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FVA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
http://www.va.gov/pressrel/aponline.htm
VA Applications Go Online
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Veterans can now apply for benefits and health
care online with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Two new
systems will allow veterans quick, easy and secure access to apply for compensation,
pension, rehabilitation benefits and health care.
"This is the first step toward an electronic VA," said
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Hershel W. Gober. "We will use the best in the
business world and the latest in the high technology sector to deliver world-class
benefits and care to
veterans. That's a promise."
To apply for health care, veterans can fill out and submit an
Internet-based 10-10 EZ application available today for the first time nationwide.
Initially tested at 30 VA facilities, the 10-10 EZ is automatically e-mailed to the VA
health care facility selected by the veteran. VA employees register the data, print the
form
and mail it back to the veteran for signature. Veterans can also print out
the completed form and mail it to a VA health care facility themselves.
"Veterans On Line Applications" (VONAPP) is designed for
veterans to apply for compensation, pension, and vocational rehabilitation benefits
through the Internet. Completed applications are sent electronically to the
veteran's local VA office. Processing begins right away and veterans receive a
response letting them know the status of their applications.
"Of course, security is of paramount importance," said
Gober. "These forms are individually encrypted, ensuring the privacy of veterans' personal
data. This is part of VA's approach to department-wide security planning and management."
Later this year, VA plans to offer education applications on the
Internet. Currently, veterans attending school under the Montgomery GI Bill can make
their monthly certification of enrollment at:
http://www.gibill.va.gov
Along with 10-10 EZ and VONAPP, VA has redesigned its Web page.
"When veterans access www.va.gov, there
will be no doubt that the focus and content reflects the department's commitment to veterans," said
Gober.
"The new design makes it easy to find information, as well as online
applications."
VA aims to eventually put all its health care and benefits
applications online. However veterans are not required to apply online and can continue
to use paper applications. To download other VA applications see:
http://www.va.gov/forms
"Online applications, bar coding for medications, computerized
record systems, telemedicine and in the near future -- Smart Cards -- are all
examples of VA developing information technology on par, and often ahead of, the
rest of the country," said Gober. "I'm really excited about what
technology can do to allow us to do a better job in caring for the nation's veterans."
To access Internet applications:
http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/
Submitted,
YNCS Don Harribine, USN(Ret)
NAVetsUSA
NCPOA
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