🇺🇸 Welcome to the Union County Veteran's Affairs Services
▣ About
We are committed to serving veterans of all ages, their spouses, and family members.
Our office acts as your representative and liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), helping you navigate the often complex benefits and claims process with guidance, advocacy, and support.
▣ Veteran Crisis Hotline
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones
Call - Dial 988 and press 1
Text - 838255
Chat - Click here
▣ Contact
W. Geoff Smith, Coordinator
908-527-4918
908-352-3980
W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org
For the most efficient service and quickest response, email communication is preferred.
▣ Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Walk-in appointments are not accepted at this time. Please review the information you will need to provide for your appointment below.
🇺🇸 Scheduling your Appointment
▣ Please review all information to setup your appointment
In order to properly set up your appointment, you will be asked to provide the following sections.
▣ Required Documentation
Please submit your DD-214
If unavailable, please visit this link to request a replacement. This document is required to proceed with your claim.
If unavailable, please visit this link to request a replacement.
▣ Required Information
Please include all of the following information in your e-mail:
- Place of birth
- Home address
- Phone number
- Type of claim and any questions you may have
▣ Setup your Appointment
Please e-mail all required documentation and information to UCveterans@ucnj.org.
▣ Location
We look forward to assisting you at our office, located at:
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Administration Building
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Reminder: Walk-in appointments are not accepted. Please email UCveterans@ucnj.org to schedule an appointment before visiting.
🇺🇸 Who is Eligible for VA Benefits?
▣ Many New Jersey Veterans are unaware of the numerous federal, state, and local benefits, programs, and services available to them.
You or your family member may be eligible if you are:
- An active-duty service member
- A Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- A Veteran’s dependent
- A surviving spouse or child of a deceased or disabled Veteran
- A parent of a deceased Veteran
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific benefit or program. Our office can help you determine what you may qualify for and guide you through the application process.
▣ How We Assist Veterans & Families
The Union County Office of Veteran’s Services provides advocacy, guidance, and hands-on assistance to veterans and their families at every stage from initial claims to long-term support.
▣ Benefit Breakdowns
Please click each accordion below for more information.
Health & Disability Compensation
If you have an injury, illness, or condition that started during your military service, was made worse by your service, or is connected to your time in uniform, you may qualify for disability compensation.
This can include:
- Back, knee, or shoulder pain
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Breathing or respiratory issues
- Chronic or long-term medical conditions
- Conditions related to Agent Orange or burn pit exposure
Disability compensation may provide monthly tax-free payments and expanded access to VA health care and support services.
Our office assists veterans in preparing and submitting service-connected disability claims to ensure they are properly developed, supported, and positioned for the strongest possible outcome.
We assist with:
- Initial service-connected claims
- Increased rating claims
- Secondary condition claims
- Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) provides additional compensation for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities, such as:
- Loss or loss of use of a limb
- Blindness or significant vision impairment
- Need for regular caregiver assistance
- Severe mobility limitations
VA Health Care Enrollment & Eligibility
We also provide guidance on enrolling in VA medical care and understanding eligibility categories, including access to:
- Primary care
- Specialty care
- Mental health services
- Prescription coverage
Local VA Healthcare Facilities
VA New Jersey Health Care System – Lyons Campus
151 Knollcroft Road
Lyons, NJ 07939
Phone: 908-647-0180
VA New Jersey Health Care System – East Orange Campus
385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018
Phone: 973-676-1000
Piscataway VA Clinic
14 Wills Way, Building 5
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Main Phone: 732-981-8193 ext. 295481
VA Health Connect: 800-877-6976
Mental Health Care: 973-676-1000 ext. 1421
🇺🇸 Who is Eligible for VA Benefits?
▣ Please review all information to setup your appointment
In order to properly set up your appointment, you will be asked to provide the following sections.