I just did it in July. The important part is that you call the VA and get your VA benefits started. Once you do this and have the number HPA takes care of everything else. They will send you all the paperwork you need to fill out and even put labels on the things you need to sign. Even if you did nothing at all until you got to HPA the woman that does this stuff is so helpful and can totally take care of this when you get there. Once they have made sure all your forms are good they package it up and send it off for you. HPA literally holds your hand all the way through it.

All in all I think I spent somewhere around $3,500 out of pocket after my VA stuff. Good luck.