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Veterans I have talked to many veterans in North Texas and across the nation, and they have told me about several topics that concern them. I would like to address a few of those topics, including health care, the recent GI bill, and contact information for resources that are available. Congress Passes Major Update to Veterans Educational Benefits I believe that those who serve our country in the Armed Forces should be rewarded with the educational benefits they have earned. I am proud to have been a part of the first major increase in veterans educational benefits since the Montgomery G.I. Bill was enacted in 1985. Since the late 1990's, the MGIB benefits have covered more than 100% of the average price for tuition, fees, room, and board at public two-year institutions. This update, titled the Post-9/11 GI Bill, will take effect On August 1, 2009 and will cover 100% of the most expensive 4-year public university. In addition, the new GI Bill will ensure that veterans can transfer their earned educational benefits to their spouse and dependents. For eligibility requirements or more information please click here Contact Information Department of Veterans Affairs VA Services for Returning Vets Veterans Crisis Hotline Toll Free VA Contact Numbers Local VA Offices My offices in Texas The following websites also offer many resources for veterans: House Veterans Affairs Committee Congress Passes Enhanced Benefits for Veterans The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2008, signed by President Bush on January 28, 2008, extends the period of enhanced VA health care eligibility provided a veteran who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11,1998. This includes combat veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom, OEF-Afghanistan Theater; and Operation Iraqi Freedom OIF-Iraq Theater veterans. Under the "Combat Veteran" authority, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in Priority Group 6, unless the veteran is eligible for enrollment in a higher priority of care. This new benefit applies to OEF/OIF veterans, currently enrolled veterans and new enrollees who were discharged from active duty on or after January 28, 2003 and is good for five years after discharge. Additionally, veterans discharged from active duty before January 28, 2003, who apply for enrollment on or after January 28, 2008, are eligible for the enhanced benefit until January 27, 2011. Who's eligible: Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and have an honorable discharge. Health benefits include cost-free VA health care and medications provided for conditions potentially related to combat service. Additional benefits for all military members, who are eligible veterans, also include the following: Expansion of Dental Eligibility: Veterans who served on active duty 90 days or more are eligible to receive one-time VA dental benefits if they make an application to VA within 180 days post discharge from active duty and if their discharge forms (DD Forms 214) does not indicate necessary dental treatment had been provided with 90 days of release from active duty. This basically doubles the time for members to receive their benefits. Visit http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/ for eligibility requirements and directions to sign up for coverage. Concerns about Identity theft Be vigilant. Carefully monitor bank and credit card statements. Report unusual activity immediately to the financial institution involved and contact the Federal Trade Commission. If you detect suspicious or unusual activity, do the following: 1. Contact the fraud department of one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax: (800) 525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 Experian: (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion: (800) 680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 2. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. 3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. 4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by using its identity theft hot line, (877) 438-4338; go to www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or write to Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20580. For more information, visit the Veterans Affairs Department's special Web site, www.firstgov.gov, or call (800) FED-INFO (333-4636). SOURCE: Department of Veterans Affairs Related Documents:
Burgess in the News
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Veterans Sought for Honorary Project by Congress
7.24.2008
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Congressman Burgess attends Veterans Day events in Texas
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