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1. Are we the Department of Veteran Affairs?

We work for the veteran and his or her family, not the VA.

The San Miguel County Veterans Services Office was established by state law to advise and assist veterans, their dependents, and their survivors concerning any VA benefits which such person may be, or may have been, entitled to receive under the laws of the United States or the State of Colorado. The office is not a part of the Department of Veteran Affairs, which is a Federal government agency but serves as a liaison between the claimant and the VA.

2. What am I eligible for?

Every veteran’s situation and service is unique which is why we strongly encourage the veteran and/or dependent to contact our office so we can answer your eligibility questions based on your military service and situation.  Some examples of benefits we can help you with are:

• VA Health Care Benefits
  • If you served active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time, you may be eligible for VA medical benefits. After 1980, two years minimum active duty is usually required. We can file a simple VA Form 1010EZ along with a copy of your DD214 discharge paper to apply for medical benefits. VA medical benefits are NOT INCOME BASED.
• Family Health Care
  • The veteran of the family should meet one of the following criteria in order for the spouse to obtain medical benefits:
    • The veteran must be 100% service-connected disabled.
    • The veteran is deceased from service-connected disabilities.
    • The veteran died during active-duty with the U.S. Armed Forces as a result of a service-connected injury.
• VA Medical Costs
  • Under normal VA Medical benefit programs, the veteran is required to make a "co-pay" for medications prescribed or approved by a VA Medical facility. In certain income situations, the VA may waive these fees.
• Survivor Benefits
  • The veteran of the family should meet one of the following criteria in order for the spouse to obtain survivor benefits:
    • The veteran must be 100% service-connected disabled.
    • The veteran is deceased from service-connected disabilities.
    • The veteran died during active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces as a result of a service-connected injury.
• Vietnam and Agent Orange
  • If you served in the military during the Vietnam era, you are automatically considered at risk from the effects of Agent Orange and may be entitled to special VA medical benefits as service-connected. If you were exposed to atomic bomb testing or served during the Gulf War or other special circumstances during other military services, you may be considered at risk for service-connected disabilities. These can include cancer, diabetes, and numerous other physical and physiological ailments.
• Other Federal, State, and Local Benefits
  • There are state and local benefit programs in addition to the numerous federal programs. We will help you identify and apply for any program you are eligible for. Every veteran's situation and service is unique which is why we strongly encourage the veteran and/or dependant to contact our office so we can answer your eligibility questions based on your military service and situation.

3. What if I have a less than Honorable Discharge?

In most cases, you are entitled to most VA benefits as long as your discharge was other than a "Dishonorable Discharge".

4. Where is the nearest Vet Center?

The Vet Center provides readjustment counseling services to eligible combat veterans and their family members at no cost. Some of the services provided include individual counseling, group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, and assistance applying for VA Benefits, among others.

Grand Junction Vet Center

2472 Patterson Road, Unit 16
Grand Junction, CO 81505

Distance from Placerville: 112 miles

Main Number: 970-245-4156

Farmington Vet Center

4251 East Main Street, Suite A
Farmington, NM 87402

Distance from Placerville: 157 miles

Main Number: 505-327-9684

5. Where is the nearest VA Medical Center?

The nearest VA Medical Clinic is in Montrose:

Montrose VA Clinic

Facility type: VA Health

154 Colorado Avenue, Suite 100
Montrose, CO 81401-3651

Main Number: 970-249-7791

Services listed: primary care, audiology; other services may be available

VA Medical Centers can provide medical, mental health and other services to enrolled Veterans. To enroll for health care services, a Veteran needs to complete a VA Form 10-10EZ and take a copy of their DD214 discharge paper, copies of any insurance the veteran has and verification of last year’s income to the enrollment office located in the Medical Center.

Grand Junction VA Medical Center (VAMC)

2121 North Avenue

Grand Junction, CO 81501

Distance from Placerville: 111 miles

Main Number: 970-242-0731

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (VAMC)

1700 North Wheeling Street

Aurora, CO 80045

Main Number: 303-399-8020 | 888-336-8262

If you are thinking about suicide: 800-273-8255

Get help for PTSD: call 800-273-8255

Get help for domestic violence: 800-799-7233

Get help for sexual assault: 800-656-4673

If you are a wounded, ill or injured Warrior: 800-342-9647

If you have any questions about Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: 866-966-1020

If you are a caregiver – Caregivers Resource Directory (2018 edition)

6. Where can I find nearby Tri-Care Providers?

Search the Tri-Care Provider Directory.

7. How can I obtain a copy of my discharge papers?

Copies of Discharge Documents, Service Medical Records, Official Military Personnel File, and replacement medals can be requested through the National Archives. You may request them on your own or you can contact our office and we will assist you with your request.  The Veterans Service Office can send a request to the Military Archives Center in St. Louis, MO for a certified copy of your military records. Replacement records can take a lengthy amount of time to obtain. In some cases, the records are not available at the Records Center and must be constructed from military units, facilities, etc.

8. How do I update my address and telephone number?

You can update an address or telephone number with the VA in several ways:

• Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000, or
• Update the information online through eBenefits, or
• Our office can assist you in submitting the information in writing

9. How can I change my VA direct deposit?

To change your direct deposit information with the VA, you can:

• Call the VA’s direct deposit number at 1-877-838-2778, or
• Submit through the VA’s eBenefits website, or
• Our office can help you obtain the form required to cancel or change a direct deposit

10. What is service-connected disability?

Disability Compensation is a monthly payment made to a veteran who has a disability for a disease or injury that was incurred or aggravated by service in the armed forces. Payments are based on the degree of disability. VA pays additional allowances for your dependents if your disabilities are evaluated as 30 percent or more disabling. A special monthly compensation rate may be authorized for veterans whose service-connected disabilities are very severe and meet certain statutory requirements. Service connection for a disability may be granted based on the following conditions:

• A presumption of service connection may also be granted for certain chronic and tropical diseases under certain circumstances, even if the conditions were not manifested or diagnosed during active service.
• Service connection may also be established for a secondary disability or disease which is proximately the result of a service-connected disease or injury.
• A service-connected disability may entitle you to additional benefits such as VA medical care, vocational rehabilitation, adaptive equipment/homes, etc.

Important Note: When a service connection for a disability or disease has been established and the condition worsens, a claim for an increase of the rating should be filed.

Total Disability

Total disability will be found to exist when there is an impairment of mind or body which is certain to continue throughout the life of the disabled veteran and renders it impossible for the average person to follow a substantially gainful occupation. A single or combined disability that is ratable at 100%.

Note: There are specific benefits that apply when a rating is classified as total and permanent.

Individual Unemployability

Individual unemployability may be applied for when there is an exceptional disability factor that substantially interferes with the veteran’s ability to sustain gainful employment. A veteran must meet one of the following criteria:

• The veteran must have one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more or;
• The veteran must have two or more service-connected disabilities totaling 70% combined, with one that is rated at least 40%, and unable to follow gainful employment because of the service-connected disability.

Temporary 100% Rating for Convalescence

Hospitalization – A total 100% temporary disability rating will be assigned, without regard to the rating schedule, when a service-connected disability has required hospitalization treatment by the Department of Veterans Affairs, for a period in excess of 21 days.

Surgery – A total 100% temporary disability rating may be assigned when your service-connected disability resulted in surgery, post-hospital convalescence, immobilization with a cast, or surgery of a major joint. When the requirements are met, the rating will be effective from the first day of hospitalization and will continue for a period of 1, 2, or 3 months. Extensions may be authorized under certain circumstances.

11. What Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Awards exist?

Special Monthly Compensation Awards include:    

Loss of Use:

A special monthly compensation is payable in addition to the basic rate of compensation for the anatomical loss OR loss of use of body members or function, due to a service-connected disability. Examples include: hand, foot, eyes, paired organs or extremities, creative organs, buttocks, kidneys, loss of speech (aphonia), and deafness.

Housebound Benefits:

Housebound is an increased monthly pension amount paid to a claimant who is substantially confined to his or her home because of permanent disability. Additionally, if you are a Veteran, you may qualify for the increased housebound amount if:

• You have a single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling AND, due to such disability, you are permanently and substantially confined to your immediate premises, OR,
• You have single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling AND, another disability, or disabilities, evaluated as 60-percent or more disabling.

You may not receive enhanced or special monthly pension without first establishing eligibility for VA pension. However, because enhanced pension is based upon a higher income limit, a claimant may be ineligible for basic pension due to excessive income but may be eligible for increased pension benefits. You may not receive pension at the A&A and Housebound rate at the same time.

Aid and Attendance:

Aid and attendance will be considered when the veteran is so nearly helpless that they are unable to care for themselves and cannot perform basic tasks such as dressing, undressing, keeping clean, feeding, attending to the wants of nature, frequent adjustments of special prosthetic or orthopedic appliances, or to protect them from the hazards and dangers incident to daily living. Conditions requiring this care must be service connected.

When a veteran is in need of a higher level of care (hospitalization, nursing home, or institutional care) because of his service-connected disabilities, a higher level of monthly aid and attendance allowance may be granted.

12. What is the Veterans Pension benefit?

The VA helps veterans and their families cope with financial challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans Pension benefit. Veterans Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime Veterans.

Eligibility:

Generally, a Veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a wartime period to qualify for a VA Pension. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least one day during a wartime period.

In addition to meeting minimum service requirements, the veteran must be:

• Age 65 or older, OR
• Totally and permanently disabled, OR
• A patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, OR
• Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, OR
• Receiving Supplemental Security Income
• Your yearly family income must be less than the amount set by Congress to qualify for the Veterans Pension benefit.

Additional Pension Allowances:

Veterans or surviving spouses who are eligible for VA pension and are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person may be eligible for an additional monetary payment.

Eligible Wartime Periods

Under current law, VA recognizes the following wartime periods to determine eligibility for VA Pension benefits:

• Mexican Border Period (May 9, 1916 – April 5, 1917, for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or adjacent waters)
• World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918)
• World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)
• Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)
• Vietnam era (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)
• Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation)

13. What GI Bill/Veterans Education benefit program is right for me?

You may be eligible for several types of VA education and training benefits, but there are many things to consider before you apply for a GI Bill program. For most participants, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the best option. Other students would benefit more from the Montgomery GI Bill. Different programs offer different benefits, so it’s important to choose the program that will best meet your needs.

You can use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI BILL COMPARISON CHART to get detailed information on eligibility requirements and compare the education benefits available through the following programs:

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

You can compare benefits by schools using the VA Online Comparison Tool.

You can find information on two additional programs at the links below:

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program
•  VA Work Study program

14. Where are nearby Veterans Cemeteries?

The VA directory of Colorado's national and state veteran's cemeteries can be found online. The Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction is the closest to San Miguel County.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains three cemeteries in Colorado:

Fort Logan National Cemetery

4400 W. Kenyon Ave.

Denver, CO 80236

Contact: 303-761-0117

FAX: 303-781-9378

Burial Space: Open

Fort Lyon National Cemetery

15700 County Road HH

Las Animas, CO 81054

Phone: 303-761-0117

FAX: 303-781-9378

Burial Space: Open

Pikes Peak National Cemetery

10545 Drennan Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80923

Phone: 719-216-1025

Burial Space: Closed

The State of Colorado maintains two veterans cemeteries:

Veterans Memorial Cemetery Of Western Colorado

2830 Riverside Parkway

Grand Junction, CO 81501

Contact: Joana Iglesias, Cemetery Director

Phone: 970-263-8986

FAX: 970-257-7450

Colorado State Veterans Center At Homelake

3749 Sherman Ave.

Monte Vista, CO 81144

Mailing Address: 

P.O. Box 97

Homelake, CO 81135

Contact: Tyler Chacon, Director

Phone: 719-852-5118

FAX: 719-852-3881

 

15. Where are nearby Colorado State Veterans Nursing Homes?

Colorado's Veterans Community Living Centers serve honorably discharged veterans, veterans’ spouses/widows and Gold Star parents of children who died while serving in the armed forces.  Services provided include long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, memory care, short-term “respite” care, and hospice services.

16. Where can I get VA or State Vocational Rehab services?

State Voc-Rehab is an educational or trade training program available to qualified disabled persons. The veteran must meet certain eligibility criteria for enrollment.

 

State of Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Montrose Office

504 N 1st Street
Montrose, Colorado 81401

Phone Number: 970-249-4468

VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31)

If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program—also referred to as Chapter 31—can help. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for VR&E benefits and services, like help exploring employment options and any required training needs. In some cases, your family members may also be eligible for certain VR&E benefits.

Veterans Administration (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) eligibility and entitlement information can be found on their website.

Grand Junction VA Medical Center Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

2121 North Ave.
Grand Junction, CO 81501

Main Number: 970-242-0731 

Mental Health: 970-263-2824