I thought I would start the new year with a little information focusing on support for veterans. Of course, that means starting off with the VA. In doing a little research for this article, I actually learned things I didn’t know (why would that be a surprise?). I knew about “VSOs” of course. The VSOs we have at Togus are the American Legion, DAV, PVA, VFW, and the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services. All accredited with the VA to file your claims. Except for the MBVS SOs, their email addresses end in @va.gov, even though they are employed by their service organization. I always say “don’t use a lawyer, you don’t need to pay to file a claim.” Actually, there are “VA accredited’ lawyers who can help, 62 in Maine. It is illegal for them to charge for there service until after the claim has been filed and adjudicated. Then, if you want legal help filing an appeal, one of the accredited 62 lawyers in Maine can help and charge a fee. But, the VA has to approve that and you signed a VA document (Form 21-22) that allows them to represent you. I recommend check with your VSO first however. In Maine we also have three accredited “claims agents.” They can just help you with gathering evidence, especially when you are going through the appeals process.

Fortunately, service organization Posts have trained Service Officers, called Post Service Officers who can help guide you through the claim process. In our area, our American Legion PSO is Ed Harmon. 

Going to Togus to ask questions about the VA might be inconvenient. We all likely go to Brunswick far more often than we go to Augusta. So, on the old Naval Air Station – now Brunswick Landing – there is a Veteran Resource Center (RC). This is a non-profit, all volunteer, organization whose mission is to work in cooperation with all veteran’s organizations to better the lives of veterans in our communities. Located there are the Retired Activities Officer who is a VA accredited service officer focusing on helping veteran widows; Martins Point representative to help navigate issues like VA vs Medicare/Medicaid vs Tri-Care; Vet Center representatives to provide mental health counseling; VBA to enable filing claims directly with  the VA, and the DAV Veteran Service Officer to help filing a claim as well. In most cases, call to make appointments with any of these folks (207.406.4103). Check out their website www.mid-coastveteranscouncil.org. You can just drop at 62 Pegasus Drive, Brunswick from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week, coffee is always on and volunteers, most all veterans, are always there just to chat. I might add that they are always looking for volunteers so if you want to be part of this great organization, join us. Post 36, Ed’s V.E.T.S., Maine and Veterans in Need, are part of the organization. 

2025 breakfast schedule is now posted on www.post36maine.org/vents. Next Post meeting Monday, Jan. 13 Jan at 5:30/6 p.m.