Bureau of Veterans Affairs

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PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania National Guard

Technician Pre-Retirement Seminar

Pennsylvania National Guard

Technician Pre-Retirement Seminar

Jim ButlerChief, Division of Veterans’ Services and

Programs

Jim ButlerChief, Division of Veterans’ Services and

Programs

BRIEFING OVERVIEWBRIEFING OVERVIEWELIGIBILITYMEDICAL SERVICES FOR COMBAT VETERANS

(OEF/OIF)VA HEALTH CARE ENROLLMENTSERVICE CONNECTION IDT/ATVA COMPENSATIONVET CENTERSHOME LOAN GUARANTYGI Bill Chapter 33STATE VETERANS’ HOMESPERSIAN GULF BONUSCOUNTY BENEFITS

EligibilityEligibility Veterans who served in the active military,

naval or air service and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable

Former Reservists who served full-time and for operational or support (excludes training purposes)

Former National Guard members if mobilized by a Federal order

EligibilityEligibility(continued)(continued)

Most veterans who enlisted in the Armed Forces after 9/7/80 must have completed:

24 months continuous active service, or

the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty

A service-connected condition is not necessary to receive VA health care

“Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom”VA Health Care

Health care services are available for all returning Operation Enduring or Iraqi Freedom Combat Veterans Provides combat veterans cost-free care for conditions potentially related to their combat service 5 years of care beginning on date of separation from active military service (Effective 31 January 2008) Enrolled in Priority 6- No Co-Pay for conditions potentially related to their combat service

Enroll using VA Form 10-10EZ

Send to your nearest VA Medical Center

The entire form to include income data must be completed

All Veterans who enroll under this authority with VA will retain enrollment eligibility even after their five-year post discharge ends, however VA will conduct a MEANS review and adjust veterans priority commensurate with their income

“Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom”VA Health Care

Enrollment

Basic VA Health Care Basic VA Health Care EnrollmentEnrollment

To receive VA health care, a veteran must enroll in the VA health care system unless:

veteran has a 50% or more service-connected VA disability rating

less than one year has passed since veteran was discharged from the military for a disability that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty but VA has not yet rated

EnrollmentEnrollment(continued)(continued)

the veteran is seeking care for a service-connected disability

Once enrolled, veteran will be assigned to one of 8 priority groups. Depending on veteran’s status, a co-payment for services may be required

ApplicationApplication Identify VA health care facility for

primary care Complete VA Form 10-10EZ and

submit in person, in writing, or on-line to facility of choice

For Help:Call 1-877-222-VETS(1-877-222-8387), orVisit www.va.gov

VA COMPENSATIONVA COMPENSATION

Inactive Duty Training ( Drill Weekend)

Disabilities that resulted from a disease or injury incurred on IADT.

Injury, heart attack or stroke incurred during IDT (Must have Approved Line of Duty)

Such disabilities are considered “Service Connected”

Federal Active Duty and Active Duty for Training (AT/ADSW) and Active Guard

Reserve (AGR)

All injuries or diseases incurred on Active Duty can be claimed for VA Service Connected Compensation

A service-connected disability is a disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty. The disability does not have to be combat or wartime related

Must file claim within One Year of discharge from

AT/ADSW must have a completed and approved Line of Duty

VA COMPENSATION Cont’dVA COMPENSATION Cont’d

VA Claim (VA Form 21-526) Veteran’s Application for Compensation

**RECOMMENDATION –Find a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to assist in filing the claim

WHY???

VA COMPENSATIONVA COMPENSATIONFiling a ClaimFiling a Claim

VA COMPENSATIONVA COMPENSATIONFiling a Claim Cont’dFiling a Claim Cont’d

Claims for Compensation submitted to the VA and managed by a VSO have a greater success rate for award of service connection than those claims submitted by veterans with no assistance

Veteran Service Officers:

Understand & can explain the entire compensation claim process (Processing time – the Great Unknown)

They provide assistance if the VA needs additional information to support a claim (Development Letters)

Explain the contents of the decision letter and explain your service connection benefits

Claims for Compensation submitted to the VA and managed by a VSO have a greater success rate for award of service connection than those claims submitted by veterans with no assistance

Veteran Service Officers:

Understand & can explain the entire compensation claim process (Processing time – the Great Unknown)

They provide assistance if the VA needs additional information to support a claim (Development Letters)

Explain the contents of the decision letter and explain your service connection benefits

Appoint the VSO as your Power of Attorney (POA) for all VA matters.

(State, County or Veteran Organization Service Officer)

Ask to sign a POA (VA Form 21-22) ***Compensation Benefits are a “Life Time

Commitment Between the VA and the Veteran”

VA COMPENSATIONVA COMPENSATIONFiling a Claim Cont’dFiling a Claim Cont’d

VA COMPENSATIONVA COMPENSATION“The Rating Decision”“The Rating Decision”

Soldier receives a rating decision for the service connected or non-service connected issues as determined by the VA

Rating can be from 0% to 100% in compensation which is paid to the soldier “Tax Free”

www.va.gov/rcs

Vet Centers provide quality readjustment counseling in a caring manner. Vet Centers understand and appreciate veterans’ military experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-military adjustment in or near their community.

ReadjustmentReadjustmentCounseling Counseling ServiceService

Vet Centers - Special Services

• Individual Counseling• Group Counseling• Marital & Family Counseling• Alcohol & Drug Assessment• Spouse/Significant Other

Counseling• Employment Counseling &

Guidance

Vet Centers - Special Services(continued)

• Bereavement Counseling• Sexual Trauma Counseling• Referral to Community

Agencies• Community Education• Liaison with VA Facilities• Benefits Assistance &

Referral

Vet Centers - Special Services

• Individual Counseling• Group Counseling• Marital & Family Counseling• Alcohol & Drug Assessment• Spouse/Significant Other

Counseling• Employment Counseling &

Guidance

Find a Vet CenterFind a Vet Center

• Harrisburg – (717) 782-3954• Scranton – (570) 344-2676• Philadelphia – (215) 627-

0238 (215) 924-

4670• Williamsport – (570) 327-

5281• Pittsburgh – (412) 920-1765• McKeesport – (412) 678-

7704• Erie – (814) 453-7955 • Dubois - (814) 372-2095

Home LoanHome LoanGuarantyGuaranty

FeaturesFeatures of a VA Loanof a VA Loan

No down paymentLimitations on closing costsThe right to prepay without penaltyFunding FeeNegotiated interest ratesSpecial assistance for veterans

experiencing difficulty in making loan payments

Loan PurposesLoan PurposesBuy a homeBuild a homeSimultaneously buy

and improve a homeRefinance existing loan Use only for property located in the US,

its territories or possessionsMust occupy the property as your home

within a reasonable period of time

EligibilityEligibility Generally, must serve 24 months of

continuous active duty or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty

or Service must be at least 90 days during a

period of war (181 during peacetime), unless discharged earlier due to a service connected disability

or National Guard and Reserve members

must complete their first term of enlistment honorably

* Currently-it is still the “Gulf War” period

Loan AmountsLoan Amounts Maximum VA guaranty (protection to

lender) for 2006 is $104,250, which is 25% of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit for single family residences

Maximum loan – generally, lenders limit the maximum VA loan to $417,000, which is 4 times the VA guaranty amount

Maximum guaranty and loan is 50% higher in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands

Loans more than the maximum allowed may require a down payment

Funding FeeFunding Fee

Law requires funding fee to be paid on VA loans

Fee ranges from .5% to 3.3%, depending on loan type and if first or second time user

Fee can be included in loanFee is waived for vets entitled to

VA Compensation

Steps to a VA Home LoanSteps to a VA Home Loan

1. 1. Find property to buy

2.2. Apply to a mortgage lender for a

loan

3.3. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility

4.4. Obtain a VA appraisal

5.5. Close the loan and move in!!

More Information?

Visit Loan GuarantyVisit Loan Guaranty

on the Internet at:on the Internet at:

www.homeloans.va.govwww.homeloans.va.gov

Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)

Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)Served at least 90 days of active duty Served at least 90 days of active duty

since 9/10/01.since 9/10/01.Served at least 30 days of active duty Served at least 30 days of active duty

since 9/10/01 and medically discharged.since 9/10/01 and medically discharged.Meet honorable discharge criteriaMeet honorable discharge criteriaChapter 30, 1606, 1607 or those currently Chapter 30, 1606, 1607 or those currently

serving on active duty may elect to receive serving on active duty may elect to receive Chapter 33 on August 1, 2009.Chapter 33 on August 1, 2009.

Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) Entitlement is a percentage based on the length Entitlement is a percentage based on the length

of active duty service.of active duty service. Amount of tuition and fees charged, not to exceed the Amount of tuition and fees charged, not to exceed the

most expensive in-State undergraduate tuition at a most expensive in-State undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education.public institution of higher education.

Monthly housing allowance equal to the BAH amount Monthly housing allowance equal to the BAH amount payable to a military E-5 with dependents in the zip payable to a military E-5 with dependents in the zip code of the school.code of the school.

Yearly books and supplies stipend up to $1,000 per Yearly books and supplies stipend up to $1,000 per year.year.

BAH and stipend not payable to individuals on active BAH and stipend not payable to individuals on active duty. BAH not payable to those training at half-time or duty. BAH not payable to those training at half-time or less or taking distance learning courses.less or taking distance learning courses.

Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)

Payable for training pursued on or after Payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009August 1, 2009

May receive up to 36 months of May receive up to 36 months of entitlemententitlement

Eligible for benefits for 15 years from last Eligible for benefits for 15 years from last period of active dutyperiod of active duty

Services Services maymay offer transfer of benefits to offer transfer of benefits to spouse or dependents under policies to be spouse or dependents under policies to be publishedpublished

Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)

Determination of EligibilityDetermination of EligibilityDVA makes VA eligibility determinationsDVA makes VA eligibility determinationsVeterans “Ask a Question” or call Veterans “Ask a Question” or call

1-888-442-45511-888-442-4551When in doubt, submit the paperwork!When in doubt, submit the paperwork!

VETERANS’ HOMESVETERANS’ HOMES

PROVIDES:

Domiciliary Care

Personal Care

Skilled Nursing Care

Dementia Care

Proximity to Family

PROVIDES:

Domiciliary Care

Personal Care

Skilled Nursing Care

Dementia Care

Proximity to Family

Criteria:1. Be an eligible veteran or spouse of an eligible veteran.

An eligible veteran: Served in US Armed Forces or PA Military

Forces Honorably discharged Current resident of PA or listed PA as home

of record upon initial enlistment (current residents have priority)

2. Home residents, within their capability, shall make monthly payments against their maintenance fee liability. Payments may be waived: incapable of self-support or demonstrates a financial need.

3. Admissions are on a First Come, First Serve basis: a) By home b) By level of care

Criteria:1. Be an eligible veteran or spouse of an eligible veteran.

An eligible veteran: Served in US Armed Forces or PA Military

Forces Honorably discharged Current resident of PA or listed PA as home

of record upon initial enlistment (current residents have priority)

2. Home residents, within their capability, shall make monthly payments against their maintenance fee liability. Payments may be waived: incapable of self-support or demonstrates a financial need.

3. Admissions are on a First Come, First Serve basis: a) By home b) By level of care

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION

Persian Gulf ConflictPersian Gulf ConflictVeterans’ Benefit ProgramVeterans’ Benefit Program

Eligibility: Eligibility: The program allows for compensation to The program allows for compensation to be paid to eligible service members (current and be paid to eligible service members (current and former) as well as certain surviving relatives of former) as well as certain surviving relatives of deceased veterans. In each case, the service deceased veterans. In each case, the service member/veteran must have:member/veteran must have:

Served with the United States Armed Forces, a Served with the United States Armed Forces, a reserve component of the United Statesreserve component of the United States

Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard.Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard. Served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of

Operations during the period from August 2, 1990 to Operations during the period from August 2, 1990 to August 31, 1991 and received the Southwest Asia August 31, 1991 and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal.Service Medal.

Been a legal resident of Pennsylvania at the time of Been a legal resident of Pennsylvania at the time of active service (Aug 2, 1990 - Aug 31,1991)active service (Aug 2, 1990 - Aug 31,1991)

Eligible beneficiaries of deceased veterans include, in the following order of precedence:

• Surviving spouse. • Surviving children.

The application must be complete and contain appropriate documentation. Applications are available online from the program website (http://www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us), at each County Director of Veterans Affairs Office, Legislators’ Offices and from Veteran Service Organizations

Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Benefit Program (Cont’d)

COUNTY SUPPORTCOUNTY SUPPORT

County VA Rep1. 67 Counties

2. Some only work part-time

3. Not all Representatives accredited by VA

County Benefits1. Gravesite Registration

2. Burial Allowance

3. Grave Markers/Flags

4. Government/Private Headstones

5. Marriage and Divorce Records

County VA Rep1. 67 Counties

2. Some only work part-time

3. Not all Representatives accredited by VA

County Benefits1. Gravesite Registration

2. Burial Allowance

3. Grave Markers/Flags

4. Government/Private Headstones

5. Marriage and Divorce Records

DMVA POINTS OF CONTACT

DMVA POINTS OF CONTACT

Scott D. Wagner, Deputy Adjutant General (717) 861-8902Doug Etter, Executive Assistant (717) 861-8904Jennifer Boisvert, Office Manager (717) 861-8902David Heiland, Director for Veterans Programs (717) 861-2856Paul Cain, Director, Veterans Homes Division (717) 861-8903Debra Brown, Homes Admissions Officer (717) 861-8906Malinda Jones, Real Estate Tax Exemption (717) 861-8907Dennis Fake, Emergency Assistance (717) 861-8909Sophie Matukewicz, Blind and Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension, (717) 861-9410

and Educational Gratuity Michelle Zimmerman, DD214s (717) 861-8910Jim Butler, Chief, Div of Veterans Programs & Services, FtIG (717) 861-9418Phil Hillesheim, Veterans Service Officer, FtIG (717) 861-8905Barb Riggs, Veterans Service Officer, FtIG (717) 861-8452Kathy Donohue, Veterans Service Officer, Philadelphia (215) 381-3040David Dunham, Veterans Service Officer, Pittsburgh (412) 395-6225

Scott D. Wagner, Deputy Adjutant General (717) 861-8902Doug Etter, Executive Assistant (717) 861-8904Jennifer Boisvert, Office Manager (717) 861-8902David Heiland, Director for Veterans Programs (717) 861-2856Paul Cain, Director, Veterans Homes Division (717) 861-8903Debra Brown, Homes Admissions Officer (717) 861-8906Malinda Jones, Real Estate Tax Exemption (717) 861-8907Dennis Fake, Emergency Assistance (717) 861-8909Sophie Matukewicz, Blind and Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension, (717) 861-9410

and Educational Gratuity Michelle Zimmerman, DD214s (717) 861-8910Jim Butler, Chief, Div of Veterans Programs & Services, FtIG (717) 861-9418Phil Hillesheim, Veterans Service Officer, FtIG (717) 861-8905Barb Riggs, Veterans Service Officer, FtIG (717) 861-8452Kathy Donohue, Veterans Service Officer, Philadelphia (215) 381-3040David Dunham, Veterans Service Officer, Pittsburgh (412) 395-6225

Bureau of Veterans AffairsBureau of Veterans Affairs

Pennsylvania National GuardTechnician

Pre-Retirement Seminar

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?