Missouri encouraging veterans to take advantage of benefits

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- While the federal government is trying to slow recruitment of veterans into the department's already overwhelmed healthcare system, Missouri is taking the opposite approach.

Gov. Bob Holden has announced that a new, toll-free state hot line has been created to improve veterans' access to all benefits, including health care. The number is 1 (866) 838-4636.

"Missouri veterans are not obtaining the federal Veterans Administration compensation and pension benefits they so rightfully deserve," Holden said. "The toll-free hot line is one tool that is intended to inform veterans of benefits they qualify for and close that gap."

The announcement comes as Veterans Affairs secretary Anthony Principi on Thursday reiterated his intent to stop recruiting veterans to join the department's healthcare system.

Although the department remains open to any veteran who wants to enroll, Principi said it would be misleading to actively recruit new patients into a health care system that already has thousands who are waiting months for clinic appointments.

Last year, Missouri ranked 36 out of 50 states in the percentage of veterans receiving benefits to which they are entitled, Holden said.

About 550,000 military veterans live in the state and more than 40,000 Missouri veterans receive compensation from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs for service-related health problems ranging from old wounds to diabetes.

Ralph Durnbaugh, director of benefit awareness for the Missouri Veterans Commission, said state officials have been meeting with federal officials about the situation.

"We're certainly not going to change what we're doing, yet at the same time we understand the VA's position and their problems regarding limited resources," Durnbaugh said. "It is a difficult situation for everyone."

Durnbaugh noted that Oklahoma and Arkansas rank No. 1 and No. 2 in per capita benefits while Missouri is further down the list.

"It's our job to help our own veterans to the best of our ability to inform them about the benefits they are eligible for," Durnbaugh said.