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Davis Challenge is to ensure veterans get earned benefits

Cleveland Daily Banner - 2/5/2017

Bradley County Veterans Affairs officials, Larry McDaris and Joe Davis, have complicated and sometimes frustrating responsibilities assisting local veterans.

They explained in a recent interview that the job of determining benefits for honorably discharged veterans, and family members, is difficult.

"There are a lot of steps, but that's what we're here to do. We're here to help assist our veterans through these steps," said McDaris.

Davis said one of the biggest misconceptions is about who makes the final decision.

"We're here to help, while it's up to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office to make the final decision - to approve or disapprove benefits," he said.

When you think about veterans benefits, there are a number of opportunities available to those who served our country, and who were honorably discharged. McDaris and Davis pointed out the county's Veterans Affairs Office is joined by a number of other organizations, and even businesses - in helping veterans and/or their families.

Funeral and burial benefits available to veterans can usually be explained by funeral home officials, banks can provide information about GI loans, and colleges and other educational institutions normally have someone on staff to discuss GI Bill opportunities - both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Bradley County's two main veteran officials emphasized their office, like the businesses named above, serve as a connector for local veterans, with the VA.

"We provide information, give advice, and file applications for assistance, but the decision on approval or non-approval is determined by the VA," said Davis in simplifying the local process.

Bradley County's Veterans Affairs Office was established after World War II to help local residents file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which is a federal agency.

The local office is funded by local government. It assists veterans and their dependents in filing claims with the VA and provides information and advice on available benefits.

McDaris said there are considerable resources at the office in the Bradley County Courthouse.

These resources include VA forms for filing claims to enroll for treatment in VA medical facilities, a contact number for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in Nashville, and valuable assistance in filing correct paperwork and documentation to obtain benefits for which you might be eligible.

"We also coordinate travel to VA facilities for veterans in need of those services," he added.

The local office is located on the first floor of the courthouse, in room 105. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. You may call for an appointment at 728-7100.

Walk-ins are also welcome, but will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Our biggest challenge," said Davis, "is reaching people who might be eligible for certain benefits but don't know it, and don't come into the office.

"There are so many twists and turns regarding benefits, and eligibility," that it can become very intricate and difficult," said McDaris.

Veterans Affairs has provided information for veterans interested in checking on benefits.

Eligibility for most benefits is based on discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. However, some military personnel may be eligible for certain benefits while on active duty. This includes:

- 90 days of service during wartime and/or conflict periods;

- Two years of military service since 1980; and

- 181 days during peacetime.

If you are seeking benefits for the first time, you must send a copy of your military discharge (DD form 214, or other discharge documents) with your application for benefits.

You can file your application and discharge papers with any VA regional office. When leaving the military, transitional assistance programs can help as you re-enter civilian life.

Other state and federal benefits and services include state veterans homes, such as the facility expected to be constructed in Cleveland, homeless veterans programs, civilian service preferences, overseas benefits, and state benefits.

One of the assistance benefits most widely used in Cleveland and Bradley County is burial benefits. This is because we have a Veterans section in Fort Hill Cemetery, and there is a National Cemetery in Chattanooga.

Burial space is available at each of the cemeteries, and the Bradley County Veterans Honor Guard will be in attendance, if requested by the family.

Any veterans with active duty service, and their dependents, can be buried in the National Cemetery free of charge (four deep). The burial plots are located side-by-side in the cemetery, but a widow or widower will be buried atop the first deceased. This can also include their dependent children (four deep).

Eligible veterans may also receive burial headstones or markers.

Other areas of benefits, where the Veterans Affairs Office can assist, include education, life insurance, homes, disability compensation and pension, vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits, health care, family and survivor benefits.

Assistance can also be obtained through veteran service groups and other partner organizations. You do not need to belong to a veterans service agency to receive assistance.

For additional information and help, you can call the toll-free VA hotline at 1-800-827-1000. You can also go online at www.va.gov. You can also go to VA.gov.

Davis also pointed out there are income thresholds for cost-free health care, medications, and/or beneficiary travel eligiblity with the VA.

Veterans with $37,000 annual income or above, are not eligible. Income between $17,000 to $37,000 can qualify for some co-pay benefits, while an income of $17,000 and below could signify full medical coverage (for the veteran).

There is also medical coverage for veterans who were injured or wounded while on active duty.

As mentioned above, there are many, many benefits for which local veterans might qualify. But, according to McDaris, there are a lot of steps and hoops you have to navigate.

He and Davis urged local veterans to come to the courthouse office if they have concerns, or questions. They can be reached at 728,7100.