According to the United States Bureau of Labor, in 2015, about 4.3 million veterans, had a disability from service. The Veteran Affairs’ (VA) disability compensation system can be difficult to navigate. So, it often leads to frustration among the applicants. Army veteran and The Chicago School alum, Anthony Edgecomb started VA Disability Connect to help those in need.
As a disabled veteran himself, Anthony saw the problem and decided to find a solution.
“I have been through the system. So, I can tell you, the VA health care system offers veterans quality care for free” he says. “But I started VA Disability Connect after seeing a need for veteran advocacy. I was talking to veterans who were struggling with getting health care and compensation. So, I realized that they needed someone who has been through the process. To guide them so they can be successful the first time they apply. The VA does great things for our veterans. But it takes assistance to get our veterans taken care of initially.”
VA Disability Connect is a non-profit organization. It helps veterans by educating them about their VA benefits. And, guiding them through the process of filing
disability claims, education applications, home loan guidance, and many other services. “We have an amazing team of individuals including VSOs, an attorney, medical providers, senior military officers, and drug and alcohol peer support team members, amongst others” says founder and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony.
Anthony recognizes that veterans still face stigma around mental health. Veterans needs and need immediate access to care. “Being around soldiers constantly gave me perspective on all different walks of life. I had to be a mentor, leader, support system, therapist, and guide for these men and women. They taught me more about life than I ever expected. Because of this I became deeply passionate about mental health. So I decided to get my BA in psychology.”
Anthony’s military awards include several Army Achievement medals, Army commendation medals, NCO professional development medals, Army Good Conduct Medals, and the Meritorious Service Medal, amongst others. Currently, he lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia with his wife and two daughters, and works for the Department of Defense in the DC region.
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