This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿  we talk With Jason Burgener, the Director of Veterans Services for Eastern Hampden County Veterans’ Service District and Hailee Fullen, Director of Veterans Services for the Town of Auburn. 

The Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act would ensure the VA has enough funding to keep paying veterans’ compensation, pension and readjustment benefits for the rest of fiscal 2024.
Without a solution on the funding gap by Sept. 20, some benefits checks to veterans and dependents could be delayed in October.

This week we talk with Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County Superintendent
Andrew Tangen, JD, MBA, MS. Andrew 
served in the US Navy, where he deployed eight times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander during his service. He has led the VACLC since May 17, 2017. 

This episodes’ special guest is—Jack Chamberland, Event Coordinator for "A Salute to Soldiers." Jack is deeply involved with an organization that has made a tremendous impact on our veteran community, America’s VetDogs (AVD). We’re excited to hear about his journey and the incredible work being done by AVD. 

On today's episode, we’ll be discussing the critical role that caregivers play in supporting our veterans. We'll explore VA programs available to caregivers and talk about the challenges they face, from mental health struggles to financial pressures.

This week we discussed the Hero Act, signed into Law by Governor Healey on this week. 

It is the most comprehensive veterans’ legislation in over 20 years, which includes more than 30 provisions designed to benefit veterans – including VFW-supported legislation that targets the predatory practices of Claim Sharks.

The deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is August 10, 2024. This deadline was established by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, providing families with a 2-year statute of limitations to file their legal claims.  

Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs). 

DBQs help collect necessary medical information to process your disability claims. You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers. This information helps to support your claims for disability benefits. 

Karen Smietanski, Assistant Superintendent Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County, IL

VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify.