The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
VA extends financial, benefits and claims relief to veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced a number of actions to provide veterans with financial, benefits and claims help during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Financial relief actions until further notice includes suspending all actions on veteran debts under the Treasury Department’s jurisdiction. It also includes suspending collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, as the veteran prefers.
For benefit debts, veterans can contact the VA Debt Management Center at 800-827-0648 to make
arrangements.
For health care debts, veterans arrangements can contact the Health Resource Center at 888-8274817 to make arrangements.
The benefits and claims relief actions include giving veterans the option to submit their paperwork late for the following actions: • perfecting claims • challenging adverse decisions
• submitting Notices of Disagreement
• submitting Substantive Appeals
• responding to Supplemental Statements of the Case.
Veterans can submit their late benefits claims paperwork along with a request for an extension. Veterans do not have to request an extension ahead of time.
The VA is accepting typed and digital signatures instead of wet signatures on forms.
If a veteran with a pending appeal is diagnosed with COVID-19, the VA stated that the Board of Veterans’ Appeals will advance the case on the docket.
Those with questions are asked to contact Veterans Affairs at 800-827-1000.
“As all Americans come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we want veterans to be focused on their health and safety,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement. “That’s why we’re taking action to give those with pending debts, claims and appeals greater flexibility during these challenging times.”
Ohio’s U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman applauded the move in a joint statement. The pair had previously sent a letter to Wilkie requesting an extension for filing of claims and appeals for veterans’ compensation benefits.