VA Claims in Guam, USVI, American Samoa & CNMI
Jurisdiction map at a glance
- Guam — VA Manila (claims) + VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System (Honolulu) with a CBOC in Agana Heights, Guam.
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Rota) — same as Guam; CBOC in Saipan.
- U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix) — San Juan VARO + VA Caribbean Healthcare System; CBOC in St. Croix.
- American Samoa — Honolulu VARO + VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System; CBOC in Pago Pago.
C&P exams in the territories
The traditional model was for veterans to travel to Hawaii (Pacific) or Puerto Rico (Caribbean) for C&P exams, with VA covering travel pay under 38 CFR § 70. In recent years VA has expanded contract C&P (, , VES, Optum Serve) traveling-examiner schedules to the larger territories, and tele-C&P video exams are now common for mental health, headaches, and conditions where physical examination is not required.
Travel pay reimbursement at the federal mileage rate plus airfare is available when in-person travel off-island is required; submit a through the local CBOC or .
Pay and tax
VA compensation is paid in U.S. dollars to a U.S. or local bank account by direct deposit. Federal VA disability is not taxable at federal or territorial level in Guam, CNMI, USVI, or American Samoa, matching mainland rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
Every veteran's facts are different. A free initial consultation with a VA-Accredited Claims Agent can tell you whether your matter is a fit for representation — and what the right next step looks like either way.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
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