You asked if there are any outreach programs available to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

SUMMARY

There are outreach programs for such veterans. Your constituent should do three things to get the most comprehensive guide to them. First, he should contact the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs Office (DOVA) of Advocacy and Assistance. This office provides aid and assistance to all veterans, including those with disabilities, and will inform him of the programs that will best address his needs. The department’s number is 860-721-5891.

Secondly, he should register with DOVA. Under a new law (PA 05-3, June 2005 SS), DOVA must create a registry of service members to facilitate informing registrants about benefits and services available to, and proposed or enacted legislation affecting, them or their families.

Thirdly, your constituent should contact the U. S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) benefits office at 1-800-827-1000 to learn about federal programs or visit the VA website at http: //www1. va. gov/opa/vadocs/fedben. pdf

The U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) also provides several programs. Its webpage can be accessed at: http: //www. dol. gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/main. htm

We have summarized a few randomly selected federal programs below. More detailed program descriptions are available in the 2005 Edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents booklet available on the VA website. A copy is attached.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

This VA program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs suitable to their physical, mental, and emotional capabilities and matching their skills, talents, and interests. Services may include:

1. an evaluation of the veteran’s talents, skills, and interests;

2. employment help, such as job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance;

3. help finding and keeping a suitable job;

4. vocational counseling and planning;

5. on-the-job and work experience training;

6. certificate, college, or technical programs; and

7. supportive rehabilitation services and counseling.

To qualify for the program, a veteran must have a VA-established service-connected 10 percent disability rating with a serious employment handicap or at least 20 percent with an employment handicap and be discharged or released from military service under other than dishonorable conditions. A service member pending medical separation from active duty may apply if the disability rating is at least 20%.

VA pays for the services and pays a living allowance to participants. Generally, veterans must complete a vocational rehabilitation program within 12 years from their separation from military service or within 12 years from the date VA notifies them that they have a compensable service-connected disability. Depending on the length of the program, veterans may be provided up to 48 months of full-time services or their part-time equivalent. VA may grant extensions in some cases.

INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

For veterans whose disabilities are so severe that they cannot currently consider employment, VA helps them attain as much independence in daily living as possible. The independent living program is tailored to an individual’s specific needs and may incorporate such things as assistive technology, independent living skills training, or connection to community-based support services. If a veteran believes that his service-connected disability makes employment goals impossible, he may request consideration for the program. Additional information is available on the Internet at: http: //www. vba. va. gov

PROSTHETIC AND SENSORY AND DEVICES

VA will furnish needed prosthetic appliances, equipment, and devices to veterans receiving VA care for any condition. In some circumstances, it will provide hearing aids and eyeglasses to veterans. For additional information, the veteran should contact the prosthetic representative at his local VA health care facility.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT

Any veteran eligible for VA medical care may apply for substance abuse treatment. If specialized care for his alcohol or drug dependence is required but not available at the admitting medical center, the veteran may be transferred to the nearest medical center which has these programs.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS

VA will provide funding for eligible veterans to make home improvements that are necessary to allow them to continue to receive medical treatment at home. The maximum is $ 4,100 for veterans with service-connected disabilities and up to $ 1,200 for those with non service-connected disabilities. For application information, the veteran should contact the prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic.

SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES

$ 50,000 Grant

Eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a VA grant to help them build a new specially adapted home or modify and remodel a home to meet their disability-related requirements. VA

may approve a grant of up to 50% of the cost of building, buying, or remodeling, up to a maximum of $ 50,000. In certain instances, the full grant amount may be applied toward remodeling costs.

$ 10,000 Grant

VA may approve a grant of up to $ 10,000 for the actual cost of reasonable adaptations to a veteran’s residence. The veteran may also use the grant to acquire a residence already adapted with special features for his disability. Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to (1) blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less or (2) anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.

Supplemental Financing

Veterans with available loan guaranty entitlement may also obtain a guaranteed loan or a direct VA loan to supplement the grant to acquire a specially adapted home. Amounts with a guaranteed loan from a private lender will vary but the maximum direct VA loan is $ 33,000.

THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The DOL Transition Assistance Program (commonly called TAP) provides job-search assistance and related services in three-day workshops at selected military installations nationwide to service members and their families. To participate in the program, the veteran must apply within 180 days of separation or retirement from military service. The program’s goal is to help participants make a smooth transition from military to civilian life. Participants learn how to conduct job searches, write resumes, and take job interviews, among other things. They also receive information about and current veterans’ benefits and programs. Veterans with service-connected disabilities get additional individual instruction to help determine their job readiness and address their needs.

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