VA Claims Abroad — Veterans Worldwide.

Worldwide eligibility and representation — FAQ

Common questions from U.S. veterans living outside the United States.

Can I file or appeal a VA disability claim while living outside the United States?

Yes. VA disability compensation eligibility is based on service, not residence. U.S. veterans living abroad can file initial claims, supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, and Board appeals from any country. Claims are generally processed by a stateside Regional Office, except for the Philippines, which is handled by the Manila VA Regional Office.

Can a VA-accredited claims agent represent me if I live in another country?

Yes. VA accreditation under 38 C.F.R. § 14.629 is federal and carries no geographic limit. Representation is established by a signed VA Form 21-22a, which can be executed electronically from anywhere in the world.

How does a C&P exam work if I live overseas?

The VA arranges overseas examinations through contract examiners, the Manila VA Outpatient Clinic, or in some cases a Department of State panel physician. You are not required to travel back to the United States for an examination.

Does the VA pay for medical care in a foreign country?

The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) reimburses care for conditions the VA has already service-connected in most countries. You typically pay the provider directly and submit for reimbursement. FMP is separate from a disability claim and does not by itself establish service connection.

Can VA compensation be deposited into a foreign bank account?

In most countries, yes — through the U.S. Treasury's International Direct Deposit (IDD) program. Where IDD is unavailable, payment can be routed to a U.S. bank account you maintain.

How do time zones and language work with a remote representative?

All work is remote by video, phone, email, and secure document upload, scheduled around your local time. VA correspondence and filings are submitted in English; foreign-language medical records generally need an English translation to be considered.

What does overseas representation cost, and are results guaranteed?

Oakridge Claims focuses primarily on post-decision representation — appeals, Higher-Level Reviews, Supplemental Claims, and Board appeals — and builds every case on the record already in your file. It also takes initial claims and increases for worsened conditions based on case fit and current availability — a free, accredited VSO is always an option at that stage. For decision reviews, fees are contingent on awarded past-due benefits; Oakridge caps its fee at 20% (VA presumes 20% reasonable, and up to 33⅓% may be allowed if justified), and disclosed in a written fee agreement before any work begins. No outcome is guaranteed or implied — VA decides every claim on the evidence and the law.

Decision review options for overseas veterans

VA decision review is federal and identical everywhere. If you already have a rating decision, one of these three lanes applies. Which one fits depends on the evidence in your file — not on where you live.

No outcome is promised or implied. Nothing here is legal advice, and representation begins only after a signed fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a.