By Larry Dandridge
Editor’s note: This article is the second in a series of two.
This article is a continuation and the completion of last week’s article. The following “time-sensitive” VA benefits should be considered when separating or retiring.
Converting life insurance after separation
Find out how to convert your Service Group Life Insurance to a Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) or commercial policy. Learn about other options for coverage if you have service-connected disabilities. In some cases, you must act within 120 days of separation to ensure no lapse in coverage. This benefit is open to service members and veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve). Learn more at https://bit.ly/3LKVyCx.
Educational and career counseling
Get support transitioning to a civilian career with free counseling. Use this benefit if you’re leaving active service soon, have been discharged within the past year, or are a veteran or dependent eligible for VA education benefits.
This benefit is open to active-duty service members and veterans only. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3TPJi7A.
Active-duty service members and VA health care
Learn about your health care options after separation or retirement and how to apply for VA health care when you receive your separation or retirement orders. If you are a combat veteran, apply immediately to take advantage of 10 years of enhanced eligibility. This benefit is open to active-duty service members and veterans only. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3TPJi7A.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, find out how to apply for VR&E services. You can apply up to 12 years from when you receive your notice of separation or your first VA disability rating. This benefit is open to service members and veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve). Learn more at https://bit.ly/3LS752R and in The Island News article at https://bit.ly/43r9wAJ.
Other VA benefits to consider as a veteran
Disability compensation: File a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service and manage your benefits. This benefit is open to veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve). Learn more at https://www.va.gov/disability/, the other VA webpages at this site, and the past Island News archived articles on this subject, which can be found at https://yourislandnews.com.
Support for Veteran-owned small businesses: If you served on active duty, register to do business with the VA and get support for your veteran-owned small business. If you have a service-connected disability related to active-duty service or training, you may qualify to register as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business. This benefit is open to veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve). Learn more at https://bit.ly/4dojY0p.
Veterans Pension:If you served on active duty during wartime, are at least 65 years old or have a service-connected disability, and have limited or no income, find out if you qualify for veterans Pension benefits. This benefit is open to active-duty veterans only. Learn more at https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/.
Aid and attendance or housebound allowance: If you need help with your daily activities or you’re housebound, check whether you’re eligible to have increased aid added to your monthly veterans pension payments. This benefit is open to active-duty veterans only. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3sKJ5Wd.
Disability housing grants: If you have a service-connected disability, find out how to apply for a housing grant to make changes to your home to live more independently. This benefit is open to veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve). Learn more at https://bit.ly/3I8JrNu.
More life insurance options: Explore life insurance coverage options and services for you and your family and manage your policy online. This benefit is open to veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve). Learn more at https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/.
Pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery: Apply for a pre-need eligibility decision letter to confirm you qualify for burial in a VA cemetery. This can help you pre-plan and make the process easier for your family. This benefit is open to active-duty Veterans only. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3KoGeul.
Use a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
Filing for federal and state veterans’ benefits can be complicated. VSOs are trained by the VA, the State’s Department of Veteran Affairs, and Veterans Service Organizations. VSOs must pass a background check and an examination, swear to represent honestly, and meet continuing education requirements.
S.C. County VSOs: Find SC County VSOs at https://bit.ly/3qbLVSL and Georgia VSOs at https://bit.ly/44KMVA7.
Search Nationwide for VSOs: Search for VA-accredited representatives (VSOs, attorneys, and claims agents) nationwide at https://bit.ly/3QnCk5M.
Find a VSO at VBA Regional Headquarters: Search for VSOs at VBA Regional Offices at https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp. VSOs co-located in the Columbia, S.C.. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Office frequently travel throughout the state to help veterans. Contact them at:
- Disabled American Veterans: 803-647-2422.
- American Legion/SCDVA: 803-647-2434.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars: 803-647-2443.
- Paralyzed Veterans: 803-647-2432.
Some S.C. VSOs in the footprint of The Island News include:
- Beaufort County, Director Caroline Fermin, 100 Clear Water Way, Beaufort, S.C. 29906, 843-255-6880, https://bit.ly/3ryd5qS.
- Beaufort DAV Chapter, Chapter Service Officer Michael Vergantino, 843-301-2543 and mlv1030@gmail.com.
- Jasper County, Alton Jenkins, 651 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, S.C. 29936, Phone: 843-726-7727, ajenkins@jaspercountysc.gov.
- Colleton County, Janet Smith, 219 S. Lemacks Street, Suite 124, Walterboro, S.C. 29488, 843-549-1412, cvao@colletoncounty.org.
- Charleston County, David LeBlanc, Lonnie Hamilton III Public Services Building, Suite B-154 (First Floor),4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, S.C. 29405, 843-974-6360, vaoffice@charlestoncounty.org.
Some Georgia VSOs in the footprint of The Island News:
- Chatham County, Ga., Manager Miguel Rivera, 912-920-0214, Ext. 2412191, Miguel.rivera5@va.gov, 1170 Shawnee Street, Savannah, Ga., 31419. Also, VSO Sheri Shellman, 912-920-0214, Ext. 412194, and VSO Robert Jones, 912-920-0214, Ext. 412193. Located in the Savannah VA Outpatient Clinic.
- Liberty County & Hinesville, Ga., Shannon Daniels, 912-408-2948, shannon.daniels@vs.state.ga.us, and Dennis Boothe, 912-408-2900, Ext. 352750, dennis.boothe@vs.state.ga.us, 500 East Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, Ga., 31313. Located inside the Hinesville VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.
- Brunswick, Ga., Veterans Field Service Office (located in the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic-CBOC), 93 Benchmark Way, Brunswick, Ga., 31520, Manager Stephanie Jordon, Phone: 912-264-7360, Email stephanie.jordan1@vs.state.ga.us
A final comment about VSOs: Not all VSOs work in State or County Veterans Offices or VBA Regional Offices. Some VSOs volunteer for their local Veterans Service Organization Chapter. VSOs work closely with the VA but represent the veteran and his or her family for free. In the most complicated cases, VSOs may refer veterans and their families to VA-accredited attorneys for help.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing free-lance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
