PFC Robert L. Cochran, Jr., USMC
Our mission is to ensure that every generation of veterans—from Vietnam and Desert Storm to Iraq, Afghanistan, and today’s servicemembers—receives the benefits, respect, and opportunities they have earned through service to our nation.
DAV Chapter 82 empowers veterans and their families across Southwest Florida by providing professional VA benefits assistance, community support, and advocacy—honoring the legacy of PFC Robert L. Cochran, Jr.
At Chapter 82, family matters. Service matters. And every veteran matters.
Serving Veterans and Families
How Chapter 82 Helps Veterans
Robert L. Cochran Jr. Chapter 82 helps veterans understand their benefits, connect with support, remain involved in the veteran community, and ensure local concerns are heard.
Benefits Assistance
Help Navigating VA Benefits
Chapter service officers help veterans and eligible family members understand VA benefits, claims requirements, evidence, forms, and available next steps.
Veteran and Family Support
Connecting Families With Resources
The chapter helps veterans, caregivers, and family members identify information, programs, community resources, and other forms of support that may be available.
Veteran Community
Building Connection and Fellowship
Meetings, activities, volunteer opportunities, and shared service help veterans remain connected with one another and with the local community.
Local Advocacy
Making Veteran Concerns Heard
Chapter 82 speaks out on local VA services, facilities, policies, and decisions that affect veterans throughout Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
Stay Connected
Upcoming Meetings
Chapter 82 meets on the first Thursday of each month. Service Officer training begins at 3:00 p.m., followed by the monthly chapter meeting at 4:00 p.m.
Next Scheduled Meeting Date
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Meetings are normally held on the first Thursday of each month.
Meeting Day Schedule
Service Officer Training
Monthly training begins one hour before the chapter meeting.
DAV Chapter 82 Monthly Meeting
The regular monthly meeting of Robert L. Cochran Jr. Chapter 82.
Information for Veterans and Families
Veteran Benefits Resources
Access practical educational materials addressing caregiver programs, VA disability claims, medical evidence, disability evaluations, and benefit-protection issues.
Caregiver Program Training
Review practical information about VA caregiver programs, eligibility, assessments, appeals, and available support.
View TrainingNexus Letter Guide
Access information and supporting materials addressing medical nexus evidence in VA disability claims.
View ResourceAvoiding Accidental VA Benefits Fraud
Learn how reporting errors, misunderstandings, and unintentional omissions can create serious benefit problems.
Read ArticleVA’s Disability Evaluation System Fails Veterans
Review concerns involving VA disability evaluations and their effect on veterans seeking earned benefits.
Read ReportPDF resources open in a new browser tab.
DAV Educational Resources
VA Claims Video Library
Learn how VA disability claims move from eligibility and service connection through examinations, ratings, decisions, and appeals. These educational videos are provided through DAV’s YouTube channel.
Getting Started
Who Should File a VA Claim?
An overview of who should consider filing a claim for VA disability compensation.
Watch Video
Service Connection
Seven Ways to Service-Connected Disability
Review several ways a disability may be connected to military service.
Watch Video
Claims Process
What to Expect After Filing a VA Claim
Learn what generally happens after VA receives a disability claim.
Watch Video
Examinations
C&P Exams
Understand the purpose and role of C&P examinations in a VA disability claim.
Watch Video
Exam Preparation
These 3 C&P Exam Mistakes Get You Auto-Denied
Review common mistakes veterans may make during the examination process.
Watch Video
Disability Ratings
Determining VA Disability Ratings
Learn how VA evaluates disabilities and assigns percentage ratings.
Watch Video
Decision Review
How to Appeal Your VA Claim Decision
Review available next steps when you disagree with a VA claim decision.
Watch VideoChapter 82 in Action
Local Advocacy & VA Updates
Follow Chapter 82’s work on policies, facilities, and decisions that affect veterans, their families, and access to VA health care in Charlotte County and across Southwest Florida.
VA Halts Rule Implementation
Read the update concerning VA’s decision to halt implementation of a disputed rule affecting veterans and the administration of earned benefits.
Read Policy UpdateVA’s Plan to Move the Port Charlotte CBOC
Review information concerning VA’s proposal to relocate the Port Charlotte Community Based Outpatient Clinic and the potential effect on local veterans.
Read Local UpdateChapter 82 Opposes the Port Charlotte CBOC Move
Read Chapter 82’s position and advocacy concerning the proposed relocation of the Port Charlotte VA clinic.
Read Chapter Position
Featured Resource & Fundraising Partnership
Navigating VA Caregiver Programs
A practical working reference covering PCAFC, Veteran Directed Care, PGCSS, functional assessments, medical documentation, denials, appeals, reassessments, VDC budgets, and long-term program participation.
Purchase the hardcover for $49.95. Navigating VA pays DAV Chapter 82 $10 for every qualifying completed sale.
- PCAFC, VDC, and PGCSS
- Functional-assessment guidance
- Documentation and record preparation
- Denials, appeals, and reassessments
Opens the dedicated Chapter 82 partnership page on NavigatingVA.com.
Membership and Fellowship
Continue Your Service With Chapter 82
Join Robert L. Cochran Jr. Chapter 82 and become part of a local community committed to supporting veterans, strengthening families, and protecting the benefits veterans have earned.
- Stay Connected Participate in meetings, activities, and veteran fellowship.
- Serve Locally Support veterans and families throughout Charlotte County.
- Strengthen DAV Add your voice to DAV’s advocacy for disabled veterans.
Help Us Serve More Veterans
Support Chapter 82
Your financial support, volunteer service, and community involvement help Chapter 82 assist veterans, strengthen local programs, and advocate for the services veterans and their families have earned.
Financial Support
Make a Contribution
Financial contributions help Chapter 82 continue serving veterans, supporting chapter activities, and responding to needs within the local veteran community.
View Support OptionsVolunteer Service
Give Your Time and Skills
Help with chapter activities, outreach, events, communications, or other areas where your experience and abilities can strengthen the chapter’s work.
Ask About VolunteeringCommunity Involvement
Partner With Chapter 82
Businesses, organizations, and community leaders can support local veterans by partnering with Chapter 82 on outreach, education, events, and community initiatives.
Contact Chapter 82Every form of support strengthens our ability to serve.
Review the available support options or contact Chapter 82 to discuss volunteering, partnerships, donations, or other ways to help local veterans and their families.