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Veterans Services

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1. Where are the Veterans Services Offices Located?

There are three offices to choose from:

WEST Pasco, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey, FL 34668, Phone (727) 834-3282

CENTRAL Pasco, 4111 Land O'Lakes Blvd. (US 41), Suite 302, Hap Clark Bldg.,
Land O'Lakes, FL 34638 (813) 929-2719

EAST Pasco, 37255 Florida Ave., Dade City, FL 33525, Phone: (352) 521-5172

2. If I have questions who should I call?

You can contact the County Veterans Service Offices at (727) 834-3282, (813) 929-2719 or (352) 521-5172, if you are outside Pasco County call (800) 827-1000 for assistance.

3. Am I eligible for outpatient treatment at the VA hospital?

Due to the complexity of the qualification. You should contact your County Veteran Service Officer at (727) 834-3282, (813) 929-2719 or (352) 521-5172, if you are outside Pasco County call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.

4. Are there special points of contact at the VA Medical Centers for female veterans?

In Florida, VAMC’s have “Female Veteran Coordinators.”
http://www.floridavets.org/organization/female.html
VA Hotline on Health Care and Benefits for Women Veterans
1-855-VA-Women (1-855-829-6636)

5. Can a widow of a veteran who was drawing Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and was terminated due to remarriage be reinstated if their current spouse dies, or they get divorced?

A widow becomes eligible to receive DIC benefits based on a previous marriage to a veteran if the remarriage of a surviving spouse is terminated by death, divorce, or an annulment. Certain evidence is required to establish the status of the surviving spouse as the date of death of the veteran. Resumption of benefits can only be made from October 1, 1998, even if the cessation of the relationship occurred prior to this date. 38 C.F.R. 3.55 (a)(i)(ii)

6. Can I change my address by calling the 1-800 number?

Yes. The call should be followed up by submitting a VA form 20-572 (change of address), VA Home Page or call Toll Free # 1-800-827-1000

7. Do state employees get administrative leave for appointments for their service-connected disabilities?

An employee who has been rated by the VA for a service-connected disability and who has been scheduled by the VA to be re-examined or treated for such disability shall, upon presentation of written confirmation of having been so scheduled, be granted administrative leave for such re-examination or treatment without loss of pay, benefits or efficiency rating not to exceed six calendar days in any calendar year. 60K-5.032(3)(1) F.A.C.

8. How can homeless veterans get help?

Please contact the local VA homeless coordinator at (727) 398-6661 or (813) 979-3559, Social Work Services department, VA Medical Center. A list of Homeless Veteran Coordinator offices can be found at www.va.gov/homeless. Homeless Veterans

9. How can I get a copy of my DD-214, military medical or personnel records or those of a relative?

A Standard Form 180 needs to be completed and sent to National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. You can contact your County Veteran Service Officer at (727) 834-3282, (813) 929-2719 or (352) 521-5172, for assistance or you can file yourself at www.va.gov. The certified copy will be mailed directly to you. SF-180

10. How can I obtain emergency assistance with payment of my delinquent utility bills, rent, etc.?

Your local veterans service organizations, churches, and community organizations may be able to assist veterans in need. The United Way can also provide you with assistance and guide you to charitable organizations; all you have to dial is 211.

11. How do I enroll in the VA Medical System?

You can either visit any VA health care facility “Enrollment Section” or our Veterans Services Office. But, before you go to the facility ensure you have and bring with you your DD-214 (Military Discharge) showing the character of discharge. If you do not have the document you can request a certified copy through our Veterans Services Offices. 10-10EZ

12. How do I get a Florida Disabled Veteran’s ID card?

You can obtain an application from our Veterans Services Offices located in New Port Richey, Land O' Lakes or Dade City, FL. These ID cards are issued only to veterans that have been rated 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) service-connected disabled either by the VA or Department of Defense.

13. How do I get Certified Copies of discharge papers?

If you have the original discharge paper you can take it to the Clerk of Circuit Court, Recording Records and that office can make certified copies of your discharge papers. The only catch is that the original must stay there. Also there is a small fee involved for the copies.

14. How do I get my disability compensation claim reevaluated?

You may request a reevaluation of your claim anytime that you believe your condition has changed or worsened. You should contact your County Veteran Service Officer at (727) 834-3282, (813) 929-2719 or (352) 521-5172, if you are outside Pasco County call (800) 827-1000 for assistance.

15. I cannot find my military discharge papers. What can I do? And, how long must I wait?

We can assist you in completing the necessary form to be sent off to the National Archives. You can usually receive a copy of your papers in three to four months.

16. I have recently been diagnosed with Diabetes II. Will I qualify for Compensation?

Diabetes II has been linked to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. If you served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 5, 1975, whether you knew it or not, you were subjected to Agent Orange. Service at any other time, or in any other area, does not qualify you for Compensation for your Diabetic condition.

17. I heard there was a fire at the National Personnel Records Center for Military Records. Were my records destroyed?

On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at the NPRC destroyed approximately 16-18
million Official Military Personnel Files. The records affected:

Army
Personnel discharged November 1, 1912 to January 1, 1960 80% Destroyed

Air Force
Personnel discharged September 25, 1947 to January 1, 1964 (with names alphabetically after Hubbard, James E.) 75% distroyed

18. How do a file a claim with the VA for service-connected compensation?

Due to the complexity of the VA system, the forms needed to file a claim vary. You should contact your County Veteran Service Officer at West Pasco (727) 834-3282, Central Pasco (813) 929-2719 or East Pasco (352) 521-5172, if you are outside Pasco County call (800) 827-1000 for assistance.

19. I was treated by the VA up North for dental needs, why can’t I be treated in Florida too?

The amount of money allocated for treating veterans. The monies allocated for medical care of our Florida veterans must be shared with other veterans from other states for 6 months each year. The result is, not enough resources.

20. I wish to file for Agent Orange Disease. What do I do?

Call the County Veterans Office and request a consultation. You should be receiving treatment or have a diagnosis of a specific disease or disability as a result of exposure. You can take this information to your local representative and they will help you complete the forms to apply to the VA. You may want to contact the nearest VA medical center for information on Agent Orange Registry. 38 C.F.R. 3.309 (e)

21. If a veteran has trouble repaying his VA-guaranteed loan, what should he/she do?

Talk with the lender as soon as possible. Depending on circumstances, it might be best to sell the property. VA might be able to assist in arranging a repayment plan or an alternative to foreclosure. VA also offers home loan counseling through regional offices.

22. If I get married will my pension stop?

Not necessarily. If the pension being received is the “New Law” pension, the income of the new spouse will affect the amount of pension payable unless the income is a welfare-related benefit. 38 C.F.R. 3.3(3)

23. If I select a Service Organization as my representative, are there any charges or meetings I must attend?

Organizations selected to represent claimants before the VA must provide a statement that no charges, fees or gratuities will be charged or accepted. Membership in the organization or attendance at meeting is not required, but is permitted. 38 C.F.R. 14.628(e)(7)

24. If my spouse dies while hospitalized in a VA hospital or nursing home, or nursing home under VA contract, will the VA help defray the burial and transportation expenses?

Yes: Any veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces and who dies after being properly admitted to a VA medical facility, a VA nursing home, or a private nursing home under VA contract is entitled to burial benefits. Transportation allowance is also available. 38 C.F.R. 3, 1605 (1)

25. Is there a listing of all the things I need to file a claim with the VA for service -connected compensation?

Due to the complexity of the VA system, the forms needed to file a claim vary. You should contact your County Veteran Service Officer at (727) 834-3282 or (352) 521-5172, if you are outside Pasco County call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.

26. My husband’s health is very bad, and he can’t leave home without assistance. Does the VA allow any extra money for pension veterans who need help?

An additional allowance for Special Monthly Pension (SMP) may be available at a Housebound or Aid and Attendance rate. The specific amount will depend on the level of disability and the total countable family income. Please contact the County Veterans Service Offices at (727) 834-3282, (813) 929-2719 or (352) 521-5172, if you are outside Pasco County call (800) 827-1000 for more information about these benefits.

27. What percentage of disability compensation rating must I have in order to draw additional allowance for dependents?

An additional allowance for dependents is payable with a 30% or greater disability rating for compensation benefits. 38 C.F.R. 3.4(b)(2)

28. When I die, what benefits can my spouse apply for?

If your death is attributable to a Service-connected cause, your surviving spouse may apply for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which is a monthly payment compensating your spouse for your loss. Another potential benefit, the Non-service Connected Disability Pension, is payable if you served during the one of the Wartime Periods (such as WWII, Korea, etc.) and your surviving spouse’s monthly income falls below a certain amount established by the DVA. A burial benefit may be paid to a surviving spouse if at the time of your death you are in receipt of a Service-connected Disability Compensation Award; or if as the veteran, you were receiving a Non-service-connected Disability Pension, or your death occurs while you are in a VA Medical Facility.

29. Where are the VA hospitals located in Florida?

There are six VA hospitals located throughout Florida. They are: Gainesville, Lake City, Tampa, Bay Pines (St. Petersburg), West Palm Beach, and Miami

30. Where can I get an application for the VA State Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida?

Call the admissions office at the Baldemero Lopez Home (813) 588-5000 (x205). They can inform you of the availability of a room and assist with the paperwork. Florida State Veterans Homes

31. Who is eligible for non-service-connected (NSC) pension?

Pension is a benefit payable by the VA to veterans discharged under honorable conditions who have at least 90 days of service or if he or she entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally he or she must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty during a period or periods of war and are disabled because of non-service-connected disabilities and whose income is below the allowable limit. To find out if you qualify bring your DD-214 (Military Discharge) and your finances to your appointment at our Veterans Services Office.

32. I am a military retiree with service connected disabilities rated at 50%, do I get both my military retirement pay and my VA Service connected disability compensation?

Yes, and if you are not please call West Pasco (727) 834-3282, Central Pasco (813) 929-2719, East Pasco (352) 521-5172 or Outside Pasco (800) 827-1000 for help.