Charles Hallman, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
- Veterans returning home from their tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq all must adjust to life back home. However, according to officials, veterans of color often either fail to use no-cost services they are rightfully entitled to or do so too late for various reasons.
An honorably discharged veteran from active duty is eligible for VA benefits for five years. And, if they went to war, these “combat veterans” can reapply for benefits after their five-year post-discharge period expires.
“Whether it was medical injuries as a direct result of service or something that develops after they leave service, they can file for a medical or emotional condition [and] can be granted medical treatment plus compensation every month,” notes Aundrey Sanchez, outreach division supervisor for the Minnesota Division of Veteran Affairs.
According to Sanchez, some veterans of color believe that they can work through problems themselves without help. “Veterans of color don’t seek [VA] benefits as much as the typical Caucasian veteran does,” he notes. “There are some veterans who are going to have different issues than others.”
