DAV lends a hand

  • Published
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The Disabled American Veterans organization, under their Transition Service Program, has placed service officers at more than twenty of the nations' largest military sites. 

Recently DAV Transition Service Officer, B. J. Bullard, has joined the team at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Mr. Bullard, along with the Veterans Administration Representative, Norm Freeman, assist in preparing veterans benefits claims for active-duty military personnel who are separating or retiring from the military service. Both the VA and the new DAV offices are located at the A&FRC. 

"These officers assist in developing and submitting an exiting member's disability claim," said A & FRC team lead, Barbara Turney. "Combined, they have more than 20 years of experience and expertise."

Before the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, members had to wait until after they separated to submit their claim.

"Now, the submission and exam process can be accomplished prior to separation and, after they send their official discharge paperwork (DD Form 214) to the VA, the claim can be finalized," Mrs. Turney said.

Active-duty members wishing to file VBA claims prior to discharge must have a firm date of separation and no more than 180 days remaining until that date. Additionally, service members with between 60 and 180 days remaining on active duty who are remaining in the local area for at least 60 days may participate in the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. 

Those service members with less than 60 days remaining on active duty may utilize Quick Start, which is another VBA authorized pre-discharge claim program. In all cases, a hospital certified copy of the member's medical records is required before scheduling an appointment with either Mr Bullard or Mr Freeman. Members are encouraged to make an additional copy of their medical records for their personal use. 

Anyone separating from military service can make an appointment by calling 882-9060.