By: Dan Meyer
The office hours for the Big Stone County Veterans Service Office are 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. My office phone number is (320) 839-6398.
A "Veteran" -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to, and including his or her life."
Are you a veteran and have hearing loss and/or ringing in your ear(s) that was caused by military noise exposure? This question applies to all branches of service, to include the Army National Guard members who were not called to active duty (excluding basic training and AIT).
What is Disability Compensation? Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a veteran for disabilities that are a result of or made worse (aggravated) by injuries or disease that happened while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. Disability compensation is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care.
Who is eligible? You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
How much does VA pay? The amount of basic benefit paid ranges for $123 to $2,673 per month, depending on how disabled you are. I must be noted that you may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if: you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s); you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s); and/or you have a seriously disabled spouse.
How can I apply? You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526 (Parts A, B, and C), Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. The following information/documents should be attached to your application: Discharge or separation papers (DD 214 or equivalent); dependency records (marriage & children’s birth certificates); and medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports).
As always, give me a call or stop by my office, and we’ll set up an appointment to complete all the paperwork together.
Until next week, take care and “Fair Winds and Following Seas!”
Mon Jun 14, 2010 6:44 am
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