For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
See also: In The Military
Question: I heard that the Department of Veterans Affairs could start processing my disability claim before I leave active duty. How do I go about this? VA encourages applying
for disability claims earlyAnswer: The VA encourages anyone about to separate or retire from active duty, and who incurred residual injuries as a result of military service, to file an early claim. If a service member is separating within 60 to 120 days, they should submit their application, VA Form 21-526, with a copy of their military medical records, be available for any necessary VA medical examinations before departing from Hawaii, and then provide the VA with a copy of their final DD Form 214 (Report of Separation).
VA representatives are available at the base separation centers, or the service member can apply at the VA Medical & Regional Office Center E-Wing located on the ocean/Diamond Head side of Tripler Army Medical Center. When the DD 214 is received, the VA will finalize the claim and pay any benefits that may be due. Service members who apply early enough before their separation date might expect delivery of their compensation benefits soon after their separation or retirement.
As a reminder, the VA strongly encourages service members to ensure that any illness or injury, no matter how minor, received while on active duty, is documented fully in their medical records. This speeds up the claim processing time if the service member seeks to file or upgrade a disability claim. For more information on pre-separation filing, call 433-1000.
Q: As a female veteran, what benefits can the Veterans Affairs provide for me?
A: Women veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as male veterans. However, additional gender-specific services and benefits are available for women veterans, including breast and pelvic examinations and other general reproductive health-care services. VA provides preventive health care counseling, contraceptive services, menopause management, Pap smears and mammography. Referrals are made for services that the VA is unable to provide.
The VA also provides counseling and treatment to help veterans overcome psychological trauma resulting from sexual trauma during active military service. Appropriate care and services are provided for any injury, illness or psychological condition resulting from such trauma. For further information contact the Honolulu VA's Women's Veteran Coordinator at 433-0477.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran,
call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049
or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin,
can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.
