The Dorchester County Veterans Affairs Office is here to assists veterans and their families (who reside in Dorchester County) in all matters that pertain to veterans and Veteran Benefits.

Please contact the Veterans Affairs Office at (843) 832-0050 to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.

Program Description

The Veterans Affairs office assists all ex-service personnel with financial compensation claims including but not limited to:

• Hospitalization
• Training
• Insurance Benefits

These services are extended to eligible dependents, including parents, widows, children and orphans of ex-service personnel.

UPDATED POLICY 

** Please note that effective April 15, 2024, Dorchester County Veterans Affairs will only assist with claim processing for residents of Dorchester County. Staff will not be accepting any new appointments for out-of-county residents. However, we will assist those veterans and their beneficiaries who were scheduled before the effective date was implemented. Nonetheless, once the claim has been processed (Intent to file), the evidence required, and the status or correspondence received from the VA will need to be coordinated in the county of residents. We will advise the veteran at the end of the appointment to contact their county VA office to schedule an appointment. 

This policy doesn't restrict a veteran and family members from attending a Dorchester County Veterans Affairs workshop. In addition, All Veterans and beneficiaries are welcome to attend county events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.

Helpful Links

• Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors
• Veteran Transition Guide
• Request Service Records
• Operation Palmetto Employment
• Dept. of Veterans Affairs
• SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Veterans Tax Exemption

VA Solid Start

If you need support for a specific mental health problem - or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian life - you are not alone. And we can help. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. To access free VA mental health services right away:

• Call or walk-in to any VA Medical Center - anytime, day or night 
• Call or walk-in to any Vet Center during clinic hours

If you have questions about enrolling in VA health care, please contact the VA via phone at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. Veterans with hearing loss are asked to use the TTY phone number 1-800-877-8339.

Newly Separated Service Members

Newly separated service members can expect three calls from qualified Solid Start representatives over the first year of separation. VA will attempt to contact you several times around 90, 180 and 365 days post-separation, so make sure your contact information is up to date in eBenefits.

VA Solid Start representatives will not ask you for financial information and will only discuss topics you are comfortable with. Remember that phone scammers often target Veterans, so always be vigilant and protect your financial information when talking to someone you don’t know over the phone.

For questions about VA Solid Start, call 1-800-827-0611, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST.