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
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
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?
Veterans in the 119th Congress
Breaking down the number of veterans in the 119th Congress
By Leo Shane III - MilitaryTimes
When lawmakers convene the 119th Congress on Friday, the group will boast 100 military veterans among their members, the largest such caucus in eight years.
Sixteen new veterans will join 84 incumbent members of Congress with military experience, but that total will drop by two within days of the start of the new legislative term. That’s because two veteran members are headed to the executive branch in the next few weeks.
Still, even a one-person jump in the number of veterans in Congress is significant, because an increase in members with military backgrounds has only happened four times in the last 50 years.
Because of their backgrounds, veterans serving in the House and Senate are often seen as critical to discussions of military operations and veterans benefits. But the number of veterans in Congress has declined almost steadily since the mid-1970s, as the military shifted from an end strength of largely drafted individuals to an all-volunteer force.
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...
CIVICS FOR LIFE !!!!!
CIVICS EDUCATION - BASIC & SIMPLE..
Civics Education
An educated citizenry is crucial for a healthy democracy. Whether or not you studied civics in school or wish to brush up, these adult education resources are here to help.
Being educated means going beyond the essential what of civics to understand the why. We invite you to read, watch and discover the richness of civics.
Colonial Period Before the United States, thirteen separate colonies settled throughout the eastern coast of North America. As ...More →
Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, ...More →
The Constitution The U.S. Constitution is the second government formed after The Articles of Confederation failed to meet ...More →
The Legislative Branch Article I of the US Constitution establishes the legislature as a bicameral body consisting of ...More →
The Executive Branch Article II of the US Constitution establishes the executive branch led by the President of ...More →
The Judicial Branch Article III of the US Constitution establishes the judicial branch. However, it only creates the ...More →
How Elections Work The United States has a long and storied history of democracy, and elections have been ...More →
What is the Electoral College? The Electoral College is a process, not a place. The Founding Fathers established ...More →
History of Political Parties For more than two centuries, the Democratic and Republican parties have been the two ...More →
State Government The powers of a state government in the United States are defined in the Tenth Amendment ...More →
Local Government Local government plays an integral role in the lives of citizens. It has a more significant ...More →
History Lessons The articles below provide access to valuable resources, including articles, videos, and courses that deepen knowledge ...More →
"In over half the states in the union, civics education is not required. The only reason we have public school education in America is because in the early days of the country, our leaders thought we had to teach our young generation about citizenship ... that obligation never ends."
— Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
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.
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.
Veterans Transition Survival Guide
By Blake Stilwell, Military Times
So you finally came around to the idea that you might have what it takes to make it in civilian life? What took you so long? You can trudge through mud and rain while training for three days, stand watch through a humid night in the Baghdad suburbs, or maintain the latest in multimillion-dollar aircraft technology, but you weren’t sure if you could commute to an office somewhere for eight hours a day? Son, that might be your only problem.
But there’s a lot of ground to cover before you start writing TPS reports.
Getting out of the military is a big deal, about as big a deal as going in. It’s not something you just want to up and do one day. If all you do is fill out a checklist and then go back to your hometown and think everything is just going to work out, you’re gonna be in for a big surprise. There are actually some things you’ll want to think about before you go back to the block. Starting with what exactly you want to do when you get out of that uniform.
Which, we’re probably going to need back, by the way.
Transition Assistance Program
Will you actually be getting a civilian job? Do you want to do the same thing out there that you did in the military? Or will you go to school? Where will you do these things? How will you prepare to pay for them while you wait for benefits … do you even know how to get into the VA system? You may have it all figured out as an E-4. But the mafia doesn’t teach you about Tuition Assistance, the blended retirement system, or getting a VA home loan. Some of that’s what the Transition Assistance Program teaches. (You did know about the TAP class, right?)
5 Lessons for Veterans Leaving the Military
Team Rubicon co-founder Jake Wood, wasn't out of the Marine Corps 60 days before he felt the pull
Now, in a book that hit shelves Nov. 10, 2020, he details the 10-year journey of building the service-focused organization Team Rubicon to what it is today: 130,000 American military veterans willing to be the first responders to any disaster zone in the world.
Wood sat down with Military.com to talk about transitioning out of the military, the paths open to military veterans and some of the things he thinks we should consider when planning to make that big jump.
Wood would be the first to tell you that he wasn't setting out to create a disaster relief nonprofit when he first left for Haiti 10 years ago. He watched the devastation in the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the island on Jan. 12, 2010. All he knew is that he wanted to do something about it.
Here are the 5 Lessons:
In that time and through all that effort, he has some words of wisdom for separating military members.
1. Know Who You Want to Be
2. Plan How to Get There
3. Don't Rush
4. Be Prepared for the Hard Work
5. Surround Yourself With Good People
CLICK THE "MORE ON THIS ARTICLE" TO READ ABOUT THESE 5 LESSONS !
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.