June 2021 Veterans Chronicle

VETERANS CHRONICLE JUNE 2021

HELP NEEDED, HELP FOUND Social workers, caregiver support programs help veterans, loved ones navigate VA resources SEE STORY ON PAGE 7

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The Spokesman-Review

VETERANS CHRONICLE

Every day is a fine day to fly the American flag

By Ruth Aresvik VETERANS HELP NET CORRESPONDENT

Every morning after my coffee-and-book-inbed routine, I put out my flag. As I pick it up and call “Attention!” my Chiweenie dog Sailor flies to the arm of the couch facing the window and comes to a frozen halt. I open the front door to secure the flag in its holder.

All day, until the day is done (gone the sun), Old Glory waves her stars and stripes. I catch glimpses of her throughout the day celebrating her proud freedom. And mine.

For me and many others every day is a day to fly the flag. Officially, Flag Day is celebrated in America on June 14, commemorating the day the first flag resolution was passed.

On June 14, 1777, less than one year after Betsy Ross had received the order from General Washington to make the first flag, the Second Continental Congress passed a flag resolution that “the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The first national observance of Flag Day was on June 14, 1877, one hundred years after adoption of the resolution.

The most recognized claim for the earliest Flag Day observance comes from New York. On June 14, 1889, Professor George Bolch, principal of a free kindergarten for the poor of New York City, had his school hold patriotic ceremonies to observe the

ASSOCIATED PRESS

An American flag blows in the wind Nov. 2 in front of the Supreme Court building on Capitol Hill in Washington. anniversary of the Flag Day resolution.

By the late 19th century, schoolteachers all over the United States began conducting similar ceremonies to teach children about history. One schoolteacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, lobbied Congress for many years for Flag Day to be officially observed. Other patriotic groups, including the Colonial Dames and the Sons of the American Revolution, also spent years trying to convince Congress to make Flag Day official.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation stating that June 14 shall be National Flag Day, and in

1949, it was made official by an Act of Congress.

Hurray for the red, white and blue! As the flag flies, enjoy these flag facts by Andrew Albert and the National Flag Foundation.

There have been 27 versions of the American Flag. From the 1777 original that had 13 stars and 13 stripes for the American colonies, there have been many changes and iterations of the flag. Each time a state was added to the union, a star was added. We now stand with 50 stars and 13 stripes.

The flag can be displayed for all 24 hours. While it is federal

law that the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset (unless there’s inclement weather), there are measures that can be taken to show the flag for all 24 hours. All that needs to be added is proper illumination of the flag so it can be seen in the dark.

The colors were chosen carefully. The red, white and blue did not happen by accident.

The Founders wanted the colors to have meaning, not just look visually pleasing. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The current design

wasn’t professionally made. A 17-year-old high school student, Robert G. Heft, of Lancaster, Ohio submitted the design in a contest in 1958. It was chosen out of over 1,500 submissions by President Dwight Eisenhower.

The current flag is the only one to have lasted more than 50 years. As stated above, there have been many changes to the design of the American flag.

But the one we currently observe is the longest running iteration of the symbol because no states have been added to the union since 1959.

A snippet of the flag that “The Star-Spangled Banner” was

written about was sold in 2011. The flag that flew at Ft. McHenry, immortalized by Francis Scott Key, is still around.

A 2-inch by 5-inch swatch of it was sold at an auction in 2011 for a whopping $38,000. The rest of the flag is on display at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The flag has a national day of recognition. Flag Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, was established by a presidential proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916, after years of local celebrations.

Flags should be disposed of in a “dignified manner.” If an American flag is damaged beyond repair and you need to dispose of it, you can burn it with dignity. Many municipalities around the country conduct flag burnings, such as Boy Scouts or The American Legion.

The flag can touch the ground and still be used. There is a myth that once a flag touches the ground it needs to be burned or disposed of.

That’s not entirely true.

If a flag is soiled or touches the ground, it can be washed and dry cleaned and continue to be used.

Five American flags have made it to the moon. You have probably seen Neil Armstrong on the moon with an American flag, but he is not the only one to plant one on the surface of the moon. Five additional Apollo missions – 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 – ended with an astronaut placing a flag on the moon.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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VETERANS CHRONICLE VETERANS CHRONICLE A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW JUNE 18, 2021

VETERANS HELP NET Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe

on the third Friday of every month to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help.

MANAGING EDITOR Theresa Tanner

To share a veteran story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com or visit www.VeteransHelpNet.com.

ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter DIRECTOR OF SALES Scott Baumbach Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle

For advertising information, please contact advertising@ spokesman.com or (509) 4595095.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.

IN THIS ISSUE Fly the flag every day.......................................................................................2 Hey Veterans, Did You Know?.......................................................................4 Blue Water Navy veterans have second chance......................................5 VA Mobile Clinic serves remote areas.........................................................6 VA social workers and caregiver support programs..............................7 Local Korean War Veterans Memorial to come........................................8 Call 1-800-MyVA411 for VA help....................................................................8 VA health care, disability compensation are separate programs.......9 Spokane Stand Down scheduled..................................................................10 Should you hire a lawyer when dealing with the VA?............................11

Friday, June 18, 2021

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Friday, June 18, 2021

The Spokesman-Review

VETERANS CHRONICLE

HEY VETERANS, DID YOU KNOW … ? … There are three major Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance benefits?

The major education assistance benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill include: • Up to 100% paid tuition.

• A monthly housing stipend.

• A stipend of up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies.

If you attend less than full-time, you will receive a portion of the payment based on the number of units of study.

These payment rates are paid according to the length of your period of service as listed in the previous question.

Tuition and fee payments will be made to the school (of your choice) for all authorized charges. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay your full resident tuition at a public school. If you are attending a private or foreign school, it will pay up to $24,476.79. The amount of authorized charges payable for the entire quarter, semester, or term will be sent directly to the school as a lump sum payment.

The monthly housing stipend will be paid based on the monthly basic allowance for housing (BAH) payable for a military member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the same ZIP code for the school or campus where you take a majority of your classes.

The housing allowance is paid at a percentage based on your active-duty service.

Most colleges have a Veteran Services department that can help answer questions, or you can contact the resources listed at “How Can I get Help?” on page 5.

… Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center can connect veterans to local resources?

The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane has prepared a comprehensive Resource Guide to help veterans and their families find resources in the Inland Northwest area. It lists organizations and services available to help veterans with a variety of issues and needs during this time of uncertainty. It can be found at the MGVAMC website at www.spo-

kane.va.gov/docs/COVID-19_VeteranResourcesGuide.pdf.

Veteran Service Organizations with local chapters/posts include: • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) • American Legion • Disabled American Veterans (DAV) • Combat Riders • Order of the Purple Heart • Vietnam Veterans of American • Paralyzed Veterans of American • Wounded Warrior Project – Peer Mentor Support Program • National Guard Family Readiness Program • Armed Forces American Red Cross Program/USO Looking for help for yourself or someone you know? Checkout the Resource Guide on the VAMC website noted above or see “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.

… A heart attack could qualify Vietnam veterans for disability benefits?

Ischemic heart disease is one of the 14 presumptive diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam and if you are diagnosed with it, you will qualify for medical and disability benefits (a monthly check) through the VA. Ischemic heart disease is characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart that leads to chest pain. To find out more, contact one of the Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) listed in “How Can I Get Help” on page 5.

… You can get freebies after getting your COVID-19 vaccine?

Free Krispy Kreme donuts: The purveyor of fried dough is offering a free iconic glazed doughnut per day to any customer who presents a valid COVID-19 vaccination card at any U.S. store through the end of the year.

Discount vaccine card lamination: Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot are all offering free COVID-19 shot record lamination. Check your local stores for details.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

Blue Water Navy veterans have second chance with claims

HOW CAN I GET HELP?

Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.

GO ONLINE VA.gov

The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.

VA.gov/welcome-kit

The VA Welcome Guide

covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.

DAV9.com ASSOCIATED PRESS

The USS Mullinix lies in the water off the coast of South Vietnam on Sept. 11, 1966.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will readjudicate previously denied claims for veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This review is part of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s implementation of the Nov. 5, 2020, U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California decision to readjudicate previously denied claims, as applied in Nehmer vs. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Readjudication means the VA will review the evidence of record and provide replacement decisions in the cases of vet-

erans who were previously denied service connection for one or more herbicide related condition on the basis that military service was not performed on the landmass of the Republic of Vietnam or on its inland waterways. This review will also apply to eligible survivors of deceased Vietnam-era veterans.

The VA is dedicated to ensuring all veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

If you would like help from a Veteran Service Officer regarding a previously denied claim, see “How Can I Get Help?” on this page for local resources.

Veterans Help Net request: Send us your stories Our mission is to help increase the awareness of the significant benefits and services available to veterans. We will then show them a path to apply for and get those benefits. By helping them get the benefits they have earned, we can provide hope and help to veterans, their families and our communities.

We are always looking for more stories about veterans who have discovered a benefit that improved their life, a Veterans Service organization or an individual that has changed or impacted their lives, or other inspirational stories about military service members.

If you have a story to share that you feel would help others find hope and help, please send it to info@VeteranHelpNet.com, visit our website at www. veteranhelpnet.com, or call (509) 655-9266.

Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.

Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.

IN PERSON

BY PHONE

1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690 Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.

(509) 477-3690

Spokane County Regional Veteran Service

North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office

120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092 Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.

Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449 SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.

Spokane County Regional Veteran Service North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092

Veteran Crisis Line

1 (800) 273-8255, press 1

North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884

Washington or Idaho 2-1-1

Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals.

If you don’t know who to call, VA has a new “Single Access Point” phone number to all VA contact centers 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

VA Mobile Clinic serves remote areas outside metropolitan Spokane

By Darrel Maddux AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The VA Mobile Clinic focuses on providing primary and secondary care, with emphasis on preventive health and chronic disease management, for veterans living in remote areas outside the metropolitan Spokane area.

The mobile clinic is outfitted with two exam rooms and a pre-exam area. The rear exam room is used both by Mark Sheldon, RN, to take vitals and blood samples and Miguel Solis, social worker, to assist with information on community resources and VA approved services.

The front exam room is where Jayne Shoda, ARNP, provides primary and secondary care. Bob Sonderman, engineer, drives the bus, handles scheduling and performs other administrative duties.

Kaitlyn Liss, medical service assistant at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, calls patients and makes sure all medical records are in order.

The current bus was built in 2013 and it uses Cradlepoint©, a cloud-based wireless broadband network to connect to cell towers with the VA Medical Center computer system.

The mobile clinic travels on a schedule of Week 1 to Moses Lake and Week 4 to Moscow and Osburn, Idaho, and Pullman, Wash. You can find them at Stand Downs, colleges, natural disasters and other events, which are published on the VA webpage. Their most recent travels were to administer COVID-19 vaccinations in Libby, Sandpoint, Omak and Okanogan.

The VA Mobile Clinic is in regular contact with Veteran Service Officers and the Vet Center, where they obtain referrals and contact information on homeless veterans who have relocated.

It is a big challenge for the clinic to locate and to encourage veterans in rural areas to use their services. They have up to 240 veterans on a scheduled twice a year appointment calendar, but see some

on a more frequent schedule.

The clinic is not a walk-in clinic; however, walk-ins are evaluated when they come to events or scheduled stops. They are limited to only serving veterans who are in the VA system, so the initial visit might only consist of obtaining the DD214 form (Certificate of Release or Discharge) and handling the application process. It is recommended that veterans call (509) 434-7026 prior to visiting the mobile clinic. This allows the VA time to set up the veteran in the system and to make an appointment at a scheduled stop.

The clinic has been successful in the past by treating veterans who have not a seen a doctor in a very long time and identifying cancer or other serious medical conditions. These ailments left unchecked would have resulted in life shortening consequences.

Not all veterans in rural areas are good candidates for VA Mobile Clinic care because some require frequent and more intensive or specialized medical care.

The VA can approve care by specialists or primary care physicians in a veteran’s community and most costs are covered by the VA. The copayments work the same way as if a patient is receiving care at a VA facility.

These outsourced medical providers are usually approved when the VA Medical Center does not provide the services, or the VA Mobile Clinic is unable to provide the needed care in a veteran’s community.

Eligibility for receiving community care must meet at least one of six qualifying criteria and the veteran must be enrolled in VA health care or must be eligible for VA care. Appointments are usually made by a VA staff member and are with an approved community provider. The Referral Coordination Team (RCT) was created in the Mission Act to locate community providers and to make appointments. Short term prescriptions up to 14 days can be filled by a non-VA

COURTESY PHOTOS

Mark Sheldon, RN, is a nurse who prepares patients for the ARNP exam on the VA Mobile Clinic bus.

An exam room is shown inside the VA Mobile Clinic. pharmacy, but all other prescriptions are always filled by a VA Pharmacy.

The social worker on the VA Mobile Clinic Bus is a great source for information on Veteran-Directed Home Care, the Standard Medical Benefits Package, referrals to community resources, ob-

taining medical equipment, placements in care facilities, financial assistance, crisis intervention and other services. Once in the VA system, every veteran receiving VA medical care is assigned a social worker and can take advantage of their expertise.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

HELP NEEDED, HELP FOUND: VA SOCIAL WORKERS AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT

By Darrel Maddux

AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

COURTESY PHOTOS

Above: LauriAnn Stoker, LCSW, Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center Caregiver Support Coordinator Below: Thomas McGinness, MSW, LICSW, Caregiver Support Social Worker

VA social workers assist veterans and their families with psychological, emotional and financial stresses related to illness and disability.

They are often the thread that pulls a treatment plan together and their contributions are valued, acknowledged and necessary.

Social workers have worked in the VA system since 1926 and are actively involved in outreach, pre-admission and aftercare phases of the VA’s health care programs. The VA is the largest employer of master's level social workers in the United States.

Every veteran using the VA system is assigned a social worker and should ask their primary care team for the name and phone number of their assigned person. Social workers will assist a veteran who has had surgery, mental health care or other inpatient/outpatient care.

The support available is very long list due to all the required needs of veterans and their families. Some examples of help are Veteran-Direct Home Care, the VA Medical Benefits Package, referrals to community resources, obtaining medical supplies and equipment, placements in care facilities, financial assistance, crisis intervention, completing the VA Advanced Directive and various forms to enroll in VA programs.

A veteran’s needs change as they age so it is important that they stay in contact with their assigned social worker after a medical procedure or treatment program.

Another important resources for veterans and their families is the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator who works with veteran caregivers to provide the resources and training necessary to provide for needed care through the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).

Caregivers who enroll in PGCSS have access to education, training, participate in support services and can take advantage of VA home and community-based care. The veteran is not required to have a service-connected disability or condition and may have served during any era.

A new caregiver can sign up by calling (855) 260-3274 (national) or (509) 434-7755 (Spokane) to speak with LauriAnn Stoker, LCSW, and her team. A record for the caregiver is developed and the caregiver can then participate in group and individual online training.

Group sessions are conducted on VA Vid-

eo Connect© on the second Wednesday of the month from 2-3 p.m. Thomas McGinness, MSW, LICSW is the facilitator. The caregiver can use the myvahealth.va.gov portal to update information about the patient for the primary care team.

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is for eligible veterans who have incurred or aggravated a serious injury or illness in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975, or on or after September 11, 2001. Among other applicable eligibility criteria, the veteran must have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by VA of 70% or higher and need personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months.

The veteran must have an inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL) and must need supervision, protection or instructions.

This program provides resources, education, support, a financial stipend and health insurance (if eligible) and beneficiary travel (if eligible) to caregivers of eligible veterans.

PCAFC covers providers of bowel and bladder care for their veteran family member under VA’s Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) Program. Bowel and bladder care for veterans with (SCI/D) are supportive and necessary medical services when they are unable to manage bowel and bladder functions independently.

The clinic of jurisdiction or VA medical facility authorizes such care under the Community Care Program to enrolled veterans with SCI/D who are dependent upon others for bowel and bladder care while residing in the community.

Veterans who qualify for this care may receive that care through a home health agency, a family member or an individually employed caregiver. VA Form 10-10CG must be completed online or handwritten and submitted.

VA social workers recognize the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, founded in 2012, for its mission to empower, support and honor the 5.5 million caregivers, spouses, parents, family members and friends who care for ill or injured veterans. This foundation works with leaders in public, private, nonprofit and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and to promote their well-being.

Hidden Heroes is a major campaign of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation which brings attention to the untold stories of military caregivers.

They face challenges every day and need support from their communities. Caregivers can register at HiddenHeroes.org and connect to helpful resources and obtain needed support.

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

‘Forgotten no more’: Korean War Veterans Memorial completed 1-800-MyVA411: The number to call when you don’t know who to call

The Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force has been working on a Korean War Memorial for over five years and we are proud to announce the completion of this project.

Rudy Lopez, many former Task Force chairs and a small group of Task Force members have been working on the memorial for a long time.

Heather Bahme, the current Eastern Washington Task Force chair, reported this information and noted, “Rudy Lopez really is the star and driving force, even though he would never accept the compliment or recognition.”

The memorial construction was completed before Memorial Day with a small

dedication, pending any safety restrictions at the time of completion. We are looking on doing a community dedication.

“We plan to hold a community dedication next summer ​in 2022 for the anniversary of the end of the Korean War,” said Bahme.

The Korean War Memorial is located in the Memorial Garden area at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

We feel that we owe our veterans and the community a dedication reflective of sacrifice so many made during the Korean War. Many Americans know very little about the Korean War and the events surrounding it before during and after.

MEMORIAL INSCRIPTION Korean War Veterans Memorial “The Forgotten War” June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953 Dedicated to the Brave Men and Women of the Inland Northwest Who Served in the Armed Forces, their Families and Service Organizations who Supported the War Effort for their Contributions and Sacrifices in Preserving Peace, Freedom and Prosperity for a People They Knew Not.

You only need to remember one number for information on VA care, benefits, and services or to speak to a live agent for assistance! 1-800-MyVA411 serves all members of the veteran and service member community seeking information.

Call 1-800-MyVA411 to get information on VA care, benefits and services, such as: • Information on COVID-19 and the MISSION Act, which delivers access to health care at VA facilities, virtually with telehealth, and in the community.

• Health care eligibility and enrollment.

• Information on VA benefits, such as disability compensation and pension, education programs, caregiver support, insurance, home loan guaranty, and burial scheduling and markers, among others.

• The nearest VA facilities to where you live or to where you may be traveling; directory assistance, and connection to VA Medical Center operators.

• Technical support for www.VA.gov.

• Financial information, such as debt and payment options.

• Referrals during business hours, with an introduction from you and your issue to a VA specialist best able to assist.

• Immediate transfer to the Veterans Crisis Line or the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans for services and support from caring and trained responders.

1-800-MyVA411 callers have the option of pressing 0 to be immediately connected with a customer service agent to answer any questions or provide a warm-handoff to the appropriate VA expert. This resource is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 day-a-year to serve veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.

For local help, see the “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

VA health care and disability compensation are separate programs: Here’s the difference Just because the VA is paying for your hearing aids does not automatically mean that the VA has service connected your hearing loss with your military service.

Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are determined by the VA to be disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. VA disability is managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration.

VA health care is an integrated health care system providing veterans with health care services like any other health insurance/care provider.

VA health care is managed by the Veterans Health Administration.

That said, many veterans are confused as to the difference between disability claims and health care so here are the facts.

First, if the VA treats a veteran for a particular condition, that condition is NOT presumed to have been incurred or aggravated during active military service.

Second, the VA health care system does automatically service connect a veteran for a disability while being treated. The VA health care system can help develop or provide evidence to support disability claims; however, it cannot directly approve disabilities for claims and/or assign disability benefits.

So, in order for the VA to service connect your disability and then provide you compensation,

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Army veteran Michael Thrun, left, and Navy veteran Thomas Berry sit in wheelchairs as they wait for their rides following treatment March 30, 2015, at the Veterans Administration Puget Sound Medical Center in Seattle. you MUST file a disability claim for the condition you believe to have originated from your military service. You normally would seek a VSO for assistance with preparing and filing a claim.

Lastly, as part of the disability claims process, the VA will likely require you to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. Be-

cause veterans need to see a doctor as part of their disability claim, veterans begin to blur the line between the C&P exam and VA health care.

Don’t confuse C&P Exams with VA health care.

C&P exams are assessments to help determine the validity of a claim. VA health care is treatment.

A condition that causes the most confusion is

hearing claims. Because many veterans get their hearing aids from the VA health care system, they assume that the VA has accepted that their hearing is service connected because the VA paid for the hearing aids. But this is not the case!

Don’t assume that because the VA is treating you for a certain condition, they automatically

are accepting that your condition was caused by your time in service.

If you are seeking disability compensation for a service-connected illness or injury, you will need to file a disability claim. Payments are not automatic without a claim being filed and an award being rendered.

To get help with a claim, contact your lo-

cal VSO office. If you live in Kootenai County, call Terri at (208) 446-1098 for more information or to schedule an appointment. The Spokane County Veterans Services Office can be contacted at (509) 477-3890.

Thanks to Terri Dickerson of Kootenai County Veteran Services for this information.

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

UPCOMING SPOKANE VETERAN STAND DOWN CONNECTS VETERANS WITH SERVICES

By Dave Lucas, USMC (retired), and Joe Havens, USA (veteran)

As our country comes out of the COVID isolation, many of our veterans find themselves more in need than ever for community. Today the percentage of veterans among us gets smaller throughout society and some of our veterans find themselves in need of connection with each other and help from support organizations.

That connection can come in many ways.

We as Americans are trying to thank our veterans for their service to us and our country and the personal sacrifices that they made on our behalf.

On June 26, Spokane will host a Veteran Stand Down from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Salvation Army Spokane at 222 E. Indiana Ave. This event is a great opportunity for our homeless veterans or at-risk veterans to learn about resources that they may need all in one place.

This event will provide the chance to meet with other veterans and be connected to resources that will assist them with challenges they may be facing. Our veterans will enjoy a hot meal, find camaraderie, meet local service organizations, and share stories of their common bonds.

This Stand Down is also a great opportunity for our community to support our veterans and show Spokane’s gratitude in a very personal and tangible manner. General George Washington once declared, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated

COURTESY PHOTO

A Spokane Stand Down in January 2020 connected local veterans with necessary services and information. by their nation.”

In a veteran’s world, there is more truth in what people do than in what people say. Our veterans surely did whatever was asked of them. Is sharing a little of your time or treasure too much to ask of you?

After considering the General’s words, this writer believes if we do not do our best to stand by our veterans, we could

find one day that we are unable to field an army. We all need to stand together to survive!

One first small step could have a profound effect. A life just might be saved, another life could be turned around, our nation’s future liberty could be on its way to being preserved because we once again stood together. This is a day for Spokane to shine!

General Washington was right then and is still right today.

Are we doing all we can to show pride in, and appreciation for the many sacrifices each of our friends, neighbors, sons, and daughters have made to preserve our liberty? Please get involved, join us or support our efforts with this Spokane Veteran Stand Down.

If you go SPOKANE VETERAN STAND DOWN WHEN: June 26, 2021, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Salvation Army Spokane, 222 E. Indiana Ave. Spokane, WA

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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VETERANS CHRONICLE

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Should you hire a lawyer when dealing with the VA?

By Jim Absher MILITARY.COM

You may have heard horror stories about veterans have difficulty getting benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. You may have also heard the time-honored phrase "get yourself a lawyer before you deal with the VA" from your friends.

Should you hire a lawyer? We attempt to answer those questions here.

Of course, that's a personal choice, but before you go and hire a lawyer to help with your VA claim, there are a few things to know.

First, the only reason to hire an attorney is if you believe that they can help you get a better result from the VA on a disability claim that has been denied, or not rated high enough for your liking.

That’s it. There is no other good reason.

Secondly, current law prevents a law-

yer from charging you for any assistance in filing an initial claim for VA disability benefits. The lawyer can only charge you for help when you challenge a VA decision on your disability claim.

So, most likely, a reputable lawyer won't even touch your case until you have filed for disability compensation and gotten a decision back from the VA that you want to appeal. Most lawyers won't work for free. Any lawyer who says they will help you file a claim and then charge you for it is breaking the law.

If you do need help filing your claim, for whatever reason, you should contact a Veteran Service Organization for free help.

You can find local Veteran Service Organizations in “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.

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