Veterans' service groups see cuts

The Assoicated Press reported yesterday that several states are cutting back funding to various veteran groups that assist vets (with the VA).

The following states have either already seen cuts, or cuts are in the works:

• Michigan -- $1 million cut to 11 groups that help vets navagate through bureaucracy and paperwork to obtain pension and disability benefits from the VA.
• South Carolina -- The next budget plans to cut aid to Disabled American Veterans, the VFW and the American Legion.
• Ohio -- After cuts, 13 veterans' groups received 10 percent less than promised.

These veterans' groups, also called veterans' service organizations (VSOs), provide vets and widows of veterans with help filing for benefits. And many rely on these VSOs, particularly in states giving money to them instead of hiring their own employees to assist in filing claims.

As President Obama moves to withdraw troops from Iraq in 2010, many will return with physical and psychological problems. Older vets are also being laid off and losing their health insurance forcing them to seek help from the VA. These troops and veterans may need assistance with VA claims.