CLAIMS SERVICES



 *NEW* suicide emergency number 988


 Lynette Bonin

Assistant Claims Director
(612) 970-5669
 
VFW Claims Office
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building
1 Federal Drive
Room G900
St. Paul, MN. 55111
Mon-Thu 7 AM - 3 PM
Fri 7 AM - 12 PM (Noon)

 



 
Jon Gohn 
Claims Director
(612)970-5669

 

Jeff Cowell
Claims Examiner

Zachary Lee
Claims Examiner


  

 

As the largest organization of combat veterans, the VFW understands the frustrations that can arise when filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The claims process can be confusing and one that service members and veterans shouldn’t try to navigate alone. That’s why the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) was created.

VFW Service Officers are trained experts, helping veterans develop their case with ease by reviewing and applying current law, pertinent legislation, regulations and medical histories. As skilled professionals, they assist in filing for disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, pension and death benefits, and employment and training programs. Furthermore, they won’t hesitate to request hearings before the VA and the Board of Veterans Appeals to present oral arguments when needed

VFW Service Officers are with America’s veterans every step of the way once they’re ready to file a claim. This is a service the VFW is proud to offer–free of charge–to anyone seeking assistance with the claims process. It’s a service our veterans have earned and deserve.

Your Minnesota VFW Claims Office is housed in the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, and employees five of the most highly trained staff Nationwide. Jon Gohn. Director; Lynette Bonin. Assistant Director;  Jeffrey Cowell and Zachary Lee, Claims Examiners. 

They stand ready to assist veterans and their dependents with a variety of needs.

 

  

 

What is Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH)?
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance is life insurance for veterans with service-related disabilities. The basic program, which is called "RH Insurance", insures eligible veterans up to $10,000. A supplemental policy, called "Supplemental RH Insurance", gives certain disabled veterans extra coverage of up to $20,000.

Who is Eligible?
You are eligible for RH INSURANCE if:
  • You left service after April 24, 1951, AND
  • VA has notified you that you have a service-related disability AND
  • You are healthy EXCEPT for your service-related disability AND
  • You apply within 2 years of being notified of your disability.
    • Note: if the veteran is mentally incompetent, call for information about eligibility and time limits.

You are eligible for SUPPLEMENTAL RH INSURANCE if:
  • You have RH Insurance AND
  • VA has notified you that you don't have to pay your insurance premiums (which is called a waiver) AND
  • You apply within 1 year of being notified of the waiver AND
  • You are under 65 years of age.
    • Note: In some cases, Veterans over age 65 can apply.

REMINDER: Waiver of RH Premiums - you may be eligible for a waiver if you become too disabled to work before your 65th birthday and stay that way for at least 6 consecutive months. (Premiums for Supplemental RH Insurance can't be waived.)

How Much Does It Cost?
The cost varies depending upon your age, type of plan you select (term or one of several permanent plans), and the amount of coverage.
 
How Can I Apply?
You may use the following forms to apply:
  • VA Form 29-4364 - to apply for basic RH Insurance
  • VA Form 29-0188 - to apply for Supplemental RH Insurance
  • VA Form 29-357 - to apply for a waiver of your RH Insurance premiums 

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and VFW logo's are the registered trademarks of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and may not be used or reproduced without the consent of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is chartered by the Congress of the United States. Section 7 of Public Law No. 360, 74th Congress, provides that this organization shall have the sole and exclusive right to have and to use the name "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States" and the sole and exclusive right to the use of names, emblems, and badges adopted by said organization. Section 705 of chapter 33 of Title 18, United

States Code Annotated, prohibits reproduction or distribution of the name, emblem, or insignia or any colorable imitation thereof of The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Minnesota VFW is chartered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

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The Department of Minnesota Claims Service Program appreciates annual grant funds from

the Citizens of Minnesota through the

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)