U.S. military veterans of any age, branch or service era, and the surviving spouses of veterans, could apply for VA benefits closer to home starting in October 2015, right in downtown Lititz.
Appointments with a Veterans of Foreign Wars service officer were once again available at Lititz VFW Post 1463, thanks to a grant received by the Pennsylvania VFW.
Mondays in Lititz
Service officer Audrey Bergstresser, a Vietnam-era veteran, met with veterans at the Lititz post on Mondays from 1 to 6 p.m. Appointments were recommended and were scheduled through the state VFW headquarters at (717) 234-7927, specifying Lititz as the preferred location.
“The addition of Lititz as a VFW service officer outreach location was chosen to reduce travel time and expense for veterans living in rural areas, who might otherwise drive farther to receive assistance with a VA claim,” said David Sandman, director of public affairs for the state VFW. “Veterans from outside the Lititz area can also utilize this veterans service location.”
Free help with benefits
Veterans could receive free information and help applying for government benefits, including VA health care, disability compensation, pension, education and dependents’ benefits. Surviving spouses could learn about their own eligibility.
VFW membership was not required. To file a VA claim, veterans needed their DD-214 discharge form and possibly additional records of their military service.
Funded by Act 66
In 2007, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed Act 66, appropriating funds to help veterans service organizations connect veterans with government benefits.
“The PA VFW used grant funds to expand its service network in part by adding service officer locations outside of cities in central Pennsylvania to give veterans support in receiving benefits,” Sandman said.
Agent Orange awareness
The Pennsylvania VFW also wanted Vietnam veterans to know that the VA considers certain health conditions “presumptive” for exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange, meaning eligible veterans do not have to prove the connection. At the time, the list included AL amyloidosis, chronic B-cell leukemias, chloracne, Type 2 diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, ischemic heart disease, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, early-onset peripheral neuropathy, porphyria cutanea tarda, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers and soft tissue sarcomas.
Because eligibility rules apply, veterans were encouraged to check va.gov for details. The list has since been expanded, most notably by the 2022 PACT Act, which added conditions and service locations.
Why service officers matter
VA claims can be complex, and accredited service officers know the forms, evidence requirements and appeals process. Their help is free, and they can help veterans avoid errors and delays that slow down a claim.
The details
- Who: VFW Service Officer Audrey Bergstresser
- What: Help for veterans and surviving spouses applying for government benefits
- When: Mondays, 1 to 6 p.m., by appointment
- Where: Lititz VFW Post 1463, 14 N. Spruce St., Lititz
- How: Call (717) 234-7927 and request the Lititz location
General information about the VFW’s state service officer network is available at vfwpahq.org.
Why service officers help
Veterans benefits claims can involve detailed paperwork, medical records and deadlines. Accredited service officers help veterans and families gather documents, file claims and appeals, and understand what they may be eligible for, at no charge. Having that help close to home saves many veterans a long drive.
Surviving spouses
Surviving spouses and dependents may also qualify for benefits, but many do not know it. Service officers can explain options and help with applications, making the local appointments especially valuable for families.
Appointments help ensure each visitor gets unhurried, one-on-one attention.
Veterans are encouraged to bring their discharge papers and any related records to the appointment.
This article was originally published in October 2015.