VA Benefits Questions for Veterans and Dependents From American Legion Post 217
American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217 in Topton has a post service officer who takes questions about VA benefits from veterans and their dependents.
To ask about VA benefits for a veteran or a dependent, contact Darin Kemp at 610-207-7598. That phone number is the only way to reach the service officer that is given. There are no details on what the service officer can do for you, whether you need an appointment, what to bring, what hours he answers, or what it costs, so ask when you call.
The same section of the post's website carries general information veterans may find useful. It explains that Public Law 107-103 presumes herbicide exposure for veterans who served in Vietnam from Jan. 9, 1962, to May 7, 1975, lists the diseases the VA recognizes as related to Agent Orange exposure, and says Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange may be eligible for an Agent Orange registry health exam, health care benefits and disability compensation. Before filing such a claim you must have proof of service in Vietnam during the war time and medical documentation of a condition the VA officially recognizes.
It also notes that people who served on active duty any time from 1957 through 2001 may qualify for a higher Social Security payment, with up to $1200 per year of earnings credit; you must take your DD-214 to the Social Security Office and ask for this benefit to receive it. Social Security can be reached at 1-800-772-1213.
Two further notes: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is recognized as service connected for any veteran who served continuously for 90 days or more, regardless of when that service was performed, and widows of veterans who died from ALS may also be eligible for death benefits. Service members and veterans denied a Purple Heart for concussive or mild traumatic brain injury that occurred on or after Sept. 11, 2001 are encouraged to resubmit documentation for reconsideration; veterans submit packages directly to Army Human Resources Command along with their DD Form 214.
For general questions about the post itself, the office number is 610-682-7682 and the mailing address is 133 Center Ave., Topton, PA 19562.
Source: toptonlegion217.org/service-officer, read November 2, 2026.
The details
In American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217’s words
POST SERVICE OFFICER For inquiries regarding VA benefits for Veterans and/or Dependents please contact... Darin Kemp 610-207-7598
Organization
American Legion Ray A. Master Post 217
About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from toptonlegion217.org/service-officer. Last recorded review: November 2, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.