Welcome to the Post 251 Service Officer Page
This page contains information that is specifically intended for Veterans
This page will be updated regularly, so please visit often for information you can use. Additioinally there is a Archived Section Seperate from this section
Some VA Home Loan Lenders are Dishonest | Department of Veterans Affairs
In this episode of theSITREP, Paul chats with Rick Bettencourt about refinancing with the VA home loan program. This video is part of a 7-part part series and links to the other videos can be found below. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE for future episodes! Links for additional videos about VA disability, VA home loans, VA health care, and more are below.
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Take charge of your self-care with Annie App for Veterans
Register for the Annie app to receive automated text messages that empower you to play an active role in your care and achieve your health goals.
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New Veterans Benefits Guide now available
VA partnered with Stars and Stripes to create a special edition insert for the publication called “The Veterans Benefits Guide.” The print and digital publication, which highlights VA benefits and services available for transitioning service members and their families, is available now.
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Amtrak offers Veteran, military member discounts
Veterans receive a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains
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Veteran discounts available year round
Discounts Available
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VA Claims Insider | VA Claim Experts | 10K+ Veterans Served
Please Read and pass this on to all our veterans.
Some of our Georgia veterans are being solicited by a company called VA Claims Insider https://vaclaimsinsider.com This firm is not accredited by the VA to file claims or appeals on veterans behalf. They charge large fees to advise you how to fill our your own claims and give you access to their medical network. If the claim is unsuccessful, you still owe them their fees and if you don't pay, they will send your case to collections (and possibly ruin your credit). Additionally, this company cannot represent you in anappeal (because they are not accredited by the VA to do so).
Beware of this vendor, one of our Georgia Veterans is already experiencing the negative effects of using this service.
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Three Agent Orange Presumptives Added
Three conditions will be added to the list of those presumptively associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Those conditions are bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism.
Vietnam War era Veterans and their survivors, who previously filed and were denied benefits for one of these three new presumptive conditions, will have their cases automatically reviewed without the need to refile a claim.
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VA, VSOs create expedited decision review process
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Make Sure Your Prescriptions Continue
Advanced accounts are going away soon. That means if you don't have a My HealtheVet Premium account yet, you may lose access to important features. Keep using your My HealtheVet account without missing a beat
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Diabetes: Keeping Feet Healthy
Many Veterans don’t know that if you have diabetes, you can have your toenails trimmed at a VA facility. Do you know what else VA can help you with?
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VA Rideshare program offers homeless Veterans a lift
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance. If Veterans do not have access to a phone or the internet, they should visit their closest VA medical center.
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American Forces Travel Privileges Extended to Eligible Veterans
The Department of Defense announced today a policy change to the current shopping privileges on the American Forces Travel website.
American Forces Travel Privileges
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Consumer fraud alert: Tips for avoiding VA home loan scams
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VA announces new options to help Veterans avoid foreclosure
The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a new COVID-19 Refund Modification option to assist Veterans who require a significant reduction in their monthly mortgage payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Agent Orange Update | New Medical Conditions Linked to Agent Orange | VA Disability | theSITREP
In this episode of theSITREP, we discuss new Agent Orange presumptives for Vietnam Veterans and for those who filed VA Disability Claims for Agent Orange Exposure in the past. Email us at theSITREP@va.gov with questions and topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes
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Protect Your Personal Info on Social Media
Social media is no place for COVID-19 vaccination cards
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VA News Releases
Veterans and their families may begin accessing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits
and services on the new and user-friendly VA.gov website starting April 30
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VA expands Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for dependents
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Protecting Veterans’ digital accounts with a free service offer and book from GoodTrustProtecting Veterans’ digital accounts with a free service offer and book from GoodTrustProtecting Veterans’ digital accounts with a free service offer and book from GoodTrust
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DOD's Military OneSource Provides Access to Military Funeral Honors Directory
The Department of Defense provides members of the military community access to a
Military Funeral Honors Directory on the Military OneSource website.
Military Funeral Honors Directory
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Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Living Center
Disclaimer of Hyperlinks
The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the VA website. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included by emailing newmedia@va.gov
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5316
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CMS Coronavirus Partner Virtual Toolkit
https://www.cms.gov/outreach-education/partner-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-partner-toolkit
Georgia Department of Public Health
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Marcus Institute for Brain Health offers free treatment to eligible Veterans
Marcus Institute for Brain Health offers free treatment to eligible Veterans with special consideration for those who were separated with “Other Than Honorable” or “Dishonorable” discharge status due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Psychological Health (PH) conditions
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/71963/marcus-institute-brain-health-free-treatment-veterans/
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VA releases updated DOD list identifying Agent Orange sites outside of Vietnam
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released in January an updated Department of Defense (DOD) list of locations outside
of Vietnam where tactical herbicides were used, tested or stored by the United States military.
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5388
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Announcing the Veterans Benefits Banking Program
That’s why VA has partnered with the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA) to launch the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP).
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/70643/announcing-veterans-benefits-banking-program/
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Big Appeals Updates & Virtual Hearings
Appeals modernization is giving Veterans a greater choice in how to disagree with a VA claim decision
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/70827/choice-control-clarity-appeals-modernization/
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Choice, Control, Clarity: Appeals Modernization
The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) of 2017 gave Veterans a greater choice in how to disagree with a VA claim decision. Giving Veterans more choice has been a top priority for VA.
The post Choice, Control, Clarity
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/70827/choice-control-clarity-appeals-modernization/
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VA shares electronic health records
Previously, VA required you to provide written authorization for VA to release your electronic health information to your community care provider. Starting in January, 2020 - VA will automatically share your health information with your community provider, requiring no action on your part.
You can opt out of of sharing automatically if you wish. THERE IS NO SEPTEMBER 30TH DEADLINE TO OPT OUT.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/66706/va-shares-electronic-health-records/
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‘Where to start?’ – The VA Welcome Kit
Veterans know that VA has no shortage of technical handouts, benefits books and informational materials, but even with all these resources, Veterans are saying “Where do I start?”
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/63429/where-to-start-the-va-welcome-kit/
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What are the best free things or discounts you get around Veterans Day?
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Veterans Curation Program now hiring
Army Corps of Engineers VCP provides Veterans a bridging transition while processing at-risk archaeological collections. It is hiring..
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Honoring Fallen Veterans Online
The Veterans Legacy Memorial is the first digital platform dedicated entirely to memory preservation for the 3.7 million Veterans interred in VA national cemeteries. Each Veteran will have their own memorial page. Search the site for Veterans, find out where they are buried and read the details of their lives and service. Future capabilities may be expanded to allow families, survivors, fellow Veterans and others to add photos and share memories to a deceased Veteran’s memorial page.
https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/?utm_source=Veterans%20Legacy%20Memorial&utm_campaign=cem
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VA to implement Executive Orders governing taxpayer-funded union activities
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5327
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Free Steam games for Veterans and their families
Games to Grunts offers free video games on steam and other platforms to Veterans, military, and their families.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67017/free-steam-games-veterans-families/
The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an
endorsement of products and services on part of the VA.
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Amtrak offers Veteran, military member discounts
Amtrak offers discount for Veterans and Active Duty military.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/66963/amtrak-offers-veteran-military-member-discounts/
The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an
endorsement of products and services on part of the VA.
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Agent Orange and Online Help
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military used Agent Orange. Did you know that VA recognizes certain health conditions are associated with Agent Orange exposure, including many diseases and several forms of cancer? Learn more.
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/web/myhealthevet/ss20180212-agent-orange-and-online-help
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VA updates the disability rating schedule for infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies
As of August 11, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated portions of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD, or Rating Schedule) that evaluate infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies.
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5294
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Need hearing aid batteries or prosthetic socks? Order online through eBenefits, by mail or by phone at 1-303-273-6200.
Am I eligible to order hearing aid batteries online from VA?
https://www.va.gov/health-care/order-hearing-aid-batteries-prosthetic-socks/
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Veteran Community Care - Urgent Care
VA Mission Act of 2018
Urgent Care – Where and When You Need It
https://www.va.gov/communitycare/docs/pubfiles/factsheets/VA-FS_Vet-Urgent-Care.pdf
Additional Information:
Urgent Care
https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp
VA launches new health care options under MISSION Act
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/61286/va-launches-new-health-care-options-mission-act/
Veteran Community Care Eligibility (Your Tube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9ac0FqO8To&feature=youtu.be
MISSION Act (VA)
https://www.missionact.va.gov
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Veteran? Need a hand? Find free help for you and your family at a Vet Center, even if not enrolled in #VA care and don’t get benefits. Find one near you:
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?zoomLevel=4&page=1&facilityType=health
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Learn about the different types of long-term care services available to Veterans in VA, state or community organiza…
https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/Guide/LongTermCare/index.asp
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Come experience a better VA.gov
We came together across organizational boundaries to identify tasks you frequently complete across different VA offices. Today, you can find them listed on the front page of the new VA.gov. Your records are now placed into one secure and navigable location. Come experience a better VA.gov.
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Disabled Veterans can fly Space Available Flights for free
Service-connected disabled Veterans and Space-A Travel
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/60642/eligibility-disabled-veterans-space-available-flights/
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Other-than-honorable discharge? VA has made mental health care treatment available to former service members
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/60349/other-than-honorable-discharge/
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Researchers look to genomics to connect African American patients with right medications
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/61003/61003/
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Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal parks for free with the Lifetime National Parks Access Pass. Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is one more way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of Veterans with disabilities.
The post Disabled Veterans eligible for free National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass appeared first on VAntage Point.
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White House VA Hotline surpasses 250,000 calls from Veteran community
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5257
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KEY HOMELESS VETERANS PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES
https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Health Care
https://www.va.gov/homeless/health_care.asp
Mental Health Services
https://www.va.gov/homeless/mental_health_services.asp
Housing Assistance For Veterans
https://www.va.gov/homeless/housing.asp
Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HVCES.asp
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VA's improvements to Veteran community care under MISSION Act on track for June 6 implementation
04/22/2019 04:04 PM EDT
As the one-year anniversary of President Trump's signing of the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018 approaches on June 6, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making significant strides in implementing major improvements to community care for Veterans.
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5235
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Molecular delivery system takes arthritis drugs directly to joints
Molecular delivery system takes arthritis drugs directly to joints - Photo: ©iStock/TharakornPhoto: ©iStock/Tharakorn
(04/11/2019)
Baltimore VA Medical Center researchers developed a technique to deliver arthritis medication directly to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis drugs can cause bad reactions when healthy organs are exposed. The researchers developed a molecular substance (a peptide ligand called ART-2) that could home in on inflamed joints. A molecular structure called a liposome is coated in ART-2, with the arthritis drug inside. When injected into the body, the drugs go directly to inflamed joints, meaning that other organs are not exposed. When given to rats, the therapy was more effective at stopping arthritis than injection of the same drug without the ART-2. This type of treatment could have many advantages over conventional arthritis therapy, according to the researchers. (Nanomedicine (London), April 2, 2019)\
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Prescription Refills for Veterans on the Road
OneVA Pharmacy
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The Women Veterans Call Center is available to guide #WomenVets through understanding their VA benefits. Give them a call at
1-855-VA-WOMEN (829-6636),
New text feature available through VA’s Women Veterans Call Center
Users may now text, call or chat to learn about resources
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/59278/new-text-feature-available-vas-women-veterans-call-center/
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VA and Cigna partner to help prevent opioid misuse and improve treatment of Veterans with chronic pain
Through the partnership, VA and Cigna will also promote existing supportive resources, such as the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and Cigna’s Veterans Support Line at 855-244-6211.
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5240
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Are you a #Veteran looking for mental health support? Find the group you most identify with, along with the support…
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/information_for.asp
VA releases mental health and suicide prevention toolkit for former Guard and Reserve members
Improving care and support for former Guard and Reserve members who were never federally activated is a critical part of VA’s suicide prevention efforts.
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VA researcher links flu to heart-failure hospitalizations
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5228
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VA to make new nasal spray drug available for treatment-resistant depression
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5220
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Vietnam War Veterans Health Issues
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Purple Heart recipients who submit initial disability compensation claims on or after April 1, 2019,
will be added to nine categories of emergent claims requiring priority processing from VBA.
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About VA Health Benefits
If you qualify for VA health care, you’ll receive coverage for the services you need to help you get—and stay—healthy. Learn more about your health care benefits.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/#health-about-other-services
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The Appeals process has changed
VA Decision Reviews and Appeals
https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/
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VA is creating specialized geriatric clinics for older Veterans,
combining geriatric primary care, pharmacy, nursing, mental health, and social work care.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/56671/va-providing-better-care-elderly-veteran/
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Types of Veteran ID Cards
https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/
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Wounded, III, and/or Injured Compensation and Benefits Handbook
Published April 2018
http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/files/2018/05/DoD_Compensation-Benefits-Handbook_Apr-2018.pdf
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NRD HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS FOR OUR MILITARY, VETERANS AND FAMILIES
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Effective Aug. 13, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated portions of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD, or Rating Schedule) that evaluate conditions related to the skin.
https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5093
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Have you received a discharge that is other than dishonorable, and also have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from VA? You may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E):
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/eligibility_and_entitlement.asp
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Native Americans have been vital to the Armed Forces for more than 200 years, and need access to local reps to help w/ benefits claims. That's why VA encourages tribal organizations to seek formal recognition to support Vets in their communities: