Department NC Marine Corps League,
Veterans Service Officer Program
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Scope of the DONC MCL Veterans Service Officer Program
Purpose
To enhance the quality of veterans services within the North Carolina Department of the Marine Corps League.
Goal
Implement a Service Officer program within the Marine Corps League.
To further advance veterans issues for those wishing to be represented by the Marine Corps League.
Target
Marines and their families with current disability or pension issues.
Marines seeking new claims with the VA and those seeking counsel with appellate issues.
Specific emphasis being placed on traditional Marine Corps ethics and values……..
Frequently asked Questions and General Information Good to Know
Q. Whats taking so long with my claim ?
A. There are (2010 estimate) 750,000 veterans in the state of North Carolina, third in the nation. With only 650 employees and the VA’s backlog, a claim takes anywhere from 10-14 months.
Q. How long will my appeal take ?
A. Generally speaking in NC, DRO Reviews are running 12-15 months, Traditional Appeals are running 18-36 months.
Q. The VA said my records were destroyed in the fire, were they ?
A. On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at the NPRC destroyed approximately 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files heres what was affected.
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Army
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Personnel discharged November 1, 1912 to January 1, 1960
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80%
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Air Force
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Personnel discharged September 25, 1947 to January 1, 1964(with names alphabetically after Hubbard, James E.)
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75%
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In some cases, salvageable information was found, so never assume your records were part of the fire. Contact your MCL Service Officer.
Q. If I was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam war, can I still get benefits if I have one of the Agent Orange presumptive diseases?
A. In some cases, personnel who’s primary occupation put them in and around the perimeter of certain US Air force bases, can be awarded service connection for exposure. Example; Marine Security Forces stationed in Korat AFB Thailand.
Q. What is a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and how do I get one?
A. The VIC will be issued only to veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments. The veteran must apply at his or her nearest VA Medical Center.
Q. Can I get dental care through VA ?
A. Generally speaking, unless you had oral trauma in service, no. Current law states that only veterans with service connected injuries or oral diseases are eligible. Veterans who are service connected at the 100% rate are eligible for very limited dental care such as a cleaning, the best practice is to advise the veteran of these things before applying.
Q. My husband/wife just passed away, can I get benefits through VA as surviving spouse or family member?
A. If the veteran died of one of his/her service connected disabilities or the disability contributed materially in the production of death, yes.
A. Certain burial and memorial benefits are available through the VA and State of NC, contact your MCL Service Officer.
Q. I served in Vietnam in 1964, am I still eligible for disability under the Agent Orange exposure rules ?
A. Yes if you got there after August 5, 1964. Most people assume US involvement began around 1965, for VA purposes its much earlier. Additionally the last date recognized by the VA is May 7, 1975. If your unsure contact your MCL Service Officer.
Q. If I don’t qualify for disability, are there other benefits for me with VA ?
A. By far the most commonly utilized non disability benefit is VA Pension, Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income. To qualify, you must have had at least one day of service during a period of war. See your nearest MCL Service Officer for more information.
Q. I was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 and I drank the water there, can I get disability benefits?
A. No, just simply being there and drinking the water is insufficient to establish exposure to the contaminated wells at Tarrawa Terrace base housing. Its also important to understand that “exposure” in and of itself is not a disability.
However
We fully expect this to change as this issue evolves. In the meantime there are several things you can do.
1st. Sign up with the registry if you believe you or a child has been affected by the water. The link is here, https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/
2nd File the claim with VA, include what disabilities you now have as a result, your nearest MCL Service Officer can be found here, http://www.ncmcl.org/Portals/0/Documents/Department/MCL%20Det%20VSO's%20list%2012-13-2011.pdf
3rd Educate yourself, know what to expect from VA before you file, a link to VA’s water contamination report can be found here, http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/assets/documents/publications/FS16-9.pdf
Didn’t find your question here ? The Department of North Carolina Marine Corps League is dedicated to helping Marines and their families get the benefits they deserve. We encourage you to submit additional questions or comments. In addition the best practice is “when in doubt, file the claim”
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VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011
Creates New Benefit for Unemployed Veterans
Congress passed, and the President has signed into law, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DoL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012. The new program will provide retraining for Veterans hardest hit by current economic conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)
1) Question: Who can use the VRAP? Answer: To use the program a Veteran must:
• Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
• Be unemployed (as determined by Department of Labor (DoL))
• Have an other than dishonorable discharge
• Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g., the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
• Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
• Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program
2) Question: What can I use the VRAP for?
Answer: Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a Community College or Technical School. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certification and train you in a high demand occupation as determined by DoL.
3) Question: How much does the VRAP pay?
Answer: You may receive up to 12 months of payments at the full-time Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty rate (currently $1,473 per month).
4) Question: Will the payments under this program be sent directly to the school like payments under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill?
Answer: No. The benefit will be paid directly to you and you are responsible for paying your expenses including tuition, fees, and books.
5) Question: When, where, and how can I apply?
Answer: The program begins July 1, 2012. Watch the GI Bill website and follow our GI Bill Facebook page for more details on when, where, and how to apply.
Updates for the VSO Program
As we near the cutoff date of February 1st for MCL VSO applications, it is with great pleasure I'd like to report we have selected three candidates for the position.
I assure you every effort was made to thoroughly screen the applications we've received and we are impressed. Im confident that funding for this endeavor will continue throughout the remainder of the one year pilot program. We intend on nominating the new VSO by February 11th, 2012.
The VSO project continues to grow exponentially, the hard work by our detachment service officers continues to show through on a daily basis. Thanks to Alex "Gunner" Nevgloski, the Jacksonville VSO Office is now up and running. Any one in and around the greater Jacksonville and Lejeune area is encouraged to forward the Gunners contact information, should they encounter a Marine or family in need. ( contact info can be found on the MCL DONC website) .
Be advised there is currently a need for office equipment there in the Jacksonville location, items needed are a locking office file cabinet, printer paper, pens, paper clips, post it notes, manila file folders and anything else you think we may need !!!!! The state donated the space and utilities so lets pull together and get the Gunner outfitted respectfully.
Due to popular demand and the great need in the I-95 corridor, we will be conducting one more (possibly two) VSO training certification classes. Please distribute this information accordingly to your respective membership. Time and place will be decided, Im shooting for late February in the vicinity of Raleigh.
I would ask that anyone interested e-mail me prior to February 15th.
Keep Up the Good Work Marines…..
All eyes are on us !