| Compton: County veterans’ home on track for November opening By George Compton On my weekly trip from my office in Oxnard to the Human Services Agency building in Ventura, I pass by the construction site for our new veterans’ home. I have noticed all the underground and concrete work, but this week I saw walls being framed. What a great sight. We are still looking at opening in November. A reminder for those veterans considering living at the new facility: This office has letters of intent that will have the state provide applications in the near future. The California Department of Veterans Affairs is working on hiring an administrator for the home. When the administrator is named, I will provide that individual with monthly space in this column so we can be kept informed of happenings at the facility. Q. My father was a Navy veteran, and he is being buried in the Philippines. Will the VA send a headstone there? A. The VA will send a headstone to any country with the proper mailing instructions. This office will help you with the request form. Once the request has been submitted, the VA Monument Service Office (800-697-6947) can provide delivery status. Q. How can I find homes that are for sale by the VA? A. Go to the VA Web site (http://www.va.gov) and highlight benefits on the left menu. Then highlight home loans and then highlight property management. Q. My claim for disability was recently denied. I know I was treated for my medical problem in the service and that treatment is listed in my medical records. Can you review my claim? A. Your claim was denied because you did not make the exam, scheduled by the VA, to evaluate the severity of your condition. Every condition to be rated has to be evaluated to specific standards to fit the VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities. The VA has a contract with an organization (QTC) that has physicians who are trained in what is required to establish levels of disability. This office will assist you in getting an exam. — George Compton, retired Army colonel, is the veterans service officer for the County of Ventura, Human Services Agency. Send your questions to Veterans Service Office, 1701 Pacific Ave., Suite 110, Oxnard, CA 93033; phone number: 385-6366; fax: 385-6371; or e-mail: George.Compton@ventura.org. |