Only 41.2% of post-9/11 veterans have minimal knowledge of the VA health care system. Few returning veterans know how to apply for VA health and disability benefits.

A major issue for many veterans is accessing psychological care. While suicide rates for active duty military have dramatically decreased, unfortunately an estimated 22 veterans killed themselves each day in 2010, compared with 18 per day in 2007, according to the latest figures available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Transitioning into the civilian world, away from the military’s suicide-prevention programs, can pose a challenge for vets dealing with PTSD and other challenges created in war. 

Cities and counties easing this process for veterans and their families:

• Santa Ana, California, has an online Veterans Resource Center and in June will open a Veterans Resource Center as part of the California State Library project, Library Outreach to Veterans Initiative, providing access to information and the ability to complete reintegration forms with computer access.  The Santa Ana library regularly hosts veterans events including a recent presentation of Lioness,  a documentary about the untold story of the first group of women soldiers to be sent into front line combat and an upcoming screening of the Tribeca film festival documentary, When I Came Home, addressing veterans’ homeless issues alongside a presentation of local resources for homeless vets.
• Anaheim, California, in 2012, created a Veterans Working Group with partners from veteran-based nonprofit organizations, active community members, and other government jurisdictions. This led to a dedicated City Veterans webpage that serves as an online resource directory connecting veterans to  resources. A hard copy is also distributed by first responders, which is available at all community centers, libraries, local emergency rooms, and urgent care facilities. Anaheim has also officially established Red Shirt Friday, a small but growing grassroots effort across the country to honor the service members of the Armed Forces who are actively deployed overseas.
• Colorado Springs, Colorado, and surrounding municipalities developed new models of collaboration and service-providing infrastructure in creating the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Network of Care for Service Members, Veterans & Their Families. Veterans and their families can find programs or facilities related to housing, employment, reintegration, education or behavioral health.
• Bexar County, Texas, built on existing programs and created a formal partnership with an existing nonprofit, Veteran Assistance Services. Now Bexar County has a dedicated Veteran Care Specialist providing assistance in accessing, understanding, and filing for VA benefits; and locating specialized nontraditional resources for veterans and their families, as well as support services for PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

Resources and Programs

• The National Association of Counties (NACo) has cosponsored the Network of Care for Veterans, Service Members & Their Families to help residents and county officials find the veteran services they need. This is a thorough resource, providing specific information on where to obtain numerous services by county in many states. NACo has also launched the County Innovation Network, or COIN, a private, managed online community for local government leadership and staff. COIN will enable counties to network nationally to discuss issues, especially reintegrating veterans.
• The VA has launched Make the Connection, where veterans can hear others' stories of overcoming reintegration obstacles, and can quickly access support in their communities via an online resource locator.
• The Semper Fi Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
• The Wounded Warrior Project provides unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.
• In Maryland, St. James AME Zion Church - Zion House services veterans in eight of the nine counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Kent, Caroline, Talbot, and Queen Anne). Services include case management, outreach, connection to services and financial assistance for homeless prevention and rapid re-housing.