Military Personnel
As someone who is currently a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, I am dedicated to protecting our soldiers’ benefits, both when they are overseas and at home. That is why I introduced legislation to make sure our troops and military families receive the benefits they have earned.
During my town hall meetings, I have heard from soldiers that there is red tape blocking their benefits. My office is here to help cut through that red tape and see that all Veterans receive the benefits that they have earned. My office can help if soldiers are experiencing delays in the processing of Montgomery GI benefits or experiencing difficulties with the payment of a Tricare claim. Please contact Joe Fabricatore in my Clarks Summit office to set up an appointment and we will be happy to assist you.
Joe Fabricatore
(570) 585-9988
Joe.Fabricatore@mail.house.gov
You can also begin your casework online by clicking here
Because Tricare is prohibited from disclosing medical information without your consent, you must complete a Tricare form (download here) and forward it to my Clarks Summit office.
Reservists Information
Benefits
When on active federal military duty, Reserve Component members have comprehensive health care coverage through TRICARE. To learn more about health benefits, visit TRICARE's web site.
Additional Resources:
- Employee Rights
- Service Members Group Life Insurance
- Department of Labor Questions & Answers regarding benefits
Education
Serving as a reservist entitles men and women to several education benefits, including loans, tuition assistance and learning credits. Military spouses are also eligible for some education benefits. Many colleges have special enrollment incentives and discounts for veterans and military personnel.
The centerpiece of the veterans education benefit program is the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits, and may be used for:
- Degree and certificate programs.
- Flight training.
- Apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
Generally, reserve benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill program amount to up to $309 a month.
Additional Resources:
Family & Individual Resources
From military chaplains to a guide for coping with separation from loved ones, the military offers a wide range of services providing personal and spiritual assistance to individual reservists and their families.
- Preparing for Return and Reunion
- Army Judge Advocate's Legal Services
- Chaplains
- Red Cross Services for Military Members and Families
- Army Family Liaison
- Family Center Services from Military.com
- www.militaryonesource.com
Pay and Taxes
Maintaining competitive benefits and pay for military families are important priorities for Congress. The following links provide a detailed reference for determining pay rates for members of the Reserve.
Retirement
Reserve officers are entitled to retirement pay at age 60 if they have completed 20 years of federal service. Personnel must submit an application prior to claiming retirement benefits.
Veterans Information
Seeing to the needs of veterans is incredibly important to me. Here are some cases where my office can offer assistance:
- Requests for a claim to be expedited for terminal illness or other major emergency.
- Determining the current status of a pending application/claim.
- Assisting in overcoming a bureaucratic "logjam."
- Locating military service and medical records. (To begin the process, click here)
- Obtaining military service medals or ribbons
How Can I Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The VA has toll free numbers for the convenience of veterans and dependents.
Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000
Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477
Debt Management 1-800-827-0648
Mammography Hotline 1-888-492-7844
Tele. Dev. for Deaf (TDD) 1-800-829-4833
CHAMPVA 1-800-733-8387
Headstones/Markers 1-800-697-6947
Gulf War Helpline 1-800-749-8387
Sexual Trauma Hotline 1-800-827-1000
What's the difference between disability compensation and disability pension?
Disability Compensation: A monthly monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during military service.
Disability Pension: A monetary benefit paid to veterans of a period of war who are permanently and totally disabled for reasons not the result of their own willful misconduct and not related to their military service. This benefit is income-dependent.
What Are the Types of VA Claims?
There are Four Types of claims:
- Original Claim: The very first claim for disability benefits compensation or pension) filed by a veteran. All original claims must be filed on VA Form 21-526.
- Claim for increase: A claim for increased compensation for a disability already found to be service-connected.
- New Claim: A claim for compensation for a disability not part of the original claim. Also known as a supplemental claim.
- Reopened Claim: A claim asking for reconsideration of an issue previously considered and finally disallowed by VA (after more than one year has passed).
The type of claim determines how much development is required by VA and/or the nature of the supporting evidence the veteran must submit in support of the claim. The processing time for a claim varies depending on the type of claim and the supporting evidence provided by the veteran.
Please contact Joe Fabricatore in my Clarks Summit office to set up an appointment and we will be happy to assist you.
Joe Fabricatore
(570) 585-9988
Joe.fabricatore@mail.house.gov
How Do I Get a VA Home Loan?
There are 5 steps to get a VA Loan:
1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. A Veteran who doesn't have a certificate can obtain one by filling out and sending the VA Form 26-1880, Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement, to the local VA office.
Department Of Veterans Affairs
20 Washington Place
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Phone 1 800 827 1000
2. Decide on a home the buyer wants to buy and sign a purchase agreement.
3. Order an appraisal from VA. (This is usually done by lender.)
4. Apply to a mortgage lender for the loan. While the appraisal is being done, the lender can be gathering credit and income information. If the lender is authorized by the VA to do automatic processing, upon receipt of the appraised value determination, the loan can be approved and closed without waiting for VA review of the credit application. For loans that must first be approved by VA, the lender will send the application to the local VA office, which will notify the lender of its decision.
5. Close on loan and you move in!
Please contact Joe Fabricatore in my Clarks Summit office to set up an appointment and we will be happy to assist you.
Joe Fabricatore
(570) 585-9988
Joe.fabricatore@mail.house.gov
How Can I Get Replacement Medals?
You can request replacement for lost or stolen medals from the National Personnel Records Center or write to:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
Or
DATC-PAP-BC
Chief Military Awards Branch
Military Personnel Branch
Hoffman Building #2
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332
All requests must be completed in writing.
Please contact Joe Fabricatore in my Clarks Summit office to set up an appointment and we will be happy to assist you.
Joe Fabricatore
(570) 585-9988
Joe.fabricatore@mail.house.gov
Helpful Links
- How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
- How can I get education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill?
- How can I get medical benefits?
- How can I get a home loan?
- How can I get life insurance?
- How can I get vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits?
- How can I get survivor benefits?
- What drug benefits are available?
- How can I get a copy of my military records?
- How can I apply for a medal, award, or decoration that I earned while in the service?
- How can I find the nearest Veterans Center to me?