VETERANS VOICE

“Without Help, Navigating

VA Benefits can be

Overwhelming for Veterans”

-Bob Kelley

Grant County Veterans Service Officer, IN

In This Issue

Asbestos Exposure while

in Service

UV Safety Awareness

Month

Wisconsin Veteran

Identifier

Upcoming Events

Navy Army Air Force

Marines

Boatswain’s Mat Damage Controlman

Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic Mechanics

Fire Control Technician

Gunner’s Mate Infantryman Environmental Support Specialist

Marines Deployed on Navy Ships

Electrician’s Mate Machinery Repairman

Artilleryman

Machinist’s Mate Metalsmith Vehicle Mechanic

Pipefitter Radioman

Seabee Water Tender

Welder Hull Maintenance Technician

Shipfitters Boiler Tenders

Engine Mechanics

Asbestos Exposure while in Service Veterans who were exposed to asbestos while in service and developed a disease related to asbestos exposure may receive service-connected compensation. Asbestos can be a serious health risk if asbestos-containing material is disturbed in such a way that the particles and fibers become airborne. Symptoms of asbestos-related disease, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain, often do not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure. How Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos: Veterans who served in any of the following occupations:

Continue on page 2…

Winnebago County Department of Veterans Services Newsletter July 2017

Veterans Voice radio show— www.1490wosh.com or

AM1490 - 1st Tuesday each month at 0830.

UV Safety Awareness Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month.

The quality of care for veterans

includes raising awareness around

important health topics. The dangers

associated from unprotected sun

exposure can be life threatening.

While we think of the beach and

outdoor fun in the summer months,

we need to take a moment to educate

ourselves on UV Safety. The sun

emits radiation known as UV-A and

UV-B rays. Both types can damage

your eyes and skin. Unprotected sun

exposure can cause skin cancer,

damage to eyes, suppressed

Immune system and age skin

prematurely. An estimated one in five

Americans will develop skin cancer in

the course of a lifetime. Here are a

few things you can do to minimize the

risk of sun exposure. Remember to

cover up, stay in the shade, use the

right sunscreen and reapply

sunscreen.

more visit: https://www.va.gov/

QUALITYOFCARE/education/

UV_Safety_Awareness_Month_2016.asp

Continued….

Health Problems Associated with Asbestos Exposure: Breathing asbestos mainly causes problems to the lungs and the membrane that surrounds the lungs including: Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue that causes breathing problems. Pleural Plaques: Scarring in the inner surface of the ribcage and area surround the

lungs that cause breathing problems. Cancer: The two types of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos are lung cancer

and mesothelioma. Service Connected Compensation Claim Eligibility Requirements: You must be a Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than

dishonorable You must have been exposed to asbestos while in military service. You must have a disease or disability related to the asbestos exposure that

occurred in military service. Evidence Requirements: The evidence must show asbestos exposure while in military service. This may

include your military occupation specialty and/or where you were stationed. The evidence must show you have a disease or disability related to asbestos and a

relationship exists between the exposure to asbestos in military service and the disease/disability. Note: You must claim a disease or disability. Exposure, in and of itself, is not a condition that is subject to service connection.

How to Apply: Contact your local CVSO office to schedule an appointment to begin the claim

process. To learn more about the forms needed and ways to apply visit:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/claims-postservice-exposures-

asbestos.asp

Wisconsin Veteran Identifier: As many more Wisconsin Veterans are taking advantage of the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) program I thought it would be appropriate to address the program. The purpose of this program is that many organizations and businesses offer benefits or discounts to veterans. This is a way for veterans to quickly identify themselves to these organizations and businesses without having to carry confidential personal information (DD Form 214/DD Form 215).

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Veteran Identifier on your Wisconsin drivers license or ID Card you must meet certain requirements related to your term and characterization of military service. Character of Service: The character of Service on your DD Form 214/215 mush show, Honorable, General under Honorable conditions, or Honorable under General. (Other than Honorable conditions will not allow you to certify though this process). Length of Service: The veteran must have at least one period of service that encompassed at least two continuous years of “active duty” or 90 days of ‘active duty” during a Statutorily-Designated Wartime Period, where the character of service meets the requirements about. For the purpose, “active duty” means active duty (other than active duty for training) military service in the armed forces of the United States or in forces incorporated as part of the armed forces of the United States. (Full-time National Guard members under Title 10 of the U.S Code may qualify as “active duty.”

How to Apply: To ensure your eligibility status, there are three ways to apply for the Veteran identifier, prior to visiting the DMV. Visit County Veteran Service Office (CVS) to apply using form County Veteran Service Officer Certification-Identifier. 1. Complete the Form 2. CVSO will have to verify veterans copy of DD Form 214/215 and Photo ID. 3. Bring completed form to DMV. The veteran can apply online through myWisVets.

1. Start by watching a six minute video which describes the my WisVets process and explains the options submitting documents. 2. One you create your account, check your email for the registration verification e-mail. Once you receive the e-mail, clink on the link provided to activate your login. 3. Submit a copy of your DD Form 214/215, which provides proof of your character and length of service. 4. Once your eligibility for the veteran identifier is determined, you will receive an approval e-mail notification. Please do not attempt to obtain the veteran identifier from the DMV without first receiving the approval e-mail from WDVA. The DMV cannot issue the veteran identifier if you have not been first verified as eligible by WDVA. 5. One you receive the determination e-mail, follow the link to the eligibility matrix, where you will also learn your eligibility status of other programs, benefits, and services via myWisVets. The veteran can apply using form WDVA 2241. 1. Complete the form . 2. Mail the form and a copy of your DD Form 214/215 to the address listed at the top of the form. 3. You will receive verification from the WDVA when your eligibility has been determined.

Contact the Winnebago CVSO for further information

Upcoming Events Click on pictures below for upcoming event information

Upcoming Events Click on pictures below for upcoming event information

Upcoming Events Click on pictures below for upcoming event information

PLACE STAMP HERE

CONTACT US

Winnebago County Veterans Service Office

Oshkosh Location 504 Algoma Blvd.

Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 236-4898

Neenah Location

211 N. Commercial Street Neenah, WI 54956

Stay informed about

benefits; join our e-mail list. Send a request to:

CVSO@co.winnebago.wi.us

Visit us on the web at:

www.co.winnebago.wi.us/

veterans

www.facebook.com/WinnebagoCVSO

For a list of more

events, check out our calendar!