Briefings provide retirees with information on veteran's benefits

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  There are many challenges for some servicemembers when planning to make the change from military life to civilian life.

Briefings given here at Misawa are intended to relieve some of the stresses servicemembers may be going through, by providing them with a variety of information to make their transition as smooth as possible.

One such briefing was given by Dianah Nelson, a Veterans' Service Representative from Des Moines, Iowa who works here in the Pacific region.

"It is important for retirees to know what their benefits are, so that the transition from military life to civilian life is as easy as possible," said Ms. Nelson.

Sometimes veterans are not aware of all their entitlements whether it's state, local or federal.

"I would say more times than not most veterans don't know about additional benefits which may be available to them through their state or local governments," said Ms. Nelson. "Often times, state veterans' benefits are harder to find and not as well published as federal entitlement programs."

All retirees are entitled to life insurance, burial benefits, education, compensation and pension. Veterans' benefits are changing as the needs of the Armed Forces change.

"One of the most recent changes in retiree benefits is a program referred to as Combat Related Specialty Pay and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payment," said Ms. Nelson. "For instance, with CRSP additional compensation is not taxable if a retiree with 20 years based on longevity has a service-connected disability established by the VA. To receive CRDP, a 'phase-in' restoration of military retirement pay (which is taxable) deducted from a retiree's account due to receipt of VA Compensation (non-taxable), the retiree must have a service-connected disability evaluated at 50 percent or more. For more information on these programs I encourage you to log on to our website at www.va.gov."

Ms. Nelson also travels to other military bases in Japan such as Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo to ensure that individuals preparing for retirement are aware of their benefits.

"My goal during these briefings is to have listeners remember the resources they were provided with, so as the need arises in their lives, they'll know how to access and apply for their benefits," said Ms. Nelson. "I wish all retirees the very best with transition to civilian life and hope they'll remember, the Department of Veterans' Affairs will be there for them."

Ms. Nelson is scheduled to give her next briefing at Misawa on Nov. 16.