Another where to file question ..

[laurellei]

After we visited the VA dr at the VA medical center in our area and told them our intention to file for  A & A they mailed us the application and a return envelope addressed to the Dept of Vet Affairs, Regional Office, 3333 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ.  (the veteran. my dad, lives in PHX)   But I've also been told by a Certified VA Claims Agent (is there such a thing?) to send the application to the Pension Manaement Center in St Paul, MN.  I dont know where the doctors evaluation is at this point but they did tell us that with the dr's eval, the claim process is started.  I'm worried that if I send the application to ST Paul, the doctors report will have to catch up to it somehow if it's still in PHX.  Does that makes sense? 
thanks for any advice ...

[vetadmin]

You can submit a 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim to start the clock on the application without the Dr's report. See this link from our FAQ's http://www.veteranaid.org/faq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=2&id=8&artlang=en  The dr's the Dr's eval does not start the clock.  You need to either submit the Informal Claim or submit an application package with the 21-526 completed with all supporting documents.

Applicationsfor this pension from the state of AZ are processed at the St Paul Center
St Paul Pension Maintenance Center
Veterans Administration
1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling
St. Paul, MN  55111-4050

[laurellei]

Thank you - I'm about ready to send the 526 so I will assume the Dr's evaluation will find it's way to the people in MN to support the claim. 
We did receive a letter stating the informal application was made and the date of application they would go from.
 
I appreciate the tips I've found on this website and in the forum(ie. sending the app registered receipt, including a cover letter asking for expiditing the app due to advanced age, clarification on the old VARO 335/21p form, knowing we can include payments to a family member for care if needed).  Hope it goes well.  thanks again.

[vetadmin]

You're welcome, and good luck with the process, and please come back and update us on how things go.

[laurellei]

Well, this is confusing - in my reading and looking for answers on other things I stumbled upon the map and addresses for the Pension Management Centers throughout the country.  They give the address as a PO box 11000, St Paul, 55111-0000  - a little different from what you gave me.  So what would be the difference in sending to one or the other?  I was also told the po box address by an individual here who states he is a VA claims agent and he added the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building to the po box address.
I just want to send it to the right place. 
thanks   

[vetadmin]

Send it to the address I provided.

[laurellei]

ok thanks