Benefits Counseling to Preserve Function Among Disability Applicants

This counseling consists of four sessions each approximately 60 minutes each. The four sessions are organized as follows: a) Orientation to Benefits Counseling: Your Benefits and Your Goals b) Work and Claims c) Financial Review: Implications of Your Work Plan and d) Your Plans After the Benefits Notice. The first session focuses on the disability application process as a non-confrontational way to explore attitudes towards work. The second session more directly addresses the claimant's attitudes about work and beliefs about whether work will prevent receipt of disability benefits. The third session addresses the same issue as the second, ambivalence about work and disability, from a financial perspective. The fourth session occurs after the disability determination has been made, and it is possible the veteran may feel differently about a benefit that has been awarded.

This will consist of four-session orientation with the sessions organized as follows: a) overview of VHA services, b) Primary Care c) Pharmacy and laboratory services and d) specialty services. After the description of each service, participants will be invited to discuss which services they plan to utilize. The counselor will provide telephone numbers and directions to the sites at which these services are provided.