Veterans Benefits Seminar planned for Lordsburg, Feb. 24

WHAT:     Lordsburg Veteran Benefits Seminar

Various presentations on such topics as the PACT Act, suicide prevention, the VA disability claims process, and VA health care eligibility will be offered.

WHEN:    10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24.

WHERE:  Elks Lodge #1813;  Old Highway 70, Lordsburg

WHO:       New Mexico Veterans, family members, and survivors

HOW:       To help expedite and complete benefits claim reviews, Veterans are asked to bring the following documents (if available):

• Medical records/medical evidence (e.g., doctor or hospital diagnosis documents)
• Any documents that provide historical or military information needed for the disability being claimed
• Discharge or separation papers (DD 214 or equivalent)
• Dependent records (e.g., marriage certificate, death certificate, children birth certificates)

BACKGROUND: 

Representatives from the Albuquerque VA Regional Benefits Office, the New Mexico VA Health Care System’s Eligibility Office, and many other Veteran organizations will provide information and answer questions about Veterans benefits, health care eligibility, counseling services, and the PACT Act.

Various presentations on such topics as the PACT Act, suicide prevention, the VA disability claims process, and VA health care eligibility will be offered.

The Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is a recently passed law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during their military service. This law helps VA provide generations of Veterans — and their survivors — with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

“We want Veterans to learn about the benefits they have earned and deserve,” said Readjustment Counseling Specialist Sam R. Jones, Jr., Las Cruces Vet Center. “Spouses and widows/widowers are encouraged to attend as well. They may be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation when a Veteran dies because of a presumptive disability.”

VET CENTERS: 

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers providing a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services, free-of-charge in a safe and confidential environment to eligible Veterans, active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and their families.

Vet Center counselors and utreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma. Services include, but are not limited to, Post-Traumatic Stress, Military Sexual Trauma, and bereavement counseling; marriage and family therapy; resources for suicide intervention; and assistance with VA benefits.

Veterans in crisis, or friends and family concerned about one, can always connect with caring, qualified responders at VA’s Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then press 1, text 838255, or www.veteranscrisisline.net.