#Veterans Field Guild to Government Shutdown

You probably know that federal government expires Monday, September 30, 2013; while Congress could prevent a lapse, prudence requires planning for the possibility of a lapse.
VA's 2-page information sheet, the Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown summarizes the services that will be available and those that will be impacted by a lapse in appropriations.

The Veterans Health Administration is forward-funded and so VA will still be able to provide some services. All VA medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational including inpatient/outpatient care, prescriptions, surgery, dental treatment, extended care, mental health care, nursing home care, special health care services for women Veterans and Vet centers.

Additional services that will be available:

• Military sexual trauma counseling
• Readjustment counseling services
• Veterans Crisis Line
• Insurance processing
• Home loan processing
• My HealtheVet – all services
• Education benefits claims will be processed
• Vocational rehabilitation payments will be processed
• Compensation and pension claims will be processed
• Acquisitions Logistics Center will accept and fill prosthetics supply orders
• Office of Small and Disadvantaged Small Businesses will be open

Payments to be made Oct. 1 include disability and compensation, and education benefits payments.
See more:
http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Field_Guide_20130927.pdf
And think about calling your Congresscritter!

Washington State: New Military and Veterans Legal Resource Guide

PRESS RELEASE FROM WASHINGTON STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Ferguson unveils new resource for veterans, military personnel

September 10, 2013

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced a new “Military and Veterans Legal Resource Guide” to help veterans, military personnel and their families understand their legal rights and protections. ...

The guide is available online and will be distributed throughout the state.

With approximately 640,000 veteran residents, Washington State has the 12th largest veteran population in the United States.  Washington is also home to a number of major military installations, such as Joint Base Lewis–McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base, Naval Base Kitsap, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Between active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve, there are about 62,000 service members in Washington. Taken together, veterans and military personnel account for more than 10 percent of Washington’s total population.

Get The Guide Here

October 18: Veterans Pro Bono Program Training - Sign Up Now!

Are you are an attorney interested in providing pro bono services to veterans? This program will provide you with:

• A day-long training class on veterans' law issues.
• When you accept a case referred from the Program, we will provide you with the following services:
• A comprehensive analysis of the appellant's case as a guideline for the appeal;
• Extensive legal research materials, including a CD-ROM with an on-line research capability;
• A mentoring attorney to assist you in formulating your litigation strategy;
• A case monitor, to ensure that no deadlines are overlooked during the appeals process; and
• Malpractice insurance for any case you take through this program.

If you are interested in volunteering you must attend a day-long training. Trainings are scheduled several times a year. Learn more about the program.
Title:
Veterans Pro Bono Program Training
Nashville, TN
October 18, 2013
9:00AM to 5:00PM Eastern
Baker Donelson
211 Commerce Street, Suite 800
Nashville TN 37201
Baker Donelson will webcast the training live to 16 of its offices in the following locations:

• Atlanta, GA
• Birmingham, AL
• Chattanooga, TN
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Houston, TX
• Jackson, MS
• Johnson City, TX
• Knoxville, TN
• Macon, GA
• Mandeville, LA
• Memphis, TN
• Montgomery, AL
• New Orleans, LA
• Orlando, FL
• Washington, D.C.

The registration link allows you to select the webinar training you wish to attend. Register now! because space is limited.
If you are unable to attend this training, consider the November 22, 2013 training in DC
By:
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
More:
http://www.vetsprobono.org/volunteer-today/training-dates-for-volunteer-attorneys