Local expert answers questions for veterans
Receiving government-issued benefits can be a painstaking process for veterans, but services are available to help cut through red tape, said a local Veterans Affairs director.
Robert Prah, Director of Veterans Affairs at California University of Pennsylvania answered questions for veterans about available services during the Observer-Reporter’s first Twitter Chat. The chat was designed to supplement articles that are part of the annual series, “Soldiering On.”
Prah recommended veterans seek help from Veterans Services Officers, especially when filing to have their disability ratings increased. The disability rating determines how much compensation a veteran will receive.
“Claims are time consuming, and often require a lot of medical records,” he said.
The American Legion is one of many organizations that offers help from Veterans Service Officers.
Veteran students who split their time between states sometimes have trouble receiving care efficiently. Prah said streamlining the process requires choosing a primary VA healthcare facility and making arrangements through a local Vet Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.
Prah said many veterans ask him for help finding resources about the Post-9/11 GI Bill. He said the VA has a “relatively new” site to answer these questions, along with a site where veterans can ask questions.
One change to the GI Bill since 2009 allows veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001 to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children.
More than 175 students use the GI Bill at Cal U. each semester.
The next Twitter Chat will focus on post-traumatic stress disorder. More details on the chat will be published at a later date.
Useful links
Directory of veterans service organizations
Compensated Work Therapy program