To ensure veterans and their families across the state are receiving accurate and up-to-date information, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services is sharing pertinent information recently released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
As a reminder, ODVS is a state agency and therefore is fully operational and here to assist the veteran community through various programs and avenues to key resources.
The agency also continues to encourage veterans and military family members who are trying to connect to their earned benefits to reach out to their local County Veterans Service Office. A full listing of all 88 CVSOs can be found at OhioVets.gov….
Below is an official statement released this week by the VA that outlines the current state of services in the midst of the federal government shutdown:
As a result of a lapse in appropriation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Education Service is unable to continue performing normal duties and responsibilities at this time.
The following critical veterans care and assistance programs will be impacted by the government shutdown:
- VA will not provide veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
- The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
- VA regional benefits offices will be closed.
- VA will cease public affairs and outreach to veterans.
- VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
- VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
- VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.
The government shutdown will not impact the following VA services:
- Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education and housing benefits.
- Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
- The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on veterans’ cases.
- VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.
See VA Contingency Planning for a full list of VA functions that are continuing and those that are suspended during this time.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. VA is committed to providing quality, consistent care and services to veterans and their families. VA’s mission allows no exception to this standard even when operations are limited by the absence of appropriations, and we will contact you as soon as the lapse in appropriations is resolved and normal operations restored,” said representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in a prepared statement.
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