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                                                                 Veteran Committee          
Five Habits to Break Before You Leave the Military
When we think of bad habits, most people think of smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating or running late. A habit is defined as: an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary. While in the military, many of your behaviors, practices, routines formed habits that came from the training and experience you gained while you were performing your duties. As you transition out of uniform, it is important to recognize that some of these habits don't work well in the civilian workforce, and can limit your opportunities to build a post-military career. Here are five bad habits to consider breaking:          Learn More
New York State Veteran's Benefits
   The state of New York provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief    description of each of the following benefits. · Housing Benefits · Financial Benefits · Employment Benefits · Education Benefits · Other State Veteran Benefits

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Explore VA Education and Training Benefits

Thinking about going back to school to earn your degree or attain a training certification? VA education benefits could help. If you are a Veteran or Service member who served after September 10, 2001, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® may be able to provide financial assistance with your tuition, housing, books and more. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers support for: · Undergraduate, graduate degrees and non-college degrees · National testing reimbursement · On-the-job training, vocational and technical training Explore VA makes is easy to get information on VA benefits, because learning about and applying for benefits shouldn’t be complicated.
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VA launches program aimed at providing Veterans more options in claims disagreements VA announced that it will launch the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program, or “RAMP,” with the goal of providing Veterans with the earliest possible resolution of their disagreement with VA’s decision on their benefit claims. RAMP will provide expanded opportunities for Veterans to enter the new, more efficient claims review process outlined in the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on August 23. “At its core, VA’s mission is to provide Veterans with the highest quality of service,” said VA secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “The new process under the RAMP initiative reflects major steps in not only VA’s effort of continuous improvement, but also in providing greater choice for Veterans and their families.” VA began its 18-month implementation of the new process immediately after the bill became law. By February 2019, all requests for review of VA decisions will be processed under the new, multi-lane process. VA’s legacy appeals process was slow and complex. The new law streamlines the process and includes safeguards ensuring claimants receive the earliest effective date possible for their claims. Participation in RAMP is voluntary; however, Veterans can expect to receive a review of VA’s initial decision on their claim faster in RAMP than in the legacy appeals process. The initiative allows participants to have their decisions reviewed in the Higher-Level or Supplemental Claim review lanes outlined in the law. The reviewer can overturn previous decisions based on a difference of opinion, or return it for correction. Participants who select the Supplemental Claim Lane may submit new evidence and may receive VA’s assistance in developing evidence in support of their claim. Veterans who disagree with the decisions they receive in RAMP can appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in the new process and have their appeal decided by the Board when the new law becomes effective in February 2019. Veterans who participate in RAMP will not be able to return to the legacy appeals process. VA encourages eligible Veterans with pending appeals to participate in RAMP and the benefits of the new review process. VA will begin sending eligible Veterans an invitation to participate in early November and continue the program until February 2019. VA will continue working with Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and other Veteran advocates to implement the new appeals process over the next several months as VA continues to make bold, positive change on behalf of Veterans, their families and survivors.
VA’s Debt Management Center has suspended collections on debts for individuals located in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s recently declared hurricane disaster areas Veterans, as well as their survivors and dependents, with an address of record in any of the disaster areas, will not be subjected to active collection efforts. “There are millions of Veterans impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, said Financial Program administrator Joe Schmitt of the Debt Management Center.  The Debt Management Center partnered closely with the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration and the Treasury Department to work out a process to suspend collections for Veterans in the regions listed within the FEMA disaster areas.
“Those Veterans who have been displaced and can’t return home, need to know they must update their contact information with us or the post office,” Schmitt said. VA also partnered with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to have collections suspended on Veteran benefit debts that have been referred to Treasury for collection within the same disaster areas.  Veterans can find out if they are in a FEMA declared disaster area by visiting FEMA’s disasters page by clicking here. Veteran benefit debts typically include over payments of benefits for VA’s compensation, pension, and education programs.  The suspension of these collections is slated to remain in effect through March 2018. Veterans in the declared disaster areas, should notify the U.S. Postal Service of any updated address or contact Debt Management Center directly to provide their new contact information.  The Veterans Experience Division at the center can be reached toll-free at 1-800-827-0648 or by email at dmc.ops@va.gov.
VA suspends debt collection for      Veterans impacted by recent hurricanes
Post 9/11 Veteran September 11, 2001, changed the path of our nation and defined a generation of Americans, hardened by conflicts in the Middle East and challenged with attacks at home.  Many of you answered the call of duty in the aftermath of 9/11, placing your lives in harm’s way for the security of the people of the United States. This nation is forever in your debt and we thank you for your service. For many of you, your involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan is still fresh in your minds. Some of you may have moved on, with families and jobs or still finding your way.  Some may be giving great effort to be who you were before combat. Whatever your situation, the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs (NYS DVA) is here to assist you with education, employment, healthcare, and counseling - contact one of our Veterans Benefits Advisors today to get started.