PUBLISHER / EDITOR
TOMAS T COLES-REYES
UNDER THE SCOPE
TomasTColes-Reyes,aDisabled VeteranoftheVietnamera,isthe visionaryFounderandCEOofVet's Place,Inc.,wherehealsoservesasthe ChairmanoftheBoard.Hisjourneyof commitmenttosupportingVeterans beganthroughhisroleswithNewYork CitymayorsJohnVLindsayandDavid NDinkinsduringthesignificantperiods of1972-1973and1990-1993Inspiredby theseexperiences,Thomasdedicated himselftoaddressingtheunmetneeds ofVeteransandtheirfamilies In2010,equippedwithaveteran’s programanddrivenbyunwavering determination,Thomasestablished Vet'sPlace,IncinWestPalmBeach, FloridaHisexceptionalnegotiationskills ledtosecuringlandwithintwohours, enablinghimtosetupthefirst permanentaffordablehousinginitiative forVeteransandtheirfamiliesinthe city
THE VETERAN
WHOAREWE?
In addition to providing valuable content, "The Veteran" will showcase our generous sponsors who support these initiatives, ensuring that we can continue to offer essential resources to our readers By bridging the gap between veterans and the information they need, "The Veteran" serves as a trusted source of guidance and connection for those who have served our nation Join us on this journey to celebrate inform and support our veteran community!
WHAT’SOLDISNEWAGAIN
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The transformation of Vet's Place, Inc from its original mission to a modern support network reflects the adage "What's Old is New Again " By honoring its roots while adapting to contemporary needs, Vet's Place, Inc stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for veterans and their families This evolution not only acknowledges the past but also embraces the future ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and enriched life.As we celebrate this journey, we recognize that the commitment to our veterans remains steadfast, evolving with their needs while fostering a sense of community and support that is timeless
Practice Areas
Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Gordon & Partners veterans’ benefits lawyers in Florida offer comprehensive legal assistance to help our state’s veterans take full advantage of the various benefits offered by the VA. These benefits are intended to support veterans and their families after service and can make all the difference as you navigate civilian life.
Disability Benefits
If you were fully or partially disabled due to a service-related incident, you may be eligible to collect VA disability benefits. This includes support for medical expenses, disability accommodations, and daily living expenses, with additional compensation for dependents living in your household.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The transition to civilian life can be a difficult one. Our veterans’ attorneys in Florida can help you collect rehabilitative assistance from the VA to support this transition, including career counseling and educational funding.
Pension Benefits
The VA offers monthly, tax-free pension benefits to qualifying wartime veterans and their survivors based on certain eligibility requirements, including age, income level, and/or disability status. Healthcare Benefits
Veterans who require medical assistance may be eligible for free or low-cost healthcare through the VA, regardless of whether the injury or illness was caused by their time in service.
Home Loans
VA home loans are available to qualifying veterans to help remove the barriers to home ownership. They have favorable terms that may include waived down payments and private mortgage insurance (PMIs), competitive interest rates, and financial support for certain home improvements. Insurance Programs
The VA offers special insurance programs for veterans and their families, including life insurance, auto insurance, and homeowners’ insurance at more favorable rates than standard consumer insurance programs. Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
There are many reasons you might need to hire a personal injury lawyer. Whether you are calling with a new potential case, or you are already our valued client, we always strive to be your partners in your recovery. Don’t try to handle your personal injury case against the powerful insurance companies alone. You need the power and experience of GOLDLAW on your side. Smaller or less established law firms do not have the resources or experience that we have developed over the last twenty years. Solo lawyers don’t have the name recognition and history that convince the insurance industry to take us seriously and pay your claim fairly. Call us today (561) 222-2222 https://www.goldlaw.com/contact/
byGraceBellinghausen
WEST
PALM
BEACH,
Fla (CBS12) Palm Beach County's plan to build tiny cottages for people experiencing homelessness mirrors policies enacted elsewhere in the U.S. and around the world and has proven to be successful, County Commissioner Maria Sachs wrote in an open letter she released on Friday.
"It is the only solution that has been found to end chronic homelessness," she argued in the letter, which was addressed to County Administrator Verdenia Baker, Mayor Maria Medino, and other county leaders.
Sachs, who represents the county's fifth district, explained in the letter that these cottages, which will offer each resident a private bathroom, shower, kitchenette, and access to support services are a cornerstone of the county's strategy.
The cottages will be constructed on land located in industrial and commercial areas, according to the County Commissioner. None will be adjacent to residential, school zones, or community centers. Currently, Sachs says Palm Beach County has its sights set on more parcels of land that are available for purchase.
The West Palm Beach VA Expands Residential Treatment and Care Across Florida with Support of its Domiciliary
West Palm Beach , FL — The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (WPBVAHCS) is pleased to announce the expansion of residential care, serving Veterans across Florida with the full activation of its 60-bed facility. The Domiciliary, located on the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center campus, is designed to provide state-of-the-art, high-quality rehabilitation and treatment services for Veterans with identified addiction or substance use disorders.
The programs take a whole health approach to address challenges Veterans may experience, including medical concerns and social needs such as employment and housing. The programs provide these services 24/7 in a structured, supportive, and comfortable residential environment. “The expansion of the Domiciliary represents our commitment to ensure Veterans receive the care, services and support they need to achieve a full recovery and for their well-being,” says Dr. Ronald Williams, WPBVAHCS Chief of Staff. “One of my proudest moments was opening the Domiciliary and now to expand the access of care is another exceptional proud moment for us at VA.”
With the increase to access of care, new team members have onboarded to support and allow for greater opportunities to support Veterans on their mental health journey. For more information, contact the WPBVAHCS Public Affairs Office at
Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), and leading veterans service organizations (VSOs) released the following statements after the House passed Rep. Ciscomani’s landmark veterans’ package, H.R. 8371, The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support:
“For nearly two years we have been listening to the veteran community to find the gaps within VA’s services to build a VA that meets the needs of today’s community and puts veterans – not government bureaucracy – at the center of the system. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act will help to meet that mission head-on,” said Chairman Bost. “I want to thank my friend from Arizona, Rep. Ciscomani, for his leadership on this bipartisan veterans’ package which would grow job opportunities for veterans, improve the VA community care program to protect veterans’ healthcare choice, cut through the red tape for disability benefits, get veterans out of homelessness, and so much more. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act would also expand elderly care options for aging veterans and improve mental health care access for veteran caregivers – our nation’s Hidden Heroes – in honor of Senator Elizabeth Dole, this bills namesake,” Chairman Bost continued. “Just two weeks ago, the American people voted and gave Congress a mandate to get the government working again and fix the problems that families talk about around their kitchen tables. House Republicans passed this bipartisan bill out of the House tonight to begin that work for veterans and their families.”
2022 PACT ACT: UNDERSTANDING HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS
PACT ACT OVERVIEW
What is the PACT Act? Why is it important?
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances This law helps us provide generations of Veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
The Act (1) expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 era, and (2) expands eligibility for benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances
What does the acronym, PACT, stand for?
Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022
When does the law go into effect?
While some provisions take effect at different times, VA considers the presumptive conditions established in the PACT Act to be applicable on the date the PACT Act was signed into law (August 10, 2022) All Veterans and survivors who believe they may be entitled to benefits are encouraged to apply today.
What are the PACT Act key components?
» The Act expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic-exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 era.
» VA will improve the decision-making process for determining what medical conditions will be considered for presumptive status
» Every enrolled Veteran will receive an initial toxic exposure screening and a follow-up screening at least every five years Veterans who are not enrolled, but who are eligible to enroll, will have an opportunity to enroll and receive the screening
» VA health care staff and claims processors will receive toxic exposure-related education and training
» The Act requires research studies on mortality of Veterans who served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War, Post-9/11 Veteran health trends, and Veteran cancer rates
» The Act will help VA build a stronger, more skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for benefits and services
» The Act authorizes 31 new facilities across the country, providing greater access to VA health care
What is Toxic Exposure?
As a general matter, there are several types of possible exposures or hazards Veterans may have experienced during their military service, including:
» AIR POLLUTANTS: Burn pits, oil well fires, sulfur fire, sand, dust, and particulates
» CHEMICALS: Agent Orange or other herbicides, burn pits, Camp Lejeune water supplies, pesticides, depleted uranium, chromium, or industrial solvents
» RADIATION: Nuclear weapons testing, x-rays, or depleted uranium
» WARFARE AGENTS: Chemical warfare agents, nerve agents, mustard gas, herbicide tests, and storage
» OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS: Asbestos, lead, fuels, industrial solvents, radiation, vibration, noise, special paint on military vehicles, and some coolants or insulating fluids
Annual Cost-of-Living Boost for Veterans Benefits
Finalized by Congress
Veterans will get a cost-of-living bump in their benefits next year after Congress passed annual legislation this week to guarantee the increase keeps pace with Social Security rates. Before leaving town for an extended election-season break, the Senate approved the bill by voice vote Wednesday, sending the measure to President Joe Biden's desk for his expected signature. The House previously approved the bill by voice vote last week.
"At a time when folks are struggling with rising costs, from housing to groceries, veterans deserve absolute certainty when it comes to providing for their families," Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a statement Thursday. "Boosting veterans' hard-earned benefits to keep pace with the cost of living is a necessary cost of war, and I'm proud this bipartisan legislation will deliver a benefits increase to millions of disabled veterans and survivors nationwide
Vet's Place, Inc. and Transitioning Veterans
Vet's Place, Inc. plays a crucial role in assisting veterans transitioning to civilian life in Palm Beach County, Florida. Here are some of the keyways this organization is making a difference:
1. Community Support Programs
L.I.F.E. Group (Friday's Coffee Social): This social gathering offers veterans a safe space to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. It fosters a sense of community that can help combat feelings of isolation.
2. Resource and Referral Services
Connecting Veterans to Resources: Vet's Place, Inc. provides information and referrals to various local resources, such as job training programs, mental health services, and housing assistance, which are essential for a smooth transition.
3. Workshops and Training
Skill Development: The organization offers workshops that focus on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies tailored for veterans. These programs help veterans translate their military experience into civilian job qualifications.
4. Mental Health Support
Counseling Services: Vet's Place, Inc. can provide access to mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges veterans face, including PTSD and depression.
5. Advocacy and Outreach
Raising Awareness: The organization advocates for veterans' needs within the community, working to raise awareness about the challenges they face and the resources available to them.
6. Networking Opportunities
Connecting with Employers: By hosting events that connect veterans with local employers, Vet's Place, Inc. helps facilitate job opportunities and encourage hiring of veterans.
Through these initiatives, Vet's Place, Inc. is not only helping veterans navigate the complexities of transitioning to civilian life but also creating a supportive community that empowers them to thrive. Their commitment to serving veterans in Palm Beach County is invaluable, and these services significantly impact a successful reintegration into civilian society.
Celebrating the Holiday Season and Welcoming the New Year with "The Veteran"
As the holiday season approaches and we prepare to welcome the New Year, "The Veteran" digital magazine is excited to embrace this time of reflection, gratitude, and hope. This special time of year is an opportunity to celebrate our veterans and their families, recognizing the sacrifices they have made and the resilience they continue to show.In our upcoming quarterly issue, we will highlight:
Holiday Resources: Information on community events, support services, and activities designed to make this season joyful and fulfilling for veterans and their families.
New Year Resolutions: Inspiring articles focused on setting achievable goals for health, wellness, and personal growth in the year ahead.
Community Spotlights: Celebrating local organizations and individuals making a positive impact in the lives of veterans during this festive season. As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the past year, "The Veteran" aims to provide our readers with the tools and connections necessary to thrive in the coming year. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and the dedication of our community, which allows us to continue our mission of empowering veterans.Join us in celebrating the holiday spirit and embracing the opportunities that the New Year brings. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our veterans. Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year from all of us at "The Veteran"!
