The American Legion Department of North Carolina, In partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs, proudly supported the annual Veteran’s Experience Action Center (VEAC) in North Carolina. Local veteran organizations, to include, the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 of Leland, area VFW Posts, the Marine Corps League, Oak Island Elks and others, volunteered and supported this event to bring VA health and social services to veterans. There were a wide variety of VA programs represented ranging from nursing stations checking blood pressure, to job searching assistance to the most important VA claims assistance. The need for this event was reflected by the veteran’s that came to take advantage of the services offered: traveling from at least six states outside of North Carolina to include Texas, Michigan, Maryland, states across the entire southeast and as far away as the Caribbean.

This event serviced 559 veterans over a 3-day period. In addition, each day there were six (6) information sessions which the veterans could attend while waiting to be processed or their next appointment. They were: “Be The One, suicide awareness”; VA.gov and VA Mobile App; “VA Benefits and PACT Act”; “Survivor’s Benefits”; “Veterans Readiness and Employment Program and VA careers”; Camp Lejeune Water for Veterans and Dependents”. This year the event was held at the NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY, 2414 INFANTRY Rd., WILMINGTON, N.C. Veteran’s Organization Service Officers, Dept. of Veteran Affairs Benefit Officials and Healthcare Representatives were brought in for our area veterans. These representatives helped Facilitate & Expedite their New or Existing VA Disability Claims, Appeals, or other healthcare problems! The veterans were able to File a Claim with the VA. This event is the place to address their questions about VA appeals or benefits to which they may be entitled or questions about VA Health Care – both military & Civilian.

Of the 559 attendees, there were 285 PACT Act claim related.  At least 32 decisions were completed for claims requiring expedited action and $108,025 in retroactive benefits were paid out during the event.  Retroactive benefits will continue to be generated over coming days thanks to rating and dependency adjustments set in-motion onsite.

During the event, VHA enrolled 67 new Veterans for healthcare, completed 55 Toxic Exposure Screenings and had various VHA services such as Homeless Support, Whole Health, Caregiver Support, and others. Additionally, Veterans Readiness and Employment, ENCES VA.gov/Mobile App, and other VA community partners set-up vendor tables promoting available resources in the community. The Vet Center participated with a mobile unit and provided onsite support and counseling for many Veterans seeking assistance.  Veterans with Military Sexual Trauma related conditions were connected with counselors and trained VBA representatives who provided sensitive and thoughtful support.

WSRO received 177 disability compensation claims and 109 supplemental claims, as well as several dependency, pension, survivor benefit claims, and supporting documentation.  There were 53 Veterans who “Chose VA” and reached out to VA for the first time, 21 homeless Veterans were assisted, and 39 Veterans were assisted with Military Sexual Trauma related issues.  There were 49 Veterans assisted with creating VA.gov accounts, requested help with password troubleshooting, or how to use the self-service features.

Dale Todd, Team Lead from the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Leland, stated that, “this was a very successful event. It was very upbeat and productive. The volunteers had a great time assisting their fellow veterans.” The VEAC services include: VA benefits compensation and pension claims, Wellness exams, on-site enrollment in VA health care benefits, Social Services, including caregiver support and home health care, Mental health counseling resources, Homeless, low-income housing and vocational support services which include Volunteer and employment opportunities, Vocational rehabilitation, loan guarantee and education services, VA Mobile Vet Center, VA National Cemetery Administration Memorial Benefits, Services from community partners including Information, referrals and Legal services, Resilience and preparedness information and much more!