2014NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT

Transcription

1 2014NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT 113% PRODUCTIVITY GAIN 38% GROWTH IN SERVICE LOCATIONS 400 MILLION DOLLAR INCREASE IN DIRECT PAYMENTS TO NC VETERANS

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3 WHAT HAS NC DONE FOR VETS? TWICE AS MUCH AS LAST YEAR. In the first edition of the Annual Report on Veterans (2013), we asked the question How can we better serve our veterans? The first step is to know where we stand. Historically, the state of North Carolina failed to measure its performance in serving veterans, and had no integrated multi-agency approach to improving outcomes and quality of life for our state s 800,000 veterans and their families. Now, after 13 years at war (since the 9/11 terrorist attacks) veterans and their needs are finally being taken seriously. Since January 2013, Governor Pat McCrory led the charge to make North Carolina the most veteran friendly state in America. He empowered and directed his cabinet agencies, under the guidance of NC Secretary of Administration Bill Daughtridge, to make veterans affairs a top priority. He pushed for and accomplished reforms that include workforce enrichment with in-state tuition for veterans, easier job licensure, North Carolina s first veterans courts, and drivers licenses for veterans. Veterans can easily access this information in the Governor s state-of-the-art NC4Vets Resource Guide or through the 844-NC4-VETS call center (which leads the nation in ease of use for accessing federal, state and non-profit resources). Governor McCrory has done more for North Carolina veterans than any other administration in recent history. The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA) has begun the important work of making veterans services more effective, more efficient and more transparent by benchmarking performance. Comparing the 2013 and 2014 Annual Reports, the results for our veterans have dramatically improved. I am proud to report that North Carolina s veterans advocacy agency and its partners have increased their productivity by over 100%. How do you double the number of veterans you serve while reducing costs? One way is through partnerships and team work. In 2014, the NCDVA began opening and operating satellite offices inside of federal VA Medical Centers to go where the veterans are. This partnership with the federal VA allowed our state agency to serve more veterans in more locations. Our statewide footprint has grown by over 30%, while the number of veterans that we and our county partners have served has more than doubled (see page 10). One team one Fight As we acknowledge a successful year in serving more veterans than ever before, we must recognize that it was through cooperation and teamwork that we were able to come this far. Many challenges remain aging veterans are passing and warriors, fresh from the battlefield, are choosing to make North Carolina their home in record numbers. Our ability to rise to meet the challenges ahead can only be accomplished with the steadfast help of our dedicated staff and partners: Dan Hoffman, Cheryl Rawls and their teams at the Veterans Administration (VA); Secretary Aldona Vos and her team at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; the teams at the North Carolina Departments of Commerce, Transportation and Public Safety, including the Governor s Crime Control Commission, which has recently established the state s first two Veterans Courts ; and all other agencies and partners that have made the Governor s Working Group On Veterans, Service Members and their Families such a success. Special mention must also be given to the Volunteer Veteran Service Organizations and Non-Profit Organizations that have been serving our veterans in ways that no one else can. Many of our NCDVA staff are veterans themselves and are proud members of these critical organizations like the American Legion, DAV, and VFW. If you are not a member yet, I strongly encourage you to join and get involved. Finally, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, whose commitment to North Carolina Veterans is exemplary and deserves a special recognition. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Caring for our warriors is deeply personal for me. Please share your feedback as we work together to make North Carolina the most veteran-friendly state in the country! I remain Semper Fidelis, Ilario Pantano Director of Veterans Affairs [email protected] // 2014 NC Veterans Annual Report 1

4 2013 BY THE NUMBERS NC VETERAN POPULATION 769,384 NC ranks 9th Ref(1,3,5 and 10) 771,654 NC ranks 9th VETERANS AS % OF STATE POPULATION (per-capita) % NC ranks 30th WOMEN VETERAN POPULATION (as of 2013) 84,073 NC ranks 6th WOMEN VETERANS AS % OF VETERAN POPULATION 10.9% 7.92% NC ranks 25th 68,380 NC ranks 6th 8.8% $7.3 BILLION FY 2013 NC VETERAN-RELATED FEDERAL EXPENDITURES Ref (6,7,8,9 and 11) $6.36 BILLION FY 2012 NC VETERAN-RELATED FEDERAL EXPENDITURES Ref (6,7,8,9 and 11) TOTAL VA EXPENDITURE FY 2013 $5.06B NC ranks 6th Ref(1,3,5 and 10) VA COMPENSATION AND PENSION (Direct-to-Vet) $2.71B NC RANKS 4TH VA CONSTRUCTION $21.2M NC RANKS 14TH VA EDUCATION/VOC./EMPLOY $399.18M NC RANKS 7TH VA GEN. OPS EXP. $91.53M NC RANKS 13TH VA INSURANCE/INDEMNITIES $53.71M NC RANKS 9TH VA MEDICAL CARE $1.78B NC RANKS 8TH $4.20B $2.29B $20.7M $344.21M $93.66M $48.89M $1.40B NC ranks 6th NC RANKS 4TH NC RANKS 21ST NC RANKS 7TH NC RANKS 13TH NC RANKS 10TH NC RANKS 9TH TOTAL DOD MILITARY RETIREE PAY FY 2013 $2.24B NC RANKS 5TH Ref (1,2,5 and 6) $2.16B NC RANKS 5TH TOTAL NC MILITARY RETIREES 90,873 NC RANKS 6TH RETIREE % OF TOTAL VETERAN POPULATION IN NC 11.73% 89,064 NC RANKS 6TH 11.54% SOURCES: (1) Department of Veterans Affairs State Summary- Office of Public Affairs (2) US Department of Veterans Affairs- Veterans Benefits Administration (3) VetPop2014 through VA Office of the Actuary: **Other key inputs to the VetPop2011 model are data from Veterans Affairs, the American Community Survey, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Social Security Administration. (4) MOAA State by State Report Card (5) VA Expenditure GDX Reports FY (6) DOD Statistical Report on the Military Retirement System -FY 2013 (released July 2014) (7) DOD Annual Benefits Report (Updated September 26, 2014) (8) NC Division of Veterans Affairs Report (9) US Census Populations (10) National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (Women Veterans Populations) (11) Department of Veterans Affairs, Winston-Salem Regional Office, Completed Claim Count Winston-Salem, North Carolina, // North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs

5 Introduction NC Veterans Figures Overview VA Impact: By County 2013 VA EXPENDITURES: BY COUNTY COUNTY ALAMANCE ALEXANDER ALLEGHANY ANSON ASHE AVERY BEAUFORT BERTIE BLADEN BRUNSWICK BUNCOMBE BURKE CABARRUS CALDWELL CAMDEN CARTERET CASWELL CATAWBA CHATHAM CHEROKEE CHOWAN CLAY CLEVELAND COLUMBUS CRAVEN CUMBERLAND CURRITUCK DARE DAVIDSON DAVIE DUPLIN DURHAM EDGECOMBE FORSYTH FRANKLIN GASTON GATES GRAHAM GRANVILLE GREENE GUILFORD HALIFAX HARNETT HAYWOOD HENDERSON HERTFORD HOKE HYDE IREDELL JACKSON *VETERAN TOTAL POPULATION EXPENDITURE 11,326 2,840 1,024 1,673 2,015 1,182 3,978 1,056 3,082 13,368 19,973 7,215 13,108 6,327 1,043 8,481 1,939 11,782 6,146 2,791 1,578 1,105 7,573 3,968 13,617 47,298 3,150 3,386 13,691 3,258 3,470 15,846 3,368 25,724 4,834 16,804 1, ,889 1,287 33,329 3,754 13,787 6,608 11,454 1,876 6, ,003 3,082 $61,675 $15,137 $4,407 $10,034 $12,127 $8,396 $24,950 $7,231 $17,378 $65,268 $167,375 $45,784 $73,718 $37,346 $7,764 $53,935 $10,302 $66,926 $18,253 $19,848 $7,093 $7,486 $48,120 $30,948 $95,285 $575,641 $17,226 $10,657 $56,029 $17,730 $27,539 $181,498 $28,344 $196,944 $23,825 $83,703 $6,035 $4,889 $23,958 $6,935 $166,842 $28,952 $82,662 $41,431 $54,059 $11,416 $55,731 $2,270 $61,002 $20,013 COMPENSATION & PENSION VA Impact: By Congressional District SHEET 1/2 NC Division of Veterans Affairs Operations (Expenditures in $000s) CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION & REHAB (JOBS) GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES INSURANCE & INDEMNITIES $97 $1,833 $289 $1,987 $408 $136 $278 $329 $329 $1,084 $210 $528 $2,629 $5,632 $1,243 $5,427 $1,005 $1,623 $2,932 $167 $3,118 $803 $284 $257 $106 $2,271 $1,081 $10,784 $79,352 $2,776 $423 $1,829 $573 $1,441 $8,981 $1,272 $8,098 $908 $5,322 $625 $57 $1,108 $210 $13,618 $789 $10,814 $1,157 $1,774 $326 $10,280 $37 $4,648 $676 $5,959 $278 $3,296 $7,728 $63,169 $608 $41 $5 $255 $137 $79 $203 $48 $138 $1,023 $1,470 $505 $902 $209 $130 $890 $131 $516 $459 $190 $93 $71 $268 $93 $1,349 $4,512 $926 $297 $475 $258 $144 $1,091 $126 $2,313 $112 $765 $54 $21 $86 $83 $2,423 $188 $857 $325 $1,107 $105 $182 $22 $1,071 $263 $28,305 $7,795 $2,862 $5,287 $7,294 $4,187 $16,434 $4,395 $10,396 $43,542 $60,714 $21,222 $37,628 $19,019 $4,985 $36,754 $3,822 $33,543 $7,945 $11,050 $4,444 $3,671 $26,186 $19,279 $65,048 $361,732 $10,352 $6,696 $22,947 $8,502 $17,078 $50,527 $16,326 $71,013 $12,028 $43,541 $3,784 $2,417 $11,303 $4,276 $88,904 $16,954 $44,803 $21,106 $26,355 $6,782 $33,742 $1,592 $28,966 $10,773 MEDICAL CARE $30,774 $6,893 $1,404 $4,214 $4,367 $3,800 $7,229 $2,579 $6,316 $18,074 $93,503 $22,814 $29,761 $17,113 $1,025 $13,359 $6,183 $29,748 $9,046 $8,324 $2,300 $3,639 $19,396 $10,495 $17,826 $126,750 $3,171 $3,241 $30,778 $8,396 $8,878 $111,337 $10,621 $52,062 $10,777 $34,076 $1,571 $2,393 $11,462 $2,366 $61,897 $11,022 $26,188 $18,843 $24,823 $4,204 $11,526 $619 $26,318 $8,301 **UNIQUE PATIENTS 2, , ,109 7,273 2,443 3,992 2, , , , ,353 1,263 2,364 17, , ,018 4,809 1,018 6,930 1,006 4, ,470 1,016 3,479 1,976 2, , , * Veteran population estimates, as of September 30, 2013, are produced by the VA Office of the Actuary (VetPop 2011). ** Unique patients are patients who received treatment at a VA health care facility. CONTINUED --> // 2014 NC Veterans Annual Report 3

6 Introduction NC Veterans Figures Overview VA Impact: By County 2013 VA EXPENDITURES: BY COUNTY COUNTY JOHNSTON JONES LEE LENOIR LINCOLN MCDOWELL MACON MADISON MARTIN MECKLENBURG MITCHELL MONTGOMERY MOORE NASH NEW HANOVER NORTHAMPTON ONSLOW ORANGE PAMLICO PASQUOTANK PENDER PERQUIMANS PERSON PITT POLK RANDOLPH RICHMOND ROBESON ROCKINGHAM ROWAN RUTHERFORD SAMPSON SCOTLAND STANLY STOKES SURRY SWAIN TRANSYLVANIA TYRRELL UNION VANCE WAKE WARREN WASHINGTON WATAUGA WAYNE WILKES WILSON YADKIN YANCEY TOTALS *VETERAN TOTAL POPULATION EXPENDITURE COMPENSATION & PENSION VA Impact: By Congressional District SHEET 2/2 NC Division of Veterans Affairs Operations (Expenditures in $000s) CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION & REHAB (JOBS) GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES INSURANCE & INDEMNITIES MEDICAL CARE **UNIQUE PATIENTS 13,916 1,134 4,209 4,643 6,284 3,575 3,573 1,457 1,731 57,018 1,178 2,017 10,285 8,261 17,800 1,548 26,002 6,505 1,371 4,674 6,010 1,595 2,972 10,782 2,092 10,996 3,606 8,027 7,971 12,005 5,472 3,869 2,891 4,656 3,924 4,611 1,271 3, ,317 2,432 58,436 1, ,610 13,031 4,207 5,563 2,598 1,523 $67,508 $12,814 $44,645 $40,753 $30,051 $33,546 $23,835 $11,678 $14,200 $274,089 $8,494 $13,495 $52,194 $46,460 $95,642 $10,100 $264,305 $34,428 $9,512 $25,779 $30,077 $7,929 $20,815 $71,633 $10,559 $51,494 $33,420 $74,439 $38,245 $139,014 $41,955 $38,168 $18,433 $23,604 $16,956 $33,020 $8,753 $16,576 $837 $52,673 $23,625 $282,733 $12,554 $6,390 $14,786 $90,376 $26,558 $40,793 $13,520 $12,248 $33,454 $9,368 $29,134 $27,246 $14,125 $15,184 $12,355 $5,344 $8,462 $133,924 $4,234 $7,358 $33,489 $27,973 $56,939 $5,560 $190,122 $14,297 $5,972 $15,876 $19,126 $4,854 $9,368 $46,408 $5,847 $24,917 $20,746 $42,566 $19,714 $38,466 $19,247 $21,039 $11,317 $11,810 $8,597 $19,742 $4,499 $8,205 $592 $29,199 $10,935 $146,235 $5,178 $3,953 $7,013 $61,659 $15,108 $23,173 $7,206 $6,882 $18,376 $643 $3,834 $869 $6,483 $1,829 $1,631 $528 $440 $401 $314 $32,008 $115 $334 $5,223 $2,213 $10,957 $168 $41,487 $3,679 $269 $4,068 $2,682 $697 $720 $6,125 $155 $2,139 $1,108 $5,094 $1,412 $3,183 $910 $1,191 $688 $1,093 $664 $715 $155 $467 $21 $3,812 $584 $32,713 $407 $217 $2,024 $8,429 $717 $1,809 $501 $154 $149 $10,695 $264 $822 $38 $235 $269 $168 $72 $189 $28 $106 $4,068 $45 $112 $1,324 $369 $1,481 $68 $2,932 $1,024 $73 $223 $160 $185 $153 $544 $199 $290 $367 $205 $299 $751 $219 $252 $150 $159 $78 $241 $14 $290 $1 $870 $202 $4,496 $127 $55 $257 $929 $134 $406 $287 $133 $29,398 $2,538 $8,793 $11,408 $14,126 $17,761 $10,851 $5,905 $5,317 $104,088 $4,100 $5,692 $12,159 $15,904 $26,116 $4,304 $29,764 $15,428 $3,199 $5,612 $8,108 $2,192 $10,574 $18,557 $4,357 $24,147 $11,199 $26,575 $16,820 $67,543 $21,580 $15,686 $6,278 $10,542 $7,617 $12,322 $4,085 $7,614 $223 $18,792 $11,904 $98,383 $6,841 $2,166 $5,492 $19,360 $10,599 $15,404 $5,525 $5,079 2, ,078 1,354 1,817 1,635 1, , ,964 1,681 3, ,067 1, , , ,644 1,399 2,974 1,824 4,976 2,047 1, ,286 1,010 1, , , ,678 1,575 1, ,384 $5,067,823 $2,712,319 $21,238 $399,186 $91,538 $53,714 $1,789, ,006 * Veteran population estimates, as of September 30, 2013, are produced by the VA Office of the Actuary (VetPop 2011). ** Unique patients are patients who received treatment at a VA health care facility. 4 // North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs

7 2013 VA EXPENDITURES: BY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SHEET 1/1 (Expenditures in $000s) DISTRICT *VETERAN POPULATION TOTAL EXPENDITURE COMPENSATION & PENSION CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION & REHAB (JOBS) GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES INSURANCE & INDEMNITIES MEDICAL CARE **UNIQUE PATIENTS CONG. DIST (01) 50,982 $458,118 $243,698 $1,833 $27,227 $7,728 $3,387 $174,244 14,487 CONG. DIST (02) 71,406 $513,231 $305,916 $64,469 $5,816 $137,030 18,892 CONG. DIST (03) 81,773 $601,127 $410,433 $71,619 $278 $7,587 $111,210 17,572 CONG. DIST (04) 59,488 $573,325 $311,011 $67,148 $3,296 $5,171 $186,698 17,689 CONG. DIST (05) 55,437 $362,056 $148,952 $289 $15,094 $63,169 $3,822 $130,731 16,261 CONG. DIST (06) 56,664 $266,222 $132,554 $13,429 $3,344 $116,896 12,838 CONG. DIST (07) 65,498 $379,908 $225,996 $25,358 $149 $4,088 $124,317 15,781 CONG. DIST (08) 54,239 $328,616 $170,634 $17,650 $2,904 $137,428 16,676 CONG. DIST (09) 49,039 $173,113 $84,526 $17,474 $4,345 $66,768 10,241 CONG. DIST (10) 59,447 $384,582 $177,820 $97 $16,683 $5,959 $3,028 $180,995 19,115 CONG. DIST (11) 65,579 $406,530 $195,878 $10,690 $4,031 $195,931 21,127 CONG. DIST (12) 42,461 $357,784 $159,572 $18,376 $28,968 $10,695 $2,522 $137,651 14,382 CONG. DIST (13) 57,371 $263,211 $145,328 $643 $23,378 $264 $3,669 $89,928 9,945 TOTALS 769,384 $5,067,823 $2,712,319 $21,238 $399,186 $91,538 $53,714 $1,789, ,006 Notes: * Veteran population estimates, as of September 30, 2013, are produced by the VA Office of the Actuary (VetPop 2011). # Prior to FY 08, Loan Guaranty expenditures were included in the Education & Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment ** Unique patients are patients who received treatment at a VA health care facility. Expenditures are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. For example, $500 to $1,000 are rounded to $1 The Comp & Pension dollars include: veterans compensation for service-connected disabilities; burial and other benefits Medical Care expenditures include dollars for medical services, medical administration, facility maintenance, etc. Medical Care expenditures are based on where patients reside instead of where care is given OPERATIONAL FACTS $2.7 BILLION VA compensation and pension. (4th Highest in the U.S.) $5.06 BILLION Total VA investment including, healthcare construction, education and compensation. $2.24 BILLION Economic impact of the DoD pensions alone and does not include ancillary business and work activities of these highly skilled retirees. $7.3 BILLION Combined VA and DoD federal investment in North Carolina Veterans in Furthermore, the military-friendly environment of North Carolina has resulted in over 90,000 military retirees making North Carolina their home (5th highest in the U.S.). EMPLOYMENT FACTS 72 8 Full-time employees funded by appropriations. State Veterans Homes State Employees are paid by receipts Full-time employees from the Cemetery system are paid by receipts. Full-time healthcare contractors service our State Veterans Homes. // 2014 NC Veterans Annual Report 5

8 NC DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: OPERATIONS NCDVA LOCATIONS: % Growth from Jan to Mar Veteran Service Centers (VSC s 15) NCDVA State Office Winston-Salem State Office State Veterans Nursing Home (4) State Veterans Cemetery (4 by Fall 2015) * Growth *Jan. 2014, Division Staffed 13 Veteran Service Centers *Mar. 2015, Division will Staff 21 Veteran Service Offices Growth of 38% within a 15 month period. VSC s Located in VA Medical Facilities (6) ** STATE VETERANS SERVICE CENTERS (VSC) Hickory VSC Hickory County Canton VSC Haywood County Morganton VSC Burke County Clemmons VSC Forsyth County Charlotte VSC Mecklenburg County Durham VSC Durham County Fayetteville VSC Cumberland County Fort Bragg VSC Fort Bragg, N.C. (Spring 2015) Wilmington VSC New Hanover County Wilson VSC Wilson County Elizabeth City VSC Pasquotank County Greenville VSC Pitt County Kinston VSC Lenoir County State Service Office Service Center Winston-Salem, N.C NCDVA Resource Service Center Raleigh, N.C. 844.NC4.VETS STATE VETERANS HOMES Black Mountain Black Mountain, N.C Salisbury Salisbury, N.C Fayetteville Fayetteville, N.C Kinston Kinston, N.C VETERAN SERVICE CENTERS IN VA MEDICAL FACILITIES Asheville Charles George VA Medical Center Salisbury W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center ext Durham Durham VA Medical Center (Spring 2015) Fayetteville Fayetteville VA Medical Center (Spring 2015) Greenville Greenville Health Care Center Wilmington Wilmington Community Based Outpatient Clinic **By spring 2015, the Division will have opened 6 new VSC s in VA Medical Facilities, a 600% increase from STATE VETERANS CEMETERIES Western Carolina Black Mountain, N.C Coastal Carolina Jacksonville, N.C Sandhills Spring Lake, N.C Eastern Carolina Goldsboro, N.C. (Fall 2015) *N.C. will have 4 cemeteries by fall 2015, a 25% increase from // North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs

9 BACKGROUND The Challenge in North Carolina has not been a lack of services statewide, but rather a lack of coordination. A myriad of veterans and service member programs housed in multiple federal, state and non-profit entities, often operating unknown to each other, have created a labyrinth that had not been adequately coordinated in North Carolina s history. This lack of visibility has led to costly duplication at best, and massive gaps that potentially contributed to the negative spirals of joblessness, homelessness and even veteran suicide. Most importantly, the veterans, service members and their families have gone largely unaware of the programs and benefits available to them. Governor McCrory and his team recognized this shortfall from day one and his administration has been rushing to address the gaps. THE MISSION: MAKE NORTH CAROLINA THE MOST VETERAN FRIENDLY STATE Having identified early on the gaps and challenges faced by veterans, service members and their families, last year Governor McCrory charged his various state agencies with working together to find efficiencies, track outcomes and improve results for veterans. The result is a newfound coordination that is only continuing to improve and generate positive results. Here at the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA) we are executing the Governor s vison by implementing a four-pronged initiative designed to make North Carolina more veteran-friendly. The initiative leverages existing capabilities across federal, state and local agencies and amplifies the effectiveness of services already offered to veterans by making them more easily accessible (Convenient), more efficient (Fast) and by increasing the awareness of their offerings (Visible). Additionally, the initiative closes the gaps in veterans services by reducing the bureaucratic or cultural barriers that have limited the effectiveness of participating service providers in the past. Planning the initiative to make North Carolina more veteran-friendly began in the Fall of Execution of the initiative began in Spring 2014, with North Carolina s inaugural Women Veterans Summit and Expo that drew over 550 women veterans. Governor Pat McCrory used the occasion of the state s first major women veterans event to sign Executive Order 49 launching the Governor s Working Group on Veterans Service Members and their Families. The Governor also announced his support for in-state tuition for returning veterans, which he signed into law this year for the first time, despite decades of previous failed attempts. After achieving initial milestones, including the deployment of new services and resource materials (NC4Vets) in the Fall of 2014, implementation and refinement will continue through 2016 and beyond. CONTINUED --> // 2014 NC Veterans Annual Report 7

10 The initiative has four component parts that are all being executed simultaneously as part of the most comprehensive reorganization of the State s Division of Veterans Affairs in 60 years: 1) INTRA-AGENCY REFORM: Changing how state agencies do business and refocusing them on veterans. At NCDVA we are: i. Growing the number of veteran service locations and are going where the veterans are such as USDVA medical centers in order to create a one-stop-shop environment. From 15 locations in 2014 to 21 locations in ii. Focusing on better supporting our 100 counties by: 1) expanding the regional training teams, 2) increasing capacity at the State Service Office (Winston-Salem) 3) launching a tollfree call center to answer questions and direct veterans to services and 4) creating a digital paperless platform to speed up the provision of services, track outcomes and improve accountability. NOTE: The success of the Division s reorganization is greatly reflected in the number of completed claims in 2014, with an agency increase of 113% from 2013; while the number of claims submitted increased by over 26% statewide (See Page 9). 2) INTER-AGENCY REFORM: Changing how state agencies coordinate with federal partners and the nonprofits that support local communities. Here at NCDVA we: i. Launched and supported the interagency team, The Governor s Working Group on Veterans Service Members and their Families, (Executive Order 49) that ties ALL state, federal and community agencies together, creating a free flow of information and improved collaboration among veteran stakeholders. ii. Centralized and coordinated all state, federal and many non-profit activities in one informational resource in print, online (NC4Vets.com) and supported by a hub of Veteran Service Officers operating a digital call and social media center (844)NC4-Vets. 3) COMMUNICATIONS PLAN: Simplifying the messaging and unifying the branding. Here at NCDVA we are: i. Simplifying the confusing universe of services for veterans by offering a simple and reliable information platform across all media: toll-free call center and digital hub with website and active social media, print catalog and branded service locations (NC4Vets.com & (844) NC4- Vets). ii. Developing high profile recurring semi-annual events to draw media attention and connect veterans to resources and community such as the 2014 North Carolina Women Veterans Summit and Expo (Raleigh) and myriad standdowns and community events with Veteran Service Organization partners (American Legion, VFW, DAV, and the Vietnam Veterans of America) and other state agencies like NC Departments of Commerce and Health. 4) LEGISLATIVE AGENDA: Focusing on workforce enrichment, Governor McCrory has worked with the legislature on a number of initiatives to put veterans to work and to leverage their talent. For the first time, under Governor McCrory s leadership, the State of North Carolina is offering in-state tuition for returning veterans and easier credit for military experience. Future initiatives in support of outreach efforts and enhancing veteran employment are in development. i. Recent successes working with the legislature have included: Establishing in-state tuition for veterans to all N.C. community colleges and universities. Waiving the commercial driver s license requirement for veterans who have operated trucks and heavy equipment during their military experiences. Expanding the NC Foreclosure Prevention Fund to help veterans who are seeking work or in long-term retraining. Recognizing military experience toward placement on the teacher salary schedule. Establishing veterans treatment courts that recognizes the unique needs of veterans. Unveiling the first Veteran s Driver s License to highlight a vet s military experience. 8 // North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs

11 SNAPSHOT 2014 POWER OF ATTORNEY NAME COMPLETED CLAIMS % OF COMPLETED CLAIMS NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 113% 24, % NONE 10% 18, % Disabled American Veterans 28% 12, % American Legion 19% 5, % Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States -25% 3, % Other 63% 1, % AmVets -3% 1, % Agent or Private Attorney 57% % Military Order of the Purple Heart 0% % National Assoc. for Black Veterans, Inc. 64% % Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc. 28% % National Assoc. for County Veterans Srvc. Officer 49% % Attorney Exclusive Contact Requested 68% % The Wounded Warrior Project 129% % Vietnam Veterans of America 34% % Catholic War Veterans of the USA 0% % Marine Corps League 7% % TOTAL 38% 68, % 2014 Completed Compensation Claims by NC Veteran Service Organizations as Reported by Veterans Administration Regional Office (VARO Winston-Salem) Source (11) Department of Veterans Affairs, Winston-Salem Regional Office SNAPSHOT 2013 POWER OF ATTORNEY NAME COMPLETED CLAIMS % OF COMPLETED CLAIMS NONE 16, % NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 11, % Disabled American Veterans 9, % American Legion 4, % Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 4, % Other 1, % AmVets 1, % Agent or Private Attorney % Military Order of the Purple Heart % National Assoc. for Black Veterans, Inc % Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc % National Assoc. for County Veterans Srvc. Officer % Attorney Exclusive Contact Requested % The Wounded Warrior Project % Vietnam Veterans of America % Catholic War Veterans of the USA % Marine Corps League % TOTAL 50, % 2013 Completed Compensation Claims by NC Veteran Service Organizations as Reported by Veterans Administration Regional Office (VARO Winston-Salem) Source (11) Department of Veterans Affairs, Winston-Salem Regional Office // 2014 NC Veterans Annual Report 9

12 Introduction NC Veterans Figures Overview VA Impact: By County VA Impact: By Congressional District NC Division of Veterans Affairs Operations 2014 RESOURCE GUIDE RESOURCE GUIDE One example of recent success is the new NC4Vets initiative, as reported Nov. 12, 2014 News & Observer: EMPLOYMENT The governor is putting HEALTHCARE an emphasis on veterans VA BENEFITS did you know? issues and says his drive HOUSING LAST YEAR VETERANS comes from seeing family PERSONAL SERVICES ADDED MORE THAN 7 BILLION DOLLARS EDUCATION members scorned when TO THE NC ECONOMY. they returned from the VETERANS PROGRAMS, DO YOU KNOW A VET? BENEFITS & SERVICES; THEN GET THEM THIS GUIDE! unpopular Vietnam War. REQUEST ONE NOW AT: FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY, NON-PROFIT AND MORE! Earlier this week, he launched NC4VETS, a new effort to coordinate services and publicize them through a 65-page resource guide. Veterans will receive the guide at Division of Motor Vehicles offices and other locations. The guide is also online at NC4VETS.com and by phone at 844-NC4-VETS. FOR VETERANS, THEIR DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS The NC4VETS initiative combines and simplifies the service offering from hundreds of federal, state, county and nonprofit programs in a way that has never been done before, Governor McCrory said. We ve simplified and consolidated the offerings to one place: NC4VETS. The goal is for NC4VETS to become the Google for veterans and their families I R A Q / A F G H A N I S TA N / S O M A L I A / G U L F / PA N A M A / G R E N A D A / B E I R U T / C O L D WTHEANORTH R / CAROLINA V I E T NDIVISION A M OF/ VETERANS K O R EAFFAIRS A / W1W I I VETERANS AFFAIRS SCHOLARSHIPS In 2014, the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs awarded 285 scholarships to the children of war-time veterans. In the academic school year, the Division had over 1,300 students receiving financial aid through the scholarship program. Since July 2002, the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs has awarded 2,600 competitive scholarships funded by Escheats* and over 2,700 scholarships funded by appropriations. The Escheats scholarships are considered full rides with the exception of books while the appropriated scholarships are more limited in nature. Scholarships pay tuition, mandatory fees, and a room and board rate at each of the 16 campus UNC system schools. Tuition, mandatory fees, and a set room and board fee are also paid for community colleges. This scholarship program is for the Children of North Carolina War Time Veterans based on residency and within a certain class or category of deceased, disabled, combat or POW/MIA veterans. This scholarship program is only valid at North Carolina schools. Scholarship recipients attending North Carolina approved private schools shall be granted a monetary allowance. The scholarship is for 8 academic semesters. Effective July 1, 2014, the applicant will have six years to utilize the eight academic semesters. Beginning July 2014, Room and Board charges are limited to 75% of university current cost. For the past several years, all other scholarships and grants are first applied to the cost of education at the community colleges and universities prior to applying the NC Division of Veterans Affairs Scholarship. At time of application, applicant must be under age 25; a resident and domiciled in North Carolina, AND Veteran parent was a legal resident of North Carolina at the time of said veteran s entrance into that period of service in the armed forces during which eligibility is established. OR The applicant is the natural child or adopted child prior to age 15, who was born in North Carolina and has been a resident of North Carolina continuously since birth. *In 2001, working with the Office of State Budget and Management, the NC Division of Veterans Affairs began funding the competitive scholarship classes from escheats. The competitive classes are considered as needy and worthy. The competitive classes are first based on financial need and then on academics. 10 // North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs

13 NORTH CAROLINA STATE VETERANS NURSING HOMES The State of North Carolina is proud to offer four, fullservice, State Veterans Homes. They are located adjacent to the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, on the W.G. Hefner Medical Center campus in Salisbury, Kinston, and in Black Mountain. The General Assembly appropriated funds as required to obtain USDVA matching construction grants for the current four State Veterans Homes. The USDVA paid for the majority of the homes development. There are no appropriated funds for the daily operation of these homes. State homes are fully operated by a private contractor employing approximately 700 healthcare workers across the state. Only one state employee is located at each facility. Each state employee is funded by receipts. These homes are receipts based, paid for by the residents from various sources of payers. The NCDVA receives per diem for each qualified Veteran from the US Department of Veterans Affairs; other receipt sources include: Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, VA compensation/ pension benefits, and private pay. Private pay can include a resident s social security benefits, retirement benefits, military retirement, etc. FOUR STATE VETERANS HOMES All four homes are Medicare, Medicaid and Joint Commission Certified. FAYETTEVILLE: 150 BED, SKILLED NURSING FACILITY SALISBURY: 99 BED, SKILLED NURSING FACILITY FIVE STAR RATED KINSTON: 100 BED, SKILLED NURSING FACILITY STAR-RATING IS PENDING BLACK MOUNTAIN: 100 BED, SKILLED NURSING FACILITY TO BE ELIGIBLE, A VETERAN MUST: Have served in the Armed Forces (for other than training purposes) Have been discharged under honorable conditions Have been a resident of North Carolina 24 months prior to admission Be referred by a licensed physician and be in need of skilled nursing care ANNUAL ADMISSIONS (JUNE 1, JULY 1, 2014) Fayetteville 114 Black Mountain 116 Kinston 113 Salisbury 83 TOTAL 426 // 2014 NC Veterans Annual Report 11

14 VETERANS CEMETERIES (JANUARY 1, DECEMBER 31, 2014) The primary mission of the NCDVA Veterans Cemeteries is to provide North Carolina Veterans with a burial plot at no cost, and their qualifying dependent(s) at a cost of $400. The veteran must be discharged under honorable conditions and meet state residency requirements. Receipts and appropriated funds are applied to cemetery operations. The General Assembly has appropriated $600,000 which will be combined with a multi-million dollar grant from the VA towards construction of a new cemetery in Goldsboro, N.C. The contract has been awarded to Daniels and Daniels with a start date of January 5, 2015 and projected completion date of November 1, 2015, barring any weather delays. THREE STATE VETERANS CEMETERIES WESTERN CAROLINA STATE VETERANS CEMETERY (BLACK MOUNTAIN) COASTAL CAROLINA STATE VETERANS CEMETERY (JACKSONVILLE) TOTAL 2014 BURIALS TOTAL BURIALS VETERAN VETERAN 259 BURIALS 214 BURIALS 316 DEPENDENT DEPENDENT 107 BURIALS 85 BURIALS 88 SANDHILLS STATE VETERANS CEMETERY (FAYETTEVILLE) 2014 TOTAL BURIALS VETERAN BURIALS DEPENDENT BURIALS 15 FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO 3 STATE CEMETERIES. 10 ARE PAID FROM RECEIPTS NC VETERANS BURIED BY BRANCH OF SERVICE 401 ARMY 132 NAVY 96 AIR FORCE 5 COAST 16 OTHER 7 ARMY AIR CORP GUARD 132 MARINES 12 // North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs

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16 S E R V I C E S A N D R E S O U R C E S RESOURCE MAPS NC WORKS CAREER CENTERS VETERAN SERVICES MEDICAL FACILITIES CEMETERIES VET CENTERS EMPLOYMENT CAREER FAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT SITES VETERANS PREFERENCE TAX CREDIT FOR VETS NCWORKS / WORKFORCE LOCATIONS VETERAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS NC MILITARY BUSINESS CENTER NC DEFENSE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NC VETERANS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION CLAIMS HOW TO FILE A CLAIM 2014 VA DISABILITY COMPENSATION RATES APPOINTMENTS E-BENEFITS PREPARE TO FILE YOUR CLAIM VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS IN YOUR AREA PRESUMPTIVE CONDITIONS BENEFITS AVAILABLE DISABILITY & PENSIONS AID & ATTENDANCE DISABILITY COMPENSATION HOUSEBOUND BENEFITS DEPENDENCY & INDEMNITY HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY ENROLLMENT DAV TRANSPORTATION 5-YEAR POST-DEPLOYMENT BENEFITS COMMUNITY BASED OUT-PATIENT CLINICS (CBOC s) MY HEALTH evet NON-VA MEDICAL EMERGENCY CARE STANDARD HEALTH CARE BENEFITS VET CENTERS WOMEN VETERANS HEALTH CARE PTSD/TBI TRANSPORTATION DAV TRANSPORTATION NETWORK TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT VA VET TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM VETERAN SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS TRAUMA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: (800) NCNG HELPLINE: (855) SKILLED NURSING CARE HOMES ELIGIBILITY FAYETTEVILLE SALISBURY BLACK MOUNTAIN KINSTON BURIAL BENEFITS BURIAL FLAGS BURIAL PLOT ALLOWANCES HEADSTONES AND MARKERS MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS NORTH CAROLINA CEMETERIES EDUCATION NC STATE SCHOLARSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF WARTIME VETS COLLEGE CREDIT FOR MILITARY TRAINING MONTGOMERY GI BILL POST 9/11 GI BILL RESERVE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TUITION ASSISTANCE / TOP-UP APPRENTICE PROGRAM VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE VOC REHAB AND EMPLOYMENT HOMELESS RESOURCES/ HOUSING DROP-IN CENTERS EMERGENCY SUPPORT AND RESOURCES HUD/VASH STAND DOWNS TRANSITIONAL RESIDENCE PROGRAM COMPENSATED WORK THERAPY NC PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION VETERANS EMERGENCY RELIEF: (877) AUTO / ADAPTIVE / CLOTHING ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT AUTOMOBILE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CLOTHING ALLOWANCE GUIDE AND SERVICE DOGS ID S / DMV PLATES / RECORDS MILITARY RECORDS AND MEDALS MILITARY VETERANS LICENSE PLATES NATURALIZATION PREFERENCE RECORDS CORRECTIONS, REVIEW OF DISCHARGE VETERAN DESIGNATION ON NC DRIVERS LICENSE HUNTING AND FISHING LEGAL SERVICES HEALTH CARE RE-ENTRY INCARCERATED VETERAN BENEFITS VETERAN COURT DIVERSION VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH (VJO) NON-PROFITS HELPING VETS 2014 North Carolina Veterans Annual Report Published by the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs 325 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC Ilario Pantano, Director