Each Memorial Day, our nation recognizes the sacrifice of the men and women who fought for our freedom. As we pause to honor the brave soldiers we have lost, and offer our gratitude to their families that gave so much, it is important that we also remember the soldiers who fought alongside them.
Whether I am helping veterans receive the medals they deserve, meeting with my Veteran and Military Advisory Council or talking to veterans at local service organizations in the first district, I find that too often veterans and their spouses are unaware of the various options offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For example, the VA provides supplemental income to help veterans — including un-remarried surviving spouses and the unmarried children of a deceased veteran — cope with financial challenges through the Veterans and Survivors' pension benefit programs.
In addition, veterans and survivors who are eligible for pension benefits and are housebound or require the assistance of another person may be eligible to receive additional compensation known as 'aid and attendance'.
The services and healthcare offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs are a small but meaningful token of our appreciation for the sacrifices of our brave service members.
I urge all veterans and their families to learn what the VA has to offer.
To learn more about what Veterans and their families should know when applying for VA Pension Benefits please visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/PENSIONANDFIDUCIARY/pension/Pensionprograminfo.pdf.
You can also speak directly to a representative at the local VA in Newington by calling 800-827-1000.
As always, you can reach out to my office at 860-278-8888 where I have veterans on my staff who understand the challenges that exist for our soldiers at home who may have questions or concerns related to VA benefits and healthcare.
