Toll-Free: (888) 234-5758
Phone: (954) 523-3870
January 14, 2011 - When Eric Shinseki became the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary, he laid out an aggressive plan for how the VA should improve their services for veterans. Probably his most ambitious goal was to end homelessness among veterans within the first 5 years of his tenure as Secretary. While there are still homeless veterans on the streets, it has not yet been 5 years either. Nevertheless, the VA has undergone some impressive changes in its effort to meet that goal.
Change takes time and money. Accordingly, the VA's budget has grown to appreciable heights over the last few years. Through their Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, the VA provides money to about 500 programs, which then provide transitional housing and various services to homeless veterans nationwide. Since Sec. Shinseki took office, the VA has increased the amount of money they put into these programs four-fold.
Additionally, the VA runs a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, which helps veterans find employment following being homeless. It is an extremely successful program and has tripled in its abilities to help veterans. Almost every VA medical center and regional office has been staffed with homeless coordinators and various specialists to assist veterans as they get back on their feet.
The VA has also partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and currently issue 20,000 housing vouchers to disabled veterans. Next year should bring another 10,000 vouchers. In taking a more active role, the VA hired numerous employees to actively go out and find homeless veterans who need help.
The VA has also increased the amount and type of health care provided to veterans. Most new services focus on soldiers who were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, but are benefiting multiple generations of veterans. Not only is the VA improving their reputation and services, they are helping soldiers and veterans and continue to strive to meet Sec. Shinseki's goal of ending veteran homelessness.
Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.
At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today!
Or, complete our short contact form or call us directly at 1.888.234.5758 to schedule your FREE case evaluation.
Post a Comment to "VA Making Progress Under Sec. Shinseki"
To reply to this message, enter your reply in the box labeled "Message", hit "Post Message."