Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Veterans' Benefit Summit

by Jim Fausone
Veterans Disability Lawyer

Last week, Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC hosted the 2nd Annual Veterans’ Summit with the Canton Community Foundation. It takes months of preparation to pull off this Southeast Michigan event that had over 250 participants; 17 speakers; 15 participating organizations; 20 sponsors and served 3 meals. It was a team effort by Chandra, Attorney Kristina Derro, the General, Joann and everyone else that helped out. The speakers included representatives of VA, VFW, DAV, Marine League, Detroit VARO, County Counselors and others.

People came from hundreds of miles away and two states to attend this conference. We were able to help specific individuals throughout the day. For example, DAV assisted someone break a log jam on a claim. The Marine Corps League printed DD 214s for those that needed them. Questions were answered about burial entitlements for widows. For someone who needed emergency financial aid to save their house, the process got started that afternoon.
The success of the program suggests that holding it again in September 2012 would be worthwhile. We will begin gathering ideas for speakers and topics soon. If you want to see some pictures of the event, visit our Facebook page. If you want to read more and get a sense of the attendees views, click on:

http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20110918/NEWS03/109180397/Veterans-get-benefit-help-second-summit?odyssey=modnewswelltextCantons

To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

TBI Rehab in Michigan

by Jim Fausone
Veterans Disability Lawyer

VA has initiated a new program to help veterans with TBI. DOD has proven that cognitive rehab helps servicemen with TBI. VA is now conducting a pilot program pushing that rehab out to recent veterans using the private sector. The program helps veterans with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries who need long-term residential care by placing them in high-quality rehabilitation facilities that are closer to their homes and families. This avoids the cost and trauma of an institutional or hospital setting.

Michigan has great rehab facilities because of its long history of supplying health care to automobile accident victims under its unique no fault insurance programs. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, a Mason Michigan facility, was selected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to take part in a cutting-edge pilot program. Origami is one of 21 facilities in the nation to launch the Assisted Living for Veterans with TBI pilot program.

This is a great idea of using existing resources to medically service our veterans. VA does not have to re-invent the wheel and more people can be helped by the private sector's ability to scale up or down as needed. Read more at:

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/09/greater_lansing_facility_treat.html

To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Veterans’ Summit 2011

by Kristina Derro
Veteran Disability Lawyer

Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is sponsoring a free event in September that is organized by the Canton Community Foundation with funding provided by the Holbrook Charitable Trust. It will be an opportunity for veterans, their friends, and their family members to get together to learn about all the various benefits that are available from VA. The topics will include service-connected benefits, non-service connected pension, Aid and Attendance, health care, and various social services. Presenters will be VA employees, private attorneys, veteran service officers, county counselors, State of Michigan employees, and veteran-centric non-profit organizations.

It will be held Thursday, September 15, 2011 in Livonia, Michigan at Laurel Manor Banquet and Conference Center. While the event is free, attendees do need register. Attendees will also be provided with a free breakfast and lunch. For further information and to register, individuals can either access Canton Community Foundation’s website at http://www.cantonfoundation.org/ or call them at 734.495.1200.

To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

More Ships Added to List of Brown Water Exposure

by Kristina Derro
Veteran Disability Lawyer

The VA has updated the list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships that have operated on Vietnam’s inland waterways, docked on shore, or had crewmembers sent ashore. The veterans who served on these ships during the time frame in question will be considered to have presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, allowing them to receive disability compensation for the 14 medical conditions associated with exposure to the herbicide.

Veterans who want to know if one of the ships that they served on made the list can visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange to view the exhaustive list. If veterans do not have access to the internet, they can contact VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3 to receive a list of the ships.

To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com