Areas of Assistance
ACQUIRING MEDALS/RECORDS- We will apply for medals you never received or records and/or discharges that may have been lost.
VA MORTAGE INFORMATION- Veterans are eligible for VA loans for houses, condominiums, and manufactured homes. We can help you obtain a certificate of eligibility. Further, you can obtain a second or even third VA loan, as long as the previous loan has been satisfied.
ALCOHOLISM/CHEMICAL DEPENDENCE- Unfortunately, alcoholism and substance abuse are a greater problem among veterans than in the general population. We can professionally and confidentially help if you think you may have a problem.
CEMETERY AMD BURIAL BENFITS-
State Veterans Cemetery- This cemetery is located near Camp Ripley, north of Little Falls, and is open to all members of the armed forces and veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, a spouse, un-remarried widow or widower, minor children, and unmarried adult children (under certain circumstances)
VA Burial Allowance- A partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:
You paid for a veterans burial or funeral AND
You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran’s employer AND
The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
The veteran died because of a service-related disability OR
The veterans was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death OR
The veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay OR
The veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under a VA contract.
BURIAL FLAG- A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorable in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran’s military service to his or her country.
Who is eligible to receive a burial flag? Generally, the flag is given to the next of kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it.
Related Burial Benefits- Veterans are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery if they were in the military for the required period of time and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Benefits include a gravesite, a headstone or marker, opening and closing of the grave and perpetual care.
For more information visit: www.cem.va.gov
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION- Veterans with 20% or greater service-connected disabilities may be entitled to training or retraining without cost, if they should need to change professions because of their disabilities.
DISCHARGE UPGRADING- The Board of Review is authorized to correct and upgrade most discharges based on new facts presented for consideration. There is a statute of limitations on upgrades, so please don’t delay.
DISABILITY COMPENSATION- Any veterans who feels they have a disability that was caused or aggravated by their military service, is entitled to open a claim at any time. Veteran’s who are receiving disability compensation and feel their condition has become worse, may re-open their claim at any time. We can handle the paperwork for you.
PENSION BENFITS- Any war time veteran is entitled to apply for a VA pension. However, they must prove a financial need and be within VA guidelines.
WHAT IS WARTIME SERVICE?
World War II- December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946
Korean War- Jun e 27th, 1950, through January 31, 1955
Vietnam Era- August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961, for veterans who served in country before August 5, 1965) through May 7, 1975
Gulf War- Aug 2, 1990 through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation
PTSD/STRESS INFORMATION- Now it’s referred to as PTSD; in the past it’s been called shell-shock and battle fatigue. If you are experiencing difficulties relating to your combat service, please call us. Psychological injuries are as real as bullet wounds and sometimes as deadly.
VETERANS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE (VIETNAM), RADIATION, OR ILLNESS STEMMING FROM THE GULF WAR- Benefits granted for only a specified list of conditions determined to be associated with exposure to Agent Orange, ionizing radiation, or chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses. This list may be expanded in the future and all veterans are urged to make application for benefits even for conditions not on the specified list, since there is a possibility for retroactive benefits of the condition is latter added to the list.
STATE SUBSISTENCE/DENTAL/OPTICAL- Temporary financial assistance to veterans and their dependents during a period when veterans are disabled and not able to work at their normal occupations. Veteran must have served while on active duty, unless discharged due to disability incurred while on active duty, and discharged under honorable conditions. Benefits under this program are income based and the maximum length of assistance is six months. This program also provides payment of monthly utilities (excluding telephone service), monthly rent or mortgage, basic dental and optical care and clothing allowance to eligible veterans and their dependents.
STATE VETERANS HOMES- Five state veteran’s homes have been established by the Minnesota Legislature to provide nursing and domiciliary care to eligible Minnesota veterans and their dependents. These homes are located at Minneapolis, Hastings, Silver Bay, Luverne and Fergus Falls. See www.mvh.state.mn.us
VA HOSPITAL AND OUT-PATIENT CARE- Enrollment in the VA Medical system is based on income and character of Service. Veterans with service connected disabilities are guaranteed treatment. Please call to see if you qualify for the medical system.
MEMBERSHIP IN VETS ORGANIZATIONS
We encourage membership in veteran’s organizations. Yellow Medicine County isfortunate to have several fine organizations. These groups not only perform community and social functions, but help protect the rights of all veterans. You would be helping yourself by helping them. Call us for information.
CHARACTER OF SEPARATION FROM SERVICE
Acceptable for VA entitlements
Honorable
General
Under Honorable Conditions
May be acceptable for VA entitlements (A must determine eligibility)
Under other than honorable conditions
Bad conduct discharge
A bar to benefits
Dishonorable
TRANSPORATION TO VA HOSPITAL- The Veterans Service Office also provides access to medical care at the VA Medical Center in MPLS, Sioux Falls, and St. Cloud through its van transportation program. For more information please call this office.