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Vet centers are provided for veterans who suffer PTSD from events in combat

Email Jim

Jim Strickland is a nationally known advocate for veterans and a member of the Stateside Legal Advisory Board. This column appears with his permission. Jim's opinions are his own.

NOTE: Letters in my Q&A columns are reprinted just as they come to me. Spelling and grammar are left as is and only small corrections are made to improve readability, ensure anonymity or delete expletives that may offend some readers. This is not legal advice. You should always seek the advice of an attorney who is qualified in Veterans' law before you make any decisions about your own benefits.

Jim,

I truly trust this E-mail finds you and yours in the best of health and spirits. I had called the VET Center upon more than one occasion. I was informed: (1) that they do not provide transportation or travel pay and 2) they do provide free counseling. Long story short, I was finally able to get a way to the Colton, CA VET Center last week. To my chagrin, I was informed (by a one Mr. Austin) that one must have served inside a combat theater to qualify for one on one counseling at their center. Are you aware of this prerequisite? Please advise. I really don't feel comfortable at the VAMC (which is even farther and their travel situation changed 3/1/11-per a letter I received). I am in pursuit of a pill-less solution, if at all possible. AGAIN, I thank you in advance for any insight you can provide. Please do have a very pleasant and productive day.

Reply:

The information you received is true. Vet centers are provided for veterans who suffer PTSD from events in combat. There is no travel pay provided. For more about travel pay click http://www.vawatchdogtoday.org/Beneficiary_Travel.html

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Comments

Just wanted to add for clarification - that Vet Center Services are also available for:
(No travel pay is authorized for these either)

http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Eligibility.asp

"SEXUAL TRAUMA AND HARASSMENT COUNSELING - veterans of both sexes, all eras Vet Center services include individual readjustment counseling, referral for benefits assistance, group readjustment counseling, liaison with community agencies, marital and family counseling, substance abuse information and referral, job counseling and placement, sexual trauma counseling, and community education.

BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING - Bereavement counseling is offered to parents, siblings, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who die in the service to our country. Also eligible are family members of Reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on federally activated duty."

Posted by carliecash on Nov 17th, 2011 at 5:14 am.