Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
VA and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Host Presumptive Conditions Event
June 11, 2018
“Your Service. Our Mission: Bringing Benefits Home” - VA Presumptive Conditions Campaign Event
Date/Location:
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from Noon – 6 p.m.
Choctaw Community Center
3274 Afullota Hina
McAlester, Oklahoma
Tuesday, July 17, 2018, from Noon – 6 p.m.
Donald W. Reynolds Community Center
501 S. Broadway
Poteau, Oklahoma
Background:
On July 10 and July 17, 2018, VA and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma will host a Presumptive Conditions Campaign Event focused on identifying and assisting Veterans across Choctaw Nation and Oklahoma who may have presumptive disabilities and who might be eligible for a VA pension claim. A presumptive disability is a condition that VA presumes are related to military service, although the condition may first appear after discharge from the military. These conditions may qualify for VA compensation payments.
Throughout 2018, VA is launching a nationwide campaign to roll out veteran disability enrollment claim events collaboratively with 20 tribal communities. The campaign, titled “Your Service. Our Mission: Bringing Benefits Home” kicked off March 21 in Navajo Nation and tribal communities in eleven states have already confirmed their participation.
VA realizes that reaching these veterans could have a direct, tangible impact on the lives of thousands of previously unreached veterans and their spouses. This will help VA enhance and improve the experience for all Veterans and their families.
“With the focus on veterans with presumptive disabilities and those who are pension eligible, VA is hopeful we can help Indian Country veterans access the full range of benefits they have courageously earned through their service,” said Stephanie Birdwell, director, VA’s Office of Tribal Government Relations.
In addition, spouses may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) when a veteran dies as a result of these presumptive disabilities.
During the event, health information and other benefits will be available and provided by both OKC and Muskogee VA Medical Centers, Muskogee Veterans Benefits Administrations Regional Office, the State Department of Veterans Affairs, Disabled Veterans of America, local Vet Centers and Tribal Veteran Service Officers who will be on site to assist with filling out claims paperwork.
Services offered for this two-day event range from the Social Security Disability Determination Office, Veterans Service Officers filling out disability claims, and VBA Regional Office staff reviewing claims on the spot with the hope of possibly approving several claims that same day. Other agencies will be on site to provide program services available for which you might be eligible for. Both medical centers will also be on hand to enroll any Veterans who currently are not enrolled in the Veterans Health Care System.
The event is free and lunch will be provided. Contacts are Mary Culley, VA Tribal Government Relations Specialist at (405) 626-3425, Mary.Culley@va.gov; Ms. Karen Massey, Medicaid/VA Coordinator, Choctaw Nation Health Care, (918) 567-7000, ext 6462, ksmassey@cnhsa.com,; and Jeremy Taylor, Choctaw Nation Health Care, (918) 567-7000, ext 6498, jntaylor@cnhsa.com, for additional information.
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For Further Information Contact:
Jessica Jacobsen, Dallas OPA
(214) 649-8380 (cell)
Mary Culley
VA Tribal Government Relations Specialist
(405) 626-3425
Karen Massey
Medicaid/VA Coordinator
Choctaw Nation Health Care
(918) 567-7000, ext 6462
Jeremy Taylor
Choctaw Nation Health Care
(918) 567-7000, ext 6498
