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Archive for the ‘Veterans' Resources’ Category
Saturday, March 24th, 2012
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has teamed up with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to launch a new contest aimed at improving access for homeless veterans to services and benefits.
On Monday, March 19, the VA issued a press release announcing the contest, titled Project REACH – Real-time Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless. The Departments of Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services are also involved in the initiative that’s calling out to web and phone application developers.
The goal of Project REACH is to create a web and phone based app that provides recourses for homeless veterans in need of services, such as medical facilities, food banks, and housing. Based on the criteria for the contest, the winning app should also provide veterans with nearby VA services, employment information, crisis hotlines, and the whereabouts for legal assistance, such as where to locate a veterans disability attorney who can help you file or appeal a claim.
With veterans accounting for 1 of every 6 persons in homeless shelters and many veterans struggling to provide for their basic needs, a digital access hub could be a great asset to those in need and their caregivers.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, Jon Bon Jovi, veterans homelessness
Posted in General, VA News, Vet Groups & Networking, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Dependents, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Since 2008, Florida State University (FSU) has been 1 of 7 universities that hold a summer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV). The 2012 annual program begins in May with online components leading in to a 9-day residency at the university from June 19 through June 27.
The EBV is designed to provide experiential training and education for veterans who suffered service-connected disabilities. In many cases, these veterans are unable to return to their previous occupations, due to their disabilities, but they still have a desire to put their skills to use. Disabled veterans who start their own small businesses may find great satisfaction in building something they truly want to invest their abilities in.
Considering the support from the associated universities and other related organizations, the cost to attend a EBV is free to eligible applicants. To apply, disabled veterans may visit FSU’s application page to fill out the online application and view instructions. While there is no deadline, there are limited spaces available and veterans should apply as soon as possible.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and many other organizations also offer support and grants to many aspiring veterans.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Disabled Veterans, veteran programs, veterans education
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
While veteran unemployment is no new situation for our service members, many previously employed veterans are finding it hard to return to the jobs they thought were protected for when they returned.
Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act employers of those who leave to serve in the National Guard or Reserves must restore their seniority, benefits, and pay upon their return. Unfortunately, obtaining your rights under this law is a very lengthy and often frustrating process, sometimes taking years until results are seen.
Many veterans have to take reduced salaries, hours, and job duties just to have some form of employment at their former occupation. In some cases, veterans have to work multiple jobs because their former primary employer cannot bring them back on at the level they were at prior to military service.
The case can be even more serious for veterans who return to the states with a combat-related disability. Disabled veterans are often unable to work at their prior profession due to physical or mental limitations, and in serious disability cases they may be unable to work at all.
Disabled veterans who find difficulty in obtaining gainful employment or are unable to work at all can find some relief by applying for veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once approved, a disabled veteran can obtain disability pay as well as connect to resources for medical care, jobs, and education opportunities.
Tags: Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, veteran employment, Veterans Disability Benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and American Legion organization have signed an agreement to work together in the development of new business and job opportunities in agriculture to U.S. veterans across the nation. The initiative seeks to spend no additional money, but work in tandem to promote opportunities for businesses and jobs for veterans as well as share information about working in the agriculture industry.
The plan came about when the veteran population showed that 6.1 million veterans live in areas of the country where farming is a way of life and large part of the local economy. In these areas, the American Legion boasts nearly 5,300 posts to help provide a point of access for the new program.
Focus will be put on developing programs to help veterans start new farming businesses, or connect veterans to agriculture-related careers in their area. There will also be contracting preferences promoted for veteran-owned businesses that want to do business with the USDA.
The government employs a large number of veterans and disabled veterans, but 3 departments currently account for nearly 80% of the government veteran workforce. The USDA hopes to join them in the top 4 departments with this new initiative and help all veterans with their employment needs.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: American Legion, United States Department of Agriculture, veteran employment, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Resources
Posted in General, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
A recent settlement between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Justice, and 5 of the nation’s largest banks has brought in $25 million in loan assistance and many new resources for veterans, service members, and military families in danger of losing their homes.
The settlement provides cash relief to avoid litigation in foreclosure cases, as well as establishing new protections for service members in danger of defaulting on their VA loans. The banks agreed to assist veterans in obtaining interest-rate-reduction refinancing, principal forgiveness, and allow for forbearance during unemployment.
In addition to these new agreements, the Service Members Civil Relief Act was also enhanced with new protections for service members who are forced to sell their homes, due to relocation during service. These changes enhance the existing VA loan assistance program that has protected more than 72,000 veterans who were in danger of foreclosure in 2011.
Even veterans who don’t have home loans through the VA can take advantage of their toll-free loan help hotline at 877-827-3702 and speak with a VA loan specialist. The national number can provide information about the VA loan program as well as options for avoiding foreclosure with the VA’s help.
Home loan programs are part of the many benefits available to veterans through the VA. Veterans’ disability benefits can also help provide disabled veterans and their families with financial assistance for living expenses, health care, and much more.
If you are a veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, VA home loans, veterans assistance, Veterans' Resources
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Dependents, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Since July 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line, an initiative started through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has helped field over 500,000 calls from veterans in need of crisis support. Over 18,000 serious cases have been handled by the team of responders, helping many troubled and disabled veterans find the help they need during these critical times.
To continue this positive outreach to veterans, and their friends and families, the VA is extending their services beyond the traditional telephone number and creating new collaborative efforts with like-minded organizations.
The technological advances include text messing services that allow veterans in need to confidentially text their concerns to responders at 83-8255 and receive immediate support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The texts are answered by trained VA professionals, many of whom are U.S. veterans, offering a more personal connection to crisis management.
In addition to the texting service, the voice call line has now extended toll-free service for the Europe military community. The new 0800-1273-8255 number will provide toll-free access to the same U.S.-based crisis help line that the current 800-273-8255 number offers.
A third enhancement to the Veterans Crisis Line is the collaboration with Vets Prevail and Vets4Warriors, 2 groups that utilize similar efforts to reach out to veterans in need of crisis support and resources. Both organizations will begin routing calls for mental health crisis to the VA’s lines.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: veterans crisis line, Veterans Mental Health, Veterans' Resources
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, VA News, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Many Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and facilities across the globe are using animals to help reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with receiving medical evaluations and treatment. Soldiers who are already on edge from coming off the battlefield with injuries or are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) take comfort in a 4-legged presence during psychological and medical sessions.
Using pet therapy, some of the branches of Red Cross in Germany have helped the U.S. soldiers take comfort in their evaluations and therapy sessions by providing a familiar scenario close to home. Many soldiers remember their own pets they left back in the states and relax more when an animal is around to provide comfort and companionship.
Stateside, other VA medical centers are looking more toward animals to help reduce anxiety and depression associated with PTSD and other mental disabilities. Therapists have noticed a reduced time for getting patients to relax and open up during sessions when they have an animal to interact with and ease some of the tension.
There are many steps being taken to help reduce stress and bring about a better patient-clinic rapport in VA hospitals. Obtaining quality care for disabling conditions is a necessity for many disabled veterans with serious conditions or injuries. By applying for and being approved to receive veterans disability benefits, you can access many of these resources for your own health and well being.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, pet therapy, VA facilities, VA health care
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Saturday, February 25th, 2012
As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) efforts to provide veterans with complete access to their veterans’ disability benefits, 8.5 million handbooks are scheduled to be mailed out by year’s end.
Starting this month the VA will be mailing out personalized benefit handbooks to all veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. Each book will provide individual details about a veterans’ applicable benefits, local VA health care facilities, contact information for support services, and co-pay information.
The handbooks will provide a comprehensive resource for each veteran’s personal health needs and ways for them to access the benefits and resources they are entitled to. The handbook program applies to all currently enrolled veterans, as well as newly enrolled veterans. Those already enrolled with their veterans’ disability benefits will receive an updated handbook if there are ever changes to their benefits.
If you have not yet applied for veterans disability benefits or enrolled in the VA health care system you need to act quickly. Veterans’ disability claims can take months, even years to be approved, leaving you to struggle with health care on your own during the wait.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Health Care System, Veterans Disability Benefits, Veterans' Resources
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill provides disabled veterans, service members, and some of their immediate family with many benefits, including funding for pursuing continuing education; however, many universities have been found to be targeting veterans to obtain the federal funding for their education without offering quality programs.
Lawmakers are looking at placing restrictions on schools that show a high enrollment of G.I. Bill students but low educational results and student satisfaction. Schools targeted in this evaluation may have the funding they receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cut.
The newly proposed bill looks to change a federal law that prohibits schools from collecting more than 90% of their revenue from federal funding. While this currently applies to the grants and loans serviced by the Department of Education, it does not include the G.I. Bill funding that comes from the VA.
The goal of this legislation is to reduce the number of schools who may be abusing the funding incentives by attracting veterans to enroll, but not providing quality education in exchange.
There are many resources and benefits for veterans that are provided by the VA and through legislation like the G.I. Bill. If you are a veteran or disabled veteran you may qualify for veterans’ disability benefits such as these to obtain help with medical expenses, health care, education, and housing.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans education, Veterans' Resources
Posted in General, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, February 16th, 2012
With a tough job market and more veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans are continuing to struggle with finding employment after their military service. One of the first things a job applicant must do is provide a resume and cover letter – and the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) is helping veterans with this task.
On Tuesday, February 28 from 2-3 p.m. EST the DVNF will be hosting an online webinar with noted speaker Rod Dillehay, who has worked for more than 20 years helping recruit and screen candidates for high-salary positions. The webinar is free and open to veterans, retired members of the military, reservists, active duty service members, and related veteran caregivers such as spouses, family members, and Veteran Service Officers.
Some of the topics that will be covered in the series include:
- resume organization;
- how to translate military skills to resume points relevant to your employment;
- LinkedIn 101;
- getting your resume noticed online and on an employers’ desk;
- mistakes to avoid with online job applications; and
- cover letter tips.
This webinar is just one in the DVNF’s Veterans Employment Webinar Series – a great resource for veterans looking for work. There are many resources and benefits for veterans to find employment and financial support after having served our country.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: veteran employment, veterans assistance, Veterans' Resources
Posted in General, Vet Groups & Networking, Veterans' Events, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
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