Benefits and resources. Since I am a Veteran, the Veteran's Administration is my number one asset and resource.
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA)
The VA, like every other Government entity is bound by numerous rules, regulations and procedures; is either under funded or barely making ends meet; and has a huge buracracy.
My limited experience with the VA has been mostly positive. Compared to some stories about VA Disability claims taking many months or even years to be completed; my VA Disabiltiy claim was completed in almost exactly six months.
I started the process by sitting down with a Disabled American Veteran representative who screened my medical records and highlighted several ailments that I didn't realize counted. The DAV Rep also pointed out that I did not have much of a Medical Record for having served 30 years. I mentioned that I usually self medicated or "sucked it up" until the pain fixed itself. The DAV Rep told me that I should get everything that had ever happened to me documented before my retirement date. I was fortunate to have a very senior U. S. Navy Nurse that was the Officer In Charge of my Battalion Aid Station who concured that I needed to get my aches and pains into my record book. Three (single spaced) typed pages later, I returned. Each of the ailments was checked out and commented on during my final physical. I was also diagnosed with a couple of obscure ailments (each good for a "zero percent") and confirmed some others (Tinitus - good for a 10%) for example. I even had a sleep study done to find out if my snoring was "sleep apnea" which was inconclusive.
The VA also administers the "Post 911 GI Bill" and other education and training programs.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS (DAV)
I can't say enough good things about this organization. The DAV Representatives are well schooled and capable of negotiating the VA claims processes. Everyone should either donate a few dollars or become a dues paying member.
SOUTHWEST VETERANS BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTERS
Thank You Al Renteria for bringing this Organization into fruition.
STATE RUN VETERAN PROGRAMS
Many of the states also have Veteran programs. Although I have not explored or taken advantage of California's "CALVET Program", I have heard that they provide assistance with Veteran's home buying ect.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
The Federal Government offers a Veteran's Preference for most Federal jobs. There are various criteria that define the levels of Veteran's preferences.
5-Point Veteran's Preferance
Five points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a veteran who served:
- During a war; or
- During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or
- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992; or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or
- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligibles separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173. (Extracted from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) VETGUIDE).
10-Point Veteran's Preferance
10-Point Compensable Disability Preference (CP)
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
- A veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent but less than 30 percent.
10-Point 30 Percent Compensable Disability Preference (CPS)
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP)
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
- A veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs but does not qualify as a CP or CPS; or
- A veteran who received a Purple Heart.
10-Point Derived Preference (XP)
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, widows, widowers, or mothers of veterans as described below. This type of preference is usually referred to as "derived preference" because it is based on service of a veteran who is not able to use the preference.
Both a mother and a spouse (including widow or widower) may be entitled to preference on the basis of the same veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment. (Extracted from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) VETGUIDE).
AMERICAN LEGION
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW)
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