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VA Reaches Out to Newest Combat Veterans
From the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expanding its efforts to reach veterans of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to ensure they are aware of benefits they have earned. The VA 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 and to remind them of their eligibility for VA health care and other benefits. The letter includes brochures
and links to the VA website at
www.va.gov that contain more details As Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans continue to leave the active-duty military, VA expects to mail about 10,000 letters each month. The VA also regularly mails information packets to all service members separating from the military to remind them of eligibility for basic VA benefits, such as guaranteed home loans and education benefits. Additionally, there are provisions in these programs for reservists and National Guard members. The additional outreach to those recently deployed to combat theaters 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. VA focuses special attention on
those with service-related disabilities.
The department’s goal is a In addition, VA social service personnel work at these military facilities to plan health care coordination as service members 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 continuity of medical care. In partnership with state and
local government benefits counselors
and veterans service organization
representatives, VA annually
briefs about 200,000 service members
around the world before discharge
to help prepare them for
civilian transition and VA benefits.
It operates benefits offices at 133
military installations to help service
members with conditions arising -- Improvements in VGLI Information The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced
that veterans would now be able to access Using a secure Web site, the VGLI Online Account
Access system allows veterans to obtain basic Veterans can check on their current amount of coverage, premium rate and billing method, as well as change their billing address. Future improvements include allowing veterans to change their method and frequency of payment. The veteran enters financial information directly into the website including financial obligations, net additional income needed by survivors and current assets. By subtracting assets from total financial obligations and net income needed, the calculator arrives at a recommended amount of life insurance. Veterans can also access their account information through a new VGLI interactive voice response system that allows veterans to obtain account information through the telephone. Veterans can call the VA at 1-800-419-1473 any time, day or night, by using their telephone keypad and can hear recorded information on their accounts. They an also request certain changes to their VGLI accounts, such as billing frequency and payment method, as well as order certain forms. |
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