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Straight To The PointWho Qualifies as a Veteran?In this episode of "Straight to the Point," hosts Dr. Paul Lawrence and Dr. Tyler Pierron tackle the complex question: "Who qualifies as a Veteran?" They discuss the misconceptions surrounding veteran status, particularly the belief that only combat Veterans are eligible for benefits. Dr. Lawrence provides an in-depth explanation of the three main types of service connections: direct service connection, aggravated service connection, and secondary conditions. They also discuss the nuances of discharge characterizations and how they affect eligibility for benefits. This episode is a must-listen for Veterans seeking clarity on their eligibility for VA benefits.
Tune...2024-08-2515 minStraight To The PointPreparing Your Loved OnesDr. Paul Lawrence and Tyler highlight the critical, yet often neglected, practice of veterans discussing their benefits with their loved ones. Paul sheds light on the emotional and financial chaos that can befall a family when a veteran's passing leaves them uninformed and vulnerable, emphasizing the need for open communication to prevent such a crisis on this episode of Straight to the Point.
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Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on yo...2024-08-2311 minStraight To The PointStreamlining your Claim ProcessIn this episode Dr. Paul Lawrence and Dr. Tyler Pieron explore the intricacies of Veteran Benefits, focusing on disability compensation. Dr. Lawrence, the former Undersecretary for Benefits at Veterans Affairs, shares valuable insights on how Veterans can streamline their claims process. From organizing documentation to understanding lay evidence, this episode is packed with practical advice to help Veterans secure the benefits they deserve.
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Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on yo...2024-08-2313 minStraight To The PointVA Home Loan for VeteransTyler and Paul talk about the Home Loan Guarantee with the VA with no money down and no private mortgage insurance. Get your pad of paper and pen ready so you can get your ducks in a row to purchase your own home.
Call 877 827 3702 to learn more.
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Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE...2024-08-2318 minStraight To The PointA Guide to Veterans Survivor Benefits and PlanningDiscover the crucial steps to take after the passing of a veteran loved one as Tyler and Paul engage in a conversation offering a compassionate guide through the complexities of veteran benefits. This episode is a beacon for those grappling with loss, shedding light on the cessation of disability compensation and introducing paths to potential benefits, such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and survivor's pensions.
Arm yourself with the knowledge to confidently address the future, as this episode underscores the importance of preparation in understanding veterans' benefits.
Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the...2024-08-2310 minStraight To The PointOther Than Honorable DischargeToday Tyler and Paul discuss OTH, Other Than Honorable Discharge and how a Veteran can gain benefits if they were not honorably discharged from service. There is different gradation of dishonorable discharges but in this episode Tyler and Paul will discuss only OTH.
If you are disabled and have an injury, apply for disability compensation. Once the application is complete there will be a character of discharge review which will take about a year to collect and review, and then they will make a determination on the purpose of the benefit as being categorized as other than...2024-08-2310 minStraight To The PointAid and Attendance BenefitAid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance provides a monthly payment which increases a current VA benefit based on your situation. This additional income assistance opens up the opportunity to hire a home health aide to assist with organizing medication, bathing, eating or other needs of the Veteran and survivors to continue to live at home.
The application for this benefit can be complex so it is suggested to reach out to your VSO for assistance in applying.
Visit https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ to learn more.
Tune into our CHW Streaming Radi...2024-08-2311 minStraight To The PointVeterans Benefits Banking ProgramA reliable, safe way to manage your VA monetary benefit.
Paul discusses with Tyler the Veterans Benefits Banking Program which consists of banks and credit unions that work with veterans to qualify for a bank account to direct deposit their VA monetary funds. In addition the VBBP offers financial and credit counseling.
To learn more visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp
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...2024-08-2310 minStraight To The PointVR&E Veteran Readiness and EmploymentVR&E Veteran Readiness and Employment, formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, helps with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. In today's episode, Paul and Tyler discuss the perks of utilizing VR&E and the interaction between the veteran and the counselor to determine what a veteran is entitled to and what is appropriate. VR&E is personalized with the help of your counselor to help you explore employment options and address education or training needs so you can be employed.
Links
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/2024-08-2312 minStraight To The PointA Benefit By Virtue of Your Military ServiceIn this episode of Straight To The Point, Paul and Tyler dive into the National Cemetery Administration burial process and benefit that is available to veterans. Preparing for the inevitable is always a task many avoid but it is essential to getting your affairs in order for not only yourself but for your loved ones as well.
The National Cemetery Administration oversees and maintains 130 national cemeteries for veterans. For a veteran to be eligible for burial within one of these cemeteries it is recommended to visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/ and complete the Pre-Need Eligibility Det...2024-08-2316 minStraight To The PointDependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Servicemembers who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.
This can be a complicated process but well worth the assistance for loved ones especially since any disability compensation will no longer be paid if a veteran/service member passes. Paul explains in detail how the DIC benefits works and who it benefits.
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Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and...2024-08-2316 minStraight To The PointTips And Tricks To Using Your GI BillIn today's episode, Paul and Tyler discuss the tips and tricks to using your GI Bill. It is important to be aware of how your housing allowance is directly based on the amount of credits you are taking each month/semester. This can be very important if you are dependent on your allowance. An added perk to getting an education, the VA offers a tutoring allowance if you find yourself struggling with a course and being able to stay in the class versus dropping the class. Paul also touches on nonprofits that can help with additional expenses such a B...2024-08-2318 minStraight To The PointVeteran Home Loan GuaranteeA great benefit to be able to purchase a home with no money down.
Today Paul and Tyler talk about buying your own home as a veteran and how to make the home loan guarantee work for you. Obtaining a certificate of eligibility prior to searching for a house and approaching a loan officer can help create an opportunity to work towards your American dream of owning your own home. In addition to utilizing the VA loan this gives additional perks such as always having the opportunity to use your eligibility, as well as, it can be...2024-08-2318 minStraight To The PointHousing Adaptation Grants for Disabled VeteransOftentimes a veteran with disabilities such as wheelchair bound, loss of limb, blindness or severe burns may require modifications to their home or to temporary housing. This is where the VA can step in to help with the changes needed.
In this episode of Straight to the Point, Tyler and Paul talk about three different grants available through the VA. First the Specially Adapted Housing grant (SAH) which helps with larger modifications such as moving walls or modifying counters and other major changes. Second is the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant which helps with technical changes such as fla...2024-08-2318 minStraight To The PointIncarcerated Veteran Benefits & OptionsWhat happens if you are incarcerated and you are a veteran? How does this affect your benefits and the needs of your family?
In today's episode, Paul and Tyler discuss what happens to veteran benefits when incarcerated and the options available to help both veterans and their family. It is important to notify the VA if a veteran is incarcerated and receiving disability compensation as there is a reduction in percentage. There can be a debt owed to the VA once released if they have not been notified. In addition it is important to connect with a V...2024-08-2315 minStraight To The PointEligibility for TDIUPaul and Tyler get straight to the point on what is TDIU and who is eligible, as well as the monetary benefits it can supply when you are unable to work. In order for a veteran to apply for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability), the veteran must demonstrate unemployability because of the disability. Utilizing a good service officer to assist you on applying is wise and recommended. Check with your local Department of Veteran Services to talk to a service officer near you about TDIU.
To learn more about TDIU visit the Veterans Affairs website at https://ww...2024-08-2313 minStraight To The PointCompensation Poachers and Protecting Your Loved OnesPension Poachers is the slang for "pay for profit agents" who show up to help people with their benefits often under situations of duress. Paul chats with Tyler about the importance of preparing loved ones about their veteran's compensation benefits which will help to eliminate a lot of financial confusion once the veteran has passed. There are several different free services available such as state veteran agencies or American Legions, so it is wise to avoid individuals asking for compensation to help with the claims process.
Paul talks about the responsibility of the family member to notify...2024-08-2314 minStraight To The PointOptions To Help Homelessness and Food InsecuritiesIn this episode, Tyler and Paul get straight to the point on root causes and additional options for veterans facing homelessness and food insecurities. For those struggling to find assistance, Tyler and Paul tap into avenues such as the veteran pension, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program, Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and utilizing the Homeless Hotline 877-424-3838.
If you have a question you would like Tyler and Paul to address, send us an email at cominghomewell@gmail.com.
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Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and...2024-08-2314 minStraight To The PointDo You Really Need An Attorney?Tyler and Paul address utilizing the free resources available for veterans verses hiring an attorney when filing a claim or appeal with the VA.
If you have a question you would like Tyler and Paul to address, send us an email at cominghomewell@gmail.com.
Straight to the Point is a Coming Home Well Podcast
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Onlin...2024-08-2325 min
Coming Home WellVeterans Benefits for You: Get What You DeserveUnlock the secrets of navigating the maze of Veterans Benefits in today’s insightful discussion with Paul Lawrence, the former Undersecretary for Benefits at the Veterans Affairs. Offering an insider's perspective, Paul unravels the complexities surrounding veterans benefits, clarifying common misconceptions and highlighting less-known benefits that can significantly improve veterans' lives. His book, Veterans Benefits for You: Get What You Deserve, aims to simplify the process for veterans and their loved ones.
Explores the intricacies of 'VA math', the multitude of available benefits, and the essential role of veteran service organizations.
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T...2023-09-0716 min
Coming Home WellUsing Your Benefits to Live The American DreamEveryone wants to chase and catch the American Dream and being a veteran does have its perks in trying to reach that very goal. Tyler is joined by Dr. Paul Lawrence as they count down in detail the top ten benefits to help veterans pursue the American Dream.
10. Education
9. Life Insurance
8. Home Loan Guarantee
7. Refinancing Your Home
6. Veterans Benefits Banking Program
5. Homelessness Prevention
4. Farming Assistance
3. State Benefits
2. Disability Compensation & free assistance to file
1. Veteran Community & Comradery
Tune to se...2022-06-0138 min
Coming Home WellTransforming Service to Veterans - Paul Lawrence, PhDTyler talks with Paul Lawrence, who was unanimously confirmed as Under Secretary for Benefits in April 2018, and the only political appointee in Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Paul oversaw 25,000 career employees during his nearly three years as Under Secretary. Some of his accomplishments were ensuring veterans received more benefits faster and at a lower cost than at any time in VBA history. As a businessman, he implemented proven business practices, streamlined the bureaucracy, and created a public presence rebranding VBA as an organization successfully supporting Veterans. His newly published book Transforming Service to Veterans: How I pursued performance excellence at...2021-12-0156 min