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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
Honoring Ohio’s
Veterans
On Veterans Day, and every day, we must remember to express our
gratitude to the men and women that have served our country in uniform.
In a ceremony on Veterans Day, more than 67 years after his service in
World War II, North Olmsted resident U.S. Army Corporal (Ret.) Dewey
Limpert received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star along with several
other overdue medals. After being contacted by Mr. Limpert’s daughter,
my office worked with the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) and
the U.S. Army to track down the long overdue medals he deserved. Ohio’s
veterans—like Mr. Limpert—have made invaluable contributions protecting
our freedom.
Tracking down overdue medals is just one of many ways our office can
help veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned. As your Senator, one
of my most important jobs is helping veterans cut through red tape when
dealing with the federal government. Whether it’s health services,
assistance with obtaining disability benefits, vocational
rehabilitation, or employment support, too many veterans encounter
excessive delays in getting a response from the U.S. Department of
Veterans’ Affairs (VA). That’s why my offices located in Cincinnati,
Cleveland, Columbus, and Lorain are open every business day to serve
you. With field offices in every region of the state – including rural
areas in Southeast and Northwest Ohio – my top priority is constituent
services. Veterans in need of assistance can visit
http://brown.senate.gov/ohio/constituent_services/ or call my office
toll-free at 1-888-896-OHIO (6446).
And while my office is always available to help constituents cut
through red tape, we need to ensure that veterans have access to a
system that works with, not against them. Right now, the VA faces a
staggering backlog of nearly 900,000 disability claims – including more
than 25,000 backlogged claims from Ohio.
Far too many veterans return home to their communities and can’t access
the benefits they’ve earned in a timely fashion. In fact, more veterans
than ever are contacting the VA to secure their benefits—since 2008,
the department has seen a 48 percent increase in claims. Last year, the
VA processed 1 million claims from our nation’s veterans, but 1.3
million new claims were submitted to VA. But too many of these claims,
especially those from Ohio veterans, are backlogged.
This means that veterans—many of whom are seeking assistance to deal
with service-connected injuries—are left waiting. These delays are
compounded by that the fact that too often veterans must wade through
the VA application on their own. Yet, help is often available – from
other veterans – in the communities where veterans live.
That’s why I introduced the Veterans Services Outreach Act, which would
require the VA to notify veterans filing for claims electronically that
there are advocates standing by who are ready to help. Specifically,
the bill would require the VA to provide information about important,
time-saving assistance available from VA-approved organizations
including Ohio’s county-based veterans’ service commissions and
veterans’ service organizations (VSOs).
I’ve heard from many of these organizations – groups that have
supported America’s veterans for decades – that the new electronic
filing system does not inform applicants about their services,
preventing veterans from getting all available help. To eliminate some
common problems that create the backlog, like erroneously completed
forms or incomplete documentation, veterans and VSOs can work together
to correct common mistakes.
But we must do more than help veterans access VA services. Just as we
invest in our servicemembers while they’re on the battlefield, we
should do the same when they return home. But despite their service to
our nation, an unacceptably high number of veterans struggle to find
work. That’s why it’s imperative that we do a better job of connecting
veterans with the support resources they deserve.
Among them is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), a
joint Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Labor
training initiative that is a component of the recently passed VOW to
Hire Heroes Act. VRAP provides unemployed veterans between the ages of
35 and 60 the opportunity to pursue training for new careers in high
demand occupations. From welders, to paralegals, to teacher’s aides,
VRAP offers wide ranging opportunities for veterans seeking work.
However, as the program is limited to 99,000 participants through March
31, 2014—and more than 62,000 applications have already been approved
nationwide—it’s crucial that Ohio’s veterans apply quickly for these
vital benefits. It’s our duty to Ohio’s heroes that we spread the word
to all eligible participants.
Eligible veterans must be at least 35 but no more than 60 years of age;
unemployed; received an other than dishonorable discharge; not eligible
for any other VA education benefit program; not receiving VA
compensation due to being unemployed; and not enrolled in a federal or
state job training program.
As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I support
providing our nation’s veterans with the resources and services they
need. In addition to supporting enhanced education and job training
benefits, I will continue to fight for assured funding for all VA
services and benefits. Funding for our veterans should always be a top
federal priority.
Each November 11, we celebrate the story and history of our nation’s
veterans. On Veterans Day, we reach out to grandparents, parents,
neighbors, and friends who have served and ask them about their
service. From deployments to welcome home ceremonies, to medal
presentations and parades, we learn about the courage, honor, and
sacrifice exemplified by our servicemembers and veterans. From the
newly-sworn in soldier and the children of military parents, to our
veterans young and old, we learn about the greatness – and history – of
our country. As the holidays approach, our thoughts and prayers are
with those returning home as well as those still serving overseas. On
behalf of a grateful state, I thank all Ohio veterans and their
families. It’s an honor serving those who serve us.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
U.S. Senator
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