Department of Veterans’ Services
Job Overview
The basic work of The Department of Veterans’ Services is to serve as a link between the veteran and dependents, and the sources of benefits available to the veteran as a veteran.
Working directly for The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services to afford aid and assistance for veterans and their dependents, it is the offices responsibility to interview and evaluate potential clients for eligibility. After reviewing all documents and establishing authenticity of such documents, detailed forms are submitted to MDVS for authorization. Upon authorization, clients are awarded benefits and the town is reimbursed 75% of the funds dispersed. This process can be long and involved in some cases where all documentation is not readily available and must be sent for through government agencies.
All client receiving benefits must be reviewed each month to establish eligibility before the monthly payroll is submitted to the comptroller. At various times, clients will submit medical bills for reimbursement that must be submitted to MDVS for authorization and a supplemental (medical) payroll is submitted to the comptroller. Calls are received daily from clients with concerns about matters that may affect their eligibility.
At the present time, there are sixty-five clients. That number will increase as senior citizens are becoming more aware of and more in need of the benefits. With the rising cost of medical care, many senior citizens are eligible for a “Medical Only” budget, whereby all out-of-pocket medical expenses can be reimbursed. Many interviews and consultations require home visits as the claimants are housebound.
In instances of the passing of an indigent veteran, MDVS will authorize payment of $2000.00 towards a funeral expense not to exceed the cost of $3000.00 Forms must be filled out and sent in to MDVS with proper documentation for reimbursement. This office, in some cases, will assist in the funeral arrangements.
Veterans’ Services is responsible for administering, organizing, and participating in the Veterans’ Day Parade and Memorial Day Parade. For Memorial Day, over 5500 veterans’ graves are decorated with an American flag at the cemeteries in town. The records for the veterans’ grave are kept in the Graves Registration at Veterans’ Services and are constantly updated along with the Registry of Veterans’ Discharges and The Arlington Veterans’ Honor Roll. All monuments, veterans’ lots at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, and Monument Park are overseen for maintenance by Veterans’ Services. Veterans’ Services is obliged to attend all veteran related observances both in Arlington and in other communities as needed. The Patriots’ Day Parade is another parade in which Veterans Services is
involved with organization, fund raising and accounting. Also, associated with parades, The “Avenue of Flags” Committee, of which the department is a member, is responsible for maintaining and administering to the proper display of the flags. Finally, as President of The Combined Veterans’ Council of Arlington, Veterans’ Services coordinates the veterans’ organization in Arlington to participate in parades and fund raising for memorials and celebrations.
Annuities are available to all 100% service-connected disabled veterans, Gold Star Parents, and Gold Star Spouses in the amount of $1500.00 per year. Applications are available, along with assistance in filling them out, at Veterans’ Services. Upon completion, and accompanied by proper documentation, Veterans’ Services submits the forms to MDVS and the applicant is eligible from the date of application. There are twenty-five Gold Star Parents and Spouses and forty-six 100% service-connected disabled veterans in The Town of Arlington.
At present there are thirty-seven active cases for claims with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These cases range from initial claims to first, second, and third appeals. Each initial claim requires an extensive application form involving personal history, financial disclosures, and dependent history. In some cases, arrangements have to be made for transportation to medical exams. These require periodic follow-up as claimants inquire as to the status.
Each and every day there are telephone inquiries concerning veterans’ benefits concerning either the veteran or a dependent. These inquiries are concerning compensation/pension, education, employment/rehabilitation, loans, insurance burial, and health care. Information and/or consultation is given as appropriate and referrals are given where necessary. The benefit most often inquired about is health care. All are advised to register with a VA Medical Center. Forms are available, along with assistance completing them. The veteran is informed of required documentation and arrangements are made for an appointment at the medical centers of the veterans’ choice. The need for health care has increased significantly with the rising cost of health care and the fallen economy.
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