WASHINGTON — As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ongoing efforts to modernize and improve Veterans’ experience with the disability claims process, VA unveiled its latest enhancements to the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) program, which will expand the pool of Veterans, surviving spouses and service members eligible to participate in the program.
“These enhancements are another key step in modernizing VA’s benefits delivery to Veterans to a fully digital operating environment,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “With electronic claims processing as a foundation, VA’s innovation will improve service to Veterans, their families and survivors.”
In addition to claims for increased disability compensation (commonly known as claims for increase), Veterans will now be able to file certain claims for direct service connection, presumptive service connection and secondary service connection. Additionally, surviving spouses will be able to file certain claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and transitioning service members will be able to file pre-discharge claims less than 90 days from leaving the military. Veterans who choose to submit their claim under DRC can expect to receive a decision within 30 days from the time VA receives the claim.
To file under DRC, Veterans must work with an accredited Veteran Service Organization (VSO) representative, who will ensure all supporting evidence — such as medical exams, military service records, etc. — is included with the claim submission. This advance preparation by the VSOs allows claims to be assigned immediately to claims processors for a quick decision.
In the future, VA aims to expand the DRC program, where possible, to ensure more Veterans can get faster decisions on their claims. For more information about DRC or to find an accredited VSO representative, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/DRC.asp.
More than 60 volunteers from Post 273, in Madeira Beach, joined together to feed over 100 local veterans and families at their annual Veterans Christmas Day Party.
They would like to send a special thank you to Boy Scout Troop 371, from Largo, for their service!
Commander Steve Shuga has been on the road a lot this month. Who can blame him for being tired and dozing off a little. Unfortunately, Luther sees a “golden” opportunity. mischievous
Luther is a real History buff! How can you go anywhere new, if you don’t know where you have been already? Today, Luther is learning more about the history of The American Legion and Department of Florida.
Luther loves to play games, even traditional ones! BINGO is one of his favorites when he visits some of our Posts across Florida. Today he is having a BINGO party with some of his friends!
Luther! That is not how we use our office equipment, those things are very expensive, and vital to printing important materials for our members. No one wants a photo copy of your….
Luther is shopping Emblems Sales today, hoping to find some great last minute gifts for a few of his comrades! A few things for himself wouldn’t hurt either.
Department Commander Steve Shuga has finally had it! He is Face-timing Santa. Santa is not too happy either.
LUTHER!!! You’ve done it now! Commander Steve Shuga won’t stand for this….Your antics have gotten totally out of hand!
Commander Steve Shuga has been on the road a lot this month. Who can blame him for being tired and dozing off a little. Unfortunately, Luther sees a “golden” opportunity. mischievous
Luther has learned a lot since his arrival. He is sharing that knowledge with his friends, and now fellow Legionnaires.
Luther is a real History buff! How can you go anywhere new, if you don’t know where you have been already? Today, Luther is learning more about the 
Luther says even though there is no snow in Florida, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy “snow” activities. You just have to improvise! 
Luther isn’t as “sprout” as he once was, and after this morning’s workout, even he can use a little muscle cream.
Oops, we think Luther may have gone a little overboard this time…. the struggle is still real….
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Luther is just checking in with Santa. All is well in the North Pole and everything is on track. 
Luther loves to play games, even traditional ones! BINGO is one of his favorites when he 
Luther has dedicated his life to serving veterans, from lobbying congress for change to something as simple as polishing up a retired Marine’s boots!
Luther remembers the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war, as well as those who are missing in action, and their families. 
Luther! That is not how we use our office equipment, those things are very expensive, and vital to printing important materials for our members. No one wants a photo copy of your….