Legislation ensuring veterans service agencies are providing highest level of care possible signed
ALBANY – A new law that will require local Veterans Service Agencies (VSA) to be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (US DVA), was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Friday. The law enables New York's veterans and their families to prepare and file federal benefits claims at offices in their local communities.
"New York State is committed to giving our veterans the best care possible after they return from serving our nation and defending the freedoms we cherish as Americans," Cuomo said. "This new law will enable local Veterans Service Agencies to better serve our heroes returning from overseas, and give our veterans and their families the ability to apply for vital federal benefits in their own communities. This is another step by New York State in our efforts to be the national model for how state government serves our veterans and their families."
Col (Ret) Eric J. Hesse, Director of the Division of Veterans Affairs, said, “I thank the legislators who sponsored this important bill and Governor Cuomo for signing the law and his leadership in ensuring New York State Veterans and their Families we be receiving assistance from accredited VSOs upon their return to the State. New York State has taken the lead in making sure our returning service members have the support and assistance they need to successfully transition to civilian life.”
Local VSA directors are appointed by New York county executives and mayors, and are not required to be accredited by the US DVA. Without the federal accreditation, local offices cannot oversee the preparation and submission of claims by veterans and their families for federal benefits.
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