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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
The Servicepersons Transition Examination Program (STEP) is designed to assist servicepersons claiming disability at the time of their discharge and has literally revolutionized the way VA disability claims are processed. STEP is a coordinated effort between the Department of the Army, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the Veterans Health Administration and offers you the following benefits:
- Efficient, effective and high quality claims processing (completed within a few weeks of discharge)
- Fast and friendly Customer Service
- Introduction to the benefits and services provided by the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration
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VA Regional Office
For information on VA benefits, a call to 1-800-827-1000 from any location in the United States will connect you to a VA regional office. Counselors can answer your questions about eligibility and application procedures for these benefits:
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disability compensation
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pension
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education and training
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vocational rehabilitation
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home loan guarantees
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life insurance
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burial benefits
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benefits for survivors
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The STEP Process
- To participate in this program, you must first contact the Military Services Coordinator located at the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) Facility. At this appointment you can expect to complete an application for VA benefits as well as schedule the Part I of your physical examination. The Part I of your physical examination consists of initiation of the physical exam paperwork, lab work and x-rays, an audiology and an optometry exam as well as current height weight and blood pressure measurements. The Part II or "interview" phase of your physical will be scheduled at the conclusion of your Part I.
Department Of Veterans Affairs
Military Services Coordinator
ACAP BLDG T-142
Fort Drum, NY 13602
(315) 772-3307
- As a STEP participant you will undergo a medical examination at the Connor Memorial Troop Medical Clinic BLDG 10506. This examination will serve as your military separation examination and will meet VA Compensation and Pension requirements for those servicepersons claiming disability at discharge. At the conclusion of the Part II of your examination you may be required to complete specialized testing either at another clinic on Fort Drum or at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse. The Site Manager for Compensation Physicals will make any additional appointments for you at the conclusion of the Part II of your Physical Exam and provide you with additional information at that time.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Compensation Physicals at Fort Drum
BLDG 10506 CTMC
Joe Duque, Site Manager
(315) 772-8441
Note: To ensure prompt processing, it is imperative that you keep your scheduled appointments.
- For those service members that require a specialized examination be performed at the Syracuse VA Medical Center and need transportation, follow the instructions provided by the Site Manager for Compensation Physical Examinations.
- Should you prefer, you may drive yourself to the Syracuse VA Medical Center for your appointment. All soldiers travelling to Syracuse must be on TDY orders, however, because transportation is available, soldiers are not eligible for mileage reimbursement.
If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please contact the Compensation Physical Exams section as soon as possible at (315) 772-8441. The Compensation Department can only reschedule an appointment if there are available openings.
- Approximately 4 weeks prior to the actual date of separation, the soldiers original medical records as well as the results of all examinations will be forwarded to the VARO at Buffalo. The VARO at Buffalo will maintain your VA examination results and claim form for disability benefits until your time of discharge and will use this time to prepare a preliminary rating.
- At your time of discharge the Military Services Coordinator will forward your DD 214 to the Buffalo Regional Office for expeditious processing of your VA claim. You will be advised, by letter, of the decision reached on your claim as soon as processing is complete. Upon completion of your claim, your VA claims file will be mailed to the Regional Office having jurisdiction of your permanent home address.
The STEP Partnership
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Medical Dept. Activity
Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic
Fort Drum, NY 13602-5004
(315) 772-4030
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Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Regional Office
111 W. Huron St
Buffalo, NY 14202
1-800-827-1000
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Veterans Health Administration
Syracuse VA Medical Center
800 Irving Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 425-4400
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Veteran Services
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: April 5, 2007 |
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