FYI Series #12
Did You Know?
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How To Access Your DD Form 214
Online
Gaining access to your DD Form 214 has never been easier. This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of the DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to sign access to their dd-214 online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov
How to Secure Compensation for Dependents
All veterans having a 30% or more service-connected evaluation may be entitled to additional compensation for a spouse, dependent parents, or unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if attending an approved school) or a child who became permanently incapable of self-support because of mental or physical defect prior to age 18. The additional benefit for a spouse is payable in a higher amount upon receipt of evidence establishing that the spouse is a patient in a nursing home or disabled as to require the aid and attendance of another person.
How to Increase Benefits for Unemployability
If your service-connected disabilities are seriously disabling to the extent that you are unable to secure and hold steady work or employment, you may apply to receive total disability. To apply for this benefit, you should contact the nearest VA Regional Office and complete VA Form 21-8940, “Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability.” Forms are available on the VA forms.
Compassionate Allowances Conditions Expanded
The Social Security Administration has announced 25 new Compassionate Allowances (CA) conditions. The CA program reduces the time it takes to make decisions on disability applications filed by Americans with the most serious disabilities, so they receive decisions on their claims within days, instead of months or years. The new conditions include a dozen cancers and disorders that affect the digestive, neurological, immune and multiple body systems.
VA Caregiver Support Line
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Line facilitates monthly telephone education groups for family caregivers of Veterans with a theme of “Care for the Caregiver.” A different topic is presented every month with the goal of helping Caregivers develop tools and strategies to help balance the demands of caregiving, while also focusing on the importance of self-care. These groups are available to any family caregiver currently caring for a Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who are caring for a loved one at home are also eligible to participate. For more information or to register for a group, please contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator at 1-800-827-1000.
CESI Helping Veterans
Consumer Education Services Inc. (CESI) is pleased to announce the launch of Beneficiary Services for individuals in need of assistance with managing benefits through SSI, SSDI or VA due to physical disability, cognitive disability or substance abuse. CESI is licensed through the Social Security Administration to manage their Representative Payee and Veteran’s Administration Fiduciary Programs. The Benefits Service is a new offering from non-profit CESI.
CESI is a non-profit organization that helps consumers achieve financial freedom by offering a complete life cycle of services: debt management, student loan counseling, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education, benefits counseling and services for employees, caregivers, and other support groups. For more information, please call 1-855-716-2451.
Veterans Show High Rates
During the Vietnam War, more than 2 million U.S. veterans were exposed to the toxic herbicide known as Agent Orange, which has been associated with elevated rates of diabetes and heart problems. Soldiers who participated in the 1990-1991 Gulf War were exposed to ammunition containing depleted uranium, and acrid smoke spewing from out-of-control oil fires. And all war veterans display high rates of hearing loss, as well as chronic knee, back, neck and shoulder pain associated with carrying heavy packs of ammunition and other gear.
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