December 13, 2006 |
2006-R-0785 | |
OMBUDSMAN FOR HISPANIC AND LATINO VETERANS | ||
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By: Veronica Rose, Principal Analyst | ||
You asked if any of the neighboring states has an ombudsman specifically for Latino and Hispanic veterans.
The following neighboring states do not have an ombudsman for Latino and Hispanic veterans or for any other veterans: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
In Connecticut, service officers within the Veterans' Department of Advocacy and Assistance Unit are responsible for performing functions typically associated with an ombudsman. These officers serve all veterans, including Hispanic and Latino veterans.
According to the Connecticut Veterans' Department, “It is the responsibility of the Office of Advocacy and Assistance Unit to provide assistance to veterans, their eligible spouses, and eligible dependents in obtaining veterans' benefits under federal, state and local laws. ” Among other things, according to the department, service officers:
1. collect and prepare data on benefits and services for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents;
2. canvass nursing homes to determine if veterans or their spouses are receiving benefits for which they are eligible;
3. help establish, prepare, and present claims on behalf of veterans;
4. help disseminate information to veterans;
5. counsel veterans about educational, training, health, medical, rehabilitation, housing, and employment services; and
6. represent veterans with federal claims before the U. S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.
As far as we have been able to determine, Connecticut's approach to providing services to veterans is similar to what happens in most of the other states we contacted.
Information on the Connecticut Office of Advocacy and Assistance Unit, including the location of its district offices and outreach locations, is available at the department's website at: http: //www. ct. gov/ctva/cwp/view. asp?a=2014&q=290856.
VR: dw