Collin County Veteran Services

10/11/2022

Free Dental Clinic for Veterans!

09/14/2022

Veterans Program | Equest

Great Organization helping veterans improve their well-being through horsemanship

Equest's HOOVES FOR HEROES serves veterans and their dependents through equine assisted programs including mental health counseling, physical/occupational therapy, therapeutic horsemanship/carriage driving and more.

08/04/2022

The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs

https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. This page will help answer your question...

07/06/2022

Convenience and self-service appointment check-in at your fingertips - VAntage Point

VA Clinics Offer Convenient, Self-Service Appointment Check-in Options

Beginning this summer, some VA facilities will let you use your smartphone for check-in for your scheduled in-person appointment.

03/17/2022

VA reveals sweeping plan to shutter aging clinics, hospitals in favor of new facilities, retooled services

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/15/va-hospitals-closures-new-facilities-plan/

The Biden administration released a sweeping plan Monday to reposition the sprawling veterans’ health-care system to confront demographic changes and shifts in medicine, recommending the closure of hundreds of hospitals and clinics and construction of new ones in areas with greater demand.

02/15/2022

VA to Overhaul Disability Evaluations for Mental Health, Other Conditions

This change could have a negative impact for some veterans!

Department officials say the evaluation system must be updated to reflect changes in medical definitions and understanding.

12/30/2021

The last legislative session passed Texas Senate Bill 792 which changed the rules for those with "DV" (disabled veteran) plates beginning January 1st, 2022. See attached link on how those changes could affect you.

https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/body-files/08_26_21-Disabled-Veteran-Plates.pdf

11/11/2021

Collin County Veterans Services would like to thank all veterans for their service to this great nation!

11/03/2021

2021 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html

Businesses salute our military heroes on Veterans Day with a host of discounts and freebies for veterans, service members and their families. Learn more.

09/20/2021

Dr. Sam's Premier Dentistry in Sherman, TX is offering free dental work for veterans tomorrow only! No appointments, first come, first served.

https://keepveteranssmiling.org/

09/17/2021

Disabled veterans license plate changes coming soon!! See link for more information.

https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/body-files/08_26_21-Disabled-Veteran-Plates.pdf

08/26/2021

VLB Chairman George P.

Veterans Land Board breaks ground on the "Tuskegee Airman Texas State Veterans Home" in Ft. Worth

Fort Worth, TEXAS — Today, Texas Veterans Land Board Chairman George P. Bush broke ground and unveiled the name of the VLB’s 10th nursing…

08/26/2021

Free help at home for Veterans from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation | VAntage Point

Free help at home for Veterans from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation | VAntage Point

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Respite Relief Program provides free caregiving support to Veterans while giving family caregivers a time for respite.

08/20/2021

**News Alert**

The Congressional Budget Office in a bid to reduce the National and VA Budget have proposed the following changes to VA disability benefits that could dramatically affect many veterans:

- Include Disability Payments From the Department of Veterans Affairs in Taxable Income

- Narrow Eligibility for VA’s Disability Compensation by Excluding Veterans With Low Disability Ratings

- Reduce VA’s Disability Benefits to Veterans Who Are Older Than the Full Retirement Age for Social Security

This has NOT been passed by congress yet and is only a proposal at this time but please feel free to share with other veterans or veterans groups so all interested parties are informed. Below you will find links to each issue listed above.

https://www.cbo.gov/budget-options/56854

https://www.cbo.gov/budget-options/56844

https://www.cbo.gov/budget-options/56843

07/15/2021

Veteran discounts available year round - VAntage Point

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/85765/veteran-discounts-available-year-round/?utm_source=VRfeature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources

As a way to say thank you, many retailers and businesses offer a Veteran discount year round. We've compiled a list of deals for you.

07/12/2021

Paralyzed veteran stands to raise American Flag on Fourth of July

Very inspirational story.

U.S. Army Veteran Buddy Laddin had the honor of raising the flag at the annual Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System Salute to the Flag event hosted at the New Orleans Veterans Medical Center.

05/21/2021

Veterans hit by huge pandemic-related records backlog - Roll Call

Massive backlog at the National Personnel Records Center

https://www.rollcall.com/2021/04/20/veterans-hit-by-huge-pandemic-related-records-backlog/

Requests for records are facing a huge backlog due to reduced staff at a VA records center, causing some veterans to miss out on benefits.

03/17/2021

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Be cautious when filing a claim with the VA, you want to work with an accredited individual.

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5634

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

02/09/2021

Free tax return preparation for Veterans, military members and their families - VAntage Point

You might qualify for free tax return preparation. Check out the link below for more information.

The following links to free tax preparation services will ensure current and former members of the military and their families have access to free tax preparation and electronic filing services to keep more of their hard earned money.

01/14/2021

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccines

We want Collin County citizens to be as informed as possible when making decisions about the health and well being for themselves and their loved ones. 

10/30/2020

Upcoming Tele-Town Hall with the VA Under Secretary for Benefits

10/28/2020

Trump OKs 2 Laws Aimed at Helping Veteran Mental Health and Reducing Su***de

Trump OKs 2 Laws Aimed at Helping Veteran Mental Health and Reducing Su***de

The legislation would give the VA leeway to award grants to organizations that focus on veterans' mental health issues.

09/23/2020

IRS reopens registration for Economic Impact Payment - VAntage Point

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/78771/irs-reopens-registration-economic-impact-payment/

The IRS has reopened registration for claiming an Economic Impact Payment for those who didn't receive the $500 payment per child earlier this year.

07/20/2020

Congress to finally consider adding four conditions to Agent Orange list

More issues may soon be added as disabilities caused from exposure to Agent Orange

The measure would approve benefits for Vietnam War veterans suffering form bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, hypertension and Parkinson’s-like symptoms – conditions thought to be caused by exposure to the chemical herbicide Agent Orange.

05/14/2020

CARES Act Extends VA Home Loan Pre-Foreclosure Options - VAntage Point

If you have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and are having trouble paying your mortgage please read the attached link.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/74704/cares-act-extends-va-home-loan-pre-foreclosure-options/

The CARES Act helps Americans economically impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by helping homeowners avoid home foreclosure.

04/27/2020

VA / LinkedIn Partnership to benefit VA Caregivers and Fry Scholars - VAntage Point

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/resources/linkedin/

1-Year Free Premium LinkedIn Subscription for VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and Fry Scholarship recipients The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Experience Office, is excited to be partnering with LinkedIn’s Military and Veterans Program to offer Fry Scholarsh...

04/08/2020

Your Virtual C&P Examination Alternatives During the Pandemic

Do you have an open claim with the VA? Your upcoming C&P examination options have changed. See attached link for more information or feel free to contact our office.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVAVBA/bulletins/2851edf

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is providing information about utilizing alternatives to in-person Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic to support social distancing and the safety and health of Veterans and clinicians. VBA will continue to complete as m...

04/07/2020

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

President signs law continuing GI Bill benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. See details below:

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5403

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

03/23/2020

COVID-19 Declaration of Local Disaster for Collin County

• The Collin County Veteran Services office will be closed for all walk-in services effective Monday, March 23, 2020.

• Entry to our offices will be for scheduled in-person appointments only.

• The Veteran Services office will remain open during our regular business hours. We will also continue to assist you by phone or email.

• If you are requiring in-person services, you may contact us at 972-881-3060 to schedule an appointment.

Thank you for your cooperation.

03/18/2020

Directly from the Board of Veteran's Appeals:

Video, Central Office and Travel Board Hearings have been suspended/cancelled for March 23- May 1, 2020.

No action is required at this time and if you had a scheduled appointment it will be postponed and rescheduled on the next Video, Central and or Travel Board Hearing docket date.

03/05/2020

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Great information on emergency care at a non VA facility. What will the VA pay for? Check out the link for more information or feel free to contact our office to discuss further.

https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Emergency_Care.asp

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

11/14/2019

Commissary, Military Service Exchange, and MWR access extended to more Veterans beginning January - VAntage Point

The Department of Defense is expanding commissary, exchange and morale/welfare programs. See who is eligible in the link below.

Starting Jan. 1, service-connected Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war (POW), and primary caregivers can use commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online.

11/11/2019

Military and Veteran Discounts | Military Benefits

Veteran Day discounts from restaurants to businesses.

https://militarybenefits.info/military-and-veteran-discounts/

Military and veteran discounts lists from national brands, chain locations and online stores to local area mom and pop, single location establishments.

11/06/2019

Amazon Prime Announces Big Military Discount For Veterans Day

Veterans discount for Amazon Prime November 6th - 11th.

https://www.military.com/discounts/amazon-prime-announces-veterans-day-discount

From Nov. 6 to Nov. 11 veterans, active-duty troops and Guard and Reserve members can get this Amazon Prime discount.

11/06/2019

2019 Veterans Day Free Meals & Discounts - Over 100 Offers & Freebies!

2019 Veterans Day discounts.

https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/

Updated 2019: Over 100+ Veterans Day Deals including free food, meals, Military Discounts and savings for active duty, retirees, & veterans.

10/18/2019

Collin County Veteran Services updated their business hours.

Collin County Veteran Services updated their business hours.

10/07/2019

Exciting news – After a year-long national search, our Foundation’s Board of Directors have announced Arlington, Texas will be our future home, opening to the public in 2024.

The museum will offer an experience that draws personal and emotional connections to Medal of Honor recipients and their stories, while shedding light on the wars in which they fought and the values the Medal of Honor represents.

The National Medal of Honor Museum will also include an education center aimed at character development in our nation’s youth. A critical part of our mission will be to use the stories of our Medal of Honor recipients to inspire young people, and motivate them to be their best selves.

If you have a story or a connection to a Medal of Honor recipient, we’d love for you to share it in the comments.

09/11/2019

Today mark's the 18th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks. Remember the victims, survivors and all those that rose up in service. We will never forget.

09/06/2019

Military Appreciation Day | State Fair of Texas

Its that time again for the State Fair of Texas! Active Duty military, retirees and veterans along with their families receive free admission on opening day.

https://bigtex.com/event/military-appreciation-day/

... read more

09/04/2019

Can a 100% Disabled Vet Earn an Income?

Do you know your disability? The attached article superbly explains a big question with veterans. Am I able to work with a 100% disability rating?

If you have questions or need assistance related to service connected disability feel free to contact our office for an appointment. We are here to help.

Collin County Veterans Services
972-881-3060
900 E. Park Blvd., Suite 150
Plano, TX 75074

https://www.theveteransvoice.com/can-a-100-percent-disabled-vet-earn-an-income

Can a 100% Disabled Vet Earn an Income?