It has been a very busy and exciting year in that we had over 17,000 veteran related contacts, which reflects a growth of 26 percent over the previous year. The necessity for personal assistance to eligible beneficiaries filing and pursuing claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) results from the legal principle that no veterans’ benefits are awarded automatically. All benefits to which a veteran may be entitled must be applied for.
Our department provides free representation and advice to beneficiaries regarding all state and federal veteran’s benefits. This related in 2008 into direct payments in the amount of $52,359,000 to the veterans in the Athens/Elberton division; dollars that the veterans pour back into the local economy.
To improve access to our services, we were fortunate enough this past year to relocate our office to the Athens VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic at 9249 U.S. Hwy. 29 South.
Our veterans gave much in the defense of our great nation and we must all continue to work together to make sure their sacrifices are not forgotten. I look forward to continuing this partnership in 2009 and beyond.
Additional information or assistance may be obtained by calling 706-369-5630 (Athens) or 706-213-2040 (Elberton).
Sincerely,
Dale O. Bell
Manager, Athens/Elberton Division
