Items of interest for our Veterans and their Families
Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov
Michigan Veteran sites
Other sites of interest
Veteran's Employment
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
GULF WAR VETS
VIETNAM VETS
RESERVES/NATIONAL GUARD POST-DEPLOYMENT
TEACHERS
DEPT. OF DEFENSE
VETERAN'S ADMINISTRATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you need assistance in locating specific forms, information, facilities, organizations, etc.
Please email us at: ERSmithPost191@hotmail.com
We will do our best to assist you.
TAX GUIDE
RESERVES/NATIONAL GUARD POST-DEPLOYMENT
Post-Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) Program (DD Form 2900)
The Post-Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) Program is a new program mandated by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and designed to identify and address health concerns, with specific emphasis on mental health, that have emerged over time since deployment. The PDHRA provides for a second health assessment using DD Form 2900 during the three- to six-month time period after return from deployment, ideally at the three to four month mark. The reassessment is scheduled for completion before the end of 180 days after return so that Reserve Component members have the option of treatment using their TRICARE health benefit.
The PDHRA will be offered to all servicemembers who have returned from operational deployment, including all active duty servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve members, as well as those who have separated or retired since their return from deployment. While the initial focus of the program is those servicemembers who fall within the three- to six-month time period, the program will be made available to all servicemembers who have returned from deployment since 11 Sep 01.
The PDHRA Program uses DD Form 2900 (Post-Deployment Health Reassessment) to document health concerns, assessment and referrals. The form itself can only be completed in an electronic or web-enabled format. Servicemembers will be contacted by their unit leaders and given information on how to access the electronic or web-enabled version when they fall within the timeframe for completing the PDHRA process. After servicemembers have completed the form, a healthcare provider will discuss with the servicemember any health concerns which they have indicated on the form and will make referrals to appropriate healthcare or community-based services if further evaluation or treatment is needed.The completed DD 2900 will be printed and placed in the individual's permanent medical record. The data will be sent electronically to the Army Medical Surveillance Activity (AMSA) for inclusion in the Defense Medical Surveillance System.
If you are a member of the Reserve Component, to complete this Assessment, you must contact the PDHRA CALL CENTER for a health care provider review: 1-888-PDHRA-99.
If you are a member of the Active Component, your Unit will provide direction for the health care provider review process.
The Department of Veteran Affairs sends a special message to veterans who served in OEF and OIF. The Department is expanding its efforts to reach veterans of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to ensure they are aware of benefits they have earned. For questions, please call the benefits or medical information lines toll free.
Benefits Information:
1-800-827-1000
Healthcare Eligibility:
1-877-222-8387
DoD Helpline for Veterans and Family Members
US Toll Free
1-800-796-9699
Washington, DC Number
202-782-3577
DSN
662-3577
Outside US
312-662-3577
Missouri Veterans Commission
Rebecca Bradley--Minority Veterans Coordinator
816-889-3081
Army Family Assistance Call Center
1-800-833-6622
We are available 24/7 to assist you with family and family support questions or concerns.
Marine Corps Information and Referral
East of Mississippi River
1-800-336-4663
West of the Mississippi River
1-800-253-1624
Camp Pendleton
1-866-890-2439
Camp LeJeune
1-866-451-6227
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment
If you are a veteran needing treatment due to substance abuse issues you may be eligible for assistance through the VA.
Veterans eligible for VA medical care may apply for substance abuse treatment. Veterans without service-connected disabilities whose incomes exceed the threshold for free medical care may be authorized treatment for alcohol and drug dependence only if the veteran agrees to make a copayment. Contact the nearest VA medical facility to enroll for care.
For more information on these programs, get in touch with your local VA office, or visit the
The center features programs for substance abuse treatment and prevention.
Shades of Green on WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) located in Central Florida.
Make your plans for a great vacation getaway, visit http://www.shadesofgreen.org/
Shades of Green
1950 W. Magnolia Palm Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Fl 32830
PHONE: (407) 824-3400
FAX: (407) 824-3665
Other Armed Forces Recreation Center resorts are the Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii; the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort at Garmisch and Chiemsee, Germany; and the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea. Navy MWR operates a Joint Services Activity, the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.
General Questions about VA Compensation
What is VA Compensation?
VA Compensation provides a monthly benefit to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease that developed or worsened in the line of duty.
Where can I get more information about VA Compensation?
For more information on VA Compensation benefits, visit www.vba.va.gov/bln/21. For more information on VA Compensation benefits in your state, please visit www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp.
VA Compensation and Eligibility
Who is eligible for VA Compensation?
You may be eligible for Compensation if you are a veteran and:
•
Has a service-connected disability
Has a service-connected disability •Was discharged under honorable conditions
Was discharged under honorable conditions A veteran may also be eligible for additional amounts of Compensation benefits if:
•The disability is severe, or there is loss of limb or use of an organ
The disability is severe, or there is loss of limb or use of an organ •The veteran has a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)
The veteran has a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s) •The veteran’s spouse is seriously disabled
The veteran’s spouse is seriously disabled VA Compensation Application Process
How do my clients enroll in VA Compensation?
You can apply for VA Compensation by completing the Application for Disability Compensation or Pension Benefits, VA form 21-526. The application can be obtained by visiting, calling or writing to any VA regional office. Every VA regional office has a Homeless Veterans Outreach Coordinator who can help homeless veterans with the application process.
To receive VA compensation, a veteran’s disability or disabilities must first be evaluated and determined by VA to be service-connected to a certain degree that is compensable.
You can call toll-free 1-800-827-1000 or access the form on the Internet at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.
What do Veterans need to enroll in VA Compensation?
You may need to provide the following information to apply for VA Compensation:
•Dependency records (marriage and children’s birth certificates, and divorce decree, if any)
Dependency records (marriage and children’s birth certificates, and divorce decree, if any) •Medical evidence (treatment records and hospital reports)
Medical evidence (treatment records and hospital reports) •His/her Report of Separation from Active Military Service (DD Form 214), or discharge certificate
His/her Report of Separation from Active Military Service (DD Form 214), or discharge certificate •Dependent(s) Social Security number(s)
Dependent(s) Social Security number(s) What is the best way to submit applications for VA Compensation?
The Internet, U.S. mail or fax?
Where can Veterans download or find the applications they need?
The best way to submit an application is by U.S. mail. VA forms and applications can be downloaded from the Internet www.va.gov/forms/
If a Veteran does not have the appropriate documentation needed to apply, how can I help he/she obtain this information?
You or your client should contact VA by calling 1-800-827-1000 A representative should be able to determine if there is alternative documentation that can be used. Each regional office has a Homeless Veterans Outreach Coordinator who may be able to provide personal assistance to the Veteran. Just ask the representative for the coordinator in your area. To locate the nearest VA regional office, visit www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp.
How long is the typical turn-around for application approval?
Your client’s Application for Disability Compensation or Pension Benefits, VA Form 21-256, should be processed within 30 days. As a part of the application review process, VA may request additional medical records and documentation, or require a physical examination of the person applying. If VA does not receive the medical records or other requested evidence timely, then the application review process will be held up until the information is received.
Once a Veteran receiving VA Compensation, does he/she need to renew benefits?
If a Veteran's disability is determined by VA to be non-permanent, then his/her case may be periodically reviewed to see whether or not he/she is still disabled. An examination will be occasionally scheduled to review the Veteran's non-permanent disability.
If the Veterans disability is determined by VA to be permanent, an examination to review his/her disability will not be scheduled.
VA Homeless Programs
What special programs does VA offer for people who are homeless?
VA offers several programs specifically to meet the needs of people who are homeless including:
•Aggressive outreach to those veterans living on the streets and in shelters
Aggressive outreach to those veterans living on the streets and in shelters •Clinical assessment and referral for needed medical treatment for physical and psychiatric disorders, including substance abuse
Clinical assessment and referral for needed medical treatment for physical and psychiatric disorders, including substance abuse •Long-term sheltered transitional assistance, case management, and rehabilitation
Long-term sheltered transitional assistance, case management, and rehabilitation •Employment assistance and linkage with available income supports
Employment assistance and linkage with available income supports •Supported permanent housing
Supported permanent housing VA Compensation and Immigration
If my client is an immigrant, is he/she still eligible for VA Compensation benefits?
Yes. VA benefits are payable to anyone who qualifies regardless of citizenship.
VA and Other Monthly Benefits
Does VA have any monthly benefit programs for people who are homeless or their surviving dependents such as spouses, children, or dependent parents?
Yes. VA has four other programs that pay monthly benefits to veterans and their surviving dependents:
•Disability Pension is paid to wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled (or age 65 or older.
Disability Pension is paid to wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled (or age 65 or older. •Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is paid to eligible survivors of a
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is paid to eligible survivors of a oMilitary service member who died while on active duty, OR
Military service member who died while on active duty, OR oVeteran whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease, OR
Veteran whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease, OR oVeteran whose death resulted from a non-service connected injury or disease, and who was receiving or was entitled to receive, VA Compensation for a service-connected disability.
Veteran whose death resulted from a non-service connected injury or disease, and who was receiving or was entitled to receive, VA Compensation for a service-connected disability. •Death Pension is an income-based benefit paid to the surviving spouse and children of deceased wartime veterans.
Death Pension is an income-based benefit paid to the surviving spouse and children of deceased wartime veterans. •Parent’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (Parent’s DIC) is an income-based benefit paid to the parent, or parents of a military service member, or veteran who died from
Parent’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (Parent’s DIC) is an income-based benefit paid to the parent, or parents of a military service member, or veteran who died from oA disease or injury that developed or worsened while on active duty or active duty training, OR
A disease or injury that developed or worsened while on active duty or active duty training, OR oAn injury that developed or worsened in the line of duty or inactive duty for training, OR
An injury that developed or worsened in the line of duty or inactive duty for training, OR oA service-connected disability.
A service-connected disability. If you believe a Veteran may be eligible for any of these monthly benefits, you should contact VA by calling 1-800-827-1000.
A representative is available to answer questions about benefit eligibility and the application process, and can advise you about how a Veteran can apply in the most convenient way possible. Each regional office has a Homeless Veterans Outreach Coordinator who may be able to provide personal assistance to you and your client. Just ask the representative for the coordinator in your area. To locate the nearest VA regional office, visit www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp.
The AFVC is a "space available" program offering Department of Defense affiliated personnel affordable condominium vacations at over 3,500 resorts around the world.
This exhaustive manual is an indispensable guide for advocates who help veterans and their families obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
User-friendly, well-indexed, and packed with practical information, it includes sample forms and briefs, flowcharts, checklists, citations to legal authorities, and other documents designed to streamline the claims process and save you and your veteran client valuable time.
Written by practicing lawyers at the National Veterans Legal Services Program, this manual contains valuable insight and analysis from a team of experts on the front line of veterans law. Use their first-hand experience fighting for veterans' rights and their insider's view of the Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain the benefits your client earned.
The Veterans Benefits Manual contains dozens of effective, battle-tested advocacy tips for veterans and advocates along with all the latest developments in veterans law.
Price: $135.00 Quantity discount: 50+ copies, 20% off
Publisher: National Veterans Legal Services Program
Format: 1 volume, softbound, 2,050 pages, replaced annually
ISBN: 9781422451724
NABVETS has been a veterans’ advocacy organization and has addressed the unmet needs of minority and economically disadvantaged veterans since its inception in 1973. For over 25 years NABVETS has led the challenge to call attention to the plight of veterans who have been victims of Agent Orange, Post Traumatic Stress, less than honorable discharges, amnesty for Vietnam era veterans, homelessness and a myriad of other veterans concerns.
Along with its claims services staff, NABVETS works in collaboration with the National Veterans Legal Service Program, the most prominent law firm in representing veterans claims.
NABVETS claims services department provides:
Filing and processing of VA claims
Discharge upgrade assistance
Advocacy and supportive services
Power of Attorney
NABVETS Centralized Claims Reveiw
In order to provide the best quality claims service available, NABVETS has centralized the claims review and quality assurance function into one location. All claims will be reviewed by our highest trained experts prior to submission to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This oversight will provide the best possible opportunity for positive adjudication of the initial claim. The new system is an electronic database, retrievable by our veteran’s service representatives at your request. Those veterans filing claims, please call 1.866.548.7303 to begin the claims process.
To download your power of attorney letter, click here:
If you live east of the Mississippi River please mail or fax your power of attorney letter to:
ATTN: Danny McKenzie
PO Box 11432
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: 800.842.4597 ext. 274
Fax: 414.342.1073
If you live west of the Mississippi River, please mail your power of attorney letter to:
ATTN: Ken Watts
5515 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Ste. 105
Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: 253.582.0895
If your claim is in the appeals process, please mail or fax your power of attorney letter to:
ATTN: Larry Stokes
4014 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202.723.0800
Fax: 202.723.0886
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