No discharge documents, no benefits Proof of eligibility is required when applying for veteran’s benefits from any government agency, including the VA. An unaltered legible copy of the military-discharge document, typically a DD-214 or WD 53-55, must accompany any claim
No discharge documents, no benefits
Proof of eligibility is required when applying for veteran’s benefits from any government agency, including the VA.
An unaltered legible copy of the military-discharge document, typically a DD-214 or WD 53-55, must accompany any claim for benefits.
Veterans who have lost their discharge papers must contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis for a replacement copy.
Turnaround time averages five weeks and will delay burial and military honors, if applicable. For assistance in obtaining copies of lost military documents, contact the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans’ Services.
VA eases claims processing for some veterans with PTSD
The VA has announced a new rule reducing the evidence required if the PTSD stressor claimed by a veteran is linked to “fear of hostile military or terrorist activity and is consistent with the places, types and circumstances of the veteran’s service.”
In such cases, if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist can corroborate that the experience recalled by a veteran supports a PTSD diagnosis and the veteran’s symptoms are related to the stressor, approval can be granted.
Until now, the VA was required to corroborate that a veteran actually experienced a stressor related to “hostile military activity.”
Both combat and non-combat veterans who feel they qualify under the VA’s new ruling are encouraged to seek treatment and application assistance from the Kaua‘i Vet Center, or application assistance only from the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans’ Services. (Source: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1922)
Kaua‘i Veterans’ Military Museum
The Kaua‘i Veterans’ Military Museum offers a unique display of war memorabilia beginning in time with a regimental drum used in the Spanish American War to German Mauser rifles once used by the Viet Cong in Vietnam. With more than 38 separate displays, the museum honors all services, all wars and all veterans. Located within the Kaua‘i Veterans Center on Kapule Highway near the airport, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, but is closed Saturday, Sunday and all holidays.
States with no income tax for military retirees
Several states do not tax military retirement pay. They are: Alabama, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
VA benefits and services information
Veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the VA. Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions, and certain benefits require service during wartime. For comprehensive information on veterans benefits and services, visit http://www.va.gov/landing2_vetsrv.htm
Local veterans organizations
Most veterans agree that what we miss most about military service is sharing exciting adventures with new friends. At discharge, we took with us the pride and personal satisfaction of knowing that we had been part of a team that had contributed to the awesome task of defending our country, protecting our citizens and perpetuating the ideals of patriotism and honor for another generation.
But the camaraderie of military service doesn’t have to end just because we’ve removed our uniform. Kaua‘i hosts a number of veterans clubs comprised of veterans just like you who still have the desire to contribute. Many clubs represent a nationwide network of organizations founded on the backs of dedicated volunteers willing to help fellow veterans and their families in need. And the only limit to our helpfulness is the imagination and zeal of each of us. If you want to do something special that is both self-rewarding and beneficial to your fellow veterans, consider attending any of the following club meetings and checking out what they have to offer:
— 100th Battalion Veterans Club: President Ken Morikawa, 652-7935; call for next meeting date/time/location;
— 442nd Veterans Club: President Whitey Kurasaki, 245-9340; call for next meeting date/time/location;
— American Legion, Post 2 (Southside): Commander Ed Kawamura, 652-6706, call for next meeting date/time/location;
— American Legion, Post 51 (Westside): Commander Dan Cortez;
— American Legion, Post 54 (Eastside): Commander Robin Sanchez, 822-3222, meets first Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center;
— Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 5: Commander Edward Keoho, 482-0603, meets third Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center;
— Kaua‘i Veterans Club: Commander Norvin Olivas, 245-1625, meets third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center;
— Korean War Veterans Association: President Royce Ebesu, 822-4341, meets last Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center;
— Marine Corps League, Detachment 816: Commandant Norberto Garcia, 639-8610, meets first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center;
— Military Intelligence Service: President Dr. Quentin Belles, 822-3677; call for next meeting date/time/location;
— Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 489: Commander John Iwamoto, 245-3137, meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center;
— Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3855: Commander William “Bill” Honjiyo, 335-3273, meets the last Sunday of each month at noon at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center;
— Vietnam-era Veterans Association: President William “Bill” Honjiyo, 335-3273, call for next meeting date/time/location.
• Sgt. Maj. Tony Elliott, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) is a staff member of the Hawai‘i Office of Veterans Services on Kaua‘i. He can be reached at 241-3348.
