Post Resources
Veterans Services Representatives
Our Veterans Service Representatives are the number one Veterans Resource we offer.
If you need assistance filing a claim, information, or any type of VA assistance.
As of June 1st walk-ins will be discontinued due to the volume of requests for services. You may still come in from 10am - 2pm Monday - Thursday to leave your information for an appointment and a VSO will call you back within 72 hours. You can also email: americanlegionpost280va@gmail.com and leave your contact information and it will be forwarded. You may also call 757-609-3439 and leave a message. We apologize for having to change our policy but feel this is the best solution for all involved.
File a Claim
Our Representative can help you file a disability claim for service connected injuries and non-service related disability.
Veteran and Family Support
Support is available for veterans and their families addressing the challenges of military service, transition, deployments, post traumatic stress or other behavioral health concerns.
Education and Employment
Find educational resources and employment opportunities to start your life after the military.
Contact
Post (Message) 757-609-3439
americanlegionpost280va@gmail.com
Veterans Resources
Veterans Education/Post 9-11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) helps you pay for school or job training. If you’ve served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Find out if you can get this education benefit.
U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs
Compensation programs are available to U.S. Military Veterans. Find news and updates, information on eligible disability programs, Agent Orange missions, state benefits, and free tools and resources to help with resumes, benefits for spouses, state guidelines, and more!
Social Security News and U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs
Disability benefits provide modest coverage for severely disabled workers and their dependents, including our wounded warriors. Some wounded warriors and Veterans who have a compensation rating of 100% P&T are unaware that Social Security may expedite the processing of their disability claims. In addition, Veterans may not realize they can sometimes qualify for both VA and Social Security benefits. Approximately 621,000 military Veterans received disability insurance benefits in 2016. Rest assured that if the unexpected happens, we’ve got you covered.
To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security's definition of "disability." To be found disabled:
* You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and
* Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death.
If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits. As a veteran rated 100% P&T, how do I receive expedited processing for Social Security disability benefits? First, you must apply for Social Security disability benefits. You can do this in one of three ways:
* Complete your application online;
* Call toll free telephone number, 1-800-772-1213 . If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call TTY 1-800-325-0778 ; or
* Call or visit your local Social Security office.
You can work and get retirement benefits.
You can retire as early as age 62. But, if you do, your Social Security benefits will be reduced permanently. If you decide to apply for benefits before your full retirement age, you can work and still get some Social Security benefits. There are limits on how much you can earn without losing some or all of your retirement benefits. These limits change each year. When you apply for benefits, Social Security will tell you what the limits are at that time and whether work will affect your monthly benefits. When you reach your full retirement age, you can earn as much as you are able and still get all of your Social Security benefits.
Year of Birth Full Retirement Age
Prior to 1938 - 65
1938 to 1942 - add 2 months for each year1943 to 1954 - 66
1955 to1959 - add 2 months for each year
1960 or later - 67
Check with Social Security for more information at www.socialsecurity.gov or 1-800-772-1213.Source: SSA Publication No. 05-10017.
VA Enrollment
When veterans choose to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare program services, VA offers an enhancement to their enrollment experience through "Welcome to VA (W2VA). Veterans enrolled since July 1, 2015 have received a personal introduction to VA health care services, programs and resources to help them become more familiar with VA's services. In addition, VA sends each new enrollee an introductory letter and personalized handbook in the mail. W2VA enhances communication by reaching out to newly enrolled health care inquiries and assisting with their initial appointment at their preferred VA healthcare facility. For more information, veterans can contact the Health Eligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855-488-8440.
Non-Combat Disability
Many veterans often fail to file claims for disability benefits either because they are not aware that they can, or because they don't think their disability would be applicable. Disabilities need not be combat or even work related; they can be the result of playing sports, falling out of your barracks bed, participating in unit PT, or a car accident onwhile on leave. Any veteran with a current health problem that they believe started on or as a result of their active duty service should consider filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veterans Affairs News
Headline: TRICARE is the health care program serving active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors and certain former spouses worldwide.
TRICARE Offers Free Vaccines (Including Shingles) Defense officials have announced that TRICARE will now offer free vaccines including shingles vaccine for beneficiaries age 60 and older through their retail pharmacy network.Free vaccines previously were only offered only in military hospitals and clinics.TRICARE recommends calling your pharmacy in advance to ensure the vaccine is in stock and a pharmacist is available to administer it.To find a participating pharmacy, call 1-877-363-1303This number will also list other vaccines and age restrictions.Those with Internet access: http://tricare.mil/mybenefit/
Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is pretending to provide benefit and general information for the VA but they are gathering personal information on veterans.
This organization is not affiliated with the VA in any way. http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal.
If you have any examples of VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass this information to Mr. Daugherty at the address below. Michael G. Daugherty Staff Attorney Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel (022G2) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420.
In other news: A special web site has been created to allow viewing of the Vietnam War deceased by state. First click on a state, then when it opens click on a name. It will then it should show you a picture of the person or at least his bio and medals. http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program provides free attorneys to veterans and their qualifying family members who have an appeal pending at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). If an appellant has filed an appeal with the Court, he or she can request assistance from The Veterans Consortium.
Memory Care