Posted on Mar 5, 2020
How do I convert an older traditional guardsman to be recognized as a veteran?
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My coworkers father is in his 80's, unable to take care of himself. The son, 60's, tells me he served the national guard of PA for 20+ years and received an NGB form instead of a DD214. He does not qualify or register as a veteran because of this. What steps would i take to help him fix this issue? I would like to see if they can find some benefits for him and help his current situation as financial and property are now at risk. Thank you in advance!
Update: The soldier served 34 years, M-day guard, no deployments, no injuries on duty. Would he still be considered a veteran and receive official veteran status? My coworker was not clear on all details the first time I asked him, I apologize everyone.
Update: The soldier served 34 years, M-day guard, no deployments, no injuries on duty. Would he still be considered a veteran and receive official veteran status? My coworker was not clear on all details the first time I asked him, I apologize everyone.
Retirement
NGB
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Benefits
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 4
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I helped a National Guardsmen here in CT with the same thing. At the VA, you have the benefits office. First thing to do is get your father registered at your local VAMC! Second, find the benefits office and bring all documentation with you. From that point on, they will provide him with a primary care doctor and everything else will fall into place. NG's and AR's are now allowed VA care! Keep me posted please!
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COL David Turk
Excellent suggestion. They are very dedicated. He won’t get the run around from them.
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Go online and request a DD214. I believe the form you will fill out is an SF180. Just Google DD214 and find the link.
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One thing many are not aware of is on 27 Dec 2016 Congress passed a law that gave Veteran status to Guard and Reserve people that had served 20 years or more and had reached age 60 and were receiving Retired pay and benefits to include Tricare (Tricare for Life at age 65) for those that had NOT served at least 180 days of active Federal Military service for which a DD Form 214 would have been issued. This 2016 act however did NOT add any more entitlements other than officially being designated as Veterans.
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