WHATS ON OUR MIND & HOW CAN WE HELP
Here are the main concerns our area veterans bring to us:
ASSISTANCE:
Where can I go to hang-out with other veterans, that has no dues or strings attached?
Because sometimes I don't feel like I belong or fit in.
I need transportation to VA and Doctor appointments
Can't afford legal help on Benefits and/or Civil matters
Don't have enough money for my rent, utilities and food
Need money for car repairs and gas & oil
My house needs to be repaired and fixed up
I can't find a job
How do I get counseling and addiction help
what can I do about PTSD, and how do I know if my spouse has it
Can't afford to send my spouse and/or kids to college
How can I find someone to visit and check on my disabled veteran spouse and/or relative
I can't find affordable 'in home help and assistance'
As a surviving spouse of a veteran, how do I make arrangements and what are the benefits
AND LISTED BELOW ARE OUR PROGRAMS / PATHWAYS TO ADDRESS THESE MAIN CONCERNS:
Links to State Veterans Affairs Offices
Additional Information
Their Veterans Service Officers (VSO’s) are trained and accredited by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to provide free assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. This includes not only applying for federal and state benefits but also providing resources related to the following:
- Compensation and Pension
- VA Home Loans & Housing
- Health Care
- Military Records
- Education & Training
- Employment
- Burial & Survivor
- Permits
- Transportation
- Claims Assistance
- Veterans’ disability benefits and rights
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/state-veterans-affairs-office-directory/#ixzz5k2H3QjidYou are here: Home / State Veterans Affairs Offices
State Veterans Affairs Offices
State Veterans Affairs offices available by each state. Learn about the state and federal benefits you are entitled to receive and how to claim them. State Veterans Offices help veterans file claims for education, care for your health, find employment, get a veteran home loan, with compensation/pensions and much more.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/state-veterans-affairs-office-directory/#ixzz5k2GQpxuZ
Learn More
The National Association of State Veterans Homes (NADSVA) can also be accessed for eligible US veterans
benefits, service and long term health care. The organization ensures that no veteran is in need or distress and that the level of care and services provided by state veterans
homes meets or exceeds the highest standards available.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/state-veterans-affairs-office-directory/#ixzz5k2HoFxDd
LINKS TO GET YOU CONNECTED
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Members of this Committee that you can contact with an inquiry or a comment. Use this simple link to make your concern known.
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Contact US Senators on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, about your concerns and comments as a Veteran and a Citizen. This simple link connects you with their website and contact.
Senate Armed Forces Committee
Connect with Committee members about any of your questions regarding the budgets for all our Armed Forces. Just click on the picture and it gets you to their website.
US Dept. of Veteran Affairs (VA)
Here is your link for the VA, just click on the picture and it takes you right there. This web page has all the info on VA Benefits and Services.
Veterans Crisis Line
Click on this image and it brings you right to 'start a confidential live chat', or to start a 'text' conversation or to call for help and info.
US Department of Defense
Click on the picture and get all the latest developments within all the Military Services of our Great Country. Gives you news, photos, videos, and special reports. Good way to keep informed about our Military.
BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS INFORMATION
WHAT DOES THIS BOARD DO
What does the Board do?
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) is a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), located in Washington, D.C. The Board’s mission is to conduct hearings and decide appeals properly before the Board in a timely manner.
The Board Appeals Metrics page is now available with additional details. The link is also available in the Resources links to the right.
Affected by a Natural Disaster?
If a Veteran is affected by any natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, he/she may request that his/her appeal be advanced on the docket. Veterans are strongly encouraged to submit their request in writing, and can include evidence such as newspaper clippings, pictures, FEMA declarations etc., in order to support their request. Requests can be sent directly to the Board’s fax line: 844-678-8979 (Toll Free). Veterans are instructed to include their name, VSO’s name (if applicable), and their claim number. For more information on advancement on the docket, please visit our customer service page.
Who is my Hearing Coordinator?
Here is a list of Hearing Team coordinator points of contact by region. If Veterans, Veteran Service Organizations or Regional Offices have questions about their hearings these are the appropriate people to contact. For general inquiries, please access Appeals Status on VA.gov (information below) or phone 1-800-827-1000.
Hearing Coordinators
Learn More
Video overview of the new VA Appeals Modernization Act (AMA): Appeals Modernization Act Brief Explanation.
How do I file an Appeal?
Anyone who is not satisfied with the results of a claim for Veterans benefits (determined by a VA RO, VHA medical center, or other local VA office) should read the pamphlet above. It is intended to explain the current steps involved in filing an appeal and to serve as a reference for the terms and abbreviations used in the appeal process. Updates to this process as a result of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 are forthcoming.
For best results please log on to the BVA site by clicking the 'Red Bar' link below.
US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Additional Information
The United States Court of Appeals is a National Court of record established under Article 1 of the Constitution. It has exclusive jurisdiction of Judicial Review on final decisions by the Board of Veterans Appeals within the Department of Veteran Affairs.
The Court provides an impartial review of administrative decisions that were adverse to the veteran-appellant's claim of entitlement to benefits service connected disabilities, survivor benefits and other benefits such as education payments and waiver of indebtedness.
You must have had a final decision from the Board of Veterans Appeals before appealing to this Court. note: the VA Regional Office is not the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Click on the Seal to the right to get to the Webpage.
Our Board of Directors & Management
Founder/Chairman, Ronald Verini
Upon returning from Vietnam, Ron wanted to have a friendly place for Vets to go and feel comfortable and have no financial obligation. He Co-founded the Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida in 2006.
Vice Chairman Phil Jacques
Phil walked into the first Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida office one day, found out what we were doing, liked it and has been volunteering since then. He has been a champion for helping us with 'fundraising'. Phil served in the Special Forces in Vietnam, and has been our Vice-Chairman for many years.
Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland
Upon moving to Ontario, Oregon, Charlene, whose Brothers all served in the Air Force, wanted to 'Honor' all our Veterans and became our first Office Manager, and quickly became our Secretary/Treasurer.
John Breidenback, Board Member
John also serves the Community as the Ex. Director of the Greater Ontario Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been a contributing/Active Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida Board member for many years, and served our Country in the US Army.John is on left.
Vince Schwartz, Board Member
Vince has been a very active Board Member now for many years, since he dropped by the office one day asking for some assistance, and has been involved every week since his first visit. Vince also served in Vietnam.
Gerald Haines, Chaplain/Board Member
Gerald is a 25 year Army Veteran enlisting in 1954 during the 'Cold-War' working in Army Air Defense Systems, and retiring as a Major, 0-4. After retirement he was ordained as a Minister, and he and his wife Trudy volunteered as Chaplains at the Idaho State Correctional Institution. Currently he is on the Board and Chaplain for Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida.
Meet our Ex. Director/Office Manager
Tammy Bigelow
Ms. Tammy has been managing our office for about 5 years, and has been the "patient one" holding our hand and dispensing "Positive" affirmations in dealing with not only the collapse and reconstruction of our main Office Building, but with all the Veterans and Families that cross our threshold and are needing or requiring information and services. Any questions you may have regarding needing or finding veteran services, Tammy is our 'Go-To' gal..
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
