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Veterans Office of Smith County
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By the authority of Chapter 434 of the Texas Government Code, the
Smith County Commissioners’ Court established the Veterans Services Department as
an office of advocacy to assist veterans and/or their survivors in obtaining entitled
benefits from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of Texas. The
Veterans Services Department cooperates with local government agencies as well as non-government
service agencies to assist clients in obtaining needed specialized services.
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1517 W. Front Street
(Cottonbelt Building)
Room 263
Tyler, Texas 75702
Hours of Operation:
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
M - F
Phone - (903) 590-2950
Fax - (903) 590-2955
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Mission Statement:
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(Quoted from Chapter 434, Subchapter B,
Section 434.035, Texas Government Code)
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“An officer [county veterans service
officer and staff] shall aid any county resident who served in the armed forces or
nurses corps of the United States, and any orphan or dependent of the person, to prepare,
submit, and present any claim against the United States or a state for benefits to which
the person may be entitled under United States or state law. The officer shall defeat all
unjust claims that come to the officer’s attention.”.
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Purpose and Duties:
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The purpose of the Smith County’s Veterans Services
Department is to assist veterans and their survivors deal with the often confusing and overwhelming
task of completing the correct forms/ applications and collecting the appropriate documentation to
support a claim for benefits. Staff of this Department interviews and advises clients on entitlements,
helps in filing service connected disability claims, answers and researches inquiries regarding medical,
educational, home loans and other benefits, assists clients in completing federal and state forms and
in filing appeals with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This county office also serves as a
liaison with veterans' organizations and ensures compliance with all federal and state laws.
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