Veterans' Issues

The number of veterans in Arizona continues to grow. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are approximately 557,000 veterans in Arizona, approximately 8 percent of our civilian adult population. Moreover, since Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, that number will continue to grow as veterans move to our state from other parts of the country, and as servicemen and women return to Arizona from Afghanistan and other missions overseas.

While many issues divide the American people, there is almost always broad bipartisan support among the public and members of Congress for initiatives that serve the needs of our nation’s veteran population. For example, in the last two years, the Senate gave unanimous approval to the following measures, which are now law:

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act (Public Law 111-377) makes it easier for young veterans to use the education benefits they have earned, and expands eligibility and benefits in a number of other ways;

The Veterans Benefits Act (Public Law 111-275) expands insurance options for disabled veterans, upgrades compensation benefits and employment protections, authorizes VA construction projects, and allows the VA to continue using private physicians to quickly and accurately provide veterans with disability evaluations; and
The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-53) increases the rates of certain benefits paid by the VA to veterans, spouses, and dependents.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-181), which I supported, extended the period of eligibility for health care benefits for those veterans who served in combat operations as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation New Dawn. The extension provides cost-free health care to veterans for any injury or illness related to their military service, regardless of income, for 5 years following discharge or separation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has set up a special website devoted to those veterans who have recently returned from military service. Click here for more information about the special benefits available to those who have recently returned from service to our country.

I am often asked about the services and benefits available to the widows, widowers, and dependent children of deceased veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides several different survivor benefits for widows and their children. An explanation of the benefits can be found on the VA website’s survivors portal.

Navigating through the federal bureaucracy can be very daunting, especially after losing a spouse. I encourage family members with questions about the benefits available to them to contact my Phoenix or Tucson offices for assistance. I also encourage veterans and their spouses to review the benefits available to survivors – as well as the eligibility requirements for these benefits – before they are needed, so that there are no surprises for a grieving family.

Our nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to those who have served, and we rightly try to assist with disability and pension payments, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, vocational rehabilitation, health care, and other services.

There are a number of good resources that veterans can reference to see what help might be available to them. The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of programs that are outlined on the department’s website. Those facing economic hardship might also check the website of the Arizona Department of Veteran’s Affairs; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Services page; and the VA’s homeless programs and initiatives page. There are also a number of private veteran service organizations available to assist veterans and their families. The staff members in my Phoenix and Tucson offices are also available to help find organizations that can best suit veterans’ needs.

The federal government also funds a variety of worker-retraining programs to help individuals transition to new careers after military service. The Department of Labor website CareerOneStop has more information about available federal programs. Maricopa County Workforce Connections, VetSuccess.gov, and local Vet Centers can also provide help for individuals seeking new work or a change in careers.

Of course, my office always stands ready to help veterans and their families with any questions or issues they may have. My staff in both Phoenix and Tucson who have expertise in matters such as veterans and military benefits, student loans and grants, Social Security, and more. For assistance, you may contact my Phoenix office at (602) 840-1891 or my Tucson office at (520) 575-8633.