Getting Started – VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation

Mission Statement

The VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that all U.S. veterans living or traveling abroad have access to quality medical care and essential support services. We advocate for their health, dignity, and well-being through direct aid, education, partnerships, and outreach, honoring their service with the care they deserve-no matter where they reside.

OUR PROCESS

How Does the Process Work?

VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation (VAFMSF) offers full-service support—at no upfront cost—to help you file or increase your VA claim. We handle everything from forms to appointments. Our goal is to help guide veterans and their families every step of the way, even after transitioning abroad.

Gathering Necessary Paperwork

We collect and organize all required documents to ensure your claim is complete, accurate, and ready for submission.

Setting Doctor’s Appointments

We schedule any necessary medical exams to support your case with current clinical evidence.

Processing Your Forms

We complete and process all required VA documentation with care and accuracy—so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

ABOUT US

We've Helped Hundreds of Veterans

The VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation was established in March 2019 by Scott J. Martin, a U.S. veteran residing in the Dominican Republic. As a veteran living abroad, he founded the organization to support fellow veterans navigating medical and disability services outside the United States.

The founder of the VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation recognized a critical need: too many U.S. veterans living abroad are being overlooked by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VHA and VBA). Many veterans are unaware that moving outside the United States can result in the loss of key benefits they earned through their service. This foundation was created to ensure those veterans are not forgotten.

How the Process Works

01 Speak with A Veteran Advocate

Speak with a Veteran Advocate

After submitting your documents, one of our Veteran Advocates will follow up by email or phone to help review your service-connected conditions and answer any questions you may have.

Work with our team to Develop Your DBQ or DBQs

Work with Our Team to Develop Your DBQ

After completing your review, we’ll schedule an appointment with one of our experienced medical providers in the Dominican Republic to begin developing your Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ).

Submit Your VA Claim with Confidence

Once your DBQ is completed, we’ll guide you step-by-step through filing or increasing your VA claim—ensuring all medical and legal documentation is accurate and ready.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about us.

How does my donation help veterans directly?

Your donation provides life-saving and life-changing support for U.S. veterans living abroad—especially those forgotten by traditional VA systems.

Specifically, your gift helps:

• 🩺 Fund urgent medical care when veterans can’t access VA hospitals

• 🧾 Cover disability evaluations and documentation for claims

• 🧠 Provide mental health support to veterans with PTSD and related conditions

• 🚌 Arrange transportation for doctor visits and exams

• 📄 Process VA forms and appeals for those denied care

Every dollar you give goes directly toward helping veterans receive the benefits and dignity they’ve earned through their service.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. The VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

This means your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. After donating, you will receive a confirmation receipt that can be used for tax purposes.

If you need a formal donation letter or IRS verification, we’re happy to provide it.

Can I make a monthly recurring donation?

Absolutely. You can set up a monthly recurring donation to provide consistent, ongoing support for veterans in need.

Recurring gifts help us:

• Plan medical care and services more efficiently

• Support veterans through long-term recovery and disability claims

• Maintain operations in underserved regions abroad

You can easily start or manage your monthly donation through our secure online donation portal.

Do you help veterans outside the United States?

Yes. Supporting U.S. veterans living abroad is our mission.

The VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation was created specifically to serve American veterans who reside in foreign countries—many of whom struggle to access the benefits and medical care they earned.

We currently assist veterans across Latin America, the Caribbean, and other underserved regions by:

• Coordinating medical exams and care

• Assisting with disability claims and appeals

• Advocating when the VA or FMP delays or denies support

No matter where a veteran lives, we believe their service should be honored with action.

How do you choose which veterans to support?

We prioritize helping veterans based on urgency, need, and access.

Specifically, we focus on veterans who:

• Have urgent medical conditions without access to local or VA care

• Face financial hardship and can’t afford treatment or documentation

• Are struggling with denied or delayed VA claims

• Live in areas where the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is not functioning effectively

Each case is reviewed individually, and our goal is to make sure no veteran living abroad is forgotten or left behind.

Can I volunteer or get involved beyond donating?

Yes! We welcome anyone who wants to stand with our mission.

You can get involved by volunteering in areas like:

• 📞 Outreach & Advocacy – Help spread awareness or contact veterans in need

• 📝 Administrative Support – Assist with forms, emails, or scheduling

• 🎗️ Fundraising & Events – Organize drives, online campaigns, or local events

• 🌍 Translation or Regional Help – Especially valuable for bilingual volunteers abroad

Every role makes a difference. To get started, contact us or fill out our volunteer interest form.

Need more help?

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Our team is here to assist you—just reach out.