Veteran Specific Resources

National Coalition of Homeless Veterans

Download at: http://nchv.org/incarcerated.cfm

“Planning for Your Release: A Guide for Veterans Incarcerated” is designed to help incarcerated veterans prepare for their release from correctional facilities, and to steer them toward the resources that are available to help them find steady employment, housing and other supportive services. The workbook tells veterans how to apply for VA benefits; where to look to find affordable housing; how to find employment training programs and job placement assistance; where to obtain medical and mental health services; and who is available to provide counseling and other assistance programs in their communities. 

The purpose of the guide is to help veterans who are incarcerated succeed in their transition back into the community. It also serves as a guidance tool for corrections, social services and federal agency personnel who are trying to help them. A wealth of contact information is provided, as well as tips on letter writing, filling out forms, and a timeline for when certain actions should be taken prior to the veteran’s release. There is space on the inside back cover for local homeless veteran assistance program contacts and phone numbers.

Copies of “Planning for Your Release: A Guide for Veterans Incarcerated” are available for $1.75 each, which covers printing and mailing costs. To order, send email requests to nchv2@nchv.org, or fax requests to 202-546-2063. The guide can also be downloaded from the NCHV website. 

Guide on Agent Orange

The National Veterans Legal Services Program

P.O. Box 65762

Washington D.C. 20035

Website: www.nvlsp.org/Publications/Bookstore/SelfHelpGuides/agentorange.htm

Phone: 202-265-8305

E-mail: info@nvlsp.org

The National Veterans Legal Services Program offers a Self-Help Guide on Agent Orange, revised in March 2000 and updated again in 2003.  This comprehensive 45-page guide explains which veterans and family members may be eligible for monetary benefits due to Agent Orange; how to obtain benefits if you qualify; the VA medical care available to Vietnam Veterans; possible sources of monetary benefits from outside the VA; a history of the VA's policy on Agent Orange; and more. The cost of the guide is $10.00, with $8.00 charged for each additional copy.

VA Releases "Iraq War Clinician Guide," 2nd Edition

Download at: http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/manuals/nc_manual_iwcguide.html

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, has released the second edition of a CD for professionals who are involved in the assessment and treatment of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom. The "Iraq War Clinician Guide" will help medical professionals, social workers, and service providers understand the special needs of Iraq War veterans.