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Benefit Application for Spanish-Speaking Veterans

The United States is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. To no surprise, our nation’s armed forces are also extremely diverse with 40% of active-duty military personnel considered to be of ethnic descent in 2015. The second largest minority category for the United States military is Hispanic and Latino. With millions of Hispanic veterans living throughout the country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released a health care benefit application to help Spanish-speaking veterans.

According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, as of September 30, 2017, there are nearly 1.5 million living veterans identified as being Hispanic or Latino. To this, the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Robert Wilkie, stated: “our nation appreciates the service and sacrifice of all Veterans, including Hispanic and Latino Veterans, and it’s our duty to expand the ways we communicate with all veterans, so they’re properly informed about the benefits they’ve earned.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of many government agencies that have begun to provide Spanish-speaking individuals with materials and documents in their native language. By providing our Spanish-speaking veterans with the necessary benefit application forms in Spanish, it will be easier for them to fill out the form and potentially receive the benefits they deserve.

If you or a loved one is a veteran that suffered a disability or illness during service or the widow or child of a veteran killed in the line of duty, you may be entitled to compensation from the VA. It is important to contact an experienced VA lawyer who may assist you or a loved one through the application process. Filing an application for veteran’s disability benefits or appealing an application that has been denied, is a complex process that requires the attention of a skilled Veteran’s Affairs lawyer.

The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP concentrate their practice in Veterans Disability Law. With over 50 years of combined experience between its lawyers, our attorneys may be able to assist you or a loved one in obtaining disability benefits. Call our office at (800) 395 -7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office.

National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide

Suicide is a public health problem that has not only affected veterans but also many non-veterans throughout the United States. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently revealed a plan to help prevent and stop veteran suicide. The initiative, titled the “National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide,” will provide assistance and guidance for our nation’s veterans through 2028.
Continue reading “National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide”

VEText: An Innovation for Veterans

Over the years, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has struggled with contacting veterans and reminding them about their medical appointments. To help reduce no-shows and improve access to care, the Department recently launched its VEText program. Through VEText, an automated, interactive text message is sent to the veteran, in which they are reminded about their appointment and can either confirm or cancel it.
Continue reading “VEText: An Innovation for Veterans”

VA and IBM Watson Health Extend Cancer Treatment Partnership

For the past two years, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and IBM Watson Health have had an agreement to work together to help treat veterans with stage four cancer. The program has been effective in helping those veterans that suffer from stage four cancer enter remission.
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Can Veterans Receive Compensation from the VA for Mental Illnesses?

Any sort of war exposure can severely impact an individual, physically and mentally. Today, many war veterans are seeking treatment and compensation for mental illnesses acquired from combat. The VA, formally known as the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, is a department within the United States Government that administers a multitude of different benefits and services for veterans, providing financial and life assistance to current military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. Continue reading “Can Veterans Receive Compensation from the VA for Mental Illnesses?”

VA and National Cancer Institute Initiate Partnership

On July 10, 2018, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This strategic partnership will allow veterans to have better access to clinical trials across the nation. The partnership will help provide greater access to more modern treatment options for our nation’s veterans. Continue reading “VA and National Cancer Institute Initiate Partnership”

Veterans May be Entitled to VA Benefits for Seizure Disorders

A seizure is a health condition that occurs as a result of a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A person may experience the following:

  • Unconsciousness;
  • Falling;
  • Convulsions;
  • Stiffened muscles;
  • Violent jerking;
  • Foaming from the mouth; and
  • Blanking out.

Continue reading “Veterans May be Entitled to VA Benefits for Seizure Disorders”

Winning A VA Claim Doesn’t Mean You Should Stop There

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Secure past-due lump sum benefits
It is important to put your lump sum benefits into a savings account in order to secure your financial future. While you may be receiving a VA-disability check each month going forward, having a large lump sum in the bank may come in handy in the event that a financial issue arises in the future. Continue reading “Winning A VA Claim Doesn’t Mean You Should Stop There”

Basics of Veterans Disability Benefits

Service-Connected Disability Benefits

A veteran’s disability claim is referred to as service-connected benefits. To be entitled to receive service-connected benefits, a veteran must have a current disability that he or she suffers from. He or she must be able to show that an incident occurred during service that caused his or her injuries. In addition, a veteran must be able to demonstrate that his or her disability is a result of military service. Continue reading “Basics of Veterans Disability Benefits”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing or Appealing a VA Disability Claim

Filing a disability claim with the VA is often complex and confusing. If you or a loved one is a Veteran that has had an application for benefits denied, it is important to contact an experienced VA lawyer who may assist you or a loved one through the process. With that being said, some common mistakes that Veterans often make include the following: Continue reading “Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing or Appealing a VA Disability Claim”