Disability Rating Verification Letter
On September 29, 2008, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs informed Gov. Rell of a new procedure affecting disabled veterans that will also impact your offices.
On July 1, 2008, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs began the process of converting thousands of records from an old payment system to a new system known as VETSNET. Under this new system, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs will no longer issue VA Form 20-5455 “Statement from Benefit Payment Records.” At the request of a disabled veteran, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs will instead provide a letter that will include information concerning the veteran’s disability rating.
As a result, VA Form 20-5455 is no longer available to those disabled veterans whose records have been converted to the new system.
As a reminder, §12-81(20) of the Connecticut General Statutes allows a disabled veteran to file proof of disability with the Town Assessor subsequent to the October 1 assessment date. In fact, such proof may be filed through the period of time that the board of assessment appeals has to complete it duties (February).
Gov. Rell has asked Commissioner Linda A. Schwartz of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs to contact the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to obtain information concerning the projected completion date of the transition to the new payment system. At this point, veterans are instructed to request this letter via the internet at pctc.vbahar@va.gov or to FAX request to (860) 665-7654.
Disabled veterans who need help in obtaining a verification letter for this tax year, they may contact the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs Office of Advocacy and Assistance at 1-866-928-8387 (CT Veterans Information Line). The West Hartford Assessment Office are also ready to help veterans who don't have access to the Internet or Fax machine in requesting their verification letter. Stop by Town Hall, Room 142 for help. The office is open Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Thursday, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Closed Friday.
Click here for related documents to this issue:
