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Posts Tagged ‘veterans education’
Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
According to Stars and Stripes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking to improve the benefits offered to school-bound veterans. Since its introduction in 2009, the GI Bill has focused on providing funding to veterans seeking a four-year degree at a state public college. The benefits provide full tuition as well as a monthly living stipend and the ability to transfer unused education funding to a veteran’s spouse or children.
The GI Bill has gone through several changes over the past three years, the most recent focusing on evaluating the state colleges that receive funding for veteran students. Now, lawmakers and veterans’ advocates are seeking changes that will directly benefit incoming veteran students before they set foot in a classroom.
Pre-college counseling is in the spotlight as many veterans have never taken college courses, or have been removed from the college education system for several years. Lawmakers are hopeful that better pre-college counseling can help veterans determine if a degree program is right for them and if the program they are pursuing is legitimate.
Many schools have recently been criticized for marketing heavily to veterans with GI Bill benefits but providing sub-standard education once their tuition is secured. In addition to pre-college counseling, better regulations would be put into effect to establish which courses meet appropriate education standards.
The measures that the GI Bill would put into effect – such as pre-college counseling – could especially help disabled veterans who are trying to adjust and cope with their disability in addition to earning their college degree. Unfortunately, officials do not seem to feel that any conclusive decisions will be reached before November elections.
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: GI Bill benefits, veterans education
Posted in Veterans' Benefits | 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, 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 »
Monday, April 11th, 2011
Finishing an enlistment and returning to the civilian world can a stressful transition for many veterans, particularly when there is no reliable support system in place and no employment prospects. The transition can seem like an overwhelming prospect. Archi’s Acres is a small farm in Southern California helping veterans to not only make the transition to the civilian world, but to learn valuable employment skills at the same time.
Colin Archipley is a Marine veteran with three tours of Iraq under his belt. He is also the owner of Archi’s Acres, a 3-acre farm strategically situated in the San Diego hills, close to Camp Pendleton. Archipley is an organic farmer, and he is teaching the veterans working his farm how to plant and harvest food in a sustainable agricultural environment.
There is more to the farm than farming, however. Veterans leaving the military need more than a paycheck in the civilian world. Just as the military gave them a purpose, they need one in their civilian life a well. According to Archipley, this farm does that very thing. The Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training Course is 6-weeks long and Camp Pendleton’s Transition Assistance Program has given its stamp of approval.
Many veterans may never have considered farming. Getting outdoors, working on the land among other veterans attempting to adjust to civilian life serves to change many minds, however. Just as many Marines enlisted to serve their country, being able to produce sustainable, organic food serves their community. This service has been recognized for its value and organizations like the Farmer-Veteran Coalition provides scholarships so some veterans can attend the program.
Organic farming is not an easy career, which is why many veterans will succeed. For many former Marines, launching a career in organic farming will just serve as their next challenge, and one that will be overcome, providing them a much needed sense of purpose.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, contact LaVan & Neidenberg. You may be entitled to certain programs and benefits so contact our veterans disability rights firm today.
Tags: Veterans disability, veterans education, Veterans Employment
Posted in General | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has placed VA counselors at 8 college campuses to help veterans transition from their roles as soldiers to their roles as students. The shift from a military lifestyle to a civilian lifestyle can often be stressful. Coupling that transition with entering college can be overwhelming, which is why the VA offers the VetSuccess program.
The counselors involved in the VetSuccess program are trained in specific areas. Because of the distinctive issues veteran-students face, such as being non-traditional students, the VetSuccess counselors utilize peer-to-peer counseling, among other services. Along with the full-time counselor on staff, the VetSuccess program employs a part-time outreach coordinator. That coordinator’s job is to help veteran-students with:
- Benefits;
- Support; and
- Meeting health and educational needs.
In addition to academic and adjustment counseling, the VetSuccess program also provides such services as vocational testing and referrals. The program was born as a pilot program on the University of South Florida’s campus and has since grown to exist on 8 different campuses across the country. Today’s version is much more balanced and effective than the original program and helping many more veterans where it is needed.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, contact LaVan & Neidenberg. You may be entitled to certain programs and benefits so contact our veterans disability rights firm today.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Non-Traditional Students, veteran-students, veterans education, Veterans' Resources, VetSuccess Program
Posted in General, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has signed more than 3,200 agreements with over 1,100 schools for the next academic year. Under the Yellow Ribbon program, the VA is allowing veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend higher-priced schools. The program provides for a sharing of financial support between the VA and every educational institution participating in the program for those veteran-students attending higher-priced educational institutions.
Under the current Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA repays veteran-students for any amount of tuition not exceeding the highest in-state undergraduate, public institution tuition rate. With the Yellow Ribbon program, however, schools can contribute to cover the difference in costs between their tuition and the maximum amount allowed under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The VA matches the schools contributions up to 50% of the total difference between the two.
The VA has put on a strong drive since January to get as many schools as possible involved in the program. They extended deadlines for schools to participate, they sent letters, and even used reminder emails to encourage participation. Not every veteran-student qualifies for the program, however. In order to qualify, veterans must have:
- Served at least 36 months on active duty; OR
- Served at least 30 continuous days prior to being discharged for a service-related injury.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a wholly comprehensive educational assistance program. The program pays not only for tuition, but books and a housing allowance. Every eligible veteran can take advantage of this program and seek an in-state, no cost education at a public institution.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, contact LaVan & Neidenberg. You may be entitled to certain programs and benefits so contact our veterans disability rights firm today.
Tags: Post-9/11 GI Bill, veteran-students, veterans education, Veterans' Benefits, Yellow Ribbon Program
Posted in General, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Veteran groups usually work together toward the goal of helping veterans. A new bill, however, has many of these groups squaring off with one another. If passed, this new bill would allow veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill not for school or education, but to start or run their personal businesses.
The Veterans’ Entrepreneurial Transition Business Benefit Act (HR 114) is the first of its kind. The American Legion and the Paralyzed Veterans of America both support the bill. Groups in opposition include both the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which is the nation’s largest combat veteran group, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s economic opportunity panel is currently taking the bill into consideration. It has been in front of the panel since January of 2009. The belief is a resolution will not be reached on this bill unless the issues between these opposing groups can be settled.
The American Legion argues college does not suit every veteran. They believe as long as the money is there, it should be able to be used to allow veterans to run their own businesses. The end result is veterans being able to support themselves and their families with the money they earned while in service. Many veterans face financial issues when they leave the service and this money could be vital for them.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays $1,368 a month up to 36 months for qualifying veterans. Arguments in support of the bill rest on the idea that Congress should stand behind veterans should those veterans decide to take an entrepreneurial path as opposed to an educational one. Groups argue Congress’ ultimate goal should only concern the future of the veteran.
The VA maintains using the GI Bill money this way would force the VA to draw conclusions as to every veteran’s personal business plans. These are concerns best left to the Small Business Administration, according to VA spokespeople.
While this may not have been the original intent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there is nothing to say it cannot be modified. If these veterans groups cannot come to some conclusion, however, there will never be any modification.
Learn more about the new legislation proposing a new use for Post-9/11 GI Bill funds.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, contact LaVan & Neidenberg. You may be entitled to certain programs and benefits so contact our veterans disability rights firm today.
Tags: American Legion, HR 114, Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veteran Legislation, Veteran-owned businesses, veterans education, Veterans’ Entrepreneurial Transition Business Benefit Act
Posted in General, VA News | No Comments »
Monday, April 12th, 2010
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki has made one of the main goals of his terms to ensure that no veteran ever ends up homeless. His time line for ending veterans’ homelessness is the next 5 years. Ending homelessness among veterans is more than just providing beds; it is addressing the reasons why the veterans are homeless in the first place.
The VA was granted an amplified budget for 2011. As a result, Secretary Shinseki plans on escalating the homeless veteran program to have more of a preventative drive focusing on such issues as:
- Education;
- Jobs; and
- Health care
Secretary Shinseki sees the VA as being primarily a reactive organization when it comes to helping homeless veterans. Instead of waiting for the veterans to become homeless, the VA needs to focus more on preventing the homelessness in the first place. Secretary Shinseki, therefore, is placing 85% of the budget allocated for the homeless veterans program towards:
- Medical services for substance abuse;
- Treatment for Depression;
- Treatment for Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
- Treatment for Traumatic Brain injury (TBI); and
- Other issues linked to homelessness.
Aside from the new Post-9/11 GI Bill providing more education opportunities than ever before, the VA is working both with its existing programs and outside agencies to ensure veterans have better job opportunities. The old adage that “veterans help veterans” is still very true to this day. It is just a matter of veterans and veteran-employers getting together.
Over the last year, Secretary Shinseki’s initiative has resulted in a drop of approximately 18% in the homeless veteran population. According to Secretary Shinseki, anything short of ending the amount of homeless veterans is a complete failure.
Additional housing benefits are available to disabled veterans which may be based on your disability rating. If you are a disabled veteran who is fighting the VA to receive disability compensation, contact the veterans’ disability rights law firm of LaVan & Neidenberg.
Tags: homeless veterans, PTSD, TBI, veteran housing, veterans assistance, veterans education, Veterans' Resources
Posted in General, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
In Northwest Houston, veteran students have an excellent resource at their disposal. The Lone State College (LSCS) – University Park’s Veterans Affairs Center (VAC) offers veterans all the educational and financial aid help they need in order to attend their community college programs under one single roof.
The VAC is very helpful in assisting veterans transitioning back into their communities. It is designed to resemble the one-stop shopping centers veterans are used to existing on military installations. The VAC allows veterans to obtain their education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, to speak with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) counselor, and to have any questions answered regarding their education as well as other veteran benefits and resources.
In the spring of 2009, 931 veterans enrolled in LSCS. By fall of 2009, veteran enrollment was up to 1,576. It is expected this semester will put the number of veteran students attending LSCS over 1,700. The need to construct the VAC became very obvious very quickly.
The center focuses on helping veterans to get their maximum amount of educational and housing benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The center has already received incredible positive feedback from the community. The center provides veterans with:
- Work and study areas;
- A computer lab;
- A break room; and
- A conference room.
The VAC provides more than just educational benefits, it also serves as a safe harbor for veteran students. The VAC is a centralized location where veterans can find out about their benefits, or just hang around other veterans.
Learn more about the veteran’s transitional center.
Tags: GI Bill benefits, Post-9/11 GI Bill, student-veterans, veterans assistance, veterans education
Posted in General, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has something to worry about in HR 3813 (The Veterans Training Act). HR 3813 looks to expand benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include vocational and technical training. The Post-9/11 GI Bill does not currently include these types of training as the previous version of the GI Bill does.
The VA, however, is asking congress not to make any changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill until next year. While there may be very good recommendations for changes to the bill, the VA is currently developing an automated benefits system and they feel changing anything before December will interfere with the system’s functionality.
The VA’s main concern is changing the Post-9/11 GI Bill before December, prior to a successful test of the system, will interfere with veteran students drawing benefits this summer and fall. Numerous changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill have been suggested to The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, such as:
- Increased fees paid to colleges for processing veterans’ education claims;
- Expand vocational education; and
- Pay for college preparatory courses.
It isn’t that vocational training for veterans is not supported. The VA’s issues with vocational and technical training are:
- How the VA pays for vocational schools when the Post-9/11 GI Bill pays benefits based on term-by-term tuition; and
- Possible repayment issues should a student veteran fail out of a vocational program.
No matter what happens, according to VA Secretary Shinseki, veteran students have earned the best possible education this country can provide them. Hopefully these benefits will one day be available to all those who deserve them.
Learn more about possible changes to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Tags: Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans education, Veterans' Benefits
Posted in General, Veterans' Benefits | No Comments »
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