This Page Contains Links to Veterans’ Programs

Page last updated on 17-Aug-202

Get more of Post 133 on our social media websites:

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If you have any questions concerning your veteran earned benefits contact your ‘Service Officer’!

Your Accredited American Legion South Windsor Post Service Officers are:

Ken Lewis, Post 133 Service Officer

860-416-5276

Bruce Botti, Post 133 Assistant Service Officer

860-644-2732

Expert assistance, free of charge,

to veterans and their families.

The link to the Solder's, Sailor's,

and Marine's fund is;

http://www.ct.gov/ssmf/site/default.asp.

Application for VA disability benefits.

State certified to assist you in obtaining your benefits under the CT Soldiers', Sailors', and Marines' Fund.

Information, referrals and resources on

education, employment and business,

death benefits and other important topics.

It can be challenging transitioning to civilian life.

Need help? Check this out:

Your source for vetted defense and private security jobs & personnel

Request Military Service Records

1 Request records online with eVetRecs

2 Other ways to obtain service records

3 Learn about military service records (e.g. DD Form 214)

4 Special notice regarding requests for copies of military records

5 Are you a recently separated veteran?

A form DD214 represents one of the most important documents you may ever possess. The DD214 contains data needed to verify active military service. Many veterans recognize the official moniker for this document as "DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty." Start the replacement procedure as soon as you discover you have misplaced or lost your original form. You can request a replacement DD214, online, from the comfort of your own home.

Military families have a lot to deal with - emotionally, logistically, and financially.

What benefits are out there for military families to make life a bit easier for them?

Where can they find discounts and deals?

Here's a helpful financial guide aimed specifically to help military family members learn about the different resources, federal programs, retail discounts, and deals for dependents of Veterans.

CLICK HERE to check it out.

Thanks to: Kevin from Wyoming

(who's Grandfather served in Vietnam)

Veterans may face unique sleep challenges due to the nature of their training and their time in the service, whether or not they saw combat. Transitioning from military life to civilian living comes with a host of challenges, and sleep problems are quite common in veterans of all ages.

To find out more on this little known issue CLICK HERE.

Thanks to little Ava for this resource.

The PACT Act

is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

The Act (1) expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 era, and (2) expands eligibility for benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances.

• What new or expanded presumptions will the Act create and when will they be in effect?

• How can Veterans apply for VA health care?

• What are the PACT Act key components?

• If a Veteran was previously denied a claim, what can they do?

CLICK HERE

to download the PACT Act Summary, FAQ & info on PACT-Act-Survivor Benefits

Burn pits have operated widely at military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At this time, research does not show evidence of long-term health problems.

Check here for further information & registration:

https://www.connecticut.va.gov/CONNECTICUT/features/Burn_Pit_Registry.asp

The registry will help to monitor health conditions affecting eligible veterans and service members. We will use the data to improve our programs to help veterans and service members with deployment exposure concerns.

Check out this link to find lots of military and veteran discount.

https://dealhack.com/blog/military-discounts-guide

All stores on this list are verified every three months and are conveniently broken down into categories. The list can also be saved in PDF form and used as a reference guide for active military and veteran discounts.

The Army, Air Force and Navy exchange will start allowing all honorably discharged veterans to shop online, (think Amazon, only cheaper with no taxes) starting on Veterans Day, November 11, 2017 but you must register first.

To register call 1-844-868-8672.

Don't have a VA Id or Retiree military card but did serve in the military.....and want to get your 10% discount at Lowes. Fill out the following form with your military service information and you will be approved in seconds BUY you have to use your My Lowes Card for purchases,

https://www.lowes.com/mylowes/military-validation

Property Tax Exemptions

•State law provides a basic $1,000 municipal property tax exemption for qualified veterans and their surviving spouses. An exemption is a reduction in the property’s assessed value on which taxes are owed, not a credit against the amount of the tax.An honorable discharge, issued by the Department of Defense (DD-214) must be filed with the Town Clerk prior to October 1.They must be submitted, in person,at the Assessor's office.No on-line or electronic filing is available.

•Veterans, who have ninety days of wartime service, including Merchant Marines, who served during WWII, are eligible for a $1,500 exemption for property tax purposes. You have the option to choose to apply this exemption to your real estate or automobile tax.

•Veterans below a certain income level and/or service connected disabled veterans are eligible for additional property tax exemptions (up to $10,000 for paraplegics). Surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible for this benefit.

For additional information contact the SW Assessor's Office at (860) 644-2511 ext 211

Some informative resources on addiction and recovery for young and old:

thepreventioncoalition.org

What Science Says To Do If Your Loved One Has An Opioid Addiction

Home After Rehab: The Guide to Finding the Right Place for Recovery

Addiction Is a Mental Illness - Treat It That Way

Unconventional Grief: Grieving Someone Alive

Addiction And Infidelity: Understanding And Finding Ways To Heal After An Addicted Partner Is Unfaithful

Careers in Addiction

Holistic Approach to the Addiction Recovery Process

Veterans receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Medical Centers

will now be able to schedule routine ear and eye appointments at local VA

Audiology and Optometry clinics without a primary care referral –

Looking for the best college or university that offers the best

educational options available to degree-seeking veterans.

Look no further, check it out here.

This site reviews hundreds of renowned colleges and universities

to identify the best educational options available to degree-seeking veterans.

Continuing your education and career after military service can be an intimidating prospect. Choosing a school and getting all of your benefits requires you to weigh many factors including cost, distance, time, and of course – paperwork. All of these details can make the idea of getting your degree seem intimidating and many will wonder whether it’s worth the time. When you consider the generous benefits available to veterans, however, you’ll typically find that it’s worth your time to continue your education and finish that degree.

Guide to Veterans Education Benefits

BestSchools.com has created a user-friendly guide that includes features like a GI Bill calculator, grants and scholarship directories, and interviews with the top universities that have programs designed specifically to support veteran higher education. They hope their guide will not only answer common questions, but make it easier for veterans to leverage the educational benefits they have earned.

Explore VA provides resources for Veterans and their families interested in learning about and applying for health care benefits, including benefit eligibility, the application process, specific types of health care benefits, like dental care and vision http://explore.va.gov/health-care/visioncare, and spouse and dependents' compensation eligibility.

If you wish to find out more about health care benefits from VA you should be interested in the new Explore VA website, specifically the health care benefits page.Explore VA provides a fast way to learn about VA benefits, find out which ones you may be eligible for, share information with friends and family, and apply for benefits. Visitors to Explore VA can look at their eligibility for health care benefits, including:

•VA requirements for health care benefits

•VA's application process•Information and application requirements for dental care, vision care and assisted living services • Mental health services and coverage • Veteran spouse and dependents' compensation eligibility

If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987

for a Must Read document

CLICK HERE

Publication of Final Regulations Fact Sheet

Hospital Care and Medical Services for Camp Lejeune Veterans and

Payment or Reimbursement for Certain Medical Expenses for Camp Lejeune Family Members

If you think you know someone that might have been stationed there - pass it on!

America’s VetDogs

honors the sacrifice made by our men and women in uniform.

America’s VetDogs® – The Veteran's K-9 Corps® is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that serves the needs of veterans with disabilities from all eras who have honorably served our country. VetDogs provide guide dogs for veterans who are blind; service dogs for those with other physical disabilities; physical and occupational therapy dogs to work with amputees in military and VA hospitals; and combat stress control dogs to be deployed in theater.

Check it out by Clicking Here.

American Legion Remembrance Site

The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, places a high priority on honoring and remembering those who dedicated their lives to keeping our nation safe. A new American Legion web page is packed with stories, photos and videos, and offers visitors the ability to add their own words and images. The Honor and Remembrance web page is now available at www.legion.org/honor. The page features My Time in Uniform, where you can share your own story, Family Legacy, where you can take pride in a family member’s service, and the Sacred Places Database, a listing of more than 1,200 museums, memorials and cemeteries.

American Legion Centennial Site

The American Legion Centennial Celebration is not only about honoring the past 100 years of our history, but also preparing to continue our legacy of service. Events and activities at posts all around the world will showcase The American Legion "Still Serving America”.

- See more at: http://centennial.legion.org/#sthash.qT1FsCdU.dpuf

- Our Post at: http://centennial.legion.org/connecticut/post133

Federal

Click for a pdf copy of the Directory of Veterans Service Organizations

State

Click for a pdf copy of the

Connecticut Veterans Resource Guide

U. S. VETERAN INFO LINKS:

For the latest in U. S. veteran benefits check out the Veterans Benefits Administration.

For U. S. veteran news check out the

Department of Veteran Affairs News.

CONNECTICUT VETERAN INFO LINKS:

For the latest in CT veteran news check out

CT Veteran Home Page.

For CT veteran benefit info check out

Guide to State of CT Benefits.

Go here to see if you qualify for the

CT Veterans War Time Service Medal.

ALL MILITARY, all the time!

Enjoy all the benefits of the largest online military community for free.

Check it out (& enroll now) by CLICKING HERE.

Dental Help for Veterans

Pro Bono Dental Surgeries

A number of Iraq War Veterans are experiencing major dental problems since returning home.

The problem for these veterans is that the VA doesn’t pay for dental care unless a soldier is 100 percent disabled. That means they have to pay huge dental bills without any government help.

One non-profit that is stepping up to the plate is Rebuilding America’s Warriors (R.A.W).

Dedicated to providing reconstructive surgeries to American war veterans who have recently been wounded and/or disfigured while on active duty, R.A.W has enlisted the help of a dozen dentists nationwide.

For more information, click here.

Health CareVA operates the nation's largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and other facilities.

•Access Your Health Benefits

Benefits

VA administers a variety of benefits and services that provide financial and other forms of assistance to Servicemembers, Veterans, their dependents and survivors.

•Compensation

•Education & Training

•Home Loans

•Life Insurance

•Vocational Rehabilitation

Burials & MemorialsVA operates 131 national cemeteries in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Burial and memorial benefits are available for eligible service members, Veterans, and family members.

•Burial Benefits

•Schedule a Burial

•Headstones, Markers & Medallions

•P residential Memorial Certificates

•Nationwide Gravesite Locator

For all you flyboys

airforce.togetherweserved

For current and former serving Members of the United States Air Force, Army Air Corps, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard TogetherWeServed is a unique, feature-rich resource helping Airmen reconnect with lost Wingmen, share memories and tell their Air Force story.

check it out by clicking here:

http://airforce.togetherweserved.com/

For all you swabbies

navy.togetherweserved

For current and former serving Members of the United States Navy, TogetherWeServed is a unique, feature-rich resource enabling Naval personnel to re-connect with lost Shipmates, share memories and tell their Navy story.

check it out by clicking here:

http://navy.togetherweserved.com/

Check out the Navy Memorial web site

by CLICKING HERE.

PHONE NUMBERS for

Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs

2011 Reference Guide for Connecticut Veterans, Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs Benefits Experts Toll Free 1-866-9CT-VETS (928-8387)

or on the web at www.ct.gov/ctva

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER NEWINGTON 860-594-6604

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER NORWICH 860-887-9162

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER WEST HAVEN 203-931-0460

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER BRIDGEPORT 203-336-2570

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER WATERBURY 203-805-6340

STATE VETERANS HOME HEALTHCARE 860-616-3705

RESIDENTIAL FACILITY, VETERANS HOME 860-616-3803

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUPPORT, VETERANS HOME 860-616-3803

U S Department of Veterans Affairs Information:

Toll Free 1-800-827-1000 or www.va.gov

VA HEALTHCARE WEST HAVEN/NEWINGTON 203-932-5711

HEALTHCARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS 203-479-8043

VA CT WOMENS HEALTHCARE 203-932-5711

VA HOMELESS PROGRAM 203-931-4036

ERRERA COMMUNITY CENTER WEST HAVEN 203-479-8000

HOMES FOR THE BRAVE BRIDGEPORT 203-338-0669

FEDERAL VETERAN READJUSTMENT CENTERS:

HARTFORD VET CENTER860-563-8800

WEST HAVEN VET CENTER 203-932-9899

NORWICH VET CENTER 860-887-1755

Support Services Substance Abuse Services

Connecticut Dept. Mental Health & Addiction Services 800-662-4357

Focus on Recovery Helpline 800-374-2800

Homelessness National Coalition for Homelessness 800-838-4357

Financial DifficultyDebt Adjustors, Money Management Inc. 888-845-5669

CHFA Veteran Mortgage Refinance Program 860- 721-9501

US Small Business Admin/Patriot Express 860-240-4894

CT Dept. of Insurance/Consumer Affairs 860-297-3900

CT Dept of Social Services/Veterans Programs 860-424-5024

Emergency Assistance Grants CT Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund 800-491-4941

Counseling Needs CT Military Support Program 866-251-2913

National Crisis Hotline 800-784-2433

National Suicide Support 888-784-2433

Brain Injury Association of Connecticut 860-721-8111

Employment AssistanceCT Dept. of Labor – Veterans Programs 860-263-6514 US Dept. of Labor – Veterans Programs/CT 860-263-6490

Other:CT Trial Lawyers/VA Appeal Specialists 860-522-4345

Call 211-INFOLINE ANYTIME

Useful Links

to web sites which provide information on veterans benefits.

Disability Compensation Pension

•Disability Compensation Benefits•National Resource Directory - Benefits and Compensation•Veterans Compensation and Qualifying Criteria•VA Disability Compensation•National Veterans Foundation - Disability Compensation•Real Warriors•Veterans of Modern Warfare

Death Pension

•SVSA - Death Pension•U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs - Death Pension•Veteran's Death Pension

DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)

•Dependency and Indemnity Compensation•U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs - DIC•Government Money - DIC

Veterans Health Care

•My Health•VA Health Care•Kaiser EDU - Veteran's Health Care•Warrior Care

Long Term Care Benefits through Veterans Health Care

•SVSA - Long Term Care Benefits for Veterans•Aging with Grace•Deployment Health Clinical Center

CHAMPVA for Surviving Spouses

•SVSA - Help for Surviging Spouses•VA - CHAMPVA•CHAMPVA Overview

Burial Benefits

•Military Funeral Honors•Veterans' Funeral and Burial Benefits•VA Burial Benefits•National Veterans Foundation - Burial Benefits•Burial Benefits for Veterans

State VA Nursing Homes

•NCPC - State VA Nursing Homes

Home Renovation Grants

•SVSA - Home Modification Programs•Home Renovation Grants•VA Home Modification Grants: SHA, SAH, HISA

Websites for American Veterans

— What All Vets Should Know —

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won’t tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.

Appeals:

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc

Board of Veteran’s Appeals: http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/

VA In the News: http://www1.va.gov

Center for Minority Veterans: http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/

Center for Veterans Enterprise: http://www.vetbiz.gov

Center for Women Veterans: http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/

American Gulf War Veterans Association: http://www.gulfwarvets.com/

VA Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS):

http://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/Site_Map.asp

Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm

Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page: http://www.va.gov/