An eBenefits Accounts Is A Plus

Dealing with the VA or any federal government organization can have its moments. There are rules, regulations, updates, forms, certified documents, wet signatures, DD-214s, evidence and a myriad of other hoops you have to jump through. Oh, wet signatures you ask. They are original signatures. Not copies, reproductions or electronic signatures.

When becoming involved with the VA, an eBenefits account is a good way to keep track of a multitude of things. Any veteran can create an eBenefits account. If you file a claim for disabilities or pension, you can follow the progress of your claim. You can add evidence to your claim. You can add or subtract dependents to your claim.

When you claim is approved, you can track your monthly payments. Which are tax free by the way. Change your address, update your bank account information, print out an VA Award letter (a letter from the VA stating what percentage you have been awarded depending your disability). If you want to apply for a VA mortgage, you need a COE (certificate of eligibility) to go with your application. Print it from eBenefits.

Want to use your GI Bill to go to school? The steps and forms are available here. How about batteries for hearing aids or set up an appointment for eyeglasses.

How about health care? Besides my family doctor, I have been going to the VA for healthcare for about three years. I can check my appointments, ask for prescription refills, read notes from my VA doctor's visits and print out a complete list of my blood tests. I give my family doctor a copy of all this information.
Go to www.ebenefits.va.gov <http://www.ebenefits.va.gov>  to get started. The home page will give a nice rundown of all the information you can access. Click the Register button and you are asked a series of questions. 

Questions are:

Select registration method:
I have a Common Access Card (CAC) with accessible card reader. 
I have a Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) myPay account. 
None of the above conditions apply, however at least one of the following conditions is true:

I am a Veteran
I am a Dependent of a Veteran
I am a Survivor of a Veteran
I am registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

Just follow the prompts and account you too can have your very own eBenefits account. It is well worth the time and effort.

For questions or information contact me at 765-529-4305 or jguglielmi@henryco.net. My office hours are 7 am till noon, Tuesdaythrough Friday room 114 in the old Henry County Courthouse.

Service Connected Disabilities, File Now

The VA is similar to a tree with many branches. They offer health care at clinics and hospitals, educational benefits, a variety of pensions, VA home loans and disability benefits, among other things.

The majority of veterans who come in asking about disability benefits served in Vietnam.  Most want to file an Agent Orange claim. The VA defines the defoliant as " a blend of tactical herbicides the U.S. military sprayed from 1962 to 1971 during Operation Ranch Hand in the Vietnam War to remove trees and dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover."

The name “Agent Orange” comes from the orange stripe painted on the 55-gallon drums the pesticide was stored in. Vets were sprayed with it while on combat operations,  around perimeter of bases. Overspray drifted onto ships that were supporting troop operations in the Mekong Delta and inland waterways. It was everywhere.

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Thousands of vets eventually came down with medical conditions as a result of contact with AO.  Now they are in need of help and medical care. Type II diabetes, ischemic heart disease, pancreatic cancer, neuropathy are some of the medical conditions that are related to Agent Orange.

Then there are injuries and wounds that are a result of combat operations or accidents that occur will serving.  If a vet was awarded a Purple Heart, they are entitled to full medical benefits from the day of discharge.

If you feel you have a medical condition or service connected injury that occurred while in the military, stop by my office in the Henry County Courthouse and we can talk about it. Please bring a discharge (DD-214) and any relevant evidence.

My office hours are 7 am till noon, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. E mail jguglielmi@henryco.net or 765-529-4305.

Military Family Relief Fund

   IN 2007, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) began accepting grant applications from the families of deployed or recently deployed Indiana National Guard members and members of the Selected Reserves. Effective April 30, 2009, certain active duty service members are eligible.

   The emergency grants may be used by the families for needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, transportation and other essential family support expenses which have become difficult to afford. Grants up to $5,000 will be awarded to families to alleviate these needs and may be applied for up to one year after the period of active duty.

1.                                 Requirements                      
2. 1. The service member must be serving honorably or must have received an honorable discharge.
3. 
   2. The need for financial assistance must have occurred during the time the individual is engaged in pre-deployment training or while serving on active duty (no pre-existing financial difficulties will be considered).
   
   3. The qualified individual has served at least 30 continuous days of active duty (also eligible during the pre-deployment training). Grants will also be awarded for families still suffering hardships for up to one year after the period of active duty ends.
   
   4. There is a documented need for financial assistance for necessities of daily living that include food, clothing, housing, utilities, medical service, prescriptions, insurance payments or other needs.
   
   5. National Guard members must be a member of the Indiana Army or Air National Guard and must be a resident of Indiana. Reservists must be a resident of Indiana.
   
   6.  In order to be eligible the applicant must show that the need has arisen since notification of pending active duty orders or since receipt of active duty orders during a time of national conflict or war.
   
   7. National Guard & Reserve members must have proof of  pre-deployment training or active duty orders. Active duty members must show orders to prove they are being, or are currently, deployed during a period of national conflict or war.
   
   8. The applicant must sign and date the application and provide all required proof and documentation.
   
   9. The qualified individual or family member can receive $5,000 per year in grants from the family relief fund. The year starts with the date the grant is approved and continues as long as the service member is otherwise eligible. The Director of the Indiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs may waive the requirements for emergency cases only upon written request indicating the circumstances justifying such a waiver. 

To apply:
Contact your local County Veterans' Service Officer or call toll free:1-800-400-4520 to have an application mailed, or download the application at:

• Download IDVA - MFRF Application (MS Word Version)
• Download IDVA - MFRF Application (pdf)

Please submit completed applications to:
                               Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
                               Attn: Military Family Relief Fund
                               302 W. Washington St. Room E-120
                               Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Applications and documentation may also be faxed to 317-232-7721. For more information, please contact Noelle Wikert at 317-232-3922 or email nwikert@dva.in.gov

• How do I obtain a copy of my discharge papers (DD-214)?
• Who do I contact for information regarding federal veterans programs?
• What are some Indiana Veterans' Organizations website links?
• What service organizations are accredited to represent veterans and their dependents in the filing of claims?