FREE DAV Benefits Seminar in Somers, CT

Somers Department of Veterans Affairs to Host FREE Veterans Benefits Seminar

The Somers Department of Veterans Affairs will host a free Veterans Benefits Seminar on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Somers Town Hall Auditorium, 600 Main Street, Somers, Connecticut.

The seminar will be conducted by highly trained Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Service Officers and is intended to help veterans better understand the federal benefits they may have earned through their military service.

Veterans, spouses, family members, surviving family members, and caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend. Family members and caregivers often play an important role in helping veterans identify medical conditions, gather records, document changes in health, and navigate the VA claims process.

Veterans who are considering filing an original claim, seeking an increased disability evaluation, pursuing pension benefits, or addressing a previously denied claim are encouraged to bring as much relevant documentation as possible.

Helpful documents may include:

• DD-214 or other military discharge or separation documents
• Military personnel and service treatment records, if available
• VA rating decisions and other correspondence from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Medical records from VA and private healthcare providers
• A current list of medical conditions, medications, and treating physicians
• Medical opinions or statements connecting a condition to military service
• Records concerning injuries, illnesses, hazardous exposures, or traumatic events during service
• Statements from spouses, family members, fellow service members, friends, or caregivers who have firsthand knowledge of the veteran’s condition
• Employment records or other evidence showing how a disability affects the veteran’s ability to work
• Information concerning household income, medical expenses, and dependents when seeking a VA pension or other income-based benefit

Veterans should also bring government-issued identification and their Social Security number or other information necessary to identify their VA record.

A DD-214 discharge certificate is particularly important because it documents a veteran’s period of service and character of discharge and may be needed to establish eligibility for benefits. Veterans who cannot locate their DD-214 should still attend; service officers can provide guidance concerning how military records may be obtained.

The seminar provides an opportunity for veterans and their families to speak with experienced service officers about potential entitlement to benefits and the type of evidence that may be needed to support a claim.

Veterans are encouraged not to assume that they are ineligible simply because a condition developed years after military service or because a previous claim was denied. Depending upon the individual circumstances, benefits may be available for conditions directly related to military service, conditions caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability, certain presumptive conditions, toxic exposures, and other qualifying circumstances.

The event is free of charge, and family members and caregivers are welcome to attend with the veteran.

Event Information

Veterans Benefits Seminar
Thursday, September 17, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Somers Town Hall Auditorium
600 Main Street
Somers, CT 06071

*PLEASE FILL OUT THE ATTENDENCE SIGN IN SHEET AT THE ENTRANCE

Hosted by: Somers Department of Veterans Affairs
Presented by: Disabled American Veterans National Service Officers

For additional information, contact the Somers Department of Veterans Affairs at Veterans@SomersCT.gov.

About the Seminar

The goal of the Veterans Benefits Seminar is to ensure that veterans and their families have access to knowledgeable assistance and understand the benefits and services potentially available to them because of honorable military service.

Veterans do not have to navigate the VA benefits system alone. Bringing family members, caregivers, and available documentation can help service officers obtain a more complete understanding of the veteran’s circumstances and identify the evidence that may be needed to pursue a claim.