Tennessee Department of Veterans Services

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

More Veterans in Tennessee

• Tennessee Valley Healthcare System VA (Nashville) — Major VA medical center serving Middle Tennessee veterans with comprehensive inpatient and outpatient healthcare, mental health services, su
• Memphis VA Medical Center — Full-service VA medical center providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient healthcare, mental health services, substance abuse treatmen
• James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (Mountain Home) — VA medical center in Mountain Home serving veterans across East Tennessee and southwest Virginia with comprehensive inpatient and outpatient
• Shelby County Veterans Service Office — County office providing free assistance to Memphis-area veterans and their families with VA benefits claims, disability compensation, health
• Veterans Crisis Line — Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their family members. Dial 988
• Nashville Vet Center — Free, confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans and military sexual trauma survivors in the Nashville area. Services include

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?

Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.

I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?

Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.

Can the VA help with custody cases?

The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.

What does a VSO do?

A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.