Veterans Services

Generally any Federal entitlement for an eligible veteran will start from the Veterans’ Services Office by way of application filled out either by the Director or with his help. Information and assistance is readily available for every Federal veterans benefit. Typical federal benefits coordinated by this office are:

• Bronze Grave Markers – every honorably discharged veteran upon his death is entitled at government expense to a grave marker commemorating his military service.
• Burial in a National or State Veterans Cemetery – any eligible veteran may be buried (if space is available) at any Federal Veterans Cemetery or in one of the two(2) new State Veterans Cemeteries at Agawam or Winchendon.
• Burial at Sea – eligible Navy and Coast Guard veterans can be buried at sea. Veterans of other services can sometimes be so buried also.
• Disability – veterans seeking either a service-connected or non-service-connected disability rating or an increase in either rating can do so starting with local assistance.
• G.I. Life Insurance – all claims for payment under G.I. life insurance can be initially processed and forwarded from the local veterans services office
• Discharges – DD Form 214s may be can be obtained through Veterans Services or requested through St. Louis.
• Widow’s Pension – this program starts with a local application.
• VA Home Loans – applications for certification of eligibility 

Direct Financial Aid – Chapter 115 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth provides a system of financial benefits for veterans, their families, and in some cases their survivors who are in need and who meet the appropriate criteria. This aid is dispensed by the Veterans’ Services Office from Town funds and is reimbursed by the Commonwealth at a rate of 75%. This aid is paid by check directly to the recipient and must be repaid if circumstances permit.

Hospital/Medical/Fuel – Eligible veterans and their families can have their hospital, medical and fuel bills paid by the Town with a 75% reimbursement from the Commonwealth.

Burial – All deceased veterans receive a casket flag and a grave marker by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Honor guards are also available. Financial aid is available for indigent veterans’ burial if there is no source of family or other funds to pay for burial. Some of these funds are reimbursed to the Town from the Commonwealth.

Medals/Awards/Decorations – veterans can obtain or replace medals awards or decorations they are entitled to either from government or commercial sources or they can apply for decorations for which they are qualified but which they did not officially receive at time of discharge.

Bonuses – there is no time limit on payment of WWII, Korea, Vietnam or Gulf War state bonuses. They can be obtained by applying locally.

Internet Websites – the local office maintains listings of websites of general interest to veterans.

License Plates – veterans can apply through the local office for distinctive license plates issued by the Commonwealth such as POW, Silver Star, Bronze Star, etc.

Transportation – Available for transportation to Boston VA Hospitals and assistance with transportation to other facilities through the VA health care transportation contact office

Frequently Asked Questions Not Covered Above

• VA Toll Free Hotline (800) 827-1000 – This number will put callers in direct contact with VA officials who are fully knowledgeable in ALL areas of Federal benefits and services.
• VA Website – This site has a wealth of information and forms related to VA benefits and services.
• State Department of Veterans Services Website – (617) 727-3578

More Information:

Mesothelioma Veterans Center
Brian Basham, Director of Outreach
192 Nandina Terrace
Winter Springs, FL 32807
1-877-404-9992