Robin Gunn: Money's available for all combat veterans. Here are tips for accessing benefits
The needs of our seniors are never far from my heart and mind, and I want to share with you some vital information and resources for seniors who are military veterans. I hold our nation’s veterans in the highest regard. One reason is that my father, Gordon C. Gunn, also bravely served his country.
According to the 2015-19 American Community Survey, the veteran population age 65 or older numbered more than 18.2 million. These veterans served in conflicts around the world, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even the Persian Gulf War. Clearly, there are now many senior veterans who require the various benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers.
“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude,” said Rep. Jeff Miller, of Florida, who is chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
I couldn’t agree more! He, along with other congressmen, sought to create the Veterans Choice Program. There are a multitude of combat veterans who need assistance for various health issues that they incurred during their time of service. However, there is a lot of red tape and bureaucracy that get in the way of receiving their guaranteed VA benefits. Rep. Miller wanted to remove the barriers; thus, providing more options for veterans to choose a physician closer and more readily available to them. You can easily access this information on www.military.com to see if you or a loved one qualifies for any VA benefits.
An additional resource for veterans to navigate their way to obtain their VA benefits is The Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation at www.dalekgrahamveteransfoundation.org. The homepage reads, “Our mission is to serve military veterans and their families. This foundation’s primary focus is to share its collective knowledge and experience to help with the Veterans Administration claims process. The organization also provides assistance and guidance for temporary resources for food, rent, utilities, shelter, and transportation to and from medical facilities when necessary for veterans and their families. Our vision is to use our collective knowledge and comprehensive network of programs to ensure every veteran and their families receive all the benefits to which they are entitled.”
Lance Cpl. Dale K. Graham, U.S. Marine Corps, served in the Vietnam War and has dedicated much of his life to guiding and supporting veterans to file their benefits claims. He began volunteering in 1990 with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he studied the veteran benefits process and later became a federally accredited agent. Rhonda Reynolds, who has over 30 years of experience as a lawyer in Oklahoma, founded the foundation with Dale Graham. Currently, Dale, Rhonda and all foundation members strive continuously to champion veterans and their families in both initial claims and appeals to the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Even with the assistance that both the Veterans Choice Program and The Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation provide, there can often be a need for even further support and intervention to acquire the needed benefits. Russell Fox, who is an accredited VA claims agent, can represent a veteran’s claim to the VA and successfully facilitate a claim. According to the website, www.vetsbenefitsconsulting.com, “Five of every six applicants we help could qualify for VA benefits but would be denied without undertaking the right steps first. Our consultation services, based on extensive knowledge of the benefits offered through the Department of Veteran Affairs, are offered to assist in your success.”
There is no obligation to seek out the assistance of a VA claims agent, but the process of receiving the necessary VA benefits can be complicated. Their staff will prepare all application forms and submit the application for the veteran client free of charge. You can contact them via the provided webpage and sign up for a free consultation.
As I mentioned above, my father was a combat veteran who required the various VA benefits that he merited. My father’s need to be in a VA retirement community due to a terminal illness was completely paid for, along with additional resources, by his VA benefits. There was also financial support for my mother during my father’s illness and even after he passed.
It has been over five years since my father passed, and my mother thankfully still receives VA benefits. I know many veterans have the mindset that they don’t want to take away any resources or finances from other vets who “truly need the help.” However, the money is there and available for all combat vets. You only need to have been in service for one day of wartime to qualify. There is plenty to go around, so please do not hesitate to get yourself or a loved one connected with the VA benefits that they and their spouse deserve.
Robin Gunn is the owner of The Oklahoma Senior Journal. She can be reached at rgunn@okseniorjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Guest: Seniors, benefits are available for all combat veterans
