THE BENEFITS INTERVIEW
Additional Information
When you come for your benefits review appointment, a Veterans Service Officer accredited by the VA and the State of Ohio will meet with you in a private setting to review the benefits available to you.
You will need to bring your DD-214 (or equivalent Report of Separation) so the Service Officer can review it and ask you about different aspects of your military service. The Service Officer will want to know of any injury or illness incurred while you were on active duty. Any supporting evidence you can provide (such as service medical records, personnel records, or any other evidence you believe will support your claim) will help the Service Officer determine what type of claim may be possible.
YOUR MILITARY SERVICE
Verification
We review your discharge for Character of Service, Period of Service, Last Duty Assignment, Place of Separation, your Military Occupational Specialty, and your Awards and Decorations. This document tells the story of your military service and is the primary evidence supporting any benefit claim. Once we review your discharge, we certify it for use with your claim submitted to VA.
About the Report of Separation
Acceptable separation documents include Certified/Original Military Discharge DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. (Before January 1, 1950, several similar forms were used by the military services, including the WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD and the NAVCG 553.)
TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Who May Apply?
Any honorably discharged veteran, spouse or qualified dependent may apply for temporary financial assistance from the Veterans Service Commission. The applicant must have resided in Columbiana County for at least 90 days immediately preceding application. The veteran (or in the case of a surviving dependent, the sponsoring veteran) must have served a minimum of 90 days on active duty (for other than training).
The Veterans Service Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month. The Commission considers many factors when determining financial need including income, assets, and monthly living expenses. Applicants for financial assistance are notified of approval/denial within ten (10) business days of the meeting.
