WASHINGTON — More than 30 percent of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability claims inventory is now digital and accessible in the VA’s electronic claims processing system.

This effort transforms outdated paper processing into an electronic system to deliver disability claims decisions faster. In addition, all incoming paper claims are transformed into keyword-searchable digital records for electronic processing.

The VA is working with the Department of Defense and veterans service organizations to urge veterans and separating service members to file their disability claims electronically and, when possible, to file a Fully Developed Claim through the joint DoD-VA online portal, eBenefits.

Registered eBenefits users with a premium account can file a claim online, track the status, and access information on other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs. Additionally, eBenefits users can use 50 self-service features that the VA and DoD have made available.

VA prioritizes disability claims for homeless veterans, those experiencing extreme financial hardship, the terminally ill, former prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients and veterans filing Fully Developed Claims, which is the quickest way for veterans to receive a decision on their compensation claim. See benefits.va.gov/fdc/ for assistance.

Claims for service members separating from the military for medical reasons will still be handled by priority with DoD through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System.

Veterans can learn more about disability benefits, and register and/or upgrade to a free premium account on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Veterans Administration converts disability claims into digital files

CRESTVIEW — Military veterans and job seekers can attend the North Okaloosa Veterans Career Expo on Wednesday, July 24 at the Crestview Community Center.

"This is the single largest hiring event in north Okaloosa County," event organizer Liz Westby said in an email. "With the wide variety of employers who will be attending, there should be opportunities for all job seekers.  

The expo will allow veterans to meet more than 25 employers in addition to representatives from veteran assistance agencies.

"Veterans will be able to speak with (Veterans Affairs) representatives to help determine their benefits and how to access them," Westby said.

Westby is assisting in organizing the event on behalf of JobsPlus, where she serves as a veteran services representative for Okaloosa and Walton counties. 

The event’s main draw will be numerous employers looking to hire active or retired veterans, their military families or civilians.

"Many types of industry will be represented, including government contractors, retail,  food services, hospitality, construction and law enforcement," Westby said.

In addition to employers, representatives from Northwest Florida State College, Troy University, University of West Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be available to answer questions.

JobsPlus will park its mobile one-stop center outside the community center to help job seekers print resumes and access employer websites to apply for open positions.

The event is endorsed by the office of Florida Congressman Jeff Miller, the city of Crestview and the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce.

Want to go?

WHAT: North Okaloosa Veterans Career Expo

WHERE: Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 24.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: JobsPlus veterans expo in Crestview welcomes job seekers July 24

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa Correctional Institution’s veterans observed the Fourth of July with a ceremony that complements morning reveille and evening retreat rituals begun in spring.  

Earlier this year, Corrections Officer Sgt. Craig Young, a U.S. Army Reserves member, recruited inmates who served their country into a group. As former service members, they can still participate in military ceremonies honoring their country.

In addition to daily flag raising, inmates conduct ceremonies on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day, and honor each military branch on their establishment date. OCI staffers in the military also participate.

Dennis Wise, Clay White and Jayly Jackson, retired Air Force members, donated a flagpole and flag to the compound when Thomas Dugan, Airport Road Church of Christ prison minister and retired USAF captain, noticed there was no flag inside the facility.

OCI maintenance personnel installed the flag in the spring.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Correctional Institution veterans raise the flag

More than 65,000 claims nationwide have been eliminated from a disability compensation claims backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs has announced.

Ninety-seven percent of claims more than two years old have been processed following an April initiative to reduce the backlog. The initiative, centrally managed nationally, involved all VA regional offices working claims for veterans across the country.

The Jackson VA regional office now joins VA efforts to complete the disability claims of veterans waiting more than one year for a decision, while completing the final batch of oldest claims in progress.

The VA aims to end the disability claims backlog before 2016 and process claims within 125 days at 98 percent accuracy.

Today, the VA reportedly has the least claims in its inventory since August 2011 and has reduced the number in the VA backlog — claims pending more than 125 days — by 10 percent.

Learn more about disability benefits on the Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits, www.ebenefits.va.gov.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VA processes more than 65,000 claims older than two years

Military families seem to have turned to the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative in the six weeks since Eglin Air Force Base closed its library.

Traffic has increased significantly at the Valparaiso and Niceville libraries, which sit close to the base.

Vicky Stever, the cooperative’s coordinator, said she welcomes new patrons but is disappointed that Eglin families now lack a base library.

She expects the increased demand will strain local libraries to some extent because they have been making do with dwindling state funds.

Still, more patrons benefit in the end, Stever said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: City libraries see more business after Eglin library closes

PENSACOLA— The Naval Aviation Museum's 50th anniversary celebration starts at 10 a.m. tomorrow at 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola.

The event includes an 11 a.m. presentation and book signing by author Brad Elward in the museum's Hangar Bay 1. Attendees will receive a commemorative anniversary coffee mug while supplies last.

At 1 p.m., the museum will host a "Magic of Flight" viewing, featuring the Blue Angels, on the IMAX giant screen.

Visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org or call 453-2389 or 800-327-5002 for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Naval aviation museum celebrates 50th anniversary Saturday

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — Pvt. Jeremy Arnold has completed 13 weeks of recruit training at the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

Marine Corps boot camp is a rigorous 13-week training period designed to enhance raw talent, leadership and confidence, and create the discipline required of all Marines. Training covered military customs and courtesies, first aid and other subjects.

Arnold — who recently was in the area on 10-day leave — is a Crestview High School graduate. His parents are Charlie and Angie Arnold of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Arnold completes Marine basic training

GREAT LAKES, Mich. — Thomas Carrico, a 2011 Crestview High School alumnus, has graduated from the U.S. Navy boot camp.

The sailor is attending the first, or "A," portion of the Navy's occupational specialty school and is studying advanced electronics and engineering.

He is an Eagle Scout in Crestview Troop 773. His parents, Paulina and Kelly Carrico, and his younger brother, Austin, live in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Carrico graduates Navy boot camp

CRESTVIEW —Lenny's Sub Shop has donated $720 to assist military personnel and their families in need.

The Crestview restaurant distributed 20 percent of Friday’s sales to the Special Forces Association Chapter 7, a group that assists the Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)’s soldiers and families. Members helped the restaurant’s staff deliver sandwiches to customers and clean tables.

One of the organization’s main goals is to take care of their own, Special Forces Association Chapter 7 president Steve Tuttle said.

"In January, we had a soldier's house (in Crestview) burn down," he said. "Within 24 hours, we had a $1,000 check to him." The check helped the single father cover expenses before insurance kicked in.

The association also assisted with funeral arrangements for a 7th soldier who died in a motorcycle incident, he said.

Among its regular causes is the Wounded Warriors Project and funding scholarships for children within the group.

Additionally, the organization is raising funds for a memorial wall honoring 7th Special Forces Group members on the new military installation south of Crestview.

"They do all sorts of good stuff with that money to support troops and their families," restaurant owner Andrew Sheriff said. "I definitely want to do as much as I can for the (military personnel) around me."

For more information

Learn more about the Special Forces Association Chapter 7 at SFA7.com, or email Steve Tuttle, SFACH7@gmail.com.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lenny's Sub Shop raises $720 for the 7th Special Forces Association