American Legion Post 279
John Sampson
Post 279 Service Officer
Messages and useful links from the American Legion Post 279 Service Officer:
Our Local Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs Service
Officer is:
VSO: Lauralee Treece
Ph: (217) 245-0551
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Daily
Location:
DHS Family Resource Center
45 S. Central Park Plaza
Jacksonville, IL 62650
The link below is the most current information on VA Benefits. Save it and use it as a reference. Please pass on to any Veterans or family members who may benefit from the information. Any questions please contact me.
It would appear that in the future the VA will be printing fewer copies of the Veterans Benefits book. They will be using the online access.
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Main website for the Veterans Administration, from here you can navigate all VA programs
Information to caregivers of Veterans and phone numbers for help
Provides information for a Veteran what burial benefits he is entitled and how to arrange burial at a national cemetery
How to apply for the New Veteran ID Card.
The VA is behind on issuing the cards but you download a paper copy by following the Instructions. He is a copy of mine as an example from
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage
Click Here for Instructions
Protected Ratings
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Filing for an Increase of a ServiceConnected Rating
Veterans often wish to file for an increase of a service-connected rating if they believe the condition has worsened.
Veterans should consider that the VA may require a C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam to determine if an increase is warranted.
When reviewing the results of the C&P exam the VA has three options. The VA may decide the condition has worsened and grant an increase, decide that the condition has not worsened and deny an increase, or decide that the condition has improved and propose to reduce the rating.
If a vet has been service -connected for a disability for at least 10 years, VA cannot change the service connection status of that disability. The rating may be reduced, but service connection cannot be severed unless service connection was obtained by fraud.
If a disability has been continuously rated for at least 20 years, VA cannot reduce the rating below its lowest level during
that period. If a disability has been continuously rated at or above a rating level for 20 or more years, VA cannot reduce the rating unless it discovers that the rating was based on fraud.
Veterans should consider the 10 - year and 20 - year protection rules before filing for an increase of a service-connected rating.
WHAT IS VA DISABILITY COMPENSATION?
Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a Veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or made worse by active military service.
The benefits are tax -free.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service -related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
HOW MUCH DOES VA PAY?
The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are.
Note: You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:
• you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)
• you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)
• you have a seriously disabled spouse
HOW CAN YOU APPLY?
Contact the Morgan County Veterans Service Office at (217)245-0551. Lauralee Treece can assist you by completing VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension.
Or VA Form 21 -526EZ, Fully Developed Claim (Compensation)
Download
