Benefits to Pennsylvania veterans rising despite decrease in population

Written by Kristine Wylie,

In a recent report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it was shown that former military servicemembers in Pennsylvania received more than $1.5 billion in VA benefits and pensions during the 2010 fiscal year.

More than 960,000 veterans reside in the Keystone State, which has the fourth-largest veteran population in the United States, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Though the number of former servicemembers in Pennsylvania has decreased since 2005, the total amount of funds distributed to veterans living there rose by more than $426 million.

Brigadier General Mike Gould, the deputy adjutant general for veterans’ affairs for the state of Pennsylvania, offered this explanation, “Claims for benefits that are filed with the help of capable veteran service officers stand the best chance of being approved.” Gould went on to say, “I encourage all veterans, especially those recently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, to visit an accredited veteran service officer to seek any benefits they’ve earned.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide variety of veterans benefits.  Many of the services and benefits offered to veterans go underused. Former military servicemembers who think they may be eligible for such funds should seek the appropriate channels.  To learn more about the packages the federal government has to offer contact a state veterans benefits office.