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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?
This exam helps VA officials 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 rating will be based on how severe your disability is and will affect how much disability compensation you will receive. Compensation may include things like monthly payments and enrollment in the VA health care program.
… 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 VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program (DIC). To file a claim or learn more contact one of the Veteran Service offices listed on “How Can I Get Help?” 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
… There’s 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 they’re 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 members—as 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 and Employment (VR&E) • Home loans
• Life insurance • Pension • Health care • Burial benefits These trained professionals can also: • Help you gather supporting documents (like a doctor’s 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. It’s only after we’ve 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 you’ll 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 organization’s name. • Go to eBenefits https://www. ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/manage/representative For more resources, see the “How Can I Get Help” section on Page 5.
