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Spouses of U.S. Veterans Can Benefit from VA Telephone Support Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expanding their support services for spouses of U.S. veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. According to an article in Market Watch, the VA will now offer a support program via the telephone to help spouses learn how to handle and help their veteran with various transition-related issues to build a newly found life as a veteran with disabilities.

The support program will last 6 months and participants will take part in 12 telephone support groups over that time. The groups will be lead by VA staff members, which will include "caregiver support coordinators." The focus of the groups will be on: 

• relationships;
• problem solving and communication;
• family roles;
• resilience; and
• mental health issues. 

The VA had previously conducted a pilot program, which was able to provide "significant reduction in stress" in those spouses using the service.

Those spouses who participated in the pilot program reported feeling: 

• fewer symptoms related to depression;
• less anxiety; and
• more social support. 

Transitioning from a state of combat to living a normal, civilian life can be a real shock for some U.S. veterans and their families sometimes "bear the brunt" of the issues facing the veteran. This can cause additional stress in the household, and, if not treated, could make things worse. Being able to be a "pillar of support" for a veteran undergoing a rough transition back into the civilian world is critical for everyone involved.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.