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1. Please switch auto forms mode to off.
2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc).
3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow.
You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.
On June 3, 2021, Medical Disability Examination vendors surpassed the total number of compensation and pension examinations completed during Fiscal Year 2020.
Pension poaching is a financial scam that targets Veterans, survivors and family members who may be eligible for these benefits.
Local Events and Happenings
The Regional Office has Reopened
Updated July 28, 2021
The Columbia Regional Office has reopened to the public with reduced capacity. The Regional Office will be adhering to CDC Guidelines in that all visitors, employees, and contractors are required to wear mask, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, those that are not fully vaccinated, are required to follow social distancing practices (6 feet apart). Other agencies that are housed at the Regional Office may continue to require appointments and should be contacted to obtain that information.
If you need assistance and do not wish to come to the Regional Office, use the contact information below to provide your Name, Contact information, and the best time of day to contact you between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm.
| Public Contact: | 803-647-2488 or VetAsst.VBACMS@va.gov | ||
| Veteran Readiness & Employment | 803-647-2400 | Fiduciary Hub Call Center | 888-407-0144 Option 1 |
| AMVETS: | 803-647-2421 | Disabled American Veterans: | 803-647-2422 |
| American Legion/SCDVA | 803-647-2434 | Military Order of Purple Heart: | 803-647-2430 |
| Paralyzed Veterans (PVA): | 803-647-2432 | Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): | 803-647-2443 |
Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP)
On March 11, 2021, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched VRRAP for Veterans who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Veterans participating in VRRAP can receive education and training for high-demand occupations, which is determined by the Commissioner of Labor Statistics. Veterans will receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates. To learn more about VRRAP and how to apply for the program, Veterans can visit www.va.gov. Veterans can also contact the Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday to speak with a VA education representative.
CONTACTING US DURING COVID-19
A Public Contact Team representative is just an email or telephone call away.
Call us at (803) 647-2488, or email VetAsst.VBACMS@va.gov, and provide your:
- Name
- Contact information and,
- Best time of day for contact between 8:00am and 4:00pm
You can also request a "Virtual Face-to-Face" meeting with a VA representative by sending an email to VetAsst.VBACMS@va.gov and providing your:
- Name
- Contact information and,
- Best time of day for contact between 8:00am and 4:00pm
Outside of regular hours you may also apply for benefits online through va.gov, emailing the VA or calling the VA National Call Center at 1-800-827-1000.
Click here for Columbia Regional Office Events & Veteran Readiness & Employment Assistance Virtual Drop-in's
Inside Veterans Benefits
Our Response to COVID-19
We appreciate your patience as we continue to work with you during this time of crisis.
Are you an Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veteran?
You may be entitled to a Native allotment selection, if you are an Alaska Native Vietnam Veteran who served between 1964 and 1971, AND have not received a Native allotment, OR are an heir to someone who meets the above criteria. For more information, visit the Bureau of Land Management web site or read their flyer.
External Link Disclaimer: This page contains links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
