WASHINGTON – Veterans and their survivors in the New Orleans area will have easier access to the many financial benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with the opening of a temporary regional benefits office in Gretna.
“Bringing direct local service back to the veterans and families of southern Louisiana is an important step in their recovery from Hurricane Katrina,” said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “I’m proud VA is leading the way in this important effort.”
The temporary facility, located at 671-A Whitney Avenue (Building A), offers the same services that had been provided at the New Orleans Regional Office, which remains closed because of Hurricane Katrina. VA officials are still studying options for reopening the permanent regional office.
Disabled veterans participating in VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program will also be served through the Gretna office, as well as through VA’s office in Shreveport.
Payment of VA benefits to veterans and other beneficiaries in the disaster areas have continued without interruption in spite of the hurricane damage. VA has provided replacement checks for VA beneficiaries unable to receive their regular monthly payments due to lack of a permanent address or access to their financial institutions.
Outreach teams of VA counselors and benefits specialists have been sent to coastal communities, evacuation sites, and shelters nationwide to assist victims with benefits questions and claims.
A Web site has been established at www.vba.va.gov with hurricane-relief information about all VA benefit programs (compensation, pension, education, loan guaranty, insurance, and vocational rehabilitation). For more information about veterans' benefits, contact VA at 1-800-827-1000.
