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Friday, October 15, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
HEY VETERANS, DID YOU KNOW ⌠?
⌠why a C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam is done?
ThisâŻexamâŻhelpsâŻVAâŻofficials determine if you have a disability related to your military service or if your condition should receive an increased rating due to it worsening. Your ratingâŻwillâŻbe based on how severe your disabilityâŻis andâŻwillâŻaffect how much disability compensation you willâŻreceive. Compensation may include things like monthly payments and enrollment in theâŻVA health careâŻprogram.
⌠there are Family Benefits after death?
If a veteran dies of a medical condition considered to be service-connected by the VA, the spouse (and their children) may be eligible for monthly compensation payments through the VAâs Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program (DIC). To file a claim or learn more contact one of the Veteran Service offices listed on âHow Can I Get Help?â on Page 5. (We thank the Veterans Health Council which is a program sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America.)
⌠There are many lesser-known VA benefits, employment resources?
While 44% of all veterans use at least one VA benefit, several lesser-known benefits could help them live better, healthier lives. Here are three examples: It is not uncommon for a veteran to struggle with translating military experience into civilian terms. VA offers employment resources for this, and every stage of the job search. Veterans who qualify for VA career and employment services can: ⢠Search for jobs and find employers who want to hire veterans ⢠Access apprenticeship/onthe-job training using the GI Bill. ⢠Get one-on-one career counseling if they have a service-con-
nected disability through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Visit VA.gov to learn more about all VA benefits. You can find local resources to help with finding Employment Resources:
SPOKANE
WorkSource Spokane at 130 S Arthur Street. (509) 532-3120 www.worksourcespokane.com.
NORTH IDAHO
Idaho Department of Labor, Veteran Services Representatives. (208) 457-8789 600 N Thornton St., Post Falls
⌠Thereâs help filing a claim or appeal?
If you need help filing a claim or appeal, you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Ser-
vice Officer (VSO). We trust these professionals because theyâre trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes and can help you with VA-related needs. VSOs work on behalf of Veterans and service membersâas well as their dependents and survivors. Find out more about accredited representatives and how they can help you.
WHAT DOES AN ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE OR A VSO DO?
Accredited representatives and VSOs can help you understand and apply for VA benefits, like: ⢠Financial support (monthly payments) ⢠Education ⢠Veteran Readiness andâŻEmployment (VR&E) ⢠Home loans
⢠Life insurance ⢠Pension ⢠Health care ⢠Burial benefits These trained professionals can also: ⢠Help you gather supporting documents (like a doctorâs report or medical test results) ⢠File a claim or appeal on your behalf ⢠Provide added support, like helping with transportation to medical appointments or emergency funds
WHAT DOES IT COST TO USE AN ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE OR A VSO?
In general, no individual or organization may charge you a fee to help you file your initial application for benefits. But they may charge you for unusual expenses. Itâs only after weâve made a de-
cision about your original claim that VA-accredited claims agents and attorneys may charge for their services. Make sure you ask up front what, if any, fees youâll be charged.
HOW DO I FIND AN ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE OR A VSO?
You can find an accredited representative or a VSO in 1 of 2 ways: ⢠Go to eBenefits to find a local representative (including a recognized VSO, an attorney, or a claims agent) by state/territory, zip code, or the organizationâs name.⯠⢠Go to eBenefits https://www. ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/manage/representative For more resources, see the âHow Can I Get Helpâ section on Page 5.
