ANNVILLE, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has reported a landmark achievement in securing over $1.1 billion in compensation and pension benefits for veterans across the state over the past year. This remarkable outcome reflects a 10 percent increase from the previous fiscal year, underscoring the effective efforts of the Shapiro Administration in supporting veterans.
Veteran service officers, accredited and supported by the DMVA, have been instrumental in this success, managing over 1,100 veteran inquiries monthly. These officers play a crucial role in verifying eligibility and facilitating access to the benefits earned by veterans through their service. Brian Natali, acting director of the Bureau of Veterans Programs, Initiatives, Reintegration, and Outreach, emphasized the dedication of the team, stating, “Surpassing $1 billion demonstrates how tenacious our team is when it comes to working with veterans, verifying eligibility and connecting them to the benefits they deserve.”
The department has also been proactive in addressing nearly 700 requests annually from veterans or their families seeking lost military documentation, often essential for initiating claims or accessing benefits.
A significant factor contributing to the increase in queries and claims has been the federal Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, the PACT Act expands health care and benefits for veterans affected by burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Natali highlighted the department’s commitment to these claims, stating, “Our staff has made the large number of PACT Act claims a priority, getting them to the federal VA as quickly as possible. We understand how important it is to veterans and their families to receive their benefits without barriers and delays.”
Additionally, the PA VETConnect program has been pivotal in enhancing outreach efforts. This program enables the DMVA to focus resources within local communities, ensuring veterans have access to the services they need. The outreach team has built a network comprising over 2,160 resources, aiding approximately 1,800 veterans in the last quarter alone.
The DMVA’s comprehensive approach, combining diligent verification processes, swift handling of claims under the PACT Act, and localized outreach through PA VETConnect, has significantly bolstered support for veterans in Pennsylvania. These initiatives reflect a robust commitment to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits and support they rightfully deserve.
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