TRANSITION CENTER

As a disabled veteran myself, I understand that many veterans have their reasons for not taking the time to research filing for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You’ve heard all the horror stories of backlogs and denials. And you may think, why apply for a handout when so many others have it so much worse?

As a disabled veteran myself, I understand that many veterans have their reasons for not taking the time to research filing for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You’ve heard all the horror stories of backlogs and denials. And you may think, why apply for a handout when so many others have it so much worse?

There are plenty of negative arguments, and I will not attempt to list them all in this short article.  Suffice it to say that I am hoping to change the minds of a few veterans who may be letting an earned benefit sit idle!

Reason #3 to file for your earned VA benefits

This is an earned benefit, not a handout. VA disability benefits are attained through honorable service in the US Armed Forces. They are “part of the deal” that you made when you stepped up to the plate to serve your country. You need not be a combat veteran to have earned benefits. If you have an honorable period of service, and you have symptoms that were incurred in (or exacerbated by) military service, you may be eligible for benefits.

Reason #2 to file for your earned VA benefits

Demographics make a difference. VA Disability filings can potentially help more than your pocketbook. Federal and local resources are sometimes allocated by numbers. How many disabled veterans, for instance, reside in your county? Resources follow the numbers. If more veterans file for deserved claims, the nation will have more accurate numbers with which to shape policy and allocate needed resources. This reason should speak directly to those with the outlook that they “don’t have it that bad.” NOT filing for earned benefits holds up the numbers and that can slow things down for needed resources to large numbers of veterans. Successful claims also equate to federal dollars entering into and stimulating your local economy.

Reason #1 to file for your earned VA benefits

Reconnect to your veteran status. This is my catch-all — the big pitch!  I believe that filing for veterans’ benefits can help you reconnect with the veteran community. Veterans are represented in every part of society and can be a real source for good even after they separate from the military. You can help AND get help from literally thousands of groups, networks, organizations, and affiliations.

For fun, for business, for non-profits, for camaraderie, for mutual assistance, for the connection to others who have served, I urge you to take a moment to research the possibility of applying for your earned VA benefits and discover the true personal benefit of reconnecting to your veteran status.