VVA Oklahoma City: Chapter 291, Benefits & VA Guide

Vietnam Veterans of America Oklahoma City OK: Chapters, Membership, and Benefits Guide

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) serves Oklahoma City through VVA Chapter 291, based at PO Box 18547, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0547. 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 contact: (405) 608-0449; email: okc291@yahoo.com. VVA Service Officer Pete Peterson provides free VA claims assistance from his Oklahoma City office.

Quick Facts

What Vietnam Veterans of America Is and Why It Matters in Oklahoma City

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 Oklahoma City, VVA’s presence is concentrated in Chapter 291, which serves as the metro’s primary VVA chapter and a direct link to free claims representation.

For Oklahoma City 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 291 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 291: Oklahoma City’s VVA Hub

VVA Chapter 291 is the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter serving Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro. The chapter is based at PO Box 18547, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0547. The phone number is (405) 608-0449, and the email address is okc291@yahoo.com. The chapter’s stated mission is to welcome “all our brothers and sisters 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 Leadership and History

Pete Peterson has been identified as president of VVA Chapter 291. In 1997, Peterson was quoted in The Oklahoman as chapter president when the traveling Vietnam War memorial came to Oklahoma City; the chapter co-sponsored the event. Peterson is also listed as a VVA Service Officer in Oklahoma City, helping veterans from all eras.

Chapter 291’s Role in the Community

Chapter 291 connects local Vietnam veterans with VVA’s national network of over 90,000 members and 500+ chapters. Membership includes a free subscription to The VVA Veteran, VVA’s award-winning newspaper, and updates on legislation affecting veterans. The chapter is a 501(c)(19) war veterans’ organization, recognized as a tax-exempt post or organization of war veterans.

How to Contact Chapter 291

Veterans in Oklahoma City who served during the Vietnam era should contact Chapter 291 directly to inquire about membership, claims assistance, and meeting schedules:

• Address: PO Box 18547, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0547

• Phone: (405) 608-0449

• Email: okc291@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 Oklahoma City 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. VVA instructs applicants to black out the Social Security number on the DD-214; the document is used to confirm service dates. 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)

VVA’s national membership page lists a $50 one-time payment** (check, credit card, or money order) for membership. Other VVA chapter pages list annual dues of **$20 per year or $50 for three years, with life membership rates that vary by age. Because dues structures can vary between national and chapter-level promotions, Oklahoma City veterans should confirm the current rate with Chapter 291 at (405) 608-0449 before submitting payment.

Membership includes a free subscription to The VVA Veteran. VVA national keeps less than half of membership dues; the rest stays at the state and local level to support programs and services for veterans and their families.

VVA Service Officer Pete Peterson: Free VA Claims Help in Oklahoma City

Pete Peterson is a VVA Service Officer located in Oklahoma City, helping veterans from all eras of war receive the benefits they deserve. VVA has over 600 Service Officers nationwide, and these officers are recognized by the VA to represent claimants at the regional office, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and other levels of the claims process. This representation is provided at no charge.

Contact Information for the Service Officer

Veterans seeking help with a VA claim, appeal, or Agent Orange/PACT Act claim can contact Peterson directly or ask Chapter 291 for a referral.

What a VVA Service Officer Can Do

• File an initial disability compensation claim (VA Form 21-526EZ).

• Submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence for a previously denied condition.

• Request a Higher-Level Review or file a Board Appeal.

• Assist with Agent Orange presumptive claims and PACT Act toxic exposure claims.

• Help survivors file DIC and Survivors Pension claims.

• Coordinate with the Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office, which processes Oklahoma claims.

VA Health Care in Oklahoma City

VA health care in Oklahoma City is delivered through the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, anchored by the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center at 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. The main number is (405) 456-1000. The system operates a 192-bed teaching hospital and 16 to 19 outpatient clinics across Oklahoma and into Texas.

Major VA Locations in the Oklahoma City Area

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is expanding access in 2026 with new and expanded community clinics. The Broadway VA Clinic at 9400 Broadway Extension will expand mental health treatment options. A Norman clinic opening in fall 2026 will add services for about 2,400 veterans, and the Yukon clinic will add a dentist and optometrist office.

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 Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, or by mail. Enrollment is required before scheduling appointments.

Patient Trust and Wait Times at the Oklahoma City VA

Veteran trust at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center is high. Outpatient trust scores show 92.8% of veterans agreeing or strongly agreeing that they trust the facility for their health care needs. Wait times vary by service. Recent data show:

• Audiology: 1 day for new patients, 17 days for established patients.

• Cardiology: 11 days new, 47 days established.

• Mental health (individual): 6 days new, 11 days established.

• Optometry: 3 days new, 28 days established.

• Orthopedics: 4 days new, 23 days established.

These figures reflect VA’s published access data and can change; veterans should confirm current availability when scheduling.

The Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office

Oklahoma veterans’ federal benefits claims are processed through the Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office, not a regional office in Oklahoma City. The Muskogee office is located at 125 South Main Street, Muskogee, OK 74401. The main benefits phone number is 1-800-827-1000. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. .

The Muskogee Regional Office handles disability compensation, pension, survivor, and education claims for Oklahoma veterans. While the office is in Muskogee, Oklahoma City veterans can file claims online, by mail, at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, or through a VVA service officer or accredited representative. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs also maintains a central office in Oklahoma City at 2132 NE 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, with a direct line of (405) 523-4000 and a toll-free number of (888) 655-2838.

VA Disability Compensation for Oklahoma City Veterans

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment from the VA to veterans with a service-connected disability. Oklahoma City 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.

These figures are for a veteran alone with no dependents. Veterans with a 30% or higher rating receive additional amounts for a dependent spouse, children, or parents. The 100% rate for a veteran with a spouse is higher than the veteran-alone rate.

How to File a VA Disability Claim from Oklahoma City

The steps are the same for Oklahoma City veterans as for veterans nationwide:

1. Obtain your DD-214 and service treatment records.

2. Gather medical evidence linking your current condition to service—private treatment records, nexus letters from a physician, and buddy statements from fellow service members can strengthen the claim.

3. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov, by mail, or with a VVA service officer.

4. File the claim and track its status through VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.

5. Attend any required C&P exam scheduled by VA.

A medical nexus letter is often the deciding factor in a disability claim. It must state that the veteran’s condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by military service. Claims without a nexus or with incomplete service records are more likely to be denied or rated lower than the condition warrants.

VA Pension for Oklahoma City Wartime Veterans

VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for wartime veterans with limited income and net worth. It is separate from disability compensation. A veteran can receive pension only if they do not qualify for compensation, or if compensation is lower than the pension amount (in which case VA pays the difference).

2026 VA Pension Income and Net Worth Limits

The net worth limit for Veterans Pension is $163,699** from December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026. The income limit for a veteran with no dependents is **$19,836. The Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for a veteran with no dependents is approximately $17,441 per year. Veterans who need help with daily activities may qualify for Aid and Attendance (A&A) , which increases the MAPR substantially.

How to Apply for VA Pension

The application form is VA Form 21P-527EZ. Veterans must report all income and assets. VA applies a three-year look-back period for asset transfers; transferring assets for less than fair market value during that period can affect eligibility. Pension claims can be filed online, by mail to the Muskogee Regional Office, or with a VVA service officer.

Oklahoma State Benefits for Vietnam-Era Veterans

Vietnam-era veterans in Oklahoma may qualify for state benefits that supplement VA compensation and pension. The most significant is the 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption, along with income tax breaks and education benefits.

Oklahoma 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Oklahoma provides a full property tax exemption on the homestead of a veteran who has been certified by the VA as having a 100% permanent disability sustained through military action, accident, or disease contracted while in active service. The exemption also extends to the surviving spouse of such a veteran.

To qualify, the veteran must:

• Be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or Oklahoma National Guard.

• Be an Oklahoma resident.

• Have a 100% permanent, service-connected disability.

• Own and occupy the homestead as the primary residence on January 1 of the tax year.

• Provide a current VA benefits award letter certifying the 100% service-connected disability.

Applications are filed with the county assessor using Oklahoma Tax Commission Form 998, Application for 100% Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption. The exemption covers the full fair cash value of the homestead.

Oklahoma Income Tax Benefits

Oklahoma offers several income tax benefits for veterans:

• Military retirement pay exemption: Retirement benefits received from any component of the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from Oklahoma taxable income in an amount not to exceed the greater of 75% of such benefits or $10,000.

• Military compensation deduction: One hundred percent of income received as salary or compensation by an Oklahoma resident serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can be deducted from taxable income.

Free State Parks and Hunting/Fishing Licenses

All honorably discharged veterans who are Oklahoma residents are allowed free admission to all state-owned or state-operated parks and museums, with a valid Oklahoma driver license or state photo ID. Veterans with a 60% or more service-connected disability may qualify for hunting and fishing permits through the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

Oklahoma Veterans Higher Education Access Act

Oklahoma has considered legislation—SB 1336—to create the Oklahoma Veterans Higher Education Access Act, which would provide eligible veterans an undergraduate tuition and mandatory fee waiver at institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education or a tuition waiver at a technology center school. The measure would cap the waiver at 150 credit hours at a higher education institution or three years at a technology center school. Veterans should confirm current program status with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs or their institution’s financial aid office.

Agent Orange and the PACT Act: What Oklahoma City 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 and radiation.

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 Oklahoma City 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 Service Officer Pete Peterson, Chapter 291, and the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs can assist with the claim. The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System also provides free toxic exposure screenings to enrolled veterans, as required by the PACT Act. The VA Oklahoma City Health Care System has hosted PACT Act community engagement events to inform veterans about their eligibility.

Common Mistakes That Delay Oklahoma City Veterans Benefits

The most common mistake is filing a claim without a medical nexus. A disability rating requires evidence linking the current condition to service. Buddy statements and private medical opinions can strengthen a claim, but they must specifically address the in-service event or exposure.

Other frequent errors:

• Assuming VVA membership automatically files a claim. Membership connects you to the network, but you must request claims assistance from a service officer and provide your DD-214 and medical records.

• Missing the one-year appeal deadline. For most VA benefits, a veteran has one year from the date of a decision to file a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal. Waiting longer limits the options.

• Ignoring the PACT Act. Veterans who served in toxic-exposure locations may qualify for new presumptive conditions. A claim that was denied before the PACT Act may now be grantable. Veterans should consider filing a supplemental claim if they have a toxic-exposure history.

• Filing for the Oklahoma property tax exemption after the deadline. The exemption requires ownership and occupancy on January 1 of the tax year and an application with the county assessor. Missing the deadline can delay the exemption by a year.

• Not coordinating state and federal benefits. Oklahoma’s property tax exemption and VA disability compensation are stackable, but each has separate application steps. Veterans should pursue both.

Frequently Asked Questions About VVA Oklahoma City

What VVA chapter serves Oklahoma City?

VVA Chapter 291 serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro. The chapter is based at PO Box 18547, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0547. The phone number is (405) 608-0449, and the email is okc291@yahoo.com.

Who is eligible for VVA membership in Oklahoma City?

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?

VVA’s national membership page lists a $50 one-time payment** for membership. Some chapter pages list annual dues of **$20 per year or $50 for three years, with life membership rates that vary by age. Oklahoma City veterans should confirm the current rate with Chapter 291 at (405) 608-0449.

Can VVA help me file a VA disability claim in Oklahoma City?

Yes. VVA Service Officer Pete Peterson provides free claims assistance from his Oklahoma City office at 243 W Wilshire Blvd, Suite C. He can be reached at (405) 608-0449 or pete73112@yahoo.com. VVA service officers are VA-accredited and can represent veterans in disability claims and appeals at no charge.

Where is the VA medical center in Oklahoma City?

The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center is at 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. The main number is (405) 456-1000. It is a 192-bed teaching hospital with emergency services available 24/7.

Does the VA have clinics in the Oklahoma City metro?

Yes. The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System operates community clinics in the metro, including the Broadway VA Clinic at 9400 Broadway Extension, a Norman clinic opening in fall 2026, and a Yukon clinic with dental and optometry services. The system operates 16 to 19 outpatient clinics across Oklahoma and into Texas.

What is the VA disability rate for 100% in 2026?

A veteran alone with a 100% disability rating receives $3,938.58 per month in 2026. The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% COLA effective December 1, 2025.

What is the income limit for VA pension in 2026?

For a veteran with no dependents, the income limit is $19,836 per year**. The net worth limit for all pension applicants is **$163,699, effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026.

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

Yes. Oklahoma provides a full property tax exemption on the homestead of a veteran certified by the VA as having a 100% permanent, service-connected disability. The exemption also extends to the surviving spouse. Applications are filed with the county assessor using Oklahoma Tax Commission Form 998.

Can surviving spouses get VA benefits in Oklahoma City?

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 Oklahoma 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption also extends to surviving spouses. VVA Chapter 291 and the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs 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 can help determine which option is best.

Does the PACT Act apply to Oklahoma City veterans?

Yes. The PACT Act applies nationwide. Vietnam veterans with toxic exposure histories and qualifying conditions can file claims through VVA Chapter 291, VVA Service Officer Pete Peterson, or the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. The PACT Act added hypertension and MGUS as Agent Orange presumptive conditions, and the Oklahoma City VA provides free toxic exposure screenings.

Key Takeaways

• VVA Chapter 291 in Oklahoma City is the metro’s Vietnam Veterans of America chapter, based at PO Box 18547, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0547.

• Chapter 291 contact: phone (405) 608-0449; email okc291@yahoo.com.

• VVA Service Officer Pete Peterson provides free VA claims assistance from 243 W Wilshire Blvd, Suite C, Oklahoma City, OK 73116; phone (405) 608-0449.

• 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. A DD-214 is required.

• The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center at 921 NE 13th Street is the primary VA health care facility; main number (405) 456-1000.

• The Oklahoma City VA system operates 16–19 outpatient clinics and is expanding access with new clinics in Norman, Yukon, and Broadway Extension in 2026.

• **The 2026 100% VA disability rate is $3,938.58 per month** for a veteran alone; the 10% rate is $180.42.

• VA pension income limit for a veteran alone is $19,836**, and the net worth limit is **$163,699.

• Oklahoma offers a full property tax exemption for 100% permanently disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, filed with the county assessor on OTC Form 998.

• The PACT Act added hypertension and MGUS as Agent Orange presumptive conditions; Oklahoma City veterans can file claims through VVA or the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

Official Resources

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

• VVA Chapter 291: https://vva.org/chapter/vva-chapter-291/ — Oklahoma City chapter contact information and membership.

• VVA Service Officer Pete Peterson: https://vva.org/service-officers/pete-peterson/ — Oklahoma City service officer contact information.

• Oklahoma City VA Medical Center: https://www.va.gov/oklahoma-city-health-care/locations/oklahoma-city-va-medical-center/ — locations, services, enrollment, appointments.

• Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office: https://www.va.gov/muskogee-benefit-office/ — claims processing for Oklahoma veterans.

• Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs: https://oklahoma.gov/veterans/ — state benefits, claims assistance, service offices.

• Oklahoma Tax Commission Form 998: https://www.oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/tax/documents/forms/ad-valorem/current/998.pdf — Application for 100% Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – PACT Act: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ — toxic exposure benefits 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.