| How & Where To Get
Help
Issues & Help From This Site:
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How & Where To Get Help
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NOTE: We do not have financial resources, but
can help guide you to the resources you need or answer specific
questions related to veteran or family issues. |
Many people think that medical and other benefits are immediately
accessible to Veterans. This is a myth. Currently, all medical and other
benefits must be applied for by the Veteran. Many veterans are even under
the impression that their benefits are "automatic". They are not.
The reality is that ALL Veteran benefits require a separate and often
lengthy application process. For the untrained person AND for the veteran,
this can be a very confusing and frustrating challenge.
The resources listed here include both public and private agencies. No
matter how difficult the VA system is to traverse, there is NO other
option. Veterans deserve these benefits. If your veteran is too ill to
advocate for him/herself, then you should contact the American Legion, VFW
or Disabled American Veterans. Also, there are Social Workers at the VA
hospitals that you may call.
Do not give up and do not be intimidated by the process. Do not let
anyone minimize your challenge or your frustration. Do what you need to do
to get your veteran the benefits they need and see "How to Intervene to
Help your Veteran". If you are interested in pursuing change, please read
"About VFU" on this web site.
Benefits & Benefits Assistance
- NEW!
American Veterans and Service members Survival Guide. How to Cut
Through the Bureaucracy and Get What You Need – And Are Entitled to. By:
Veterans for America (2007)
www.veteransforamerica.org. Go to the home page, then to "Our
Programs" and then down the left menu to "Survival Guide" A very
comprehensive (500 page) electronic book that tells it like it is
regarding benefits, services, legal rights, strategies to navigate the
complex maze of federal and organizational regulations and procedures, etc
- NEW!
GI Bill Information
www.mygibill.org. Web site launched by The American Legion "to
help vets and their families understand the post-9/11 GI Bill that takes
effect August 1, 2009. The site includes explanations of different GI Bill
benefits, news alerts, online applications.
- American Legion - www.legion.org.
Go to the "About Us" link and
then to "Posts" to find an American Legion office near you. You can also
look at the "Veteran" link that shows the services they can provide
Veterans. American Legion can help you file a disability benefits claim
and advocate for your soldier.
- American Veterans Organization -
www.amvets.org.
Whose goals are
service to veterans and communities. The agency is also has national
service officers trained to help file veterans benefits claims and there
are local chapters listed.
- Disabled American Veterans - www.dav.org.
Go to the "Services"
link. It will help explain how to file a disability benefits claim, but
you will probably want to locate the DAV office and service representative
nearest you and that is also available on that link.
- Veterans of Foreign War - www.vfw.org. Go to "Programs and
Services" to find how they can help you apply for Veterans benefits. They
will also have a link that will tell you a local office. VFW can help you
file a disability benefits claim and advocate for your soldier.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Official site of the primary
agency. Provides detailed information on claims submission, appeals and
local VA contact information. www.va.gov
Similar pages:
VA Forms - www.va.gov/vaforms/
Disabled Veterans - www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Veteran Data - www.va.gov/vetdata/
Health Care Benefits and Services -
www.va.gov/health_benefits/
More results from www.va.gov
To register a soldier, you must have his Military ID, his DD214 (proof of
military service), and any medical records or exam reports that you have
available. Only the soldier can register.
- APPEALING VETERANS BENEFITS CLAIMS can be difficult. The following
agencies may be able to assist you in that process. U.S. Court of Appeals
for Veterans Claims at www.vetapp.uscourts.gov or (202) 501-5950. The
Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program may be able to help with legal
assistance at www.vetsprobono.org or (888) 838-7727. Finally, the National
Veterans Legal Services Program may be of assistance for qualified veteran
applicants at www.nvlsp.org or (202) 265-8305.
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Counseling
- NEW!
Coming Home Project
www.cominghomeproject.net/cominghome. . . "devoted to providing
compassionate care, support and stress management tools for Iraq and
Afghanistan veterans and their families . . a range of free services:
residential retreats; psychological counseling; education, training and
consultation; self-care for service providers; and community forums . . .
emotional, spiritual, relationship, and reintegration challenges faced by
veterans and families before, during and after deployment."
- NEW!
Veterans Families United Foundation offers a list of private
counselors in Oklahoma who have expressed a desire to support our service
members and their families. Contact Connie Moore, Ph.D. for more information.
- Give An Hour - www.giveanhour.org.
A private, non-profit agency offering
free mental health resources for families and veterans.
- Military One Source -
www.militaryonesource.com. This source is a one-stop
shop for all branches of the military that includes legal matters, addiction
and recovery, readjustment information, immediate counseling and a link to
each military branch.
They also have a 24/7 phone number at 1-800-342-9647.
- The Soldiers Project -
www.thesoldiersproject.org. Counseling services and
connections for veterans and their family members; private, non-profit
agency.
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Employment
- America’s Heroes At Work -
www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov website designed
to educate employers about the signs/symptoms of combat PTSD and TBI and to
use creative ways to support the returning citizen soldier who may need
assistance.
- NEW!
America’s Job Bank - www.ajb.org. This U.S. Dept. of Labor web site
lists jobs available in your state and offers help in building an on-line
resume that can be sent to prospective employers listed in the job bank.
- Employer Support of Guard and Reserve -
www.esgr.mil. This web site explains
the help for returning Reservist and Guardsmen who may be having employment
disputes and/or are looking for civilian employers who support our Guard and
Reserve. It also has a link to Ombudsmen. This is a group that helps resolve
disputes or answers questions about employment related problems for
Reservist or Guardsmen.
- Hire Vets First - www.HireVetsFirst.gov.
This website discusses aspects of
successful employment transition for veterans and connections to employers,
transition specialist and assistance.
- NEW!
USA Jobs - www.usajobs.gov. This is the official web site for government
jobs. There is a link specifically for veterans.
- NEW!
1-877-743-8237 sign up for an application or get help to walk
through the application for help-to-work.
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Homeless Veterans
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
www.nchv.org or
1-800-vet-help Resources for homeless veterans and/or veterans facing
homelessness.
- US Vets Inc. - www.usvetsinc.org. This non-profit organization is
dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk veterans in their effort to
reintegrate to civilian life. 12 locations across the nation and a toll free
number for veterans having challenges with reintegration. Excellent
resource.
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Legal Assistance
- National Veterans Legal Services Program -
www.nvlsp.org. NVLSP is an
independent, nonprofit, veterans service organization dedicated to ensuring
that the U.S. government honors its commitment to our veterans and the
parent organization for Lawyers Serving Warriors.
- NEW!
Lawyers Serving Warriors -
www.lawyersservingwarriors.com. New
website for veterans who need legal representation regarding war related
issues. Has a tab that says "request free legal help".
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Mental Health Resources
- NEW!
Coming Home Project
www.cominghomeproject.net/cominghome . . . "devoted to providing
compassionate care, support and stress management tools for Iraq and
Afghanistan veterans and their families . . a range of free services:
residential retreats; psychological counseling; education, training and
consultation; self-care for service providers; and community forums . . .
emotional, spiritual, relationship, and reintegration challenges faced by
veterans and families before, during and after deployment."
- NEW!
The Mental Health America Resource Center -
www.nmha.org - National
Mental Health Association.
- Military Mental Health Assessment -
www.militarymentalhealth.org - This has
a mental health self-assessment screening and referral program offered to
families and service members affected by deployment or mobilization.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness -
www.nami.org/veterans specific
information about Veterans and mental health related illnesses and
information for resources for veterans and their families
- National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder -
www.ncptsd.org -
Information on PTSD from the National Center for PTSD.
- Suicide Prevention Action Network -
www.spanusa.org - A national suicide
prevention organization that provides extensive information that may be
helpful for veterans and their families.
- Suicide Information/Assistance
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1363 and
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ - VA Suicide Hotline and other mental Health
support and information
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Needs Assistance
- America Supports You -
www.americasupportsyou.mil.
A comprehensive list of
organizations that can help active duty, veterans and family members.
Resources can be accessed by state, type of assistance needed, etc. All
organizations listed on this website have been approved and are non-profit,
charitable organizations.
- Military One Source -
www.militaryonesource.com. This source is a one-stop
shop for all branches of the military that includes legal matters, addiction
and recovery, readjustment information, immediate counseling and a link to
each military branch. They also have a 24/7 phone number at 1-800-342-9647.
- National Military Family Association -
www.nmfa.org - providing information
to and representing the interests of family members of the uniformed
services.
- NEW!
National Resource Directory -
www.nationalresourcedirectory.org.
The
NRD provides information on, and access to, medical and non-medical services
and resources across the country which will help veterans and families reach
their personal and professional goals as they successfully transition from
recovery to community living. Go to your state for specific links to help in
your area. Excellent comprehensive website of resources in your state.
- National Veterans Foundation - www.nvf.org. This is a human service agency
committed to serving the crisis and information needs of all veterans and
their families. Staffed by a team of veterans who are specially trained in
the delivery of crisis information and referral services for veterans in
need of medical treatment, substance abuse or PTSD Counseling, VA benefits
advocacy, food, shelter, employment training, legal aid, or suicide
intervention, have now been served by this unique, one-of-a-kind resource.
- Operation Homefront -
www.operationhomefront.net provides emergency
assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind, and
to wounded warriors when they return home.
- NEW!
Red Cross - www.redcross.org. The official site for the American Red
Cross. There is a specific link for veterans, offering assistance in
emergency financial assistance, counseling and other services. It will
direct you to your state site and you will have to call for local
assistance. The most promising option is the possible help for emergency
financial assistance for basic needs, although it is a minimal amount.
- Strategic Outreach to Families of all Reservists -
www.sofarusa.org.
SOFAR:Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists is a pro bono, mental
health project that provides free psychological support, psychotherapy,
psychoeducation and prevention services to extended family of reserve and
national guard deployed during the Global War on Terrorism from time of
alert through the period of reunion and reintegration.
- Transition Assistance Advisors -
TAA contact list. Statewide point of
contact to assist members in accessing Veterans Affairs benefits and
healthcare services.
- USA 4 Military Families -
www.USA4militaryfamilies.dod.mil. This website
has "10 issues" identified that effect veterans and returning families. When
you click on the "issue" that you are interested in, it will have a "Map of
the States" so that you can find out what is going on in your area. This can
apprise veterans and families of many different types of services/help
available at a state level
- Vet Centers are designed to help combat veterans and their families.
There are over 200 community locations and all that is needed is a DD 214
and you don’t have to be registered with the VA to get help. Locate the
nearest Vet Center at www.va.gov/rcs.
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Physical Illnesses
- NEW!
Veterans who experiencing any of the following may want to consider more
extensive medical evaluations to determine if they have been exposed to "squalene"
an adjuvant used in the Anthrax inoculation. Some of these symptoms can
"look like" mental health symptoms (headaches, memory loss and cognitive
dysfunction), but if any of these other symptoms are present, may require
additional medical tests. You can request these tests from your private or
VA Medical Primary Care Physician. Go to "Common Diagnosis" link on this
site and scroll to the bottom for more information and/or read Antibodies
to Squalene in Gulf War Syndrome and Antibodies to Squalene in Recipients
of Anthrax Vaccine
- NEW!
AsbestosNews.com -
www.asbestosnews.com - Site offers
Mesothelioma informtion for military veterans who may have been
exposed to asbestos while serving our country.
- NEW!
Mesothelioma Causes -
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently
25 million living individuals who have served in the United States' armed
forces. Millions of these living veterans were exposed to toxic
asbestos-containing materials during military service. Visit their website
for more information on asbestos exposure, and a complete list of
treatment options if you’ve received a
mesothelioma
prognosis.
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PTSD and TBI Resources/Treatments
- NEW! PTSD Anonymous
www.ptsdanonymous.org.
"PTSDA: Veterans talking with veterans – you are not alone. A future
network of local support groups." – this site includes meeting guidelines,
rules and facilitator tips adapted from a 12-step model, e.g., "For some,
the experience of military trauma causes deep conflict in their
spirituality and past relationship to a God or Higher Power." The
complementary version of a 12 step format is included .
- NEW! The Pathway Home
www.thepathwayhome.org.
is a new private treatment concept for OEF/OIF veterans with PTSD. There
is specific criteria for entry to determine that it is appropriate. The
web site offers information and an application for those who meet the
criteria.
- NEW! Women Organizing Women
Veteran Advocacy www.vetwow.com.
A resource for women who have military sexual trauma including advocacy
and support with related PTSD.
- NEW! Vets Journey Home
www.vetsjourneyhome.org.
A weekend healing process for veterans lead by veterans offering
compassion and healing by welcoming veterans home. See You Tube video for
more information
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2owSFJmdADA
- Alcoholics Anonymous -
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org - Information on the
AA 12 step program and path of recovery and meetings available in your
hometown. For people who are using alcohol to numb pain or escape from the
here and now and it is negatively effecting their home, financial, work or
social life.
- Codependents Anonymous - www.coda.com - Information on Codependents
Anonymous – learning how to live with an addicted person and meeting
availability in your hometown. For people who live with someone who is using
any addiction to numb pain and escape and it is negatively effecting their
home, financial, work or social life.
- Cognitive Systems - www.Cog-Systems.com.
An innovative treatment for mild
traumatic brain injury and other neurological injuries that can be done from
home
- EEG Info – Neurobiofeedback Resources -
www.eeginfo.com - for more
information regarding how biofeedback may help with PTSD/TBI.
- EMDR - www.emdr.com - Information about Eye Movement Desensitization
Reprocessing and it’s healing potential for Trauma victims (see our "Healing
Resources" link for more information).
- Emotional Freedom Therapy - www.emofree.com - Information on Emotional Field
Therapy and it’s healing potential for Trauma victims.
- Health Journeys - www.healthjourneys.com - Resources by author Belleruth
Naperstek for trauma. Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and How They
Heal is an excellent book for PTSD/depression/anxiety and there are
wonderful healing CD’s available.
- Narcotics Anonymous - www.na.com - Information on Narcotics Anonymous and
the 12 step program and path to recovery and meetings available in your home
town. For people who are using any narcotic for other than prescribed
reasons and have an addiction that is negatively effecting their home,
financial, work or social life.
- Return to Honor Workshop -
www.returntohonorworkshop.com
- The Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge offers 2 ½ -day training for those who have
suffered from the emotional trauma of war – suggested for returning troops
several months after their return from "theater".
- Sierra Tucson Treatment Center -
www.sierratucson.com - Private
Psychiatric Treatment Center includes treatment for PTSD. May be insurance
eligible.
- The Tara Approach: Healing Shock and Trauma -
www.tara-approach.com -
Information on an energy healing process that can be helpful with trauma.
- Valley Hope Treatment Centers -
www.valleyhope.com
- Private Drug and
Alcohol Treatment Centers in the mid-west that offer a variety of treatment
options. May be insurance eligible
- Veterans Helper – Guided Imagery specifically for veterans and their
families www.veteranshelper.com a new website that is specifically designed
for veterans with PTSD and some helping resources that are available for
families to cope. Guided Imagery (see Healing Resources) have been created
for veterans and their families.
- Vet Centers are designed to help combat veterans and their families. There
are over 200 community locations and all that is needed is a DD 214 and you
don’t have to be registered with the VA to get help. Locate the nearest Vet
Center at www.va.gov/rcs
Veterans Children and Youth Resources
War Related Information
This section of the website contains the latest fact sheets and
literature on the war in Iraq. Important links from the site are:
The Iraq War Clinic Guide, 2nd Edition
Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Military Personnel and A Guide
for Families
VA
Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom Seamless Transition website
For information on how the war may impact soldiers see:
A Brief Primer on the Mental Health Impact of the Wars in Afghanistan and
Iraq
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Connecting
Veterans and their Families to Compassionate Resources.
