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Agnes Mitchell, Assit. to the Veteran Services Officer
Phone: 910.521.7861
E-mail Agnes Mitchell

Linda Locklear, Assit. to the Veteran Services Officer
Phone: 910.522.2220
E-mail Linda Locklear

POSTERS & FLYERS

 

FORMS & APPLICATIONS

NCDVA Training Manual(.pdf)

IMPORTANT LINKS

US Department of
Veterans Affairs

  

Veteran Affairs Office of the Lumbee Tribe

  

The Veterans Affairs Office for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina operates by appointment scheduling ONLY. To speak with a representative call:

Agnes Mitchell, Assit. to the Veteran Services Officer Phone: 910.522.2210 or

Linda Locklear, Assit. to the Veteran Services Officer Phone: 910.522.2220

  
 

We can help you with these VA Benefits:

Death Benefits

VA Home Loan Guaranty Benefits

Service Connected Disability Compensation

CHAMPVA

VA Medical Care

TRICARE

Pension

Burial Benefits

VA Life Insurance Programs

Transportation

Education Benefits
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I

  1. Get into the VA Healthcare System?
  2. Get my prescription medications from the VA?
  3. Arrange for transportation to the VA Medical Center for my appointments?
  4. Get the VA to pay me for my disabilities?
  5. Get a copy of my discharge papers?
  6. Apply for a VA Home Loan Guarantee?
  7. Apply for VA burial benefits?
  8. Apply for VA death benefits?
  9. Obtain Veteran's Preference Points for employment?
  10. Know what education benefits are available?
  11. Obtain replacement medals?

1.Get into the VA Healthcare System?

In October 1996, Congress passed Public Law 104-262, the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996. This legislation paved the way for the creation of a Medical Benefits Package - a standard enhanced health benefits plan available to all enrolled veterans. Like other standard health care plans, the Medical Benefits Package emphasizes preventive and primary care, offering a full range of outpatient and inpatient services.

VA places a priority on improved veteran satisfaction. Their goal is to ensure the quality of care and service you receive is consistently excellent, in every location, in every program. Under the Medical Benefits Package, VA offers you, the veteran, and a comprehensive health care plan that provides the care you need.

Our office will assist you in completing the application for medical benefits, VA Form 10-10EZ. Please contact Mecklenburg County Veterans Services at 704-336-2102. Walk in assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Our office is located at 700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte NC. 28202.

You must submit a completed VA Form 10-10EZ and a copy of your DD 214 or equivalent to the VA Medical Center Eligibility Office. They will determine your eligibility, priority group, and co-pays (if applicable). See Mecklenburg County Veterans Service Office for assistance in completing the form. There are separate healthcare programs for active duty personnel, retired, and dependents of veterans who are totally and permanently disabled.

For more information see our section on Medical Benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs Eligibility requirements for enrollment in VA's Health Care System.Return to FAQ Menu

 


2.Get my Prescription Medications from the VA?


You must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and be followed by a VA healthcare provider who prescribes your medication that may be obtained from a VA pharmacy. Co-pays may apply.

For more information see our section on Medical Benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs Eligibility requirements for enrollment in VA's Health Care System. Return to FAQ Menu


3.Arrange for transportation to the VA (link) for my medical appointments?

Lumbee Tribe Veteran Services does not provide transportation to the VA Medical Centers, however for veterans who are unable to transport themselves transportation service may be available through other county agencies. Contact the Veteran Service Office to learn about transportation options for medical appointments. Return to FAQ Menu


4.Get the VA to pay me for my disabilities?

VA Compensation Benefits may be paid to an eligible veteran who has a disabling physical or mental condition which was incurred or aggravated during military service. The degrees of disability are determined by the VA and represent, as far as can practicably be determined, the average loss in wages resulting from such diseases and injuries and their complications in civil occupations. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses. You should contact your County Veteran Service Officer for an interview to determine eligibility and for assistance in applying or these benefits.
For more information see our section on disabilities and the Veterans Benefits Administration Return to FAQ Menu


5.Get a copy of my discharge papers?

Members of the armed forces are provided a discharge record, DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, on completion of total military service, including active and reserve service. Your discharge (DD214 or equivalent) is a very important document, because your eligibility for all VA benefits is determined by it. There are a number of sources from which you may be able to get certified copies or photo-copies your discharge papers. You can obtain a copy of your DD214 from http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs or contact the Veterans Service Office and we will assist you with your request. Return to FAQ Menu


6.Apply for a VA Home Loan Guarantee?


Bring your discharge papers (DD Form 214) to your County Veterans Service Office. They will complete a form and send it in to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) office to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. You will present the Certificate of Eligibility to your lender when applying for a home loan. It is important to compare rates, fees and programs offered by your lender. For more information see our section on VA Home Loan Guarantees and Home Loan Guaranty Services - Dept of Veterans Affairs. Return to FAQ Menu


7.Apply for VA Burial Benefits?


Your DD214 (Discharge Paper) is the key document that determines your eligibility for burial benefits. It is important to secure this document and make sure your family is able to locate it. Burial benefits provide for an allowance that may be authorized for the reimbursement of the funeral and burial expenses of an eligible veteran and limited benefits for a spouse. The following allowances fall under this category: burial or cremation allowance, plot or internment allowance, transportation of remains, burial in a national or state cemetery, memorial plots, headstones & markers, United States Flag, Presidential Memorial Certificates. There are many factors or criteria that determine what burial allowances you may qualify for, so it is imperative that you contact your veterans' service officer for guidance and application of these benefits. We also work closely with local funeral homes and cemeteries. We strongly recommend that you find out about your VA burial benefits and options before committing to a pre-paid funeral package. Information is available at http://www.cem.va.gov/. Return to FAQ Menu


8.Apply for VA Death Benefits?

There are multiple sub-categories that fall under the umbrella of Death benefits. Information concerning each program has its own specific criteria and is summarized here. Some of the programs are:

Death Gratuity: lump sum when a service member dies while on active duty.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): a monthly annuity paid to the spouse or dependent of a retired military service member-who has elected this option and paid into the program. Information concerning survivor benefits is available at http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/index.htm.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): a monthly benefit paid to a spouse, children, or parents, if the proximate cause of death is due to a service connected disability. See http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/index.htm

Widows Pension: a monthly benefit payable to a spouse of a wartime deceased veteran. You may be entitled to VA Widows' Benefits if your spouse served in the military for at least three months, and if he was in uniform for at least one day during a period of war. He did not have to have served overseas or in battle, but he must have been in service. The Widows' Pension is dependent on your income. Only those with an income below certain limits will qualify. If you believe that you qualify (and husbands of wives who served are also eligible if they meet the guidelines), contact your County Veteran Service Office for an application.

Veterans Final Expenses: unreimbursed expenses from the veterans last illness & burial. Special provisions apply.

Veterans Administration Life Insurance/Servicemen's & Veterans Group Life Insurance: There are multiple insurance policies that were issued under different laws and provisions. Benefits are determined by the policy and status at the time of death. Contact your County Veterans Service Office for detailed information and to apply for these benefits. Information is also available at http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/default.htm.

Dependents Educational Assistance: The Survivor's and Dependents' Educational assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

To be eligible, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:
- A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
- A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
- A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
- A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

Eligibility Update: Eligibility requirements have been expanded to cover a spouse or child of a person who:
- VA determines has a service-connected permanent and total disability; and at the time of VA's determination is a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment; and
- is likely to be discharged or released from service for this service-connected disability.

If you are a son or daughter and wish to receive benefits for attending school or job training, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain instances, it is possible to begin before age 18 and to continue after age 26. Marriage is not a bar to this benefit. If you are in the Armed Forces, you may not receive this benefit while on active duty. To pursue training after military service, your discharge must not be under dishonorable conditions.

For additional information see Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program Pamphlet or contact your local VA Regional Office for additional assistance by dialing toll-free, 1-888-442-4551. Return to FAQ Menu


9.Obtain Veterans Preference Points for Employment?

Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in the appointments to Federal Jobs. 5 Preference points can be added to the passing examination score of a veteran who has served on active duty for at least 180 days and have an honorable discharge. A 10 point preference can be added to the passing score of a veteran who has a service connected disability rated by the VA and is in receipt of compensation for the disability. There are additional provisions for unmarried spouses or mothers of deceased veterans or veterans that are totally & permanently disabled. Preference points are not applicable for Guard & Reserve members who perform Active Duty for Training. For further information on Veterans Preference go to http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetsInfo.asp or contact the County Veteran Service Office. Return to FAQ Menu


10.Know what Education Benefits are Available?

There are multiple higher education programs that are in effect for active duty, reserve duty, discharged veteran, and disabled veterans and their dependents or dependents of deceased veterans. Some are programs were contributory in nature, which means that you paid into a fund. Each program has specific active duty dates, enrollment periods, entitlement dates and expiration dates.

For more detailed information refer to Educational Benefits and the GI Bill website Return to FAQ Menu


11.How do I obtain replacement medals?

Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army personnel, the National Personnel Records Center will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals.

The Standard Form (SF 180), Request Pertaining to Military Records, is recommended for requesting medals and awards. Provide as much information as possible and send the form with a copy of your DD214 to the appropriate address:

ARMY
National Personnel Records Centerrrr
Medals Section (NRPMA-M)
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

AIR FORCE

(including Army Air Corps & Army Air Forces)
National Personnel Records Center
Air Force Reference Branch (NRPMF)
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

NAVY MARINE & COAST GUARD

Bureau of Naval Personnel
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

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Assistance for Homeless Veterans


Does VA Have Programs That Can Assist Homeless Veterans?

VA has many benefits and services to assist homeless veterans. Disability benefits, education, health care, rehabilitation services, residential care, and compensated work therapy are among the services we offer to eligible veterans.

What Kind Of VA Services And Benefit Programs Are Available To Homeless Veterans?

  • Health Care for Homeless Veterans Programs (HCHV) – operates at 135 sites, where extensive outreach, physical and psychiatric health exams, supported housing programs, Drop-In-Centers, compensated work therapy, treatment, referrals, and ongoing case management are provided to homeless veterans with mental health problems, including substance abuse.
  • Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program (DCHV) – provides medical care and rehabilitation in a residential setting on VA medical center grounds to eligible ambulatory veterans disabled by medical or psychiatric disorders, injury or age and who do not need hospitalization or nursing home care.
  • Inpatient & outpatient health care -- VA medical centers provide inpatient treatment to thousands of homeless veterans each year. Hospitals and outpatient clinics provide eligible veterans with comprehensive physical and mental health care, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation treatment, and other specialized services.
  • Readjustment counseling centers -- These centers, also called Vet Centers, help veterans through community outreach. They offer specialized services, such as group, individual and family counseling, to help eligible veterans overcome psychological difficulties or to resolve conflicts that may be contributing to their homelessness. They also provide referral services, connecting veterans to VA programs and community services.
  • Outreach -- The staff from VA regional offices, medical centers, vet centers, and special homeless programs regularly visit community shelters, agencies, and the streets to help thousands of homeless veterans each year.
  • Benefits and entitlements -- VA annually awards more than $17 billion in disability benefits to millions of veterans. In many instances, these payments are the major source of income to veterans and serve to prevent homelessness. VA's Fiduciary Program provides specialized case management to over 67,000 veterans, many of whom might be homeless without the services it provides.
  • Acquired property sales for homeless providers Program -- makes available properties VA obtains through foreclosures on VA-insured mortgages for sale to homeless provider organizations at a discount of 20 to 50 percent. Some of these properties are available for lease.


How Do You Get More Information?

Contact any VA medical center or regional office and a VA representative can provide information about VA benefits and services available to assist homeless veterans. They can also provide you with the address and phone number of the VA homeless program coordinator nearest you.

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Community Resources


Alliance Credit Counseling: Provides personalized education, counseling, and support programs that reduce and avoid the burdens of financial crisis, debt stress, bankruptcy, and their consequences. Also provides charitable education programs of financial literacy, money management, credit management, and debt reduction.

American Association of School Administrators: Some two million U.S. military children have had one or both parents deployed since 2001. Understanding the challenges facing military families - and the resources available to assist military children - is essential to meeting their unique educational needs. The American Association of School Administrators has released a toolkit on Supporting the Military Child to help school leaders meet the needs of children whose parents are deployed or in transition. This free, online resource is available on the AASA website.

Carolinas Freedom Foundation: The Carolinas Freedom Foundation was founded in response to former prisoner of war and retired Air Force Col. Quincy Collins' concerns about the lack of an organization in the area to promote patriotism. Each year, the Carolinas Freedom Foundation organizes nine programs and awards: the US Airways Freedom Breakfast, the Freedom Award, the Wreath Laying Ceremony, the Patriotic Art Competition, the US Airways Salute to Veterans Parade, the Flags in Classrooms Program, the Bank of America Shelton Leadership Challenge, and the AT&T Cadet Achievement Awards.

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont: Goodwill Industries is focused on strengthening families and has decided to focus of military families. Goodwill will be focused on providing services that will address the critical needs of military families.

North Carolina Heroes Fund - In addition to financial hardship assistance the Fund has an educational grant process to assist the dependents of our military men and women with the cost of continued education.

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Education Benefits

The VA Education Service Center in St. Louis, MO administers the following benefit programs for veterans and their dependents. Below is a summary of benefits.

Education Benefits Contact Information

If you need additional assistance, please call our toll-free number
1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.

Related Information

Education Benefit Programs - Dept of Veterans Affairs

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Education Forms

Education forms are available at http://www.gibill.va.gov/
Visit this area to see what's there or contact our toll-free number
1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to request Education forms.

Licensing and Certification Tests

You can receive reimbursement for licensing and certification tests you take on or after March 1, 2001. These tests must be specifically approved for the G.I. Bill. VA can pay only for the cost of the tests and not other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification.

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB)

The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30. Check the federal VA webpage for current rates of payment.

Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Restrictions

VA cannot pay educational assistance or special training allowances to persons on active duty with the Armed Forces or the Public Health Service whose education or training costs are being paid by the Federal Government. This bar also applies to persons receiving education or training under the Government Employees' Training Act and being paid their full salary during that period.

Summary of Benefits Under the Educational Assistance Test Program Section 901 of Public Law 96-342

Section 901 is an Educational Assistance Test Program created by the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1981 (Public Law 96-342) to encourage enlistment and reenlistment in the Armed Forces. Benefits are available to individuals who entered on active duty after September 30, 1980, and before October 1, 1981 (or before October 1, 1982, if entry was under a delayed enlistment contract signed between September 30, 1980, and October 1, 1981).

NOTE: Although Public Law 96-342 established a beginning date for the test program as October 1, 1980, the military service departments did not start offering the test program to new enlistees until December 1, 1980.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition.. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Tutorial Assistance Program

Tutorial assistance is available if you are receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or more rate and have a deficiency in a subject making tutoring necessary. If you have questions on this program please contact our toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.

Tuition Assistance "Top-Up"

On October 30, 2000, the President signed into law an amendment to the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty education program that permits VA to pay a Tuition Assistance Top- up benefit. The amount of the benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course.


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Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Veterans with Individual Unemployability Ratings

Even though VA has awarded you total disability compensation for your service-connected condition because you are currently unemployable, you may still qualify for the training and services in the vocational rehabilitation program. From February 1, 1985, through January 31, 1992, moreover, you may receive two special considerations: You may receive employment services even if you are not eligible for any other assistance under the VA vocational rehabilitation program. In addition, if you obtain a job during the 7-year period, your total disability rating due to individual unemployability will be protected for 12 consecutive months of employment.

This program, originally a 4-year pilot program, was extended for 3 years to January 31, 1992, and is now entirely voluntary. If you are granted a total service-connected disability rating any time prior to February 1, 1992, you may request an evaluation from VA to determine if your ability to work can be restored. If VA determines that vocational rehabilitation services could restore your capability to work, you may take part in a rehabilitation program, but you are not required to do so.

Vocational Training for Pension Recipients

If you have been awarded pension during the period from February 1, 1985, through January 31, 1992, you may be eligible for up to 24 months or more of vocational training to prepare for employment. You may also receive up to 18 months of employment services to help you search for, secure and maintain suitable employment. These employment services may be provided as a total program or in addition to job training. Unlike the vocational rehabilitation program for service-disabled veterans, subsistence allowance and no-interest loans are not available. If your pension award is authorized during this 7-year period and you are under age 45, you are required to participate in an evaluation to determine if employment is a realistic objective for you. You are not, however, required to participate in a program of training or employment assistance.

If your pension was awarded prior to February 1, 1985, you may now participate in the program on a voluntary basis if VA finds that a program of vocational training or employment service will enable you to become employed.

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Work Study Program

This program is available to any student receiving VA education benefits who is attending school three-quarter time or more. An individual working under this program may work at the school veterans' office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid at either the state or Federal minimum wage, which ever is greater. If you have questions on this program contact our toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.