LVMAC Tidbit — IRS Launches New Website for Veterans

Source: Information for Veterans As of 18 July, the Internal Revenue Service has launched a new site titled “Information for Veterans.”  “The page is designed to provide timely, federal tax-related information to veterans about tax credits and benefits, free tax preparation, financial education, and asset-building opportunities available to veterans,” according Read more…

Forward Observer — VA Expands Medical Reimbursement Period for Drinking Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

LVMAC Poster Art 2005On 18 July the VA issued a final ruling which expanded eligibility for those who may have been affected by drinking contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.  The window of eligibility has been expanded by about two and a half years.  Previously, you must have been there from 1 January 1957 to 31 December 1987.

You may now be eligible for VA health benefits if you served on active duty or resided (family members) at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — The Little Known Veterans Employment Center™ (VEC)

VA VEC LogoLast Veterans Day 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched with little fanfare a new website, www.vets.gov, though it is still under development and not anticipated to be finally complete for a year.  It is part of the ostensibly transformative MyVA initiative and is being done in response to the federal government’s acknowledgment that there is are far too many “helpful” websites, call centers and 1-800 numbers out there.  The end result is “the VA customer experience is fragmented, frustrating and confusing.”  The VA is attempting to develop a simplified website “which provides useful information that’s clearly written and presented and tools that are easy to find and use” in all one place.  This is no easy task.

One of its better efforts on this website seems to be the  The Veterans Employment Center™ (VEC).  Its intention is to connect veterans and their families with meaningful employment and career-development opportunities. (more…)

LVMAC Tidibit — Embassy Seeks Korean War veterans to Honor with the Ambassador for Peace Medal

Korean Ambassador for Peace MedalIf you served in Korean War, you may be eligible for the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. This commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation by the Republic of South Korea to  service members in the Korean War.  It has been sixty years since the signing of the Armistice. Originally, one had to travel to South Korea through the Revisit Program to collect this special special memento.  That is no longer the case. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit — VA Adds Telephone Enrollment for Healthcare

VA LogoVeterans may now apply to enroll in the VA’s healthcare system by picking up the phone and dialing 1-877-222-8387 (VETS) between Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it has eliminated paper signature requirements for military veterans wishing to enroll in VA healthcare.  That door was opened through an amendment to its regulations. (more…)