American Legion Great Bridge Post 280, Inc.

We have a Post Services Officer - serviceofficer@post280.org who can help you with Veterans Affairs benifits (process/apply/change). His name is Jon D. Criss Sr. and he can be reached at serviceofficer@post280.org or his cell phone 1 - 757-479-3112.

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Veterans Education/Post 9-11 GI Bill - Click here

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U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs
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Have you checked your mailbox lately for news from the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA)?

Veterans around the country have started receiving a letter and brochure from the VA
updating them on major changes coming to health care access.
The letter, signed by Dr. Richard Stone, executive in charge of the Veterans Health
Administration (VHA), is dated May 7, 2019, and briefly lays out the changes, including
new access benchmarks and a new urgent care benefit.
If you didn't get the letter or brochure, just complete form
and we'll send you a hard copy of both.

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More VA Changes...

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Veterans Expo
If you are a veteran or a member of a veteran's family, preparations for burial are an inevitable part of living and a must to prepare. The American Ideals Foundation of Ruskin is planning a Veterans Info-Expo to present details and answer questions about veterans' burial
benefits. Two speakers from the VA and the National Cemetery Administration in Washington, DC, will be on hand to address questions one should ask prior to the occurrence of death. This free program is open to the public at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at the Sun City Center.  For more information call 813-634-5111.

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VA Enrollment

When veterans choose to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare program services, VA offers an enhancement to their enrollment experience through "Welcome to VA (W2VA).  Veterans enrolled since July 1, 2015 have received a personal introduction to VA health care services, programs and resources to help them become more familiar with VA's services. In addition, VA sends each new enrollee an introductory letter and personalized handbook in the mail. W2VA enhances communication by reaching out to newly enrolled health care inquiries and assisting with their initial appointment at their preferred VA healthcare facility. For more information, veterans can contact the Health Eligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855-488-8440.

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Non-Combat Disability

Many veterans often fail to file claims for disability benefits either because they are not aware that they can, or because they don't think their disability would be applicable. Disabilities need not be combat or even work related; they can be the result of playing sports, falling out of your barracks bed, participating in unit PT, or a car accident on
while on leave. Any veteran with a current health problem that they believe started on or as a result of their active duty service should consider filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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Social Security News and U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did you know the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Wounded Warriors website for answers to questions on disability benefits for veterans. What do I need to know about the VA and Social Security programs? Both Social Security and VA pay disability benefits however, their programs, processes, and criteria for receiving benefits are very different. A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits.

To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security's definition of "disability."

To be found disabled:
* You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s);
and
* Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death.
If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits. As a veteran rated 100% P&T, how do I receive expedited processing for Social Security disability benefits? First, you must apply for Social Security disability benefits.

You can do this in one of three ways:
* Complete your application online;
* Call toll free telephone number,  1-800-772-1213 . If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call  TTY   1-800-325-0778 ; or
* Call or visit your local Social Security office.

 

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More Social Security Info.

You can work and get retirement benefits.

You can retire as early as age 62. But, if you do, your Social Security benefits will be reduced permanently. If you decide to apply for benefits before your full retirement age, you can work and still get some Social Security benefits. There are limits on how much you can earn without losing some or all of your retirement benefits. These limits change each year. When you apply for benefits, Social Security will tell you what the limits are at that time and whether work will affect your monthly benefits. When you reach your full retirement age, you can earn as much as you are able and still get all of your Social Security benefits.

Year of Birth Full Retirement Age
Prior to 1938 - 65
1938 to 1942 - add 2 months for each year
1943 to 1954 - 66
1955 to1959 - add 2 months for each year
1960 or later - 67
Check with Social Security for more information at www.socialsecurity.gov or 1-800-772-1213.
Source: SSA Publication No. 05-10017

 

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Veterans Affairs News

Headline: TRICARE is the health care program serving active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors and certain former spouses worldwide.

 

TRICARE Offers Free Vaccines (Including Shingles)

 

Defense officials have announced that TRICARE will now offer free vaccines including shingles vaccine for beneficiaries age 60 and older through their retail pharmacy network.

Free vaccines previously, were only offered only in military hospitals and clinics.

TRICARE recommends calling your pharmacy in advance to ensure the vaccine is in stock and a pharmacist is available to administer it.

To find a participating pharmacy, call 1-877-363-1303

This number will also list other vaccines and age restrictions.

Those with Internet access: http://tricare.mil/mybenefit/

 

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Another Warning

WARNING TO VETERANS
Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is pretending to provid benefit and general information for the VA but they are gathering personal information on veterans.

This organization is not affiliated with the VA in any way. http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal.

If you have any examples of VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass this information to Mr. Daugherty at the address below. Michael G. Daugherty Staff Attorney Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel (022G2) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420.

 

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In other news:

A special web site has been created to allow viewing of the Vietnam War deceased by state. First click on a state, then when it opens click on a name. It will then it should show you a picture of the person or at least his bio and medals. http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm