VVA Rio Grande Valley: Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen Guide

Vietnam Veterans of America Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen TX: Complete 2026 Guide

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) serves the Rio Grande Valley primarily through Chapter 856, based at 16202 Mayfield Road, Harlingen, TX 78552. The chapter welcomes veterans who served in Vietnam between November 1, 1955, and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. Chapter 856 provides VA claims assistance, Agent Orange outreach, and community events across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties.

Quick Facts

What Vietnam Veterans of America Is and Why It Matters in the Rio Grande Valley

VVA is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. It was founded in 1978 to advocate for Vietnam veterans who faced inadequate VA care, Agent Orange exposure, and a lack of recognition for PTSD. In the Rio Grande Valley, VVA’s presence is concentrated in Harlingen through Chapter 856, which serves as the region’s primary VVA chapter for Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties.

For Rio Grande Valley Vietnam veterans, VVA matters for three practical reasons. First, VVA service officers are accredited by the VA and can represent veterans in disability claims and appeals at no charge. Second, Chapter 856 is a frontline resource for Agent Orange and PACT Act education, connecting veterans with benefits they may not know they qualify for. Third, the chapter provides the peer support and community recognition that many Vietnam veterans did not receive when they returned home.

VVA Chapter 856: The Rio Grande Valley’s VVA Hub

VVA Chapter 856 is the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter serving Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, McAllen, and the surrounding Rio Grande Valley communities. The chapter is based at 16202 Mayfield Road, Harlingen, TX 78552-3777. The phone number is (956) 371-2335, and the email address is sdcardenas52@yahoo.com.

Samuel de Cardenas is identified as the chapter president, and Guillermo Chapa has served as first vice-president. Under their leadership, Chapter 856 has been active in honoring fallen service members and supporting local veterans.

Chapter 856’s Community Work

In 2026, Chapter 856 unveiled a monument at Pendleton Park in Harlingen honoring 23 Harlingen natives who died in the Vietnam War. The chapter raised over $11,000 for the monument in collaboration with the city. The black granite monument lists each of the 23 names, ensuring their sacrifice is permanently recognized.

Chapter 856 also participated in the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam War at the Harlingen VA Clinic, reinforcing the chapter’s motto: “Welcome Home.” The chapter’s activities are focused on remembrance, claims assistance, and connecting Vietnam-era veterans with the benefits they earned.

How to Contact Chapter 856

Veterans in the Rio Grande Valley who served during the Vietnam era should contact Chapter 856 directly to inquire about membership, claims assistance, and meeting schedules:

• Address: 16202 Mayfield Road, Harlingen, TX 78552-3777

• Phone: (956) 371-2335

• Email: sdcardenas52@yahoo.com

Veterans can also visit vva.org and use the chapter locator to confirm current meeting times and chapter leadership.

VVA Membership Eligibility and Dues for Rio Grande Valley Veterans

VVA membership is open to U.S. military veterans who served on active duty—for purposes other than training—under one of two qualifying service windows:

• In-country Vietnam service: February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975.

• Any duty location Vietnam-era service: August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975.

National Guard and Reserve members must have been called to federal active duty to be eligible. Veterans who served in other locations during the Vietnam era, but not in Vietnam or a qualifying duty location, may still join as Associate members through the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA), which is open to family members, friends, and veterans of other eras.

Proof of Service

Applicants must submit a DD-214 as the preferred proof of service. If the DD-214 is unavailable, discharge certificates, orders, or awards may be accepted. A Standard Form SF-180 can be used to obtain the DD-214.

VVA Dues Schedule (2026)

Dues are payable to VVA National, PO Box 64299, Baltimore, MD 21264-4299. Membership includes a free subscription to The VVA Veteran, the organization’s award-winning newspaper.

VA Health Care in the Rio Grande Valley

VA health care in the Rio Grande Valley is delivered through the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, an outpatient-focused system that serves more than 40,000 veterans across 20 counties in deep South Texas. The system’s core competencies are primary care, mental health, geriatrics, and some specialty care.

Major VA Locations in the Rio Grande Valley

The Brownsville VA Outpatient Clinic opened to provide services closer to home for veterans in the lower Rio Grande Valley. The new facility offers primary care, social work, mental health, physical therapy, and virtual specialty care services. The McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic now includes a co-located urgent care clinic, providing easier access to urgent care needs and eliminating copays for urgent care visits.

VA Health Care Eligibility and Enrollment

VA health care eligibility follows federal rules. Veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were separated under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify. Most veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty, unless discharged earlier for a service-connected disability.

Enrollment is not automatic. Veterans must apply using VA Form 10-10EZ and be assigned to a priority group. Veterans with a compensable service-connected rating generally qualify regardless of income. Veterans with a 0% rating or nonservice-connected status must provide income information from the previous calendar year when applying.

Veterans can apply online at VA.gov, in person at the Harlingen, Brownsville, or McAllen VA clinics, or by mail. Enrollment is required before scheduling appointments.

Texas State Benefits for Rio Grande Valley Vietnam Veterans

Vietnam-era veterans in Texas may qualify for state benefits that supplement VA compensation and pension. The most significant are the Hazlewood Act tuition exemption and the 100% disabled veteran homestead exemption.

The Hazlewood Act: Texas Tuition Exemption

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The exemption does not cover living expenses, books, or supply fees; students are responsible for the Student Service Fee and any fees not covered by Hazlewood.

For Rio Grande Valley veterans, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a participating institution. Eligible veterans should contact UTRGV’s financial aid office or the Texas Veterans Commission for eligibility details and application procedures. The Hazlewood Act requires the veteran to have been a Texas resident at the time of entry into military service and to meet specific service and discharge requirements.

Texas 100% Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption

Texas offers a 100% property tax exemption on the homestead of a veteran who has been rated by the VA as having a 100% service-connected disability or individual unemployability. The exemption waives the full value of the homestead owned by the veteran, meaning the veteran will not be required to pay property taxes on that property.

The exemption also extends to the surviving spouse of a 100% disabled veteran and to the surviving spouse of a U.S. armed service member killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. Veterans in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties should apply through their local appraisal district with their VA rating decision and proof of homestead ownership.

Texas Veterans Commission Services in Harlingen

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) operates a claims office in Harlingen to assist Rio Grande Valley veterans with VA claims, benefits counseling, and health care advocacy. The TVC office is located at the VA Health Care Center, 2106 Treasure Hills Boulevard, Room 104, Harlingen, TX 78550. The phone number is (956) 752-0682, and the fax number is (956) 752-0704. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. .

TVC claims benefit advisors can assist veterans with:

• Filing initial VA disability claims (VA Form 21-526EZ).

• Appeals and decision reviews.

• Health care enrollment and eligibility questions.

• Education benefits, including the Hazlewood Act.

• Coordination with the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.

The TVC serves Cameron County and surrounding counties, making it a critical resource for veterans in Harlingen, Brownsville, San Benito, and the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Agent Orange and the PACT Act: What Rio Grande Valley Vietnam Veterans Need to Know

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA benefits for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The law added more than 20 presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure, including two new Agent Orange presumptive conditions: high blood pressure (hypertension) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) . The PACT Act also added new presumptive exposure locations for Agent Orange, including Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base from January 9, 1962, to June 30, 1976.

Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions (Partial List)

The VA recognizes the following conditions as presumptively caused by Agent Orange exposure for qualifying Vietnam veterans:

• AL amyloidosis

• Chloracne (within one year of exposure)

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Parkinsonism

• Bladder cancer

• Hypothyroidism

• Hodgkin’s disease

• Ischemic heart disease

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Prostate cancer

• Respiratory cancers

• Soft tissue sarcomas

• Multiple myeloma

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Porphyria cutanea tarda

• Hypertension (added under PACT Act)

• MGUS (added under PACT Act)

A veteran with a qualifying presumption does not need to prove that service caused the condition; the VA presumes exposure and causation.

How Rio Grande Valley Veterans Can File an Agent Orange Claim

Veterans who were previously denied an Agent Orange claim, or who have a newly presumptive condition, should file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence. VVA Chapter 856, the Texas Veterans Commission Harlingen office, and accredited VSOs can assist with the claim. The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System also provides free toxic exposure screenings to enrolled veterans.

VA Disability Compensation and Pension for Rio Grande Valley Veterans

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment from the VA to veterans with a service-connected disability. Rio Grande Valley veterans receive the same nationwide rates as veterans in every other state.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone, No Dependents)

The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment effective December 1, 2025. Veterans with a 30% or higher rating receive additional amounts for a dependent spouse, children, or parents.

VA Pension for Wartime Veterans

VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for wartime veterans with limited income and net worth. For 2026, the income limit for a veteran with no dependents is $19,836 per year**, and for a veteran with a dependent spouse or children, the limit is **$26,663. The net worth limit for all pension applicants is $163,699.

The Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for a veteran with no dependents is approximately $17,441 per year (about $1,453 per month) . Veterans who need help with daily activities may qualify for Aid and Attendance (A&A) , which increases the MAPR substantially.

Pension claims are filed using VA Form 21P-527EZ. Veterans must report all income and assets. VA applies a three-year look-back period for asset transfers.

Common Questions

What VVA chapter serves Harlingen, Brownsville, and McAllen?

VVA Chapter 856 serves the Rio Grande Valley from 16202 Mayfield Road, Harlingen, TX 78552. The phone number is (956) 371-2335, and the email is sdcardenas52@yahoo.com. The chapter covers Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, McAllen, and surrounding communities.

Who is eligible for VVA membership in the Rio Grande Valley?

VVA membership is open to veterans who served on active duty in Vietnam from November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, or in any duty location from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975. A DD-214 is required as proof of service. National Guard and Reserve members must have been called to federal active duty.

How much does VVA membership cost?

Annual individual dues are $20 per year** or **$50 for three years. Life membership ranges from $150 to $225 depending on age, with a monthly payment plan available. Dues include a subscription to The VVA Veteran newspaper.

Where is the VA clinic in Harlingen?

The Harlingen VA Clinic is at 2601 Veterans Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550. It is the main VA health care hub for the Rio Grande Valley and provides primary care, mental health, and specialty services. The Harlingen VA Health Care Center at 2106 Treasure Hills Boulevard also houses the Texas Veterans Commission office.

Does the VA have a clinic in Brownsville?

Yes. The Brownsville VA Outpatient Clinic is at 5700 North Expressway, Texas Coastal Professional Building, Suite 101, Brownsville, TX 78526. It offers primary care, social work, mental health, physical therapy, and virtual specialty care services.

Does the McAllen VA clinic have urgent care?

Yes. The McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic at 901 East Hackberry Avenue now includes a co-located urgent care clinic. The urgent care clinic provides easier access to urgent care needs, eliminates copays for urgent care visits, and smooths the transition from urgent care to primary care.

What is the Texas Hazlewood Act?

The Hazlewood Act provides qualified Texas veterans, spouses, and dependent children with up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at public colleges and universities in Texas. It covers most fee charges but not living expenses, books, or supply fees. Eligible veterans should contact UTRGV or the Texas Veterans Commission for application details.

Does Texas offer a property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans?

Yes. Texas provides a 100% homestead property tax exemption for veterans rated by the VA as 100% service-connected disabled or individually unemployable. The exemption waives the full value of the homestead and extends to surviving spouses in certain cases. Veterans should apply through their local appraisal district.

Where is the Texas Veterans Commission office in Harlingen?

The TVC claims office is at the VA Health Care Center, 2106 Treasure Hills Boulevard, Room 104, Harlingen, TX 78550. The phone number is (956) 752-0682. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. The office serves Cameron County and surrounding counties.

Can surviving spouses get VA benefits in the Rio Grande Valley?

Yes. Surviving spouses may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) , Survivors Pension, Chapter 35 education benefits, CHAMPVA health care, and VA home loan guaranty. The Texas 100% disabled veteran homestead exemption also extends to surviving spouses in certain circumstances. The TVC Harlingen office and VVA Chapter 856 can assist with survivor claims.

What if my VA claim is denied?

Veterans have three options: a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, a Higher-Level Review by a senior adjudicator, or a Board Appeal before a Veterans Law Judge. For most benefits, there is a one-year deadline from the decision to choose a review lane. A VVA service officer or TVC claims advisor can help determine which option is best.

Does the PACT Act apply to Rio Grande Valley veterans?

Yes. The PACT Act applies nationwide. Vietnam veterans with toxic exposure histories and qualifying conditions can file claims through VVA Chapter 856, the TVC Harlingen office, or the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. Veterans who were previously denied can file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence.

Key Takeaways

• VVA Chapter 856 in Harlingen is the primary Vietnam Veterans of America chapter serving the Rio Grande Valley, including Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, and McAllen.

• Chapter 856 contact: 16202 Mayfield Road, Harlingen, TX 78552; phone (956) 371-2335; email sdcardenas52@yahoo.com.

• VVA membership is open to Vietnam-era veterans who served in-country from 1955 to 1975 or in any duty location from 1964 to 1975. Annual dues are $20.

• VA health care is delivered through the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, with major clinics in Harlingen, Brownsville, and McAllen.

• The Brownsville VA Outpatient Clinic offers primary care, mental health, and physical therapy; the McAllen clinic includes a co-located urgent care center.

• The Texas Veterans Commission Harlingen office at 2106 Treasure Hills Boulevard provides free claims assistance; phone (956) 752-0682.

• The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges, including UTRGV.

• Texas offers a 100% homestead property tax exemption for veterans rated 100% disabled or individually unemployable by the VA.

• The PACT Act added hypertension and MGUS as Agent Orange presumptive conditions and expanded exposure locations to include Thailand.

• Denied claims can be appealed through a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal; the one-year deadline is critical.

Official Resources

• Vietnam Veterans of America (National): https://vva.org — chapter locator, membership, service officer program, Agent Orange resources.

• VVA Chapter 856: https://vva.org/chapter/vva-chapter-856/ — Harlingen chapter contact information and membership.

• VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System: https://www.va.gov/texas-valley-health-care/ — locations, services, enrollment, appointments.

• VA Texas Valley Health Care Locations: https://www.va.gov/texas-valley-health-care/locations/ — Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen, and other clinic addresses.

• Texas Veterans Commission: https://tvc.texas.gov — claims assistance, Hazlewood Act, benefits counseling.

• Hazlewood Act (TVC): https://tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/ — eligibility and application information.

• UTRGV Tuition Exemptions: https://www.utrgv.edu/ucentral/paying-for-college/financial-aid/exemptions/ — Hazlewood Act and other exemptions at UT Rio Grande Valley.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Agent Orange: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/ — presumptive conditions and claim instructions.

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov — coordination of VA benefits with Social Security disability and retirement.

• Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov — coordination of VA health care with Medicare for veterans age 65 and older.