If you stop squeaking, they stop oiling!  That is the plain and simple truth.  Negative emotions, however well-deserved, should be kept under wraps as you tangle your way through the system to get the services you need and earned.  Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.  It is an avenue to empowerment.

 

 

Knowledge is Power

 

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs oversees a number of agencies established to serve the various needs of veterans and their families.  Your needs must be clearly identified before you begin to pursue the course to your most appropriate destination. The agencies that are most frequently contacted include:

 

ü     Education                                             1-888-442-4551

ü     VA Benefits                                           1-800-827-1000

ü     Life Insurance                                       1-800-669-8477

ü     Healthcare Issues                                 1-800-749-8387

ü     HC Revenue Center                              1-877-222-8387

ü     National Suicide Prevention Lifeline        1-800-273-8255

ü     Headstones and Markers                       1-800-697-6947

 

There is one extremely helpful publication available to veterans and their families both online or by mail from the agency highlighted above.  “Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” has recently been updated and is brought current annually.  You can locate your area of interest in this publication and follow-up with contacts to the correct agency.  It is truly a timesaver.

 

The publication named above includes such topics as: VA Health Care, Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities, VA Pensions, Education and Training, Home Loan Guaranty, VA Life Insurance, Burial and Memorial Benefits, Reserve and National Guard, Special Groups, Transition Assistance, Benefits for Dependents and Survivors, Appeals of VA Claims Decisions, Military Medals and Records, Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies and VA Facilities.

 

 

The Veterans Administration and PTSD

 

Those veterans who have identified symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder are going to find that the Veterans Administration, established to protect the rights and benefits of the veteran, is not very helpful.

 

More than 500 veterans receiving compensation with 100% disability rating which was  partially or fully related to post traumatic stress disorder, received a letter in September of 2005.  It stated that they would be returned to their rating in effect before the PTSD diagnosis.  They had 60 days to appeal the VA decision.

 

Entitlement Awareness

 

If symptoms are present along with a diagnosis of service-connected disability, the veteran is entitled to compensation.  Service-connected PTSD may also develop secondary disabilities such as mood disorders, alcoholism, drug abuse or self-destructive behaviors.

 

Note that there is no time limit for filing an initial VA claim and no time limit to reopen a VA claim for compensation of service-connected disability.  Additionally, there is no limit on the number of times a veteran can file for an increase in compensation or reopen a previous claim.

 

Often, the veteran is not aware of entitlement to compensation.  Some veterans who are aware of it are afraid to file for this compensation.  This fear may be directly related to the post traumatic stress disorder.  However, the sooner you take action – and continue to communicate – the more likely it is that a positive outcome will result.

 

In some cases, a veteran might need someone to advocate on his/her behalf.  If you join your local American Legion Post, you will have that advocate.  It is more than likely that the first step will be the completion of VA Form 21-4138 (“Statement in Support of Claim”) possibly accompanied by VA Forms 21-0781 and 21-0871a for PTSD veterans.

 

For those who wish to initiate a claim on their own, follow this URL to access the forms which are located here: www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp.  Scroll to the bottom of the page, insert the form number into the box and click “search”.

 

 

The American Legion:

For God and Country

 

The American Legion is, perhaps, the largest and best known group run by veterans for veterans.  They have a great deal of clout and are generally successful when lobbying on behalf of the veterans.

 

Congress chartered the American Legion in 1919.  The charter named it as a patriotic, mutual help organization for veterans.  Now numbering 3,000,000 men and women members and 15,000 posts around the world, the American Legion has become a large lobbying force with national headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA).  There are satellite offices in Washington, DC.

 

The national organization has more than 300 full-time paid staff and localized leadership roles are filled by volunteers who are usually elected by Post members.  Membership gives the veteran, active-duty military and their families the professional help to obtain medical, educational and insurance products from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Members also can receive assistance with claims and finances along with professional lobbying representation in Congress for protection and initiation of benefits for veterans. 

Need an advocate?  Turn to your local American Legion Post for assistance.