VFW VA District 9

"This is My VFW" Membership Recruitment Video

Posted at 01:33 PM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by dist9

Membership recruitment video shot at the 112th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars August 27-September 1, 2011.  Our thanks to all who participated in the production.  Please share this video with all of your friends and veterans on your social networks.  And of course, if you have not yet joined the VFW, click here to join today!

VA News Highlights

Posted at 08:03 AM on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by dist9

Several headlines from the Department of Veterans Affairs in recent days.  Click the links to read the full stories.

Statement from Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki on the American Jobs Act - Shinseki comments on the proposed Act which includes support for veteran jobs.

VA Announces Expansion of Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will expand its pilot for the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER), which enables sharing of Veterans’ health records.

VA Streamlines Online Applications for Health Benefits Renewal - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has automated its online Health Benefits Renewal (10-10EZR) form as part of its ongoing effort to streamline access to benefits.

VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure - Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships operating on the waters of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, may be eligible to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for 14 medical conditions associated with presumptive exposure to Agent Orange.

The American Veteran - July 2011

Posted at 11:27 PM on Monday, July 25, 2011 by dist9

(via The Pentagon Channel)

Posted at 02:41 PM on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 by dist9

Attorney General’s opinion clarifies tax exemption for disabled veterans

 

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has issued an opinion clarifying interpretation of new legislation granting a real estate tax exemption to veterans with a 100 percent, permanent and total, service-connected disability.  The legislation, enacted by the 2011General Assembly in response to a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2010, exempts real estate, including property held jointly by a husband and wife, from taxation provided the veteran meets the specified disability requirements.  The exemption applies to the building on the property and up to one acre of land.  The veteran must use the property as his or her principal residence. 

 

The Attorney General’s opinion, issued July 15, 2011, clarifies the term 100% disability to include veterans rated by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as individually unemployable due to a service-connected disability.  These veterans must be unable to secure or hold gainful employment due to their service-connected disability.  Additionally, they must have one service-connected disability ratable at 60 percent or more, or two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one disability ratable at 40 percent or more and with a combined rating of 70 percent or more.

 

The legislation also grants the exemption to the surviving spouse of an eligible veteran if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011.  The spouse will lose the exemption if he or she remarries or does not occupy the property as his or her primary place of residence.  According to the Attorney General’s opinion, the way the law was written, the exemption is not retroactive and spouses will not be eligible if the veteran died prior to January 1, 2011.

 

The Attorney General’s opinion also stated that the exemption was not available if the real estate is in a revocable trust with the spouse or others or in an irrevocable trust, and that the exemption is not available to a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran if the spouse relocates.

 

Opinions issued by the Attorney General do not create new law.  However, they represent a legal analysis of current law based on a thorough review of existing law and relevant prior court decisions. To read this opinion from the Attorney General, visit http://www.vaag.com/Opinions%20and %20Legal%20Resources/ Opinions/2011opns/July11opndx.html.

 

To apply for the exemption, veterans should contact their local commissioner of the revenue or other designated local government official.

 

The Virginia Department of Veterans has 20 offices statewide that assist veterans and their families with applying for federal and state veterans benefits.  Visit www.virginiaforveterans for the location of a DVS office near you. 

Posted at 04:16 PM on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by dist9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Atkins
(804) 371-0441

New legislation provides vital records to veterans at no cost, hunting licenses at reduced cost

RICHMOND —Two pieces of legislation passed unanimously by the 2011 General Assembly and signed into law by Governor McDonnell will provide veterans with copies of vital records at no cost and hunting licenses at a reduced cost.

Vital records at no cost

            Veterans and their survivors may receive a certified copy of vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, from the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records at no charge if the records will be used to obtain military service-connected benefits.  The legislation was patroned by Delegate Massie and Senator Northam.  To obtain more information, veterans or their survivors should contact the Division of Vital Records at (804) 662-6200.

Hunting licenses for disabled veterans at a discounted cost

            Beginning July 1, discounted hunting licenses will be available to disabled veterans. Resident veterans rated by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a 70 percent service-connected disability may purchase an annual state resident basic hunting license at half price.  Veterans with a 70 percent service-connected disability residing out of state may purchase an annual non-resident basic hunting license at half price.  The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries already offers a lifetime hunting and fishing license and a life-time trapping license to disabled veterans at a reduced cost.  The new law was sponsored by Delegate Armstrong.  An application for the license is available on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ website at www.dgif.virginia.gov.

            Although not part of the legislative package, earlier this year Governor McDonnell granted veterans free access to all state parks through the end of 2011.

Posted at 04:30 PM on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 by dist9

News Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Atkins
(804) 371-0441

In-state tuition residency requirement waived for veterans at public colleges and universities

RICHMOND—Legislation patroned by Delegates Anderson and Stolle and Senator Edwards during the 2011 General Assembly session will grant veterans in-state tuition rates at Virginia colleges and universities without waiting the normal one-year period.  “Coupled with their G.I. Bill benefits, this is a huge benefit for veterans that can save them thousands of dollars and help them kick-start their higher education,” commented Paul Galanti, a former Vietnam POW and Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Ordinarily, to qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must have been domiciled in Virginia for at least one year prior to the school year.  To verify domicile, colleges typically review whether the student has lived continuously in Virginia for one year prior to the school year and, as applicable, paid income taxes, held a Virginia driver’s license and motor vehicle registration, registered to vote in Virginia, been employed, or owned property in the Commonwealth.

Under the new legislation, the one-year residency requirement will be waived for veterans and their dependents.  Once veterans establish proof of Virginia domicile, they will qualify for in-state tuition rates as of the next semester.

 Eligibility for in-state tuition rates is determined by the college or university during the enrollment process.  Veterans should contact their prospective college or university for additional information.

ATTENTION DESERT STORM VETERANS

Posted at 04:43 PM on Thursday, June 23, 2011 by dist9

There will be a special observance and commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Desert Storm at The Brickyard 400 Race in Indianapolis, IN., on July 31, 2011.  The first 300 Desert Storm Veterans to respond to the contact information below can take part in the opening ceremonies for the race, and special recognition of the 20th Anniversary of Desert Storm.  During the ceremony, the 300 Veterans will stand on the track among the 43 race teams and drivers racing that day.  Veterans are asked to wear their Desert Storm Chocolate Chip Camouflage Uniforms if possible. Veterans will receive free admission to the race for themselves as well as one other guest. SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 300!

To reserve your spot, please contact VFW Life Member Scott C.Stump of Waynesville, NC., at: sawgunner1@illustratemylife.com or at (828)456-6412

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