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NARA (National Archives & Records Administration)
ACQUIRING MEDALS/RECORDS- We will apply for medals you never received or records and/or discharges that may have been lost.
ALCOHOLISM/CHEMICAL DEPENDENCE - Unfortunately, alcoholism and substance abuse are a greater problem among veterans than in the general population. We can professionally and confidentially help if you think you may have a problem.
CEMETERY AND BURIAL BENEFITS - Rockland is unique in that we maintain a military-style veterans cemetery on Brick Church Road in Hillcrest, which is available to any veteran and their spouse who are Rockland County residents. Our office will further assist in obtaining burial benefits, gravestones, Presidential certificates and VA life insurance claims. For assistance, please contact the Burial Commissioner, Anthony Lombardi, at (845) 735-9090.
DISABILITY COMPENSATION - Any veteran, who feels they have a disability that was caused or aggravated by their military service, is entitled to open a claim at any time. Veterans, who are receiving disability compensation and feel their condition has become worse, may re-open their claim at any time. We can handle the paperwork for you.
MILITARY UNIT ORGANIZATION - In most cases we can connect you with the unit in which you served, or help you find them through your branch of service.
NURSING HOMES - The VA does provide nursing home care, however, the availability of beds is limited and the need is great. We can provide you with the necessary applications to begin the process. Rockland County Department of Hospitals
PENSION BENEFITS - Any war veteran is entitled to apply for a VA pension. However, they must prove a financial need and be within VA guidelines.
PTSD/STRESS INFORMATION - Now it's referred to as PTSD; in the past it's been called shell shock and battle fatigue. If you are experiencing difficulties relating to your combat service, please call us. Psychological injuries are as real as bullet wounds and sometimes as deadly.
TAX EXEMPTIONS - War veterans may be eligible for a tax break on their residential property. Local deadlines for filing are March 1st.
VA HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE - Any veteran is entitled to service at a VA hospital. However, there are categories of care. Emergencies will always be taken without questions; then veterans with service-connected disabilities are guaranteed treatment. Past that point, judgments are made based on financial need. It would be a good idea to check with our office before seeking non-emergency care.
ROCKLAND COUNTY VA CLINIC - The Rockland County VA Clinic has the rules/regulations that apply for the VA hospital, but it is requested that you call the clinic for an appointment at (845) 634-8942 or 1-800-269-8749. The clinic is located at 345 North Main Street, New City, New York 10956.
VA MORTGAGE INFORMATION - Veterans are eligible for VA loans for houses, condominiums and manufactured homes. We can help you obtain a certificate of eligibility. Further, you can obtain a second or even third VA loan, as long as the previous loan has been satisfied.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION - Veterans with 20% or greater service-connected disabilities may be entitled to training or retraining without cost, if they should need to change professions because of their disabilities.
DISCHARGE UPGRADING - The Board of Review is authorized to correct and upgrade most discharges based on new facts presented for consideration. There is a statute of limitations on upgrades, so please don't delay.
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS - The VA administers basic educational programs for veterans and military personnel. Scholarships and grants are available through sources other than the VA.
EMPLOYMENT REFERRALS - Our office works closely with the Department of Labor whose staff includes veterans specializing in finding employment for veterans.
INSURANCE ASSISTANCE - Upon leaving military service, veterans have 120 days to convert their GI insurance. Further, we can assist with beneficiary changes or other information.
MILITARY SERVICE BUY-BACK - Section 244-a: Member of the New York State Retirement System can now buy up to 3-years wartime military service.
NEW YORK STATE BLIND ANNUITY - New York State pays $500 annually to eligible visually impaired wartime veterans; we can provide you with necessary applications to begin process.
VETERANS CREDIT FOR CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYMENT - New York State Department of Civil Service will award 5 points additional credit in an open-competitive examination and 2 1/2 points in a promotion examination to eligible veterans. Additional points are awarded to disabled veterans.
LICENSES AND PERMITS - Veterans with a 40% or greater disability rating are eligible for low cost hunting and fishing licenses and free use of state parks, historic sites and recreational areas.
MEMBERSHIP IN VETS ORGANIZATIONS - We encourage membership in veteran’s organizations. Rockland County is fortunate to have several fine organizations. These groups not only perform community and social functions, but also help protect the rights of all veterans. You would be helping yourself by helping them. Call us for information.
NOTE: Many of the services we offer can be at least initiated by phone. Another point to remember is that VA regulations are constantly changing. What applied even a few years ago may no longer be in force. Please check with us. BEWARE: Many frauds are perpetrated using the name "VETERAN". Please be careful of special offers and charities not known to you.