Can a veteran qualify for a service dog?
In a world where veterans are often waiting for…or fighting for… various government- sponsored benefits, a “feel good” story about vets helping other vets takes the bite out of the daily depressing headlines.
The North Carolina-based organization, Canines for Service, provides service dogs to veterans who are disabled as a result of their military service. The dogs have all been rescued from shelters and, after being trained for 9-12 months to become service dogs, are placed free of charge with disabled vets from all over the country. Some of the veterans’ qualifying disabilities include mobility issues, documented post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injuries. It’s common for the service dogs to assist their new owners for 8-10 years before retiring and being replaced.
It’s an obvious win for the rescued dogs. It’s a win for the disabled veterans who receive love, assistance, and independence from their service dogs. Now, as a result of a new partnership, there is another set of veterans who are winners, too.
Canines for Service recently paired up with the Sgt. Eugene Ashley Transitional Living Center of Wilmington (“Ashley’s House”), a transitional housing facility for recovering and otherwise homeless veterans, to take veteran’s benefits to a new level.
Veterans from Ashley’s House are volunteer trainers for the Canines for Service dogs for disabled vets—so it’s vets helping other vets. The recovering vets get to do therapeutic work with the dogs many of who, like themselves, have been abused and neglected. They also gain new skills that may lead to employment, and help their fellow vets. Plus, Canines for Service gets valuable volunteer workers who better understand the mindset and challenges of the vet recipients of these service dogs.
Whether you want a service dog or not, you may be entitled to disability compensation if you are a veteran with an injury or sickness that occurred or was made worse while you were on active military duty.
In addition, if you incurred the loss or loss of use of certain organs or extremities while on active military duty, you may be entitled to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). An attorney trained in VA Benefits law can help evaluate your situation and get you the benefits you’ve earned for serving your country.
The attorneys at Monk Law Firm, PLLC are experts in Veteran’s Benefits Law. With offices in North Carolina and South Carolina, Monk Law Firm, PPLC services clients throughout Charlotte, Rock Hill, Fort Mill and the surrounding areas. It’s our honor to serve those who have served our country and sacrificed so much. Call 704-369-9977 (Charlotte, NC) or 803-594-4453 (Fort Mill, SC) today for a consultation, or contact the firm online here.