Some of the 'Services' and 'Programs we have available
WHATS ON OUR MIND & HOW CAN WE HELP
Here are a few of the main concerns our area veterans bring to us:
ASSISTANCE:
WHERE DO I GO TO HANG-OUT WITH OTHER VETS THAT HAS NO DUES OR DEMANDS,
BECAUSE SOMETIMES I DON'T FEEL LIKE I BELONG OR FIT IN.
HOW DO I GET COUNSELING & ADDICTION HELP AND FIND OUT WHATS WRONG
WHAT SHOULD I DO & WHERE SHOULD I GO TO HELP WITH SUICIDE
I NEED TRANSPORTATION TO MY VA AND DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SPOUSE HAS PTSD AND HOW DO WE HANDLE IT
I CAN'T AFFORD LEGAL HELP ON BENEFITS & CIVIL MATTERS, WHERE CAN I GO?
DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR MY RENT, UTILITIES AND FOOD
NEED MONEY FOR CAR REPAIRS, GAS AND OIL
MY HOUSE NEEDS REPAIRS AND PAINTING AND OVERALL MAINTENANCE
CAN'T AFFORD TO SEND MY SPOUSE AND/OR KIDS TO COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL
NEED TO FIND SOMEONE TO VISIT & CHECK-ON MY DISABLED VETERAN RELATIVE
I CANNOT FIND AFFORDABLE 'IN-HOME HELP AND ASSISTANCE'
AS A SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A VET WHAT DO I DO AND ARE THERE BENEFITS
AND LISTED BELOW ARE OUR PROGRAMS / PATHWAYS TO HELP IN ADDRESSING THESE MAIN CONCERNS:
All US military veterans in suicidal crisis
will be eligible for free care at any VA or private facility
January 2023 By Courtney Kube, NBC News
Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible for the free emergency mental health care.
Beginning Tuesday, U.S. military veterans who find themselves in suicidal crisis will be eligible for free emergency medical care at any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or any private facility.
Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible. More than 18 million veterans in the U.S. could be eligible.
The new policy, which the VA will announce Friday, will include up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care and up to 90 days of follow-on outpatient care.
The VA already provides emergency suicide care, but with the new benefit, veterans will not have to pay any copays or fees for their care. If the veterans receive care at a private facility rather than at a VA facility, the government will cover the costs. The VA will also reimburse veterans for ambulance rides to hospitals.
“Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive the free, world-class emergency health care they deserve — no matter where they need it, when they need it, or whether they’re enrolled in VA care,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement. “This expansion of care will save Veterans’ lives, and there’s nothing more important than that.”
The VA has about 9 million veterans enrolled in medical care and an estimated 9 million more who are not enrolled and are potentially eligible for care. Under the new policy they will be eligible for the same care at no cost.
The VA reported that 6,146 veterans died by suicide in 2020, or an average of 16.8 per day. While that number was 343 fewer than in 2019, suicide and veterans in crisis remain the VA’s top clinical priority.....
HERE IS A VETERAN NATIONAL RESOURCE FORM
NATIONAL RESOURCES FORM
National Contacts
Resources
Phone and/or Chat
Website
VA main line (where to find answers)
Benefits Education services
Employment services
Legal service clinics
Substance use treatment services
Veterans Crisis Line
800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411)
800-827-1000
888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551)
877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/index.asp https://www.va.gov/education
https://www.va.gov/health/cwt https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/cwt/Locations.asp
https://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs- conditions/substance-use-problems
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Alphabetized list of VA websites
https://www.va.gov/site_map.htm
Eligibility for VA health care
877-222-8387
https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility
Housing services (HUD-VASH)
877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838)
https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp
Mental health services
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health- needs- conditions/mental-health
National Resource Directory:
A searchable database of
resources vetted for Service members, Veterans, family members and caregivers
VA medical centers and
community-based outpatient
clinics (urgent and nonurgent care)
https://www.va.gov/find-locations
Dial 988 then Press 1 orText 838255
Veterans Service Organizations
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vso/
Veterans Socials
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/socials
~ VETERANS ~
THE PACT ACT
How the PACT Act Works for Current VA Beneficiaries
August 2023
By Amanda Miller, Military.com
The Department of Veterans Affairs screened more than 4 million U.S. military veterans in the first year of the new PACT Act to find out if they thought they'd been exposed to toxins during their military service. The vast majority of those screened were already enrolled in VA health care.
Of those millions of veterans, 1.7 million had "screened positive" for possible exposure, Steve Miska, the VA's PACT Act transitional executive director, told Military.com.
As a result, the VA is reaching back out to those veterans, "encouraging them to file a supplemental claim that could potentially increase benefits, whether on the health-care side or many of the other benefits," Miska said.
The PACT Act linked a variety of medical conditions with toxins common during specific eras or circumstances of military service. Rather than require veterans or their survivors to prove that a toxic exposure caused a given condition, the law assumes that some illnesses are service-connected if the person served in a certain place at a certain time. This means that veterans may be eligible for additional VA benefits based on past toxic exposure during their service.
Here's how the PACT Act could affect existing VA beneficiaries:
Veterans Who Already Receive Partial Disability Pay
Veterans who already have a partial VA disability rating could have their rating increased now that the VA covers more conditions under the PACT Act, and they don't need to fear that applying could potentially cause their rating to decrease instead, VA officials told Military.com.
That increased rating could add up to a significant difference in monthly compensation, especially for veterans with dependents. For example, a veteran with a spouse and two dependent children under age 18 whose disability rating rises from 10% to 60% could see their pay rise from $165.92 a month to $1,588.65 a month in 2023.
"And we are not going [and] looking back at other service-connected issues trying to decrease those," Kaitlin Richards, assistant director in the VA's Office of Policy and Oversight, told Military.com.
Breaking Down The PACT Act
Key Changes and Benefits for Veterans With Toxic Exposure (2023 Guide)
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free.
HEY VETERANS! We’ve got some important news about the PACT Act—the game-changing bill for those exposed to toxic substances during military service.
The PACT Act, short for “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022,” is a bill designed to help you and other veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service.
The bill addresses all of the following related to toxic exposure:
- Healthcare and treatment
- The VA presumes certain conditions were caused by toxic exposure
- Required screening for veteran toxic exposure
- VA research on exposure
- Resources for veterans and VA staff
The law aims to make it easier for you to access VA medical care, including mental health services and counseling. It expands healthcare and presumption of toxic exposure for certain veterans, adds new conditions to the list of service presumptions, and strengthens research on toxic exposure.
The PACT Act also helps veterans like you if you don’t have sufficient evidence to win your VA claim, incorporates clinical questionnaires in initial screenings, and establishes outreach and education programs to better inform you and VA personnel about toxic exposure-related benefits and support.
We know dealing with these complex topics can be challenging, so we’re here to break it down for you. Let’s dive into what the PACT Act is all about, and how it can benefit you as a veteran.
Expanded Health Care for Veterans
The PACT Act brings some much-needed changes to the health care available for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. First, let’s break down exactly what toxic exposure looks like for veterans and how this law expands care.
What is toxic exposure?
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
https://www.nrd.gov/
NATIONAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY
The NRD is a database of validated resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for service members, veterans, family members, and caregivers...
LINKS TO GET YOU CONNECTED
Here's How to check on your Veteran Benefits
Learn about your eBenefits, Health Care, Non-Health Care Benefits, Burial and Memorial Benefits and more...
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
US Dept of VA - for your Military service records including your DD214
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 VA - for your Military service records including your DD214
US Dept of VA - for your Military service records including your DD214
US Dept of VA - for your Military service records including your DD214
Here is your link for the VA, to request your military service records including your DD214.
US Department of Defense
US Dept of VA - for your Military service records including your DD214
US Dept of VA - for your Military service records including your DD214
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.
LIST OF ALL OUR MILITARY VETERANS NOW SERVING IN CONGRESS
This link provides an 'email contact' for all Veterans in Congress -use it to voice your concerns!
The Congressional Veterans Caucus provides an in-depth look at every member of Congress who has served in the military. These men and women are key influencers when it comes to legislation that impacts service members, their families, DoD civilians and defense companies. Navigate the Congressional Veterans Caucus to learn more about these leaders, and highlight veteran politicians by state, political party, war era and more.
Learn More
Featured Congressmen:
R-PENNSYLVANIA, NATIONAL GUARD
D-HAWAII, NATIONAL GUARD
D-MARYLAND, ARMY
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.
INFO FOR YOUR VA CLAIM EXAM
YOUR VA CLAIM EXAM, FOR COMPENSATION AND PENSION, DURING THE COVID-19
Greetings,
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is providing information about utilizing alternatives to in-person Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic to support social distancing and the safety and health of Veterans and clinicians. VBA will continue to complete as many examinations as possible using virtual means that do not involve a face-to-face examination. This message is intended to advise you about the change and provide guidance and resources.
What are C&P Examinations?
- C&P examinations are forensic examinations used to gather evidence used by VBA claims processors in making decisions on Veterans’ claims for disability compensation and pension benefits. C&P exams are scheduled when the evidence already in the Veteran’s record does not contain all the information needed to make a decision on the claim.
- Disability Benefits Questionnaires, or DBQs, are standardized forms used by clinicians when performing C&P exams. The purpose of a DBQ is to ensure the clinician performing the exam captures and records all the information needed by VBA claims processors to make a decision.
- For many years, both Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinicians and VBA contract vendors have conducted C&P examinations using DBQs. In FY19, VBA completed about 65 percent of the more than 1.6 million examination requests generated by regional office claims processors....
Learn More
Questions on Claims?
You can start and continue to file claims with no delay.
How to start or continue a claim
- File a claim online at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ or https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/
- Fax a claim to VA’s Centralized Mail hub at (844) 531-7818
- Submit completed applications by paper mail
For individuals who need more assistance, VBA offers robust resources through the National Call Center (NCC) at 1-800-827-1000.
Intent to file a claim
- Faxing or mailing a completed VA Form 21-0966
- Calling the NCC at 1-800-827-1000 or Veterans Service Center,
- Starting a claim online, or
- Asking a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to complete one on a claimant’s behalf.
Note: Intent to file a claim will preserve a potential effective date and allow the Veteran up to one year to submit a completed claim form. Veterans can also work with a local VSO to submit claims electronically or by mail.
A grateful nation thanks you for your service.
Sincerely,
-Veterans Benefits Administration
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.
This job training program may be better than the GI Bill
To be eligible, veterans must be at least 10-percent disabled with a service-connected injury.
August 2021, Military Times, Leo Shane III
The VR&E program had about one-fifth the enrollment and about one-tenth the price tag of the GI Bill last year. To be eligible, veterans must be at least 10-percent disabled with a service-connected injury.
GAO officials said it may be more beneficial for many disabled veterans because of the flexibility of the program, and the focus not just on degree completion but also job training and independent living.
“Unlike the GI Bill, VR&E participants work with an assigned vocational rehabilitation counselor, who helps the veteran identify a suitable employment goal and draft an employment plan,” the report states.
“To develop the plan, the counselor and veteran review labor market information for jobs, taking into consideration the veteran’s identified abilities, aptitudes, and interests.”
Our Board of Directors & Management
Founder/Chairman, Ronald Verini
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
Founder/Chairman, Ronald Verini
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.
Bob Metzger, Board Member
John Breidenback, Board Member
Bob is the General Manager of Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida. Joined the Army at age 17, serving in many capacities in Korea, Vietnam and other overseas areas and stateside. Became an "IT -GURU", an Entrepreneur and a 17 year career with Oregon State Department of Corrections computerizing the Legal Libraries in all 13 prisons. Volunteered with Eastern Oregon Red Cross Disaster Team, Chairman Malheur County Housing Authority, Ontario Visitor & Convention Bureau Board, among others...
John Breidenback, Board Member
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 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.