through the Caddo Parish VSO. Include all supporting documents with your submission.

Step 4: Attend C&P Exam

The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination requested by VA to evaluate your claimed conditions. Do not miss this exam — failure to attend can result in claim denial. In Shreveport, C&P exams are conducted at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center.

Step 5: Receive Decision

VA will review your claim and issue a decision letter. The average processing time for disability claims is currently 75.7 days as of March 2026, down from 141.5 days in January 2025 — a 43% decrease. VA completed 3 million disability benefits claims in record time in fiscal year 2026.

Step 6: If Approved, Receive Back Pay

Back pay is calculated from your effective date to the date of your decision. The effective date is generally the date VA received your claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.

Common Mistakes That Delay VA Claims

1. Not listing all conditions — Each disability must be explicitly listed on VA Form 21-526EZ

2. Failing to submit medical evidence — Provide strong evidence yourself; do not rely on VA alone

3. Missing partial dates — VA forms require complete dates

4. Ignoring secondary conditions — Conditions caused by a service-connected disability must be claimed separately

5. Not signing the form — Missing signatures can result in claim cancellation

6. Not responding to VA requests — Respond within the deadline or your claim may be denied

7. Skipping the C&P exam — Missing the exam almost always leads to denial

8. Filing without an ITF — Without an ITF, your effective date is the date you file the full claim

9. Not keeping a copy — Always keep a complete copy of everything you submit to VA

10. Waiting too long to appeal — You have one year from the decision date to preserve your effective date

VA Decision Reviews and Appeals

If you disagree with a VA decision, you have three options for review.

If more than one year has passed since the decision, your only option is to file a Supplemental Claim.

The Caddo Parish VSO and LDVA appeals paralegals provide free representation for appeals. LDVA appeals paralegals assist veterans with appeals pending before the federal VA’s Board of Veterans Appeals, including representation at hearings.

Common Questions

How do I contact the Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office?

The office is at 1031 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101. Call (318) 676-7540 or (318) 676-7555 to schedule an appointment with an accredited Veterans Assistance Counselor. Services are free of charge.

Where is the VA medical center in Shreveport?

The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is at 510 East Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101. The main phone number is 318-221-8411. Emergency services are available 24/7, and the emergency room number is (318) 990-5501.

How long does a VA disability claim take in Shreveport?

As of March 2026, the VA average processing time for disability claims is 75.7 days, down from 141.5 days in January 2025. VA completed 3 million disability claims in record time in fiscal year 2026.

Can I get VA health care without a disability rating?

Yes. VA health care eligibility is separate from disability compensation. Under the PACT Act expansion, many Veterans can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for disability benefits. Apply at VA.gov/health-care/apply or visit the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center.

What is the PACT Act and does it apply to Shreveport Veterans?

The PACT Act expands VA benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. It covers Veterans who served in Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and post-9/11 combat zones. Combat Veterans now have 10 years of healthcare eligibility following separation from service.

How do I add my spouse or children to my VA disability benefits?

File VA Form 21-686c (Application Request to Add or Remove Dependents) if you have a 30% or higher disability rating. You can file online at VA.gov or get help from the Caddo Parish VSO.

What Louisiana state benefits are available to Shreveport Veterans?

Louisiana offers property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans (full exemption for those rated 100%), the Title 29 in-state tuition exemption, the Military Family Assistance Fund (up to $10,000), and state hiring preference. Contact LDVA at 225-219-5000 for assistance.

How do I check the status of my VA claim?

Check your claim status online at VA.gov by signing in with your DS Logon, ID.me, or Login.gov account. You can also call 800-827-1000.

What is a C&P exam and what should I expect?

A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a medical examination VA requests to evaluate your claimed conditions. In Shreveport, these exams are conducted at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. Arrive on time, bring your medical records, and be honest about your symptoms.

What is the difference between VA disability compensation and VA pension?

Disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for service-connected conditions, with no income limit. VA pension is a needs-based benefit for low-income wartime Veterans, regardless of whether the disability is service-connected. Veterans cannot receive both at the same time.

Can the Caddo Parish VSO help me with my VA claim for free?

Yes. The Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office provides free claims assistance with accredited Veterans Assistance Counselors. They can file claims, request increases, and represent you in appeals at no cost. Call (318) 676-7540 to schedule an appointment.

Does Overton Brooks VA Medical Center have emergency services?

Yes. Overton Brooks VA Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency services. The emergency room number is (318) 990-5501. For non-emergency care, call 318-221-8411 or 800-644-8370 to schedule an appointment.

What Louisiana education benefits are available to Veterans’ family members?

The Title 29 in-state tuition exemption provides tuition-free education at Louisiana public colleges and universities for children (ages 16–25), spouses, and surviving spouses of qualifying veterans. Benefits cover tuition, matriculation, and school-imposed fees for up to four years.

Key Takeaways

• The Caddo Parish Veterans Service Office at 1031 Creswell Avenue provides free VA claims assistance — call (318) 676-7540.

• Overton Brooks VA Medical Center at 510 East Stoner Avenue serves more than 37,000 Veterans annually with 111 inpatient beds and 462,000+ outpatient visits per year.

• Average VA disability claim processing time is 75.7 days as of March 2026, a 43% decrease from January 2025.

• VA Form 21-526EZ is the standard application for disability compensation. File online at VA.gov for the fastest processing.

• The PACT Act expands benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and toxins. Combat Veterans now have 10 years of healthcare eligibility post-separation.

• Louisiana offers a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses.

• The Title 29 in-state tuition exemption provides tuition-free education at Louisiana public colleges for children (ages 16–25), spouses, and surviving spouses of qualifying veterans.

• 2026 VA disability rates range from $180.42/month** (10%) to **$3,291.06/month (100% veteran alone).

• The Military Family Assistance Fund provides up to $10,000 in financial assistance to eligible veterans and National Guard/Reserve members.

• Three decision review options exist: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal. The Caddo Parish VSO and LDVA can help.

• Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988, Press 1, texting 838255, or chatting online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Official Resources

• VA.gov — Apply for benefits, check claim status, find VA facilities: va.gov

• VA Shreveport Health Care — va.gov/shreveport-health-care

• Overton Brooks VA Medical Center — va.gov/shreveport-health-care/locations/overton-brooks-veterans-administration-medical-center

• Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs — vetaffairs.la.gov

• LDVA Benefits — vetaffairs.la.gov/benefits

• LDVA Locations — vetaffairs.la.gov/locations

• VA PACT Act Information — va.gov/PACT

• VA Decision Reviews and Appeals — va.gov/decision-reviews

• VA Form 21-526EZ — va.gov/forms/21-526ez

• VA Health Care Enrollment — va.gov/health-care/apply

• Veterans Crisis Line — veteranscrisisline.net

• SSA.gov — Social Security Disability information: ssa.gov

• USA.gov — Government benefits and services: usa.gov

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