3 minute read
Blue Water Navy veterans have second chance
Blue Water Navy veterans have second chance with claims
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The USS Mullinix lies in the water off the coast of South Vietnam on Sept. 11, 1966.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will readjudicate previously denied claims for veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
This review is part of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s implementation of the Nov. 5, 2020, U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California decision to readjudicate previously denied claims, as applied in Nehmer vs. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Readjudication means the VA will review the evidence of record and provide replacement decisions in the cases of veterans who were previously denied service connection for one or more herbicide related condition on the basis that military service was not performed on the landmass of the Republic of Vietnam or on its inland waterways. This review will also apply to eligible survivors of deceased Vietnam-era veterans.
The VA is dedicated to ensuring all veterans receive the benefits they have earned.
If you would like help from a Veteran Service Officer regarding a previously denied claim, see “How Can I Get Help?” on this page for local resources.
Veterans Help Net request: Send us your stories
Our mission is to help increase the awareness of the significant benefits and services available to veterans. We will then show them a path to apply for and get those benefits. By helping them get the benefits they have earned, we can provide hope and help to veterans, their families and our communities.
We are always looking for more stories about veterans who have discovered a benefit that improved their life, a Veterans Service organization or an individual that has changed or impacted their lives, or other inspirational stories about military service members.
If you have a story to share that you feel would help others find hope and help, please send it to info@VeteranHelpNet.com, visit our website at www. veteranhelpnet.com, or call (509) 655-9266.
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.
GO ONLINE
VA.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.
VA.gov/welcome-kit
The VA Welcome Guide covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.
DAV9.com
Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator
Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
IN PERSON
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service
1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690
Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449
SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.
BY PHONE
