MEDIA ADVISORY
Office of Tribal Government Relations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Media Contacts:
Mary Culley, Office of Tribal Government Relations Specialist, 405-626-3426, Mary.Culley@va.gov
Robert “Mi-mis” Jackson, Prairie Band Potawatomi Senior Am. Legion Liaison, 785-213-9087, robertjackson@pbpnation.org
Will McClammy, Eastern Kansas VA Health Care System Tribal Liaison/Compliance Officer, (785) 350-3111 x54344, Will.McClammy@va.gov
VA in partnership with Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s American Legion Post Host VA Presumptive Conditions Event, Sept. 6
Veterans, and spouses, widows, and widowers of Veterans are encouraged to attend.
WHAT: “Your Service. Our Mission: Bringing VA Benefits Home,” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Presumptive Conditions Campaign Event
Tribal and State Veteran Service Officers and other knowledgeable advocates will be present to assist with filling out VA claim paperwork. Staff from the Wichita VA Regional Office will review claims on-the-spot with the hope of same day approval.
The Eastern Kansas VA Healthcare System will be on-hand to enroll any Veterans not currently enrolled in VA health care.
Veteran benefit information and assistance will be available from local Vet Centers, the State Department of Veterans Affairs, Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration Homeless programs, and services for Veterans.
This event is free, and lunch will be provided.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 6, 2022, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHO: Veterans and their spouses/widows/widowers
WHERE: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Casino Event Center
12305 150th Road, Mayetta, KS
HOW: Veterans are asked to bring the following documents, if available. This will help expedite and process your claim quicker and more efficiently.
- Medical records/medical evidence (e.g., doctor or hospital reports)
- Any documents that provide historical or military information needed for the disability you are claiming
- Discharge or separation papers (DD 214 or equivalent)
- Dependent records (e.g., marriage certificate, death certificate, children birth certificates),
BACKGROUND:
On September 6, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s American Legion Post will host a VA Presumptive Conditions Campaign event focused on identifying and assisting Veterans across the Central Kansas who may have presumptive disabilities and might be eligible for a VA pension claim.
A presumptive disability is a condition that VA presumes are related to military service, although the condition may first appear after discharge from the military. These conditions may qualify for VA compensation payments.
VA realizes this initiative can have a direct, tangible impact on the lives of thousands of previously unreached Veterans and their spouses.
“With the focus on Veterans with presumptive disabilities and those who are pension eligible, VA is hopeful we can help Indian Country Veterans access the full range of benefits they have courageously earned through their service,” said Stephanie Birdwell, director, VA’s Office of Tribal Government Relations. “In addition, whatever capacity you served in the military, if you are unsure or just have questions for the team, please feel free to come and ask and allow us the ability to research for you.”
In addition, spouses and widows/widowers may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) when a Veteran dies as a result of these presumptive disabilities.