CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WVEC) -- After years of frustration, finally, there is hope for military veterans.
The number vets waiting for more than 125 days for rulings on disability ratings benefits claims stands at more than 142,00 across the country.
"Well it bothers me tremendously," said Army veteran Mark Junghans, "I myself after applying, it took me almost a year."
But now, long-suffering military veterans who've endured long waits to get their V.A. benefits claims resolved will have a place to get help. It's the Tidewater Community College , Virginia Department of Veterans Services and the City of Chesapeake new veterans benefits office on TCC's Chesapeake Campus at 1428 Cedar Road.
"One of the things that has been very apparent to us is the ongoing crisis in the veterans administration at large," said Virginia Secretary of Veterans Affairs John Harvey, a retired Navy four-star admiral. " And that's why Virginia's Department of Veterans Services is so important.. Because we have the people who are expert at maneuvering through that every difficult, very bureaucratic system."
Virginia Veterans Services Commissioner Mark Newby agreed that there's a problem that needs to be fixed. "Well it bugs me and it bugs the governor, which is exactly why we opened this office," he said.
It's a perfect fit. Chesapeake is home to more than 27,000 veterans. TCC has 13,000 military vets among its student body.
"It's an honor to fill a gap and a void that has existed in the area," said TCC President Edna Bachre-Kolvani.
The new benefits office will house two staff members this year, with an additional staffer joining the office next year. It s opens for business, officially, on Thursday.
