Assisting Aging Veterans to Find Needed Services
ODVA is committed to honoring your legacy of service through our advocacy. However, we do not want to simply honor your sacrifice; we want to honor your sacrifice by connecting you and your family to advocacy and services for the rest of your lives.
That advocacy begins with ensuring that you and your family know about the state and federal benefits and services you may be entitled to. Veteran benefits can positively impact you and your family's life — emotionally, financially and physically.
Often veterans do not to seek veteran services because of a mistaken belief that if they access their benefits, they are taking benefits away from someone else who needs them more. But benefits are something you and every veteran have earned as a result of your military service. You are not taking resources or benefits away from any other fellow veteran.
We understand you may be reluctant to engage with ODVA or any other government entity due to prior experiences or denials. We ask that you reconsider having someone review your potential claims because the types of benefits and eligibility rules may have changed considerably since your last attempt. Federal laws governing United States Department of Veterans' Affairs (USDVA or VA) issued benefits change continuously. You may now be eligible for benefits that you were denied in the past.
Aging Veteran Services
The Aging Veteran Services Division is a program within the agency that was established to address the needs and concerns of our rapidly aging veteran demographic and their families. Currently, more than 50% of Oregon veterans served during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam eras, and nationally, more than 12.4 million veterans are age 65 or older. Click here to learn more.
Education Series
Aging Veteran Services also offers its Education Series on a variety of topics addressing the changing landscape of veteran benefits and programs for aging veterans. Click here to learn more.
Explore Veteran Benefits with Accredited Advocates in Oregon Every 3-5 Years
There are numerous local, state and federal benefits and resources available for veterans and their dependents. The average veteran or their family cannot be expected to know of all of the benefits and resources available to them or understand all of the laws governing those benefits. Benefits and resources change or are added often so it is important to continue to stay connected to an advocate. There is free help available from trained advocates in your local area to assist you with obtaining benefits and resources.
Even if you currently receive VA benefits, you may still be eligible for additional benefits. This could include an increase in your disability compensation due to the worsening of your service-connected conditions or could include Special Monthly Compensation if you require the aid and attendance of others due to your service-connected disability. There are lesser-known ancillary benefits through the USDVA, such as allowances for clothing or adaptive equipment.
Find a Veteran Service Office in Oregon
There is access to Veteran Service Officers in every Oregon county, Tribal Veteran Service Officers or Tribal Veteran Representatives in six Oregon tribal nations, national veteran service organizations, and advocates at multiple college campuses throughout our state ready to help you. These services are all provided free of charge.
Learn more: www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/default.aspx
Resources and Information
Explore below for more information about the needs of the aging veteran population and the resources available to you.
Miscellaneous Resources
Aging Veteran Statistics