Cameron University offering VA benefit assistance

Veterans, active service members and dependents can get their VA benefits questions answered from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 4 in Cameron University’s Room 301 of North Shepler, 2800 W. Gore Blvd.

Cameron University’s Office of Veterans Affairs will have key veteran organizations on-site to assist eligible persons with their benefits questions.

Claims processors Elizabeth Duncan and Crystal Richardson from the Muskogee VA Regional Processing Office will provide personal service for those with questions about VA educational benefits, according to a press release. They will process claims, work on problem resolution, check on individual VA educational claims benefit status and answer specific questions about eligibility, check amounts and more.

Claims officers are accredited with a number of service organizations in order to better represent claimants with claims and appeals, the release said. Claims officers can assist in the appeals process and represent the claimant at a personal hearing before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officer if necessary.

“This will be a great opportunity for dependents to gain insights and ask questions about VA educational benefits they might receive in the future,” said Vicki Henson, CU’s Veterans Affairs coordinator.

Kimberly Wendel, Military Services coordinator of IDES Fort Sill, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Service Center at Fort Sill, will provide information, answer questions and discuss other types of VA benefits, the release said. She also will discuss the availability of benefits to active duty military personnel transitioning to civilian life.

Ernest Swindle II, CU’s VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselor, will visit with students regarding an array of services available to those wanting to use their benefits at CU, the release said. They can receive answers on questions about understanding and applying for VA educational benefits including disability compensation, life insurance, home loan guaranty and vocational rehabilitation.

Douglas G. Ferguson, programs administrator/regional manager of the Southwest Region of the Oklahoma Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Claims and Benefits Division, will provide assistance, the release said. He will help with claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information, contact CU Office of Veterans Affairs at (580) 581-2301.