Veterans Maili: VA Benefits, Local Resources & Agent Orange Claims
Veterans in Māʻili, Hawaii, qualify for VA disability compensation, health care through the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, and state benefits through the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services. Vietnam veterans with Agent Orange presumptive conditions can file VA Form 21-526EZ online, by mail, or with free assistance from the Maui Office of Veterans’ Services at (808) 369-3541. The PACT Act expanded VA health care eligibility for all Vietnam War veterans.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA disability compensation, VA health care, Hawaii state veteran benefits |
| Eligibility | Veterans, dependents, and survivors who served on active duty |
| Application | VA Form 21-526EZ (disability); VA Form 10-10EZ (health care) |
| Processing Time | 75–80 days average for disability claims (2026) |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ, DD-214, medical evidence |
| State Office | Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services – Maui, 333 Dairy Road, Suite #203, Kahului, HI 96732 |
| State Phone | (808) 369-3541 |
| Updated For | 2026 (PACT Act hypertension effective October 1, 2026) |
What Is Māʻili, Hawaii?
Māʻili is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Waiʻanae District on the island of Oʻahu, City & County of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. In Hawaiian, Māʻili means “pebbly” or “pebbles.” The community is located on the leeward coast of Oʻahu and is a popular destination for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and boogieboarding.
Veteran Population in Māʻili
According to 2018–2022 U.S. Census Bureau data, Māʻili has approximately 935 veterans, representing 5.6% of the population. Veteran-owned employer firms also exist in the community, though specific counts are suppressed due to data limitations.
Why This Matters
Veterans in Māʻili are part of a larger veteran community on Oʻahu and throughout Hawaii. Understanding the local veteran population helps direct resources and services to those who need them. The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services provides free assistance to veterans on Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If you are a veteran in Māʻili, contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services to learn about benefits you may be eligible for but not yet receiving. The OVS provides free claims preparation and assistance.
Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services
The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS) is the principal state office responsible for the development and management of policies and programs related to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The office provides free assistance to qualified veterans on the islands of Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, and works in coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to serve all Hawaii veterans.
Services Provided
The OVS assists with:
Preparation of VA claims
VA disability claims and appeals assistance
Burials of indigent veterans
Special housing for disabled veterans
Free certified copies of vital statistics forms when needed for veterans’ benefits
Discharge upgrades
Short-term counseling
Notary public services
How to Access OVS Services
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe claims assistance process follows a straightforward workflow:
Call OVS and ask for counselor assistance with filing a claim.
Sign a Power of Attorney (POA) with OVS.
File the claim with OVS assistance.
If the claim is denied, OVS can provide appeal assistance.
Maui Office Contact Information
Address: 333 Dairy Road, Suite #203, Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 369-3541
Email: MOVS@hawaii.gov
Website: www.dod.hawaii.gov/ovs
Why This Matters
The OVS specializes in handling appeals and denials of benefits. Most veterans who seek OVS services do so because their claims are in the appeal or denial stage. Free assistance from trained counselors improves claim accuracy and reduces the burden on veterans navigating a complex system.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Call (808) 369-3541 to schedule an appointment or ask about upcoming OVS visits to Oʻahu. The OVS also conducts outreach visits to Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) provides health care to veterans throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The system serves an estimated 127,600 veterans.
Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center
The main facility is the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center at 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819. Phone: 808-433-0600 or 800-214-1306.
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
The VAPIHCS provides outpatient medical and mental health care through a main Ambulatory Care Clinic on Oahu (Honolulu) and through five Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) on the neighboring islands including Hawaii (Hilo and Kona), Maui, Kauai, and Guam. Traveling clinicians also provide episodic care on Lanai and American Samoa.
Mental Health Care
Mental health care is provided by traveling clinicians from the Maui CBOC. A 16-bed VA Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Residential Rehabilitation Program is located in a VA Ward with Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu.
National Center for PTSD – Pacific Islands Division
The National Center for PTSD Pacific Islands Division is located at 3375 Koapaka Street, Suite I-560, Honolulu, HI 96819. Phone: (808) 566-1546.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If you are not enrolled in VA health care, apply using VA Form 10-10EZ. Veterans in Māʻili can access care at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu or through community care referrals.
Vietnam Veteran Eligibility for VA Benefits
You qualify for VA disability compensation as a Vietnam veteran if you served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and have a diagnosed condition on the Agent Orange presumptive list. You do not need to prove that your service caused the condition.
Who Qualifies
Vietnam-era veterans qualify for Agent Orange presumptive benefits if they served in:
Vietnam (in-country): Service on land and on some vessels between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Blue Water Navy: Service on ships operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Korean DMZ: Service in or near the demilitarized zone between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971.
Thailand: Service at any U.S. or Royal Thai military base between January 9, 1962, and June 30, 1976.
Other locations: Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll during specified periods.
Hawaii Connection
Hawaii has a significant Vietnam-era veteran population. Many Hawaii residents served in Vietnam, and some veterans who served on Oahu during the Vietnam War may have been exposed to herbicides stored or transported through the islands. Veterans who served on Oahu during the Vietnam War era and believe they were exposed to herbicides should consult with a Veterans Service Officer about potential claims.
Why This Matters
For most VA disability claims, veterans must prove a medical nexus between their military service and their current condition. For presumptive conditions, the VA automatically assumes the connection. This removes a significant barrier to benefits and speeds up claim processing.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Gather your DD-214, medical records showing a diagnosis of a presumptive condition, and evidence of your service in a qualifying location. File your claim using VA Form 21-526EZ. The Hawaii OVS can assist you free of charge.
Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
The VA recognizes a specific list of health conditions as presumptively caused by Agent Orange exposure. If you have one of these diagnoses and served in a qualifying location, you are eligible for VA disability compensation.
Current Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
The following conditions are presumptively service-connected for qualifying Vietnam veterans:
AL amyloidosis
Bladder cancer
Chronic B-cell leukemias
Chloracne (or other acneiform disease consistent with chloracne)
Diabetes mellitus type 2
High blood pressure (hypertension) — effective October 1, 2026
Hodgkin’s disease (Hodgkin lymphoma)
Hypothyroidism
Ischemic heart disease
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Parkinsonism
Parkinson’s disease
Peripheral neuropathy, early onset
Porphyria cutanea tarda
Prostate cancer
Respiratory cancers (including lung cancer)
Soft tissue sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma)
Hawaii Veteran Success Story
In January 2026, a Hawaii Vietnam veteran’s medical conditions were officially recognized as a result of Agent Orange exposure from his service in Vietnam. He was awarded a 100% permanent and total disability rating, effective May 2026. This case demonstrates that Hawaii veterans are successfully securing Agent Orange benefits.
Hypertension and MGUS: New Presumptive Conditions Under the PACT Act
The PACT Act adds hypertension and MGUS to the Agent Orange presumptive list, effective October 1, 2026. Veterans who are 85 years or older, homeless, or terminally ill are eligible immediately.
If you previously filed a claim for hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure and were denied, you may refile under the PACT Act.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Review the presumptive list carefully. If you have a diagnosis that matches, file VA Form 21-526EZ even if you were previously denied. The PACT Act creates new entitlement pathways for many veterans. Contact the Hawaii OVS at (808) 369-3541 for free assistance.
PACT Act and Hawaii Veterans
The PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) is the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. It significantly affects Vietnam veterans by expanding health care eligibility, adding presumptive conditions, and improving toxic exposure screening.
What the PACT Act Does for Vietnam Veterans
Expands VA health care eligibility: All veterans who served in the Vietnam War are now eligible for VA health care without needing to apply for disability benefits first.
Adds 2 new Agent Orange presumptive conditions: Hypertension and MGUS.
Adds new exposure locations: Expands Agent Orange presumptive locations to include additional areas.
Requires toxic exposure screening: Every veteran enrolled in VA health care receives a screening.
Extends radiation-risk activity: Includes veterans who took part in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll from January 1, 1977, through December 31, 1980.
Health Care Eligibility Under the PACT Act
You are eligible to enroll in VA health care now if you meet basic service and discharge requirements and any of these are true:
You served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.
You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror.
You were exposed to toxins or hazards during military service.
You were assigned to certain duty stations in Southwest Asia or parts of Africa.
PACT Act Outreach in Hawaii
The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System has held PACT Act registration and community call events in Hawaii, including in Kailua-Kona. The VA encourages all eligible Hawaii veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 for information. Since the PACT Act was signed into law, VA has delivered more than $1.85 billion in PACT Act benefits to veterans and their survivors.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Apply for VA health care using VA Form 10-10EZ, even if you are not filing a disability claim. Enrolling provides access to preventive care, specialty care, and toxic exposure screening.
How to Apply for VA Disability Compensation
You can apply for VA disability compensation online, by mail, or with free assistance from a Hawaii Veterans Service Officer. The VA encourages online filing through VA.gov, which is the fastest method.
Online Application
Go to VA.gov and sign in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account.
Complete VA Form 21-526EZ electronically.
Upload supporting documents, including your DD-214 and medical evidence.
Submit the claim and track its status through your VA.gov account.
By Mail
Download and print VA Form 21-526EZ from the VA website.
Complete all sections, including your service history and medical conditions.
Attach copies of your DD-214, medical records, and any supporting statements.
Mail the completed form to the VA Regional Office in Honolulu.
With Hawaii OVS Assistance
Call the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services at (808) 369-3541.
Sign a Power of Attorney (POA) with OVS.
A trained Veterans Service Officer will assist you in completing and filing your claim.
OVS can also provide appeal assistance if your claim is denied.
Required Documents
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
Medical records showing diagnosis of a presumptive condition
Evidence of service in a qualifying location (orders, unit records, etc.)
Dependency records if claiming dependents
Any prior VA decision letters if refiling
VA Form 21-526EZ: What You Need to Know
VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, is the standard form for filing a VA disability claim. The current revision date is April 2026.
Key Sections of VA Form 21-526EZ
Section I: Veteran identification and contact information
Section II: Service information (branches, dates, character of discharge)
Section III: Disability information (conditions claimed)
Section IV: Dependents (if applicable)
Section V: Direct deposit information
Section VI: Certification and signature
Hawaii-Specific Considerations
Hawaii CVSOs (county veterans service officers) file VA Form 21-526EZ and supporting evidence on your behalf at no cost. Bring your DD-214 or equivalent, photo ID, and any medical records relevant to your claim. Paper submission via VA Form 21-526EZ also works; mail to your VA Regional Office.
If you want the VA to collect medical evidence on your behalf, you must also complete VA Forms 21-4142 and 21-4142a.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to file the correct form: Some veterans use outdated forms and experience delays. Use VA Form 21-526EZ.
Not including a complete DD-214: Missing discharge documents slow processing.
Omitting medical evidence: Attach all relevant medical records, even if the VA can obtain them.
Not claiming all conditions: List every condition you believe is service-connected, even if you are unsure.
Missing the intent to file deadline: File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) to preserve your effective date while gathering evidence.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If you are unsure how to complete VA Form 21-526EZ, contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services at (808) 369-3541 or a Veterans Service Organization such as the American Legion, VFW, DAV, or Vietnam Veterans of America. VSO representatives can assist you free of charge.
Hawaii State Benefits for Veterans
Hawaii offers several benefits for veterans beyond federal VA benefits. These are administered by the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services and other state agencies.
Property Tax Exemption
Hawaii law provides a property tax exemption for homes of totally disabled veterans. Real property owned and occupied as a home by a veteran who is totally disabled due to injuries received while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces is exempt from all property taxes, other than special assessments. This exemption remains in effect as long as the veteran claiming the exemption remains totally disabled.
For 100% disabled veterans, Hawaii may provide a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. The amount of exemption may vary based on the county where the veteran resides. Claims are filed with your county’s real property tax office; each county has its own form and calendar.
Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption
Veterans who are Hawaii residents with a 100% service-connected disability rating qualify for an exemption from the $46 state annual vehicle registration fee. A separate county motor vehicle registration fee exemption is available for veterans aged 65 and older under Honolulu City Bill 62 (Ordinance 25-45), effective July 1, 2026.
Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program
Hawaii offers a State Tuition Assistance Program for Hawaii National Guard members. This program helps service members pursue education while serving in the Guard.
Tax Benefits
Military retired pay: Military retired pay is exempt from Hawaii income taxes.
Reserve drill pay: Service members in the Hawaii National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves can exclude $8,082 of their military pay from Hawaii state taxes for the 2024 tax year.
Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery
Hawaii operates state veterans cemeteries that provide burial benefits for eligible veterans and their spouses. Contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services for information on eligibility and pre-registration.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services at (808) 369-3541 for information on state-specific benefits. Many require separate applications and documentation. Ask about upcoming OVS visits to Oʻahu and community outreach events.
VA Loans for Māʻili Veterans
VA home loans are a major benefit for veterans in Māʻili. The VA loan program allows eligible veterans to purchase homes with no down payment and competitive interest rates.
VA Loan Limits in Maili
The 2026 VA loan limits for Maili, Honolulu County, Hawaii are:
| Property Type | Loan Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-unit | $1,089,300 |
| 2-unit | $1,394,775 |
| 3-unit | $1,685,850 |
| 4-unit | $2,095,200 |
Source: Lendersa.com
Assumable VA Loans in Māʻili
Several properties in Māʻili and the surrounding Waiʻanae area offer assumable VA loans. Assumable VA loans allow qualified buyers to take over the seller’s existing VA loan at the original interest rate, which can be lower than current market rates.
Examples of assumable VA loans in the area include:
A VA assumable loan at approximately 4.5% in Maili Sea Country
A VA assumable loan at 5.404% with a PITI of $4,346.53 and a $41,000 gap
A VA assumable loan at 3.75% in the Maili Sea-Makalae subdivision
Why This Matters
Māʻili offers beachfront affordability that is hard to match elsewhere on Oʻahu, a peaceful, grounded lifestyle with deep cultural connections, and proximity to military bases without the congestion of bigger towns. VA loans make homeownership accessible for veterans who might otherwise be priced out of the Hawaii housing market.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Contact the VA Regional Benefit Office in Honolulu at 459 Patterson Road, or visit VA.gov to request a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office can help you learn about eligibility for VA home loans and request a COE.
VA Regional Benefit Office in Honolulu
The Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office is located at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center, 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819.
Services Available
The office helps veterans, service members, and their families access VA benefits and services, including:
Disability compensation
Education benefits
Life insurance
Pensions
Home loans
Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Walk-ins are accepted
What to Bring
When you visit, bring a current, unexpired photo ID and:
A copy of your discharge or separation papers (DD-214)
Copies of relevant medical records
Your Social Security number
Direct deposit information
Information about your dependents (dates of birth, Social Security numbers)
Appointments
To schedule an appointment with a Benefits Counselor, use the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) online. Appointments are available Monday through Friday excluding Federal holidays. Free customer parking is available in front and adjacent to the Regional Office.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Visit the Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office or schedule an appointment through VERA. For disability compensation questions, contact the Veterans Service Center, Public Contact Section, E-Wing 1st Floor.
Warriors United in Arms and Local Veteran Organizations
Several organizations serve veterans in Hawaii and the Māʻili area, providing camaraderie, advocacy, and support.
AMVETS Hawaii
AMVETS Hawaii operates the West Oahu Veterans Center and hosts regular community events including:
Community garden tours and orientation
Adaptive E-Sports Gaming Saturdays
Tai Chi Po Fit with Master Guy Paikai
Free Saturday walks in Ewa Beach
Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a national nonprofit veterans service organization founded in 1978. It is the only congressionally chartered Vietnam veterans organization. VVA provides free claims representation, advocates for Vietnam-era veterans, and fosters camaraderie through local chapters. Vietnam veterans in Hawaii can connect with VVA through the national organization.
Other Veteran Organizations in Hawaii
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Provides free claims assistance and advocacy.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Local posts offer camaraderie and community service.
American Legion: Local posts provide veterans services and community programs.
Military Order of the Purple Heart: Honors and supports combat-wounded veterans.
Why This Matters
Connecting with other veterans reduces isolation and provides access to information about benefits and resources. Many veterans learn about benefits they did not know they qualified for through conversations with fellow veterans.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services or a local VSO to learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities in the Māʻili and Waiʻanae areas.
Processing Times and Payment Dates
VA disability claims average 75 to 80 days to process in 2026, a significant improvement from prior years.
How to Check Your Claim Status
Online: Sign in to VA.gov and view your claim status.
By phone: Call 800-827-1000.
In person: Visit the Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office at 459 Patterson Road.
Payment Dates
VA disability compensation payments are deposited on the first business day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the preceding business day.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
The 2026 COLA was 2.8%. The rates below took effect December 1, 2025.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | With 1 Child | With Spouse and 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $596.47 | $666.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $853.84 | $947.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,205.90 | $1,319.90 |
| 60% | $1,645.75 | $1,756.75 | $1,720.75 | $1,834.75 |
| 70% | $2,074.45 | $2,187.45 | $2,151.45 | $2,266.45 |
| 80% | $2,412.88 | $2,527.88 | $2,491.88 | $2,608.88 |
| 90% | $2,711.36 | $2,828.36 | $2,792.36 | $2,911.36 |
| 100% | $3,291.06 | $3,410.06 | $3,374.06 | $3,495.06 |
What Veterans Should Do Next
If your claim has been pending for more than 80 days, contact the VA at 800-827-1000 to request a status update. You can also contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services or your VSO representative.
Appeals Process
If the VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than expected, you have three appeal options: a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or a Board appeal.
Supplemental Claim
File VA Form 20-0995 with new and relevant evidence. The VA will reconsider your claim based on the new information.
Higher-Level Review
File VA Form 20-0996 for a senior reviewer to examine your claim for errors. No new evidence is allowed at this level.
Board Appeal
File VA Form 10182 to have the Board of Veterans’ Appeals review your case. You can choose a direct review, evidence submission, or hearing.
Hawaii OVS Appeal Assistance
The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services specializes in handling appeals and denials of benefits. Most veterans who seek OVS services do so because their claims are in the appeal or denial stage. OVS offers assistance with discharge upgrades and notary public services.
Common Mistakes in Appeals
Missing the one-year deadline: You have one year from the date of your decision letter to appeal.
Filing the wrong form: Use the correct form for your chosen appeal lane.
Not submitting new evidence: For supplemental claims, new and relevant evidence is required.
What Veterans Should Do Next
Contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services at (808) 369-3541 before filing an appeal. A trained Veterans Service Officer can help you choose the right lane and avoid delays.
Common Questions
Q: What veterans services are available in Māʻili, Hawaii?
Māʻili veterans can access VA health care through the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, VA disability compensation through the Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office, and free claims assistance through the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services. Local veteran organizations like AMVETS Hawaii also provide support and community events.
Q: How do I contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services?
Call the Maui office at (808) 369-3541 or email MOVS@hawaii.gov. The office is located at 333 Dairy Road, Suite #203, Kahului, HI 96732. OVS provides free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and state benefits.
Q: What is the Agent Orange presumptive list?
The VA presumes that certain health conditions are caused by Agent Orange exposure for qualifying Vietnam veterans. This means you do not need to prove the connection between your service and your condition. The list includes Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension.
Q: Am I eligible if I served in the Blue Water Navy?
Yes. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 extends Agent Orange presumptive benefits to veterans who served on ships operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.
Q: How do I file VA Form 21-526EZ in Hawaii?
You can file online at VA.gov, by mail to the Honolulu VA Regional Office, or with free assistance from a Hawaii CVSO. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and medical records. Hawaii CVSOs file VA Form 21-526EZ and supporting evidence on your behalf at no cost.
Q: What is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act is a 2022 law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including Agent Orange. It adds new presumptive conditions like hypertension and MGUS and expands health care eligibility for Vietnam veterans.
Q: How long does a VA disability claim take?
The average processing time is 75 to 80 days in 2026. Claims requiring additional evidence or medical exams may take longer.
Q: Can I get VA health care even if I don’t file a disability claim?
Yes. Under the PACT Act, all Vietnam War veterans are eligible for VA health care without needing to file a disability claim first. Apply using VA Form 10-10EZ.
Q: What if my claim is denied?
You have three appeal options: supplemental claim, higher-level review, or Board appeal. You have one year from the decision date to appeal. The Hawaii OVS specializes in appeal assistance.
Q: What is the effective date for hypertension claims?
Hypertension is added to the Agent Orange presumptive list effective October 1, 2026. Veterans 85 or older, homeless, or terminally ill are eligible immediately.
Q: Do surviving spouses qualify for benefits?
Yes. Surviving spouses may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran’s death was related to a service-connected condition. Use VA Form 21P-534EZ.
Q: What property tax exemptions are available for Hawaii veterans?
Hawaii law exempts homes of totally disabled veterans from property taxes. For 100% disabled veterans, a full property tax exemption on the primary residence may be available. Claims are filed with your county’s real property tax office.
Q: Are VA loans available in Māʻili?
Yes. VA loans are available for eligible veterans purchasing homes in Māʻili. Several properties offer assumable VA loans at favorable interest rates. The 2026 VA loan limit for a 1-unit property in Honolulu County is $1,089,300.
Q: What is the Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office address?
The Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office is located at 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819, at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Q: Where can I get help filing my claim in Hawaii?
Contact the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services at (808) 369-3541 or a Veterans Service Organization such as the American Legion, VFW, DAV, or Vietnam Veterans of America. All provide free claims assistance.
Key Takeaways
Māʻili, Hawaii, has approximately 935 veterans, part of a larger Oʻahu veteran community.
The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services provides free claims assistance at (808) 369-3541.
Vietnam veterans who served in-country between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, qualify for Agent Orange presumptive benefits.
The PACT Act adds hypertension and MGUS to the presumptive list effective October 1, 2026.
File VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov or with free assistance from a Hawaii CVSO.
VA health care is available to all Vietnam War veterans without a disability claim under the PACT Act.
The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System serves 127,600 veterans through the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center and five CBOCs.
Hawaii offers property tax exemptions for totally disabled veterans and vehicle registration fee exemptions for 100% disabled veterans.
VA loans with assumable options are available in Māʻili and the surrounding Waiʻanae area.
Contact a VSO for free assistance with your claim.
Official Resources
VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits — https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
VA.gov: Agent Orange exposure and disability compensation — https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
VA.gov: File a disability claim — https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
VA.gov: VA health care eligibility — https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
VA.gov: Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office — https://www.va.gov/honolulu-va-regional-benefit-office-at-spark-m-matsunaga-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center/
VA.gov: VA Pacific Islands Health Care System — https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/
Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services — https://dod.hawaii.gov/ovs/
Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services – List of Services — https://dod.hawaii.gov/ovs/list-of-services/
USA.gov: Veterans benefits — https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
