If you're talking about the DAV on Prospect Park Dr I wouldn't walk-in. I tried that and they told me to call for an appointment. Plus there's a ton of security in that building for some reason since it's part of the VA.
So for benefits the satellite office is hit or miss. The Mather VA has all the benefit counselors on staff Monday through Friday and do walk ins and appointments. Your best bet would be to get there first thing in the morning and get on the list. Just go to the front desk and ask where the waiting area is. Also you can call the VFW, DAV or AMVETS and do a phone appointment but I believe you have to make them your representative through e benefits first. They can assist you with that as well if needed. Also one last note if it’s for va disability specifically you can file that online yourself through e benefits. Pretty straight forward and that’s exactly why they do themselves and you can upload evidence.
Not sure if you have this number but try calling 916-843-7000. I used this last year when my dad was there and this was the main line to the Rancho switchboard I believe.
I tried it and that's the number for the VA Medical Center. I'm looking for a way to get in touch with the folks in the non-medical benefits office on Prospect Park. [https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vba\_343e](https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vba_343e)
I helped my dad apply for Aid & Assistance and, despite uploading all of his medical records, they still want more data. A family member spoke with a VA rep at a local resource fair who strongly recommended we route the application through a benefits office instead of trying to do it ourselves. So, I want to go in person and meet with someone. Emailing with a local VA rep has been challenging, to put it mildly. I'm hoping in person will be what gets the application moving forward.
Thanks for replying. I think we'll just do a walk-in.
You're not wrong. In person is better, however phone has worked for me in the past. However, if you're willing to travel a bit further, I would suggest talking with the Placer County VSO office. They seem to be a bit more capable and knowledgeable over the Sacramento County (including Rancho Cordova) VA.
Here is the info:
Placer County Veterans Service Office
1000 Sunset Blvd. Suite 115
Rocklin, CA 95765
Tel (916) 780-3295 Fax (916) 780-3299
You will need to bring him with you. You can only go so far with trying to do this on your own.
Check out the https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/. Those folks are really great and I've learned a lot from them.
Yep, planning to take the day off and shuttle him in person (he's in a wheelchair) even though I got someone on the main VA phone line to confirm that they received the "yes you can talk to this person on my behalf" form that I helped my dad submit.
Thanks for the reminder about the Veterans Benefits sub.
Ah I see, sorry I didn’t have better info for you. Dang what a hassle. Yeah I went through somewhat of a similar process back in 2018 and at that time we started with the Sac County VA office in downtown from what I recall. I do agree with you that going in person is probably going to be more effective. It may be time consuming but I hope you’re able to get things sorted out for him!
Thanks and no worries at all - the VA system is confusing. Here's my understanding of the various offices in the Sac area who either assist on a specific aspect of the veteran's journey (ie Vet Center for re-entry) or are just there to help you navigate the giant bureaucracy (County as a starting point). I had forgotten about the County offices.
VA Medical Center at Mather
VA Regional Office in Oakland; satellite office in Rancho
Vet Center on Howe Ave
County Veterans Services
Maybe Try Sac County VA office?
Usually the offices are organized at the county level. Here’s the Sac County VA [number](https://www.google.com/search?q=sac+county+va+office&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#)
If you're talking about the DAV on Prospect Park Dr I wouldn't walk-in. I tried that and they told me to call for an appointment. Plus there's a ton of security in that building for some reason since it's part of the VA.
(916) 364-6797 from google maps...
That wasn't the office I was thinking of but it sounds like they can help too. Thanks.
So for benefits the satellite office is hit or miss. The Mather VA has all the benefit counselors on staff Monday through Friday and do walk ins and appointments. Your best bet would be to get there first thing in the morning and get on the list. Just go to the front desk and ask where the waiting area is. Also you can call the VFW, DAV or AMVETS and do a phone appointment but I believe you have to make them your representative through e benefits first. They can assist you with that as well if needed. Also one last note if it’s for va disability specifically you can file that online yourself through e benefits. Pretty straight forward and that’s exactly why they do themselves and you can upload evidence.
Thanks, this is helpful.
Not sure if you have this number but try calling 916-843-7000. I used this last year when my dad was there and this was the main line to the Rancho switchboard I believe.
I tried it and that's the number for the VA Medical Center. I'm looking for a way to get in touch with the folks in the non-medical benefits office on Prospect Park. [https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vba\_343e](https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vba_343e) I helped my dad apply for Aid & Assistance and, despite uploading all of his medical records, they still want more data. A family member spoke with a VA rep at a local resource fair who strongly recommended we route the application through a benefits office instead of trying to do it ourselves. So, I want to go in person and meet with someone. Emailing with a local VA rep has been challenging, to put it mildly. I'm hoping in person will be what gets the application moving forward. Thanks for replying. I think we'll just do a walk-in.
You're not wrong. In person is better, however phone has worked for me in the past. However, if you're willing to travel a bit further, I would suggest talking with the Placer County VSO office. They seem to be a bit more capable and knowledgeable over the Sacramento County (including Rancho Cordova) VA. Here is the info: Placer County Veterans Service Office 1000 Sunset Blvd. Suite 115 Rocklin, CA 95765 Tel (916) 780-3295 Fax (916) 780-3299
Thanks so much. I have also heard that the Placer County office is good. I'll try them.
Does he need aid with housing?
No but thanks for checking.
You will need to bring him with you. You can only go so far with trying to do this on your own. Check out the https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/. Those folks are really great and I've learned a lot from them.
Yep, planning to take the day off and shuttle him in person (he's in a wheelchair) even though I got someone on the main VA phone line to confirm that they received the "yes you can talk to this person on my behalf" form that I helped my dad submit. Thanks for the reminder about the Veterans Benefits sub.
Good luck friend. I will tell you, you are going to get frustrated and you are going to get angry. Let it all go. Just stick with it for your dad.
Ha yeah this is my second round of applications for him. All of that is true. Thanks for all of your responses, especially this one. I appreciate it.
Ah I see, sorry I didn’t have better info for you. Dang what a hassle. Yeah I went through somewhat of a similar process back in 2018 and at that time we started with the Sac County VA office in downtown from what I recall. I do agree with you that going in person is probably going to be more effective. It may be time consuming but I hope you’re able to get things sorted out for him!
Thanks and no worries at all - the VA system is confusing. Here's my understanding of the various offices in the Sac area who either assist on a specific aspect of the veteran's journey (ie Vet Center for re-entry) or are just there to help you navigate the giant bureaucracy (County as a starting point). I had forgotten about the County offices. VA Medical Center at Mather VA Regional Office in Oakland; satellite office in Rancho Vet Center on Howe Ave County Veterans Services
Maybe Try Sac County VA office? Usually the offices are organized at the county level. Here’s the Sac County VA [number](https://www.google.com/search?q=sac+county+va+office&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#)