Mangano: County On Pace To Secure A Record $10 Million In Benefits For Veterans In 2013

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced that the County Veteran Service Agency (VSA) has secured a record amount of earned cash benefits for local veterans. According to data released by the United States Veterans Administration, counselors at the Nassau County VSA have significantly increased the annual total amount of cash awards received by Nassau County veterans from $929,921 in 2006 to $5 million in the first half of 2013. The County is on pace to secure a record breaking $10 million in benefits for local veterans this year.

County Executive Mangano stated, “The level of assistance we provide veterans has resulted in our hometown heroes receiving an unprecedented level of financial assistance. I would like to remind our veterans that the first step in filing a benefits claim for an injury or sickness as a result of military service is to enroll at the Veterans Affairs hospital nearest to their home. Some of our veterans may be asked to provide further details about their case, but I can tell you that from the time Joseph Pascarella came on board as the Agency Director, he and his staff have cared for our veterans better than ever.”

Any veteran who is coping with a military service related injury or illness, including PTSD and Agent Orange, may be eligible to receive a monthly cash benefit. Director Pascarella stated, “Nassau County Veteran Service Agency is here to assist our veterans in filling out forms every day, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. We have all the information a veteran needs right here, in one place. No veteran will be turned away by us and there won’t be any delays since our staff has the experience and knowledge to serve our veterans.”

The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency advocates for Nassau County veterans and their dependents with the U.S. Veterans Administration, as well as New York State and Nassau County agencies by educating them and ensuring they receive all their benefits; assisting with their financial and economic issues; expanding public awareness of veteran issues; and enhancing the quality of life for Veterans in Nassau County.

For more information veterans can visit the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building "Q" in East Meadow (along the entrance road of Nassau University Medical Center) or can call 516-572-6565. If transportation is needed please call (516) 572-6526.