Applying for vets benefits in advance works

[unhappycamper]

Applying for vets benefits in advance works
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 9, 2008 5:59:35 EDT

A program allowing injured active-duty members to apply for veterans’ disability benefits before they separate is reducing the financial strain on wounded troops in the months before they leave service, according to a draft report by congressional auditors.

Called “benefits delivery at discharge,” the program tries to avoid having benefits claims for new veterans tied up in the six-month backlog of other claims making their way through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The program allows claims to be filed within 180 days of discharge. While the claim is not fully processed until the service member leaves active duty, a preliminary disability rating is determined based on physical exams and a review of medical records to reduce the waiting time for the first disability check.

The program is available at major U.S. military bases, including Coast Guard facilities, and at VA regional offices.

If the program works, and the Government Accountability Office says it mostly does, the first disability check could be waiting for service members as soon as they leave active duty.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_veteransbenefits_beforedischarge_100808w/%2e