Community News

The American Legion San Diego Downtown Post is active and always looking for new members. The San Diego area is replete with Veterans who can join our Post and enjoy the friendship of like minded individuals interested in helping each other, especially those veterans who are down on their luck and looking for a helping hand. Our Post is especially interested in helping youth programs and activities.

Veterans are encourage to read the on-line digital copies of the "California Legionnaire" newspaper. It is published in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The digital editions lag the printed version by about two months. Of interest in the October 2020 issue of the printed edition is the legislative Report 2021 for proposed and passed legislation of interest to Veterans. Another artilce discusses the CalVet's Barstow Veterans Home and Veterans Service Organization representatives input regarding the homes future.

VA Benefits for Family Caregivers

Through VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), Veterans can appoint one primary and up to two secondary caregivers who may be eligible to receive financial assistance, training, and more to support their important role of caring for a Veteran. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for PCAFC.

American Rescue Plan Helps Veterans

As part of the American Rescue Plan, the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) provides financial aid to help you recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. VRRAP offers up to 12 months of tuition, fees, and a monthly housing allowance. Learn if you're eligible and how to apply!

Claim Exam Locations Expand

Disability compensation and pension (C&P) exams, also called claim exams, are crucial to determine your eligibility for VA benefits. Now C&P exam locations have expanded to include non-VA vendors across the country. Learn how the additional locations have changed the C&P exam scheduling process.

Are You a Veteran in Crisis or Concerned About One?

Did you know that VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 172 VA Medical Centers across the country? Make the Connection Resource Locator

Contact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255.)

No Veteran Should Be Without a Place to Call Home

Free Help for Homeless Veterans Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access to VA services for homeless and at-risk Veterans

Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends

https://www.va.gov/homeless for more information

Don't know what number to call?

1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is never the wrong number

Have a concern, compliment, or recommendation for VA?

Call the White House VA Hotline at 1-855-948-2311

Use any and all services available to get help

If you are suffering from a serious illenss and believe it is caused by or associated with your military service you are advised to contact the Veterans Admisistration. There are countless advisors available to help you through the process. Additionally, there are numerous civilian orgainzations that can address specific illinesses. As an example if you believe you have mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos during your active or reserve duty there is help for you. This post website does not endorse any one civilian orginzation, therefore we recommend that you research the issue. One way is to use the web. Look up Pleural Mesothelioma and you will find a number of orgnizations. Some of the orginzations are attuned to veterans affairs and can be of great help both from a medical and financial perspective. Pleas note tthat this advise includes many other illinesses that are associated with military service. The bottom line is "Get Help"