VA reaches out to newest combat veterans
5/11/2004 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its efforts to reach veterans of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to ensure they are aware of benefits they have earned.
Anthony Principi, VA secretary, is sending a letter to more than 150,000 veterans of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom who have recently separated from the military to thank them for their service. In the letter, he also reminds them of their eligibility for VA health-care and other benefits.
"I want these men and women to know that we are grateful for their service to our country," Mr. Principi said. "Those who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the world have risked their lives to make America more secure. One of the ways the nation shows its gratitude is by ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve."
Mr. Principi's letter includes brochures and links to the department's Web pages that contain more details about VA benefits, including an opportunity to apply for benefits online.
As the veterans continue to leave active duty, VA officials said they expect to mail about 10,000 letters each month. The first letters were sent May 10.
Department officials also regularly mail information packets to all servicemembers separating from the military to remind them of eligibility for basic benefits, such as VA-guaranteed home loans and education benefits. In addition, there are provisions in these programs for reservists and National Guard members.
The additional outreach to those recently deployed to combat areas alerts them to special eligibility that increases their access to health care for two years after separation from the military for illnesses and injuries that may be the result of military service. For those medical problems, VA waives copayments for inpatient and outpatient care. The VA focuses special attention on those with service-related disabilities, officials said. The department's goal is a seamless transition from military to VA services, with claims for financial benefits receiving expedited processing.
For seriously wounded people, the VA has counselors working at the bedsides of patients in military hospitals with the largest numbers of casualties to begin benefit applications before they leave the military. The department’s social service people work at these military facilities to plan health-care coordination as servicemembers move from military to VA care. This helps ensure a smooth transition to a VA hospital or clinic near the veteran's intended residence for continuing medical care, officials said.
"VA has learned many lessons since the Gulf War in 1991 and other conflicts, which will ensure that this newest generation of war veterans receives the health care and assistance they deserve when they return to civilian life," Mr. Principi said. (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service) |
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