(Washington, D.C) —Vietnam Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs will partner to hold a Veterans Benefits Fair as part of VVA’s biennial National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Individual sessions will be offered to assist with first-time claims for military veterans, spouses, and dependents receiving benefits; with compensation issues generally; and with questions about current claims. The free sessions staffed by licensed Veterans Service Officers will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 1 – 5 pm; Thursday, August 7, 9 am – 5 pm; and Friday, August 8, 9 am – 3 pm, and will be in the Jackson, Galvez, and Beauregard rooms on the 5th floor of the New Orleans Marriot at 555 Canal Street.
Veterans will have the opportunity to:
File an initial VA claim to obtain their VA compensation/benefits for new or aggravated medical conditions and/or pension;
Ask questions about the status or next steps to complete their existing, current VA claims for compensation/benefits for new or aggravated medical conditions and/or pension;
Apply for VA healthcare;
Learn about VA healthcare programs and services.
As of 2023, one-third of living veterans, approximately 5.6 million, served during the Vietnam War. Vietnam servicemembers make up the largest share of the veteran population. Many suffer from long-term health effects of their service.
The 2022 PACT Act expanded healthcare and disability benefits to six million veterans exposed to burn pits and other environmental pollution while serving in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere — the largest expansion of VA benefits in three decades. VVA seeks to make sure veterans are receiving the benefits they earned through their service. For more information, including the complete conference agenda, go to https://conference.vva.org/
