Important information for Veterans

BVA 913: Veterans Appreciation Day planned for Sunday, October 1

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Branson Veterans of America 913 invites residents of Branson and surrounding communities to the 2023 “Veterans Appreciation Day,” planned for Sunday, October 1, at the Branson Events Center in the Shoppes at Branson Meadows, 4230 Gretna Rd. From 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., families can enjoy entertainment, inflatables and face painting for the kids, and food trucks.

The primary purpose of this event is to reach out to veterans who are not affiliated with any veteran’s group or activity. “We believe there are many veterans of all eras who live in the Branson, Tri-Lakes region who do not know what services are available to them or what organizations that serve veterans do,” said BVA member and event coordinator Dick Burkhalter. “It is our hope that by having this event, many veterans will become more aware of the services and the organizations that provide the services and support.”

Up to 30 organizations that serve veterans are expected to be represented at the event. The group hopes to reach out younger veterans, who are likely to have young families, while at the same time bringing together older veterans who may not have any kind of veterans group affiliation, meaning they may not be benefiting from mutual support or taking advantage of the available services.

The community is also invited to attend. Many community residents know veterans, and this will be a great opportunity to learn and pass along valuable information as well as enjoy a fun afternoon.

Tri-Lakes Rat Rods & Customs is sponsoring a car show in the parking lot. Trophies will be awarded to winners of the various categories, and the trophies are handmade and unique!

Admission is free to everyone; food will be available for purchase and all veterans will eat free at the catered meal. Pass the word to any veterans you know, and come for some fun and to meet and greet veterans!

Veterans invited to PACT workshop and free toxic exposure screenings

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Veterans of the Ozarks (VOTO) is teaming up with the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks (VMCO) to conduct a free PACT Act Workshop on Saturday, September 23, at the Elks Lodge, 37 Beach Blvd. in Kimberling City.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Veterans Administration officials and medical personnel, along with Veterans Service Officers will be on hand to conduct Toxic Exposure Screenings on a first-comefirst-served basis and to help veterans enroll in the VAhealthcare system and submit claims.

The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) is perhaps the largest healthcare and benefit expansion in VA history, and one many feel is long overdue. It expands and extends eligibility for VA healthcare to veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. Among the Act’s provisions are the following:

• Adds 20-plus more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures;

• Requires the VA to provide toxic exposure screenings to every veteran enrolled in the VA healthcare system;

• Helps improve research, staff education and treatment related to toxic exposures.

Survivor Benefits are also addressed in the PACT Act:

• A monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment: You may qualify if you are the surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability.

• A one-time accrued benefit payment: You may qualify if you are the surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a veteran who was owed unpaid benefits at the time of their death.

• A survivor’s pension: You may qualify if you are the surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran with wartime service.

Toxic exposure screenings conducted by VA personnel will include questions asking if the veteran thinks he or she was exposed to any of these hazards while serving:

• Open burn pits and other airborne hazards

• Gulf War-related exposures

• Agent Orange

• Radiation

• Camp Lejeune toxic water exposure

• Other possible exposures

All area veterans who feel they may have been exposed to any toxins, regardless of combat experience or era of service, are advised to attend.

Even if you already have a VA disability rating, you are en-couraged to attend in order to get a screening and be placed on the presumptive list. Getting a presumptive rating will not only protect you from future complications as a result of toxic exposure, but will also protect your beneficiaries by ensuring they can continue to receive VA benefits in the future.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to VOTO President Dave “Mac” McAllister, LT USN (Ret) at 417-230-1283. Don’t miss out on this important information about getting the benefits you deserve.