Arkansas Veterans Warned Not to Pay for Benefits Assistance Services
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: September 26, 2012
Arkansas veterans are being warned about individuals or businesses trying to make them pay for benefits assistance services which they can get for free.
The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) issued a caution to veterans today.
According to the agency, there is a growing trend of individuals and businesses charging veterans to help them apply for various VA benefits, including filing disability claims.
"There are veterans paying large sums of money for services that, because of their military service, should not cost them a dime," said ADVA Chief of Claims and Appeals Tony Gordon. "Navigating the benefits system can be challenging but our service officers are accredited to assist veterans in doing so, one-on-one and free of cost."
According to Gordon, each county has its own service officer, normally located in the county courthouse.
Click here for a complete list of county veteran service officers and their contact information.
To speak with an ADVA veteran service officer, visit 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Building 65, Room 119 in North Little Rock on Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Appointments are not needed. For questions, call (501) 370-3820.
The mission of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is to provide assistance to veterans and their dependents in acquiring state and federal benefits to which they are entitled to by virtue of their service to this country. Click here for more information.
The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) issued a caution to veterans today.
According to the agency, there is a growing trend of individuals and businesses charging veterans to help them apply for various VA benefits, including filing disability claims.
"There are veterans paying large sums of money for services that, because of their military service, should not cost them a dime," said ADVA Chief of Claims and Appeals Tony Gordon. "Navigating the benefits system can be challenging but our service officers are accredited to assist veterans in doing so, one-on-one and free of cost."
According to Gordon, each county has its own service officer, normally located in the county courthouse.
Click here for a complete list of county veteran service officers and their contact information.
To speak with an ADVA veteran service officer, visit 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Building 65, Room 119 in North Little Rock on Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Appointments are not needed. For questions, call (501) 370-3820.
The mission of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is to provide assistance to veterans and their dependents in acquiring state and federal benefits to which they are entitled to by virtue of their service to this country. Click here for more information.
Comments
Excellent story.i spent 13 years with ADVA (including several in Mr. Gordons position in the 90s) and know first handhow effective these services can be. Few people know that Arkansas was the FIRST State to establish a Veterans office in the late 1920s or that its first leader went on to help head up the VA when it was created in the 30s. Nearly a century of FREE service to Arkansas Veterans and thier families...well done.
Peter D.
September 26, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Excellent story.i spent 13 years with ADVA (including several in Mr. Gordons position in the 90s) and know first handhow effective these services can be. Few people know that Arkansas was the FIRST State to establish a Veterans office in the late 1920s or that its first leader went on to help head up the VA when it was created in the 30s. Nearly a century of FREE service to Arkansas Veterans and thier families...well done.
Peter D.
September 26, 2012 at 4:15 pm
