Nov. 11, 2015

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HONORS VETERANS THROUGH VETERANS' BENEFIT INITIATIVE

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
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Tallahassee, Fla.—Veterans Day is November 11th, but the Florida Department of Health works hard to honor current and former military members and their families every day of the year by ensuring that veterans have all the information they need to receive the best possible medical care. Through the Veterans’ Benefit Initiative, the Florida Department of Health is working to educate veterans, military members and their families about service-connected disability benefits.

“Veterans and military members have risked their lives to protect our nation,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “As we strive to make Florida the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation, we want Floridians who have served our country and their families to be aware of service-connected disability benefits.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines a VA service-connected disability as an injury or disease that was brought about or worsened during active military service. This can apply to both physical and mental health conditions. In the unfortunate event that a veteran passes away due to a service-connected disability, the surviving spouse and family members may be entitled to compensation.

It is vital for veterans and family members to provide non-VA physicians with a copy of their VA Disability Rating Letter so it can be added to the veteran’s medical file. To receive a VA Disability Rating Letter, contact your nearest VA office.

To learn more about disability benefits for veterans, visit the VA website or read this service-connected disability brochure.

In case you missed it, view State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong’s Veterans Day video message here.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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