Veterans Report - Week of July 01, 2013

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Veterans Report - Week of July 01, 2013

New Vet Labor Law in Georgia
With more than 60,000 contractor jobs expected to become available in Georgia by the year 2020, the state legislature has relaxed its skilled-labor licensing laws to help military veterans and their spouses find work. Starting July 1, the "Veterans Licensure Bill" will go into effect in Georgia, granting a newly created state workgroup the power to speed up the certification process for military families seeking employment in five in-demand occupations -- plumber, electrician, heating and air specialist, residential lighting and utility foreman. Veterans and their families no longer have to furnish reference letters or wait up to a year to take licensing exams to satisfy labor union regulations, as in years past. For more information, call the (http://veterans.georgia.gov/) Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs at 404-656-2300 or e-mail (mailto:gavetsvc@vs.state.ga.us) gavetsvc@vs.state.ga.us.
For more veteran job news, as well as job listings and tips for starting your civilian career, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Wyoming IDs Include Vet Status
Stars and Stripes reports that thanks to a new law the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has started issuing driver's licenses and identification cards with a special designation for honorably discharged veterans. The new designation will help combat fraud and make it easier for residents to verify their status as veterans. Veterans can request the designation by submitting their discharge papers, such as the DD 214, to the Veterans Commission. Vets can contact the Wyoming Veterans Commission ( (http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home.html) www.dot.state.wy.us/home.html) to have their information verified and sent to WYDOT. For more information, call the Wyoming Veterans Hotline at (800) 833-5987.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Makes Progress in Claims Backlog
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that as a result of the initiative launched in (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2436) April to expedite disability compensation claims decisions for Veterans who have a waited a year or longer, more than 65,000-claims -- or 97 percent of all claims over two years old in the inventory -- have been eliminated from the backlog. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staff will now focus their efforts on completing the disability claims of Veterans who have been waiting over one year for a decision, while completing the final batch of oldest claims in progress. The remaining two-year-old claims will be finalized in the coming days except for those that are outstanding due to unique circumstances. Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits at (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov) www.ebenefits.va.gov.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Five Reasons Why Employers Aren't Hiring Veterans
Why are many veterans and soon-to-be-veterans having difficulties landing a job? The Center for a New American Security conducted interviews with 87 individuals from 69 companies to find out why from an employer perspective. See ths five reasons in (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... -vets.html) this Military.com article and keep these factors in your hip pocket while you search for jobs.


Homeless Vets Get Priority Status
In May, VA announced that it was mandating (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2444) overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices to increase production of compensations claims decisions. Under this initiative, VA continues to prioritize disability claims for homeless Veterans, those experiencing extreme financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed Claims. Claims for Wounded Warriors separating from the military for medical reasons will continue to be handled separately through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). For more information, visit VA's Fully Developed Claims webpage at (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/) www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/. Learn more about VA disability benefits on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits at (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov) www.ebenefits.va.gov.

For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


The Military.com Spouse Experience: Norfolk
(http://spousebuzz.com/military-spouse-e ... RC=mrvr.nl) Military.com's Spouse Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive event presented by military spouses for military spouses. Every year Military.com's Spouse Experience brings together thousands of military spouses to extend support to the women and men on the homefront. The event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. (http://spouseexperiencenorfolk.eventbri ... RC=mrvr.nl) Sign Up Today


Skyworks Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Skyworks. As a global diversified technology and industrial leader they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More


State Veteran's Benefits
Many states offer veterans benefits. These benefits may include educational grants and scholarships, special exemptions or discounts on fees and taxes, home loans, veteran's homes, free hunting and fishing privileges, and more. Each state manages its own benefit programs. Visit Military.com to (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) see a list of links to the websites for each of the individual states that offer veterans benefits.
Your VA Loan Benefit is worth $417,000 and can be used to buy a home with $0 down or to streamline refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0701.nl) Search for lenders who can help you use your benefit.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefits Channel to get straight forward info on Military Pay, TRICARE, GI Bill, VA Loans, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Veteran Health Care and More.


9 Military Discounts You Can Use this 4th of July
Military.com has compiled a list of 9 Military Discounts you can enjoy over the holiday weekend -- Blue Star Theaters, Carowinds, Center Point, Entertainment Books, Home Depot, Kings Dominion, King's Island, Lowe's and TravelCenters of America. (http://www.military.com/independence-da ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get the details.
Always save big -- (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) view more military deals and discounts on Military.com


Security Clearance Wanted: Jobs for Veterans
Top companies and government contractors actively hire and pay top salaries to Veterans with Security Clearance. Your skills and experience are in high demand. (http://www.military.com/newslettersignu ... rvr0701.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


VGLI Isn't Enough: Get $50k from $2.50 a Month
VGLI coverage isn't enough for your family. Get coverage to ensure your family is okay should something happen to you. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... RC=0701.vr) Get $50k protection from $2.50 a Month.


Same-Sex Couples to Get Mil-Benefits
The Supreme Court decision on the Defense of Marriage Act (a.k.a. DOMA) removes any legal barriers to allowing full military benefits to gay and lesbian spouses of military servicemembers. The new benefits will include medical care, allowances like the Dislocation Allowance, BAH, BAS, etc. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -benefits/) Read more on the Military Advantage.


National Veterans Small Business Conference
The Department of Veterans Affairs has invited all federal agencies, including all VA Administrations, to send Procurement Decision Makers (PDMs) and small business office staff to connect directly with Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) at the National Veterans Small Business Conference (NVSBC) from August 6-8 at the America's Center Convention Complex in (http://nationalveteransconference.us2.l ... 4a42d0ed8a) St. Louis, MO. Over 300 PDMs will be in attendance. A list of PDM's confirmed to-date is available (http://www.nationalveteransconference.c ... -220747605) online. For more information, visit the National Veterans Small Business Conference website at (http://www.nationalveteransconference.com) www.nationalveteransconference.com.
For complete listings of veteran job conferences and job fairs across the country, see the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Military.com Upcoming Job Fairs page.


VA Begins PTSD Awareness Campaign
In observance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness month, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD invites the public to participate in its "Take the Step" campaign. Throughout the month at the National Center for PTSD website at (http://www.ptsd.va.gov) www.PTSD.va.gov, the campaign has highlighted different topics so visitors can "Take the Step" to: know more about PTSD; challenge their beliefs; explore the treatment options available; and reach out to make a difference. For continued involvement, (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/about/subscribe.asp) sign up for the PTSD Monthly Update. The National Center for PTSD website offers resources such as the (1) (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/fsl ... e_apps.asp) PTSD Coach mobile app, (2) (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pag ... cation.asp) Continuing education opportunities for providers, and (3) (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace/) AboutFace, an online video gallery of veterans talking about PTSD and how treatment can turn your life around.
For more on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com Benefits Center.


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Why Get a VA loan Over Other Types?
A VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) View more VA Loan FAQs.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... 0701lmn.nl) Connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


Mental Health Support Options
In addition to VA Medical Centers, Veterans may receive mental counseling using Vet Centers and telehealth technology. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9603/te ... h-support/) VAntage Point Blog.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Legion to Train Women Vet Entrepreneurs
The American Legion has announced a two-day entrepreneurial course, "For Her Entrepreneurship -- Resources, Opportunities, Experiences & Support (For HEROES)," to take place in conjunction with its annual national convention in Houston August 26-27. The free-of-charge course is specifically designed for women military veterans and military spouses. After completing this free course, participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan and launch their enterprise. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... neurs.html) this Military.com article.


Coaching Into Care
Family members play a key role in encouraging their veteran to seek help. While family members most frequently use the service, anyone with concerns about a veteran may call (http://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/) Coaching Into Care (CIC). CIC Call Responders and Coaches have expertise in understanding and navigating the services and programs at (http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1) VA facilities across the country and in talking with family members about their concerns. They provide a listening ear, assess needs and strengths, and help problem-solve the steps callers can take to support their veteran in making a decision to seek professional help. For more information, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs' Coaching Into Care website at (http://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/) www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Delaware Offers Vet Services Directory
The State of Delaware recently launched its Veterans Services Directory (VSD), which is an online, searchable database of public and private organizations that provide services to Delaware military veterans and their families. The VSD can be accessed at (http://www.delaware.gov/vsd) www.delaware.gov/vsd and features links to employment services, housing services, medical services and education services, among others. VSD is searchable by geographic location and type of service offered, and also offers quick links to important state and federal veterans' agencies. For more information, visit the Delaware Veterans Service Directory at (http://www.delaware.gov/vsd) www.delaware.gov/vsd.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Get a VA Claim Decided Quickly
The fastest and most efficient way to submit a VA disability claim is to file a Fully Developed Claim. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9648/ge ... ped-claim/) VAntage Point Blog and visit VA's (http://www.benefits.va.gov/FDC/) Fully Developed Claims webpage.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Troops to Teachers
Transitioning military personnel looking to serve in a different way will find assistance from the Department of Defense program Troops to Teachers. Since 1994, Troops to Teachers has assisted more than 6,000 military personnel looking to begin a career in the education sector. To be eligible for the program, individuals must register with Troops for Teachers within three years of separation from the military. An exception will be made for people with service-connected injuries and candidates who have completed 20 years of military service. They can join the program at any time. For more information, visit the Troops to Teachers website at (http://www.proudtoserveagain.com) www.proudtoserveagain.com.
For more veteran job news, as well as job listings and tips for starting your civilian career, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


White House Online Health Care Market
The Obama administration recently kicked off the Health Insurance Marketplace education effort with a new, consumer-focused (http://www.healthcare.gov) HealthCare.gov website and the 24-hours-a-day consumer call center to help Americans prepare for open enrollment and ultimately sign up for private health insurance. The new tools will help Americans understand their choices and select the coverage that best suits their needs when open enrollment in the new Health Insurance Marketplace begins October 1. Between now and the start of open enrollment, the Marketplace call center will provide educational information and, beginning Oct. 1, 2013, will assist consumers with application completion and plan selection. Customer service representatives are available for assistance via a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596 and hearing impaired callers using TTY/TDD technology can dial 1-855-889-4325 for assistance.
For more on military healthcare benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Home Loan Blog
Want to stay up to date on all the latest VA loan information? Follow the VA loan blog to find answers to any of your VA home loan questions. Is a VA loan for you and how much does it cost? Find answers to those questions (http://valoan.military.com/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) and more.