McCrory Administration Reforms Increased NC Veterans Claims by Over 12,000 | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, NC     A new report released by the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA) shows that reforms completed within the first two years of the McCrory Administration have increased the number of completed veterans benefit claims in 2014 by 113 percent over the previous year, providing services to an additional 12,851 veterans. The productivity increase is credited to growth in service locations and to a four-pronged approach of intra-agency reform, inter-agency reform, outreach and legislative action. The NCDVA operates within the Department of Administration under the direction of Secretary of Administration Bill Daughtridge.

    "Today, more services are being provided in more places for more of North Carolina's veterans and their families than ever before," said Governor Pat McCrory. "If you appreciate veterans like I do, then serving twice as many as the previous year is really good news."

    The NCDVA operates within the Department of Administration under the direction of Secretary of Administration Bill Daughtridge. Based on 2013 benchmarks, the NCDVA became more effective and efficient in 2014 with a renewed focus on customer service. The 2014 report shows that NCDVA has expanded service locations by partnering with other veterans agencies. In addition, it shows an increased level of customer service through the creation of the NC4Vets Resource Guide and companion call center.

    Some of the other areas of increased services for veterans in 2014 include establishing in-state tuition for veterans to all NC community colleges and universities, counting military experience toward job training in fields like teaching and commercial truck driving, and establishing a veterans treatment court that recognizes the unique needs of veterans.

    "There is more work to be done for our veteran population which has already done so much for us," continued Governor McCrory. "Our state is working hard every day to let these veterans know that when we say 'welcome home,' we truly mean it."

    Highlights of the 2014 NCDVA Annual Report include:

• Completed Veterans Benefit Claims by NCDVA/County partners: 2013 (11,405), 2014 (24,256)

• NCDVA staffed Veteran Service Centers: 2013 (13), 2014 (21 - including 6 in VA medical centers)

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs spent $5.06 billion on NC veterans and services.
• The U.S. Department of Defense spent $2.24 billion on NC military retiree pensions.

    The entire 2014 NCDVA Annual Report can be found at NC4VETS.com.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov