Cameron to host education claims processors from US Veterans Affairs and Fort Sill

Veterans, active service members and dependents who have questions about their VA benefits can get assistance from representatives of key veterans' organizations who will be on-site next week in Lawton at Cameron University.

Cameron's Office of Veterans Affairs will host the representatives from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Room 301 of North Shepler Tower.

"We are happy to host these knowledgeable individuals who can provide direct assistance to veterans, active military service members and dependents," said CU Veterans Affairs coordinator Vicki Henson. "This is a great opportunity for dependents who might receive VA educational benefits in the future to ask questions and gain insight into those benefits."

Veterans claims examiners from the Muskogee VA Regional Processing Office will provide personal service for those who have questions about educational benefits. They can also process claims, work on problem resolution, check individual VA educational claims benefit status and answer specific questions about educational benefit eligibility and check amounts.

A veterans services counselor from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Service Center at Fort Sill will be available to discuss all other types of VA benefits, including compensation, pension and non-educational benefits. He can also provide information about the availability of benefits to active-duty military personnel who are transitioning to civilian life.

Ernest Swindle II, CU's VetSuccess on Campus counselor, will be available to visit with students regarding an array of services available to those planning to use their VA educational benefits at Cameron. Swindle can answer questions about understanding and applying for educational benefits, disability compensation, life insurance, home loan guaranty and vocational rehabilitation.

A programs administrator/regional manager for the Southwest Region Claims and Benefits division of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to assist with claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Claims officers are accredited with a number of service organizations in order to better represent the claimant with claims and appeals. They can assist in the appeals process and, if necessary, represent the claimant at a personal hearing before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information, call CU Veterans Affairs at 580-581-2301.

PR#26-007