Service Officers are at the Post 135 at Noon every Tuesday to answer all your questions on your benifits

October 13, 2009

Service Officer Comments

From the American Legion "Blackfox/Hartness" Post #135, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Our phone number is 918-456-6768.

To all fellow veterans "it's your service and our duty" to see that you and your family receives what is rightfully due. This can only happen if and when you're ready to file your claim. All you need to do is bring in your DD- 214. Your Claim Representative (Service Officer) office hours are every Tuesday from 12:00 pm. to 3:00 pm.

There are a lot of programs and benefits from the Veterans Administration; however, the Veteran has to qualify for these benefits. Why not take the time out and come visit your Post Service Officer and see what is available to you and your family.

There sometimes is confusion over Service Connected Disability Compensation and the Pension program. These are the only two pay programs from the V.A..

Disability Compensation

Is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service.

Pension

Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled, or age 65 or older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war.

Survivor Benefits

(DIC) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

May be available for surviving spouses. For survivors to be eligible, the deceased veteran must have died from (1) a disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training; (2) an injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty while on inactive duty training; (3) a disability compensable by V.A.. Death cannot be the result of the veterans willful misconduct.

(DIC) Payments to Parents and Children

The monthly payment to parents of deceased veterans depends upon their income. There are additional DIC payments for dependent children. A child may be eligible if there is no surviving spouse and the child is unmarried and under 18 or if the child is between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school.

Death Pension
Death pension based on need is available for surviving spouses and unmarried children of a deceased veteran with war time service. Children must be under 18, or under 23 and attending a V.A. approved school. Death Pension is not payable to those with estates large enough to provide maintenance. The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and must have at least 90 days or more of active military service , at least one day of which was during a period of war.

American Legion Blackfox/Hartness Post #135, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Service Officer
Orvel Baldridge