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Making the Most of VA Disability Benefits

Making the Most of VA Disability Benefits

Veterans who have served our country may be eligible for VA disability benefits. These benefits can provide financial support, help with medical care, and offer other important services. Understanding how to maximize these benefits ensures that you get the support you deserve.

Understand Your Eligibility

To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must have a service-connected disability. This means the disability was incurred or worsened during your military service. It’s important to gather all your medical records and service history to support your claim.

Apply for Benefits

The first step is to apply for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You can apply online, by mail, or with the help of a VA representative. Make sure to provide detailed information about your disability and how it affects your daily life.

Gather Necessary Documentation

Having the right documents can speed up your application process. Collect your military service records, medical reports, and any other relevant paperwork. Clear and complete documentation helps the VA make an accurate decision.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you’re unsure about the application process, consider getting help from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). VSOs are trained to assist veterans in applying for benefits and can help you navigate the complexities of the VA system.

Appeal if Necessary

Sometimes, claims may be denied or the benefits awarded may not reflect the severity of your disability. If this happens, you have the right to appeal the decision. Understanding the appeals process and meeting all deadlines is crucial for a successful appeal.

Utilize All Available Benefits

VA disability benefits are not just about monthly payments. They can also include educational assistance, home loans, and vocational training. Explore all the benefits available to you to fully support your needs and goals.

Stay Informed

VA policies and benefits can change over time. Stay updated by regularly visiting the official VA website or consulting with a VSO. Staying informed ensures you never miss out on new opportunities or changes that could affect your benefits.

Connect with the Disabled American Veterans of Idaho

The Disabled American Veterans of Idaho are here to support you. We offer resources, guidance, and a community of fellow veterans who understand your journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance in making the most of your VA disability benefits.

Conclusion

Maximizing your VA disability benefits requires understanding the eligibility criteria, properly applying, and utilizing all available resources. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you receive the support you need and deserve as a veteran.

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Stand Down 2025: Veterans Resource & Benefits Fair – Lewiston, ID

Stand Down

Veterans and Families: You’re Invited to the 2025 Stand Down in Lewiston, Idaho!

Join us on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for the Stand Down Resource, Health, and Benefits Fair at Clearwater River Casino, located at 17500 Nez Perce Road, Lewiston, ID 83501.

This important community event is dedicated to supporting all Veterans and their families, offering access to essential services and information including:

  • VA and military benefits assistance

  • Health screenings and wellness services

  • Resource booths from veteran-friendly providers

  • Food, beverages, and community connection

Admission is FREE with Military ID, VA ID, or DD214. All who served are welcome.

✅ Free transportation is provided to Veterans by Appaloosa Express Transit via regular bus routes to and from the event.

Contact Information:
📞 Mary Taylor: 208-621-4738 | ✉️ mtaylor@nezperce.org
📞 Jerica Garcia: 208-255-1841 | ✉️ j.garcia@cap4action.org

Come connect with fellow Veterans, get the support you deserve, and enjoy a day of resources, care, and community.

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Join the 2025 Fall Harvest Carnival Honoring Our Veterans – Post Falls, ID

🎃🍂 Celebrate the Season and Our Veterans at the 2025 Fall Harvest Carnival! 🍂🎃

We’re inviting the community to join us for the Fall Harvest Carnival on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls. This annual event honors our Veterans with a family-friendly fall celebration filled with laughter, music, and community spirit.

The goal? To “leaf” no space empty! The entire front parking lot will be transformed into a festive carnival packed with:

  • 🎪 Veteran-supportive booths

  • 🧁 Soft, seasonal sugar-free treats

  • ☕ Warm fall beverages

  • 🎯 Carnival games & fun prizes

  • 🐐 Petting zoos

  • 🎶 Live music & dance performances

  • 🚚 Food trucks

  • 🍁 Creative, fall-themed activities for all ages

Booth Setup: Begins at 12:00 PM. All booths must be fully ready by 1:00 PM.
Location: Idaho State Veterans Home – Post Falls, 590 S. Pleasant View Road, Post Falls, ID
Contact: Kady Aamot, Activities & Volunteer Coordinator
📞 (208) 415-3436
📧 Kady.Aamot@veterans.idaho.gov

👉 If you or your group would like to host a booth, bring your tent, table, chairs, fall decorations (pumpkins, hay bales, colorful leaves), and volunteers to help make this event magical for our Veterans.

In case of rain, the fun moves indoors to the Activity Room!

Let’s make this a fall festival to remember. Your participation brings joy, gratitude, and community spirit to those who have served. See you there! 🍁💛

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2025 VA Mental Health Summit – Improving Access to Care

Join the 2025 Virtual Mental Health Summit Hosted by Boise VA Medical Center

Date: September 17, 2025
Location: Virtual via WebEx
Theme: Mental Health Access
Host: Boise VA Medical Center
Contact: Joshua.Bode@va.gov

September is National Recovery Month, and the Boise VA Medical Center is inviting community members, healthcare professionals, and organizations to participate in its 2025 Virtual Mental Health Summit. This year’s theme—“Mental Health Access”—addresses one of the most critical challenges facing Veterans and their families today.

Purpose of the Summit

The Mental Health Summit serves as a bridge between the VA and community stakeholders, uniting efforts to improve mental health services for Veterans and their families across Idaho and beyond. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, this event aims to:

  • Expand access to care

  • Raise awareness about recovery resources

  • Address the evolving needs of Veterans

  • Strengthen VA-community partnerships

Full Agenda

🕣 8:30–9:00 AM – Registration
🕘 9:00–9:30 AM – Welcome: National Recovery and Suicide Prevention Month
Speaker: Dr. Caroll Berndt, Associate Chief of Staff for Behavioral Health, Boise VAMC

🕤 9:30–11:30 AM – Keynote: Accessing Mental Health Services in VA Healthcare
Speaker: Joshua Bode, LCSW, Assistant Chief of Behavioral Health

🍽 11:30–1:00 PM – Lunch & Networking

🕐 1:00–2:00 PM – Managing Chronic Substance Abuse
Speaker: Tom Hogan, LCSW, Social Work Supervisor

🕑 2:00–2:15 PM – Break & Networking

🕝 2:15–3:15 PM – Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Resource Expansion
Speaker: Kirk Stadelmeyer, LCSW, Social Work Supervisor

🕞 3:15–3:30 PM – Closing Remarks & Q&A
Speaker: Dr. Caroll Berndt

How to Attend

This is a free virtual event open to community partners, health professionals, and anyone dedicated to supporting Veteran mental health. The event will be hosted via WebEx.

🔗 WebEx Link:
Email: Joshua.Bode@va.gov for link

📧 RSVP or Questions?
Email: Joshua.Bode@va.gov

Why You Should Attend

  • Stay up to date with Veteran mental health services

  • Learn from experienced VA social workers and clinicians

  • Expand your network with professionals in behavioral health

  • Take part in the national conversation on suicide prevention and recovery

Let’s unite for Veteran wellness. Mark your calendar for September 17, 2025—and join us in strengthening access to mental healthcare in our communities.

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1st Annual Elk’s BBQ in Jerome: A Community Gathering for Veterans and Families

Get ready for a heartwarming afternoon of good food and great company at the 1st Annual Elk’s BBQ, happening Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Snake River Elk’s Lodge #2807 in Jerome, Idaho.

This free community BBQ is open to all veterans, their families, survivors, and Gold Star families. It’s a celebration of service, community, and connection—served up with classic BBQ, sides, and drinks.

Enjoy:

  • Delicious barbecue grilled fresh

  • Hearty sides and refreshments

  • An opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow veterans and supporters

  • A family-friendly atmosphere filled with gratitude and respect

📍 Location: Snake River Elk’s Lodge #2807, 412 East 200 South, Jerome, ID
🗓 Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or simply someone who wants to show appreciation, this event is the perfect way to connect and enjoy a summer afternoon together.

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Veteran Resource Symposium: Free Educational Event for Veterans and Their Families

Veteran Resource Symposium

Veterans, spouses, and caregivers—mark your calendars for a free educational event you won’t want to miss. On Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, join Hospice of North Idaho and community partners for the Veteran Resource Symposium, held to empower, inform, and support those who’ve served.

This symposium will take place in North Idaho and is open to all veterans and their families. Hear from expert speakers on a wide range of critical topics, including:

  • End-of-life care planning

  • Grief support services

  • Medicare and VA benefits

  • Veteran elder law

  • Document preparation and planning

Learn how to plan ahead with confidence and gain access to the resources you’ve earned. This event is designed to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions for the future.

Breakfast and refreshments will be served, and while the event is completely free, donations are appreciated.

🗓 Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: North Idaho (Full location details available at registration)
📞 To Register: Call (208) 772-7994 or visit www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org/news

This event is made possible by Hospice of North Idaho, Community Palliative Care, and auxiliary partners including the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and Marine Corps League Auxiliary.

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Honoring a Hero: 2025 Sergeant First Class Dustin Ard Commemorative Steel Competition

On Saturday, August 24, 2025, marksmen from across the region will gather at Fernan Rod & Gun Club in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for a powerful tribute and exciting challenge — the Sergeant First Class Dustin Ard Commemorative Steel Competition.

This annual event honors SFC Dustin Ard, a fallen hero from the U.S. Army Special Forces, and supports the Special Forces Brotherhood and local veteran communities.

Presented by the Special Forces Association Chapter XLIII (Post Falls), the event runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and features a challenging steel shooting course. Entry is $100 per participant, with registration limited to 100 shooters — and a prize table you won’t want to miss!

Whether you’re competing or simply want to show your support, this day is a meaningful opportunity to give back and celebrate the courage, dedication, and legacy of our Special Forces heroes.

📍 Location: Fernan Rod & Gun Club, Coeur d’Alene, ID
🎯 Entry Fee: $100 (Limited to 100 shooters)
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, August 24, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🔗 Register: www.sfa43.org/events/dacsc
📧 Contact: contact@sfa43.org

Let’s stand together in memory of SFC Dustin Ard — and help support the brave warriors who continue his mission.

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Boise VA Needs Volunteer Drivers – Help Veterans in Twin Falls, Idaho

volunteer drivers

🚗 Boise VA Needs Volunteer Drivers – Help Idaho Veterans Get to Appointments

The Boise VA Medical Center and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transportation program urgently need volunteer drivers to help veterans get to their VA medical appointments.

This critical service depends on dedicated community members like you—and right now, the Twin Falls area is in crisis, with the program down to just one driver.

📍 What’s the Issue?

  • The DAV transportation program helps veterans who have no other way to get to their VA healthcare appointments.

  • Without volunteer drivers, many Idaho veterans are forced to cancel or delay essential care.

  • In Twin Falls, the shortage is urgent. There’s only one active driver, and demand far exceeds capacity.

🧭 How You Can Help

If you or someone you know has the ability to volunteer, even just a few hours a month, you can make a meaningful difference in a veteran’s life.

📞 To volunteer, call Tammy at (208) 422-1175.

💬 Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Background check through the VA

  • Willingness to serve veterans with care and professionalism

  • Training and support are provided

🙌 Why It Matters

Volunteer drivers are more than transportation—they’re a lifeline. Many of our heroes live in rural Idaho or face mobility challenges. Your help ensures they can access the healthcare they earned through their service.

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2025 Caregiver Conference – June 14 | CSI Office on Aging Event

🧩 2025 Caregiver Conference – June 14 | CSI Fine Arts Theater

Caregivers are the silent strength behind our aging and vulnerable communities—and this June, you’re invited to a free, all-day event designed to support, educate, and empower those who provide care.

The 2025 Caregiver Conference, hosted by the CSI Office on Aging, is your opportunity to connect with professionals, gather resources, and learn how to navigate the complex “caregiver puzzle.”

📍 Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: CSI Fine Arts Theater

  • Check-in Begins: 8:30 AM

  • Cost: FREE to attend

  • Lunch: Complimentary lunch provided

  • Registration Phone: 📞 208-736-2122

🧠 Topics Include

The Caregiver Puzzle: Understanding the Pieces
💜 Dignity • Respect • Burnout

Main Areas Covered Key Concepts
In-Home Care Home Care vs. Home Health
End-of-Life Care Palliative vs. Hospice Care
Facility Care Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing
Self Care Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney

Whether you’re a family caregiver, professional aide, or future planner, this conference is designed to give you actionable tools, clarity, and community support.

🎯 Why Attend?

  • Learn from experts in elder care and legal planning

  • Connect with others facing similar caregiving challenges

  • Discover how to manage stress, burnout, and legal responsibilities

  • Enjoy a warm, welcoming environment focused on support, not sales

💬 Questions?

Contact the CSI Office on Aging at
📞 208-736-2122

Or scan the QR code in the flyer to support the CSI Foundation and learn more about this event.

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Patriot Run 5K – June 7, 2025 | Star, Idaho at Freedom Park

Patriot Run 5K – June 7, 2025 | Freedom Park, Star, ID

Lace up your shoes and show your support for veterans and military history by joining the Patriot Run 5K on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Freedom Park in Star, Idaho.

Hosted by the Warhawk Air Museum and the City of Star, this family-friendly run/walk event helps preserve and promote the museum’s mission to educate, honor, and preserve the legacy of American veterans.

Whether you’re running to beat a personal best or walking to support a cause—this is an event for everyone.

📍 Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

  • Time: 8:00 AM Start

  • Location: Freedom Park, Star, ID

  • Early Registration Fee: $35

  • Event Website & Registration:
    🔗 Register for the Patriot Run

🏃‍♂️ Why Participate?

Your participation directly supports the Warhawk Air Museum, helping educate future generations about the sacrifices made by those who served in the military. You’ll be honoring heroes past and present, all while enjoying a morning of community, movement, and purpose.

🎯 What to Expect

  • Timed 5K course

  • Walkers and runners welcome

  • Family-friendly environment

  • Commemorative swag for early registrants

  • Patriotism, unity, and community pride

🙌 Presented by

  • Warhawk Air Museum – Nampa, Idaho

  • The City of Star, Idaho