Veterans Affairs

The Susquehanna County Veterans affairs office proudly serves the Veterans of our County and their families.

Anyone with questions about the vast array of benefits available is encouraged to contact the County VA office, and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide assistance. The office is located in the County Courthouse at 31 Lake Ave. Montrose, Pa. and the office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. except for scheduled holidays or required Certified Veterans Services Officer (VSO) training.

Individuals may also find complete information on veteran's federal benefits by visiting the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at www.va.gov and state benefits at www.dmva.pa.gov/veterans/pages

Veterans in crisis or contemplating suicide may call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 option 1 or text at 838255 for help

Finally to all our veterans, “thank you for your service” we look forward to serving you.

Veterans Corner

The Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs office writes an article once each month that is published in the Susquehanna Independent (also known as the Susquehanna County Independent). These articles called “Veterans Corner” provide information related to veteran’s issues and benefits. The articles are published once per month and can be found in one of the editions of the Susquehanna Independent. For your convenience we also make the articles available here on the County website.

Anyone with any questions about the benefits available to Veterans and their family members can call the Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs Office at (570) 278-5955

VETERANS CORNER

Vietnam Veterans Day, and National Medal of Honor Day
Submitted By: Jeffery Mead
Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Celebrate Sunday, March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, as Americans unite to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

March 29 is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity as March 29, 1973, was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, and their families.

November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V); May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are between 6 and 7 million U.S. Vietnam veterans living in America and abroad, along with millions of families of those who served during this timeframe. (www.vietnamwar50th.com)

U.S. Senators Pat Toomey, R-PA., and Joe Donnelly, D-ID., introduced the legislation proposing the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam as the date for National Vietnam Veterans Day. It was President Donald Trump who signed the Act on March 29, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on this day to honor everyone who served during this time, whether they were in Vietnam or not. Every year since it was founded in 2017, this national day has continued to be recognized on March 29. (nationaltoday.com)

Thank a Vietnam Veteran!

Speaking as an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, I again want to personally thank every single Vietnam Veteran and welcome you home to a Country that loves you. The soldiers I served with in Iraq received an over-the-top welcome home, which we were all very aware of coming from the guilt the country felt over not properly welcoming home all the Vietnam Veterans. THANK YOU AND WELCOME HOME FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, 2026.

National Medal of Honor Day, held annually on March 25th, was established by Congress to recognize those who have been awarded the United States’ highest military decoration for valor in action.

FACTS ABOUT THE MEDAL OF HONOR

•According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, more than 3,500 brave individuals have received the Medal of Honor since the decoration’s inception in 1861. Nineteen of the Medal of Honor Recipients have received the medal twice.

•On March 25, 1863, Army Private Jacob Parrott received the first Medal of Honor for his actions during the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War.

•Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, served as a surgeon in the U.S. Army. During the Civil War, while serving with the 52nd Ohio Infantry, she routinely crossed enemy lines to treat civilians in need of medical care.

•There are three variations of the Medal of Honor. The Army and Navy have separate designs for their personnel. The Marine Corps and Coast Guard receive the Navy design. The original designs were worn on a recipient’s lapel. Currently, the Medal of Honor is the only U.S. Military medal worn around the neck.

•Twenty-eight service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor for action in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, eleven of them posthumously. ( Lisa Duffy-Homes for Troops 3-25-25)

•To date, there have been 3,547 Medals of Honor awarded to those who fight to keep our country safe – and National Medal of Honor Day is the day to honor their exemplary service.

•Over 600 have been awarded posthumously.

•During the Civil War, 40% of the Medals of Honor that have been given up until now were distributed.

•Breakdown by Branch: Army: 2,467; Navy: 749; Marine Corps: 300; Air Force: 19 Coast Guard: 1

Upcoming Veteran Events:

Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every, first Monday of Month at 5:30 PM. Next meeting is April 6th at 5:30PM.

Vietnam Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every 1st, and 3rd Monday at 10:30 AM. Next meetings are March 16th and April 6thth at 10:30AM.

For Veteran Individual Readjustment Vet Center Counseling at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 call Rob at 570-239-5191

Java for Joes April 9th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 at 798 Erie Ave Susquehanna, Pa at the Erie & Main Coffee House the Second Thursday of the month, contact Melissa Dubas 607-765-1366.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Luncheon –Join Veterans NEPA for camaraderie and a complimentary lunch as a small token of our appreciation for your service. Luncheon is open to U.S. Armed Forces personnel with active-duty service between November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service. Join us on Wednesday March 25, 2026, from 11am – 2pm at Penn’s Peak 325 Maury Road, Jim Thrope PA. Tickets are required, Contact: Carbon County Veterans Affairs at 570-325-3986.

In honor of Women’s History Month– Carol Ann Drazba Memorial –, join Treasurer Stacy Garrity to honor the memory of Second Lieutenant Carol Ann Drazba, on Saturday March 14, 2026, at 4pm outside of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center at 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton PA 18503. Reception to follow at the Marketplace at Steamtown Food Court 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton PA 18503. RSVP by 3/10/26 at: htps://www.patreasury.gov/treasury-invite/

Military & First Responders Ski Weekend - March 13 – 15, 2026, Shawnee Mountain is inviting all Active Duty Military, Retired Military, and Reserve Members along with First Responders to come for a day of skiing. Discounts are as follows: Active Duty Military and immediate Family get FREE lift packet and ski or snowboard rentals. Retired Military, Veteran or Reserves receive 50% off lift packets and rentals. First Responders receive 1/3 off the price of a lift packet. We’re making things easy this year; no registration required. Tickets will be sold at the window, day- of. Military/Photo ID required. Call 570 421-73231 ext. 0 for more info.

Susquehanna Veterans Affairs office is always here to assist Veterans in accessing Veterans Administration and State benefits.

Our office can be reached at the following:

P.O. Box 218 /31 Lake Avenue Montrose, PA 18801 (Courthouse-side entrance facing the green)
Phone: 570-278-5955 or 570-278-4600 Ext. 3045
Fax: 570-278-5977

Warning letters from VA, Programs that Allow Veterans to receive VA Compensation and Military Retirement Pay & Major Richard Star Act Update

Submitted By: Jeffery Mead

Susquehanna County Director of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Service Officer

Companies receiving warning letters from Department of Veterans Affairs

Many veterans have come into the Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs Office asking for assistance AFTER being taken in by companies that charge them for assistance in applying for claims but only provide minimal and/or substandard claim development to the veteran, yet still take part of the veterans claim money when it is awarded. The one that we hear about the most in our office from local veterans is Trajector Inc., whom several veterans have told us feel that they have been taken advantage of, and wish they had known there were free VA claim services available by qualified people before they were taken in by Trajector Inc..

PA has a Veterans Affairs Office in every County with Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) trained by the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs that provide claim development and support for FREE to all veterans. Veterans also have FREE VSOs available from Veterans Service Organizations including: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and many more.

VA Warned These Companies They May Be Breaking the Law. Most Are Still in Business

VA has told nearly 40 companies to stop charging veterans for assisting with disability benefits claims. The firms insist that veterans want their help.

Helping veterans get through the red tape of applying for VA disability benefits has become a multibillion-dollar industry over the past decade. Which might be surprising, because charging vets for such help may be against federal law.

An investigation by The War Horse and NPR reveals that over the past 10 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs has sent more than 40 letters to dozens of claims consulting companies, sometimes called “claims sharks” by critics, warning them to review their practices and “immediately cease” any illegal activities. Yet this hasn’t stopped them; on the contrary, many of these companies have only gotten bigger and bolder.

These companies exist in a wild west, raking in huge sums as lawmakers and regulators struggle to keep up with legal loopholes. Some of them are multimillion-dollar firms with more than 100 employees on their payroll, while others are small, family-owned businesses. Many are founded and run by veterans, who claim that their primary goal is to help other veterans get the benefits they deserve. But under federal law, only representatives accredited by VA—such as lawyers and nonprofit veterans service organizations—can provide such help, and the department has been trying for years to crack down on unauthorized firms with little to no success.

“We just focus on our client,” said Chas Sampson, an Army veteran and CEO of Seven Principles, who insists he never received the warning letter that VA sent his company last year. “If the VA ever comes out and said, ‘Hey, you’re going to prison for this tomorrow,’ we’re going to stop doing it. Until then, we’re going to continue servicing the people.”

The War Horse obtained dozens of warning letters from VA in response to a Freedom of Information Act request for all cease-and-desist letters sent to claims consulting companies over the last 10 years. An analysis of the letters and an investigation into the recipients show:

At least 29 of the 38 companies that were warned in letters that they may be engaged in unlawful activities appeared to still be operating as of late November. Twenty-nine still have active business registrations, and a total of 34 have an active website or social media account. At least nine of the companies were registered as nonprofits. Some of the biggest companies, including VA Claims Insider, Trajector Inc., and Veterans Guardian VA Claims Consulting, received multiple letters over the 10-year period, all the while growing their companies to hundreds of employees and collectively spending millions of dollars on lobbying efforts and political endorsements. (From The War Horse “VA Warned These Companies They May Be Breaking the Law. Most Are Still in Business” by Leah Rosenbaum, December 2, 2025)

The following companies received warning letters from the Department of Veterans Affairs about their questionable practices-(therefore I recommend: DO NOT USE THESE COMPANIES): Trajector Medical, VA Claims Insider, VDC Bootcamp, Veterans Disability Help, Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting, 180 Comprehensive Veteran Services, 360 Veteran LLC, A-1 VA Ratings, American Veteran Consulting, The Fulfilled Veteran Project, Behavioral Health Consulting Inc, Blue Cord Veteran Services, C&P Garage, Delta Medical Care Eagle Rising Veteran Consulting, Forever Our Heroes, Freelance Veterans Advocates, Gem Ratings, Global Tekmed, Just4Veterans, KMD89 VA Claims Consulting, REE Medical, Seven Principles, The Freedom Law Group, United Veteran Benefits Agency, VetComm, Veteran Adviser Consulting, Veteran Benefits Guide, Veteran Ratings, Veteran Advocacy Associates, Veterans Claims Consulting, Veterans Claims United, Veterans for Veterans LLC, VetLink Solutions3, Vets for Action, Winning Strategy for Disabled Veterans, Working Warriors Today, and Zeke's Vets Helping Vets.

Can you receive VA Disability Compensation and Military Retirement at the SAME TIME? It depends.

There are two programs, CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay) and CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation) that allow some veterans to receive both.

You must be retired to be eligible for CRDP or CRSC (served for 20 years or received a medical retirement, including the Temporary Early Retirement Act). This retirement can be from Active Duty, Reserves, or National Guard. Regular Reserve and Guard retirees usually aren’t eligible for either CRDP or CRSC until they receive retirement pay at age 60. However, if you’ve been medically retired or have met certain active-duty deployment criteria, you could be eligible for CRDP before age 60, depending on how many total years of service you have. To receive either CRDP or CRSC, your monthly VA disability pay must be causing your DoD retired pay to decrease.

CRDP, or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay, is a program that allows retirees to receive both their military retirement pay and their VA disability benefits. The Veteran must have a 50% VA Combined disability rating and receive compensation to qualify for this program. DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service), the department that pays the military retirement, will automatically enroll eligible veterans in this program when they either start receiving retirement or start receiving VA compensation over 50% which ever one happens second.

CRSC, or Combat-Related Special Compensation, is a program signed into law in 2002 that provides monthly tax-free payments to eligible veterans. CRSC provides tax-free payments to retired veterans with combat-related disabilities. The Veteran must have a 10% VA Combined disability rating and receive compensation to qualify for this program. One additional requirement for CRSC that doesn’t exist for CRDP is that your disability must be related to combat. Examples include:

• Armed Conflict (Combat PTSD, gunshot wounds)

• Hazardous Duty (Flight, diving, parachute duty)

• An Instrumentality of War (exposure to Agent Orange, vehicles, or weapons)

• Simulated War (Exercise training)

You Must Apply for CRSC

To apply for CRSC, you will need to fill out an application with your branch of service and provide documentation of your service-related disability rating.

You’ll fill out DD Form 2860. (Susquehanna County Veterans Affairs can assist with filling out DD Form 2860) The form is the same for every branch, but where you send it will differ based on your branch of service.

Include the following in your application for CRSC:

• Medical records related to your combat-related disability

• Purple Heart citations, if relevant

• Other documentation proving your condition is combat-related, official records if possible

• Your DD-214 or retirement orders

Open Season and CRSC

Traditionally, CRSC Open Season is when DFAS sends you a letter explaining your eligibility for both programs. The letter should explain the differences and amounts you’ll receive with both entitlements. This is your chance to switch your entitlement without filling out Form DD 2860.

(vaclaimsinsider-Last Updated on December 22, 2022)

Major Richard Star Act Update

The Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102/S. 1032) is a proposed bipartisan amendment aimed at allowing over 50,000 combat-injured veterans with less than 20 years of service to receive their full military retirement pay alongside VA disability compensation. Currently, these veterans face a dollar-for-dollar reduction in retirement, a "tax" on their benefits that this legislation seeks to eliminate.

As of March 2026, the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102/S. 1032) is facing renewed, intense pressure for passage, with veterans' organizations lobbying to include it in the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Key Updates (March 2026):

•Active Lobbying: Veterans groups are actively pushing Congress to pass the legislation to allow 54,000 medically retired combat veterans to receive full retirement pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously, without the current "offset".

•NDAA Amendment: The bill has been filed as a bipartisan amendment (Amendment 4056) to the FY2026 NDAA to force action.

•Legislative Hurdles: Despite strong support, the bill has faced setbacks, including being blocked in the Senate as of early March 2026, frustrating advocates who argue the "double-dipping" argument is actually "double sacrifice".

•Status: While it holds strong bipartisan support, it has historically failed due to cost concerns in previous sessions.

Key Objectives

•End the "Wounded Veteran Tax": Currently, these veterans face a dollar-for-dollar offset where their retirement pay is reduced by the amount of disability compensation they receive.

•Expand Concurrent Receipt: Under current law, only veterans with at least 20 years of service and a disability rating of 50% or higher can receive both benefits without an offset. The Act would extend this right to approximately 54,000 combat-injured medical retirees.

•Financial Impact: Affected veterans could see an average increase in their monthly compensation of approximately $1,200. (google AI)

Current Legislative Status (as of March 2026)

The bill remains a high priority for major veteran service organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project, MOAA, and the VFW.

•Recent Setbacks: In early March 2026, attempts to pass the bill via unanimous consent in the Senate were blocked, with some lawmakers citing concerns over the projected cost—estimated by the CBO at roughly $9.75 billion over 10 years.

•Bipartisan Support: Despite these hurdles, the bill has massive support in the 119th Congress, with over 313 cosponsors in the House and 77 in the Senate.

Upcoming Veteran events:

Gulf War/Global War on Terror Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every, first Monday of Month at 5:30 PM. Next meeting is April 6th & May 4th at 5:30PM.

Vietnam Veterans Support Group at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 every 1st, and 3rd Monday at 10:30 AM. Next meetings are April 6th & April 20th & May 4th at 10:30AM.

Java for Joes April 9th & May 14th from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at 798 Erie Ave Susquehanna, Pa at the Erie & Main Coffee House the Second Thursday of the month, contact Melissa Dubas 607-765-1366

For Veteran Individual Readjustment Vet Center Counseling at Lenox/Elk Mountain VFW Post 8488 call Rob at 570-239-5191

Armed Forces Day Parade- Celebrate our Nation’s heroes on Saturday May 16, 2026, at the Courthouse Square, Scranton. Starting at 9am, the Heroes of all Kinds 5k run and at 11am the Armed Forces Day Parade which is starting at the Gino Merli Veterans Center. Stay up to date on facebook.com/scrantonarmedforcesday

Veterans & Community Partners Wellness Summit – May 28, 2026 – The Veteran Community Partnerships will be hosting their 3rd Annual Veterans & Community Partners Wellness Summit on Thursday May 28th from 9:00AM to 2:30 PM at Marywood University. Breakfast and sign-in will begin at 8:00AM and Vendors can set up starting at 7:45AM. The day will include breakfast and lunch at no cost for attendees. The focus is on financial wellbeing as part of overall mental wellness and wellbeing. The address is 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA. in the Nazareth Student Union Building. Registration and ticket details to follow.

Veterans Assembly on the Green -In the spirit of the 18th and 19th Century tradition of Veterans traveling to the Green adjacent to the Courthouse in Montrose to receive their federal service pension payments, the AMERICA250PA Committee of Susquehanna County invites all Veteran residents of Susquehanna County to the Green on June 14, 2026, at 1400 hours (2:00PM), to be recognized for their service. This event is intended to help build up to the celebration of the Semiquincentennial of the United States on Fourth of July 2026.

If you are a resident of Susquehanna County and a U.S. Military Veteran, we invite you to RSVP the following information by Sunday, June 6, 2026 to tourism@visitsusqco.com or mail to : Susquehanna County Promotion and Tourism Agency, PO Box 218, Montrose, PA 18801. Please include Veteran’s Name, Rank at Discharge, Branch of Service, Period of Service, and Home of Record in your response.

Memorial Day May 25: Details in next month’s Veterans corner*

*Any local municipality or group in Susquehanna County can have their event including Memorial Day parades put in next month’s Veterans Corner by calling 570-278-5955 or emailing veteransaffairs@susqco.com with details.