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FAMILY SERVICES DEPARTMENT. Veterans’ Service Program October 18, 2011. PRESENTATION OUTLINE. Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Challenges Response to Challenges. PRESENTATION OUTLINE. Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Challenges Response to Challenges.
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FAMILY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Veterans’ Service Program October 18, 2011
PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Veterans’ Service Program • Veterans’ Service Challenges • Response to Challenges
PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Veterans’ Service Program • Veterans’ Service Challenges • Response to Challenges
Veterans’ Service Program PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Established by Florida Statute in 1945 to advocate for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) benefits claims. • Assist veterans in obtaining pension, disability, medical and educational benefits from the VA. • Three service locations: • Mable Butler Building • Apopka Service Center • VA Medical Center
Veterans’ Service Program PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Eligibility by Section 38 Code of Federal Regulations • Dependents may qualify for health care, compensation and education • Disability claims process: • 12 to 18 months for first decision • > 60k claims pending at Regional Office (RO) • From 3 to 10 years for appeals • Nationwide, 70% of Appeals are granted or remanded to RO
Medical VA Regional Office Private Medical Records Adjudicator (Opinion / Ruling) VA Medical Records Service Medical Records – Obtained / Used Military Hospital Records Proper Claim Development Application of 38 C.F.R. File Claim Decision Vet's Input Medical Opinion Return for Follow-up C & P Doctors Opinion Supporting Documents Good Exam IAW 38 C.F.R. VA BENEFITS CLAIM Client C & P Exam
File Claim Get Medical Evidence Compensation & Pension Exam 12 -18 Months FLOWCHART FOR APPELLATE PROCEDURE Rating Decision YES CLAIM APPROVAL NO Notice of Disagreement 1-2 Years NO Statement of The Case NO FORM 9 3 Years NO Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Program Veteran Benefits Generated $Millions Fiscal Year
PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Veterans’ Service Program • Veterans’ Service Challenges • Response to Challenges
Veterans’ Service Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Florida Statistics : • Number 3 in total Veterans population • Number 1 for Vets over 65 years of age • Number 1 for Vets > 50% Service Connected • (SC) disabled • Florida is 35th when it comes to VA Health • Care Funding Dollars!
Veterans’ Service Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE • VA Medical Center: • 111,000 One Time visits, 2010 • Busiest in Nation • To remain open as Clinic in 2012
Veterans’ Service Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE New VA Hospital: • Starts stage staffing Fall 2011 • Target opening October 2012 • Two Veterans Service offices
Veterans’ Service Challenges Veterans’ Service Program Veteran Clients Served Fiscal Year
Veterans’ Service Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE • 76,000 Veterans (6th in state) • 60,000 eligible wives & widows • 2010 census grew 28% • High number Local Guard & Reserves • New Hospital • With current staffing can effectively serve • 9,500 (7%)
PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Veterans’ Service Program • Veterans’ Service Challenges • Response to Challenges
Response to Challenges Immediate Response • Reclassify vacant position on manning table to a Veterans’ Counselor Future Response • When new VA Hospital opens, request to add two positions to the manning table
FAMILY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Veterans’ Service Program October 18, 2011