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Remember, honor and provide support to veterans
November 11 is Veteran’s Day and Berkshire Senior wanted to remind its readers that there are benefits and advocates available to assist veterans.
According to its website (mdvs@vet.state.ma.us), the mission of the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) in Massachusetts is to advocate for the more than half-million veterans of the Commonwealth and their families and survivors. DVS establishes policy, proposes legislation, and seeks to ensure that adequate funding for veterans' programs is included in the Governor’s budget. In addition, DVS represents all state agencies and individual veterans before the federal Department of Veterans Affairs in securing federal compensation and other benefits that might be available. It also administers the needs-based benefits program through Veterans’ Service officers in each municipality of the Commonwealth.
Locally, the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services is located at the Pittsfield City Hall, 70 Allen Street, Pittsfield. Larry Caprari, Veteran Service Officer, can be reached at 499-9433 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Caprari can answer questions about benefits, eligibility and application procedures. He can also make referrals to other VA facilities, such as medical centers and national cemeteries and provide information about eligibility for VA benefits based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable condition; and help with tax abatements and financial assistance. Following is a sample of benefits available to veterans.
Health benefits
The mission of the Veterans Healthcare System is to serve the needs of America’s veterans by providing primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services. Find out if you are eligible for benefits, how to apply, and what it will cost, by calling the VA Health Benefits Service Center toll free at 1-877-222-VETS.
Burial benefits
Until 2001, the only Veterans’ Cemetery in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was the Veterans Administration (VA) Cemetery located in Bourne, on Cape Cod, but there is now the State Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. This cemetery is open seven days a week with Saturday and Sunday set aside for visitors. If you have any questions, call the cemetery at 413-821-9500.