Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) held a Veterans' Services workshop to inform members on information regarding filing for disabilities through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) at command headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jan. 26.

Virginia Pauley, Veterans Services representative, provided the training which focused on medical issues which can be claimed, information needed, and other pertinent information in regards to filing for disability.

"Be sure to get medical issues documented when they happen," said Pauley. "A lot of us are programmed to say things like 'I'm good, I'm good' during exams, but you should tell them when something hurts."

Getting issues documented is only half the battle when applying for your benefits. Understanding what conditions are claimable is just as important.

There are two factors when figuring out if you have something to claim, according to Pauley. First, if you didn't enter the military with the issue and now you have it, you should document it. The second, if your pain is chronic and recurring, then the standards have been met to move forward with filing a claim.

After filing, a majority of the cases will require a physical exam from the DVA doctors.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services holds VA disability claims workshops frequently. Visit Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Fleet and Family Support Center to find out the current class schedule.

DVA operates 26 benefit services offices which assist veterans and their family members in filing claims for federal veterans' benefits.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations which is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.