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:
Mobile Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
24 Hour/ 365 Day CONTACT: 877-927-8387 CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR INFO ON READJUSTMENT COUNSELING
All Vet Centers are currently open and operational, providing face to face and virtual counseling and outreach. Vet Centers will continue to assess the community impact of COVID-19 at a local level and may begin to restrict access or limit foot traffic, transitioning services to virtual care if needed. This would be assessed on a case by case basis and as a last measure. It is VA’s goal of keeping Vet Centers open and operational for Veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Those looking to seek Vet Center services may call their nearest Vet Center or the Vet Center Call Center at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). Please check back regularly as this situation may change.
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
Services
What is readjustment counseling?
Readjustment counseling is a wide range of psycho social services offered to eligible Veterans, Service members, and their families in the effort to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. They include:
- Individual and group counseling for Veterans, Service members, and their families
- Family counseling for military related issues
- Bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death
- Military sexual trauma counseling and referral
- Outreach and education including PDHRA, community events, etc.
- Substance abuse assessment and referral
- Employment assessment & referral
- VBA benefits explanation and referral
- Screening & referral for medical issues including TBI, depression, etc.
Does VA have readjustment counseling for family members?
Family members of combat Veterans and Service members have been eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling services for military related issues since 1979.
Am I eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling?
If you, or a family member, served in any combat zone and received a military campaign ribbon (Vietnam, Southwest Asia, OEF, OIF, etc.) then both you and your family are eligible for Vet Center services.
Where is counseling offered?
VA's readjustment counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located in easily accessable neighborhoods near Veterans, Service members, and their families, yet separate from VA organizational sites to ensure confidential counseling and reduce barriers to care. All Vet Center services are prepaid through military service. Contact your nearest Vet Center through information provided in the Vet Center Directory or listings in your local blue pages. Vet Center staff are available toll free and around the clock at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387).
WHY WARRIOR CALL IS ESSENTIAL:
Up to two-thirds of veterans who take their own lives have had no contact with the VA
Many of those who are suffering are not seeking help or treatment, thus reinforcing the need for a call to these warriors from a former battle buddy, friend or family member.
- The COVID pandemic has only increased isolation and disconnection.
- The rapid unraveling of Afghanistan has spurred anguish and frustration among those who served there.
- Invisible wounds linked to an underlying and undiagnosed traumatic brain injury can mirror many mental health conditions, underscoring the need to connect with service members and veterans and steer them to services.
1-855-838-8255
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
Here's How to check on your Veteran Benefits
Here's How to check on your Veteran Benefits
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
Here's How to check on your Veteran Benefits
Here's How to check on your Veteran Benefits
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
Here's How to check on your Veteran Benefits
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
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
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
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
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.
VA overhaul process for caregiver support after court rule
September 2021 by Leo Shane III , MilitaryTimes
Thousands of veterans caregivers could see their Veterans Affairs stipendsreduced or taken away completely under a series of case reviews planned over the next year to ensure long-time participants still qualify for the benefit.
Veterans Affairs officials said that no families currently in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers will see reductions in stipends before fall of next year, and families being removed from the program won’t have the financial support cut off until early 2023.
But the move still means the looming loss of thousands of dollars a month for some families of veterans with serious, lingering service injuries.
About 33,000 individuals are currently enrolled in the program, which provides support services and monthly stipends to caregivers of veterans unable to perform basic self-care activities.
Program Executive Director Colleen Richardson said the reviews will cover about 19,800 “legacy” participants, all of whom entered the program before October 2020. Before then, only veterans who left the ranks after September 2001 were eligible to apply for the program...
Learn More Read the Full Article
Our Board of Directors & Management
Founder/Chairman, Ronald Verini
Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland
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
Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland
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.
Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland
Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland
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 Breidenback, Board Member
Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland
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
John Breidenback, 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.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
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.”