E-Benefits portal discussed

On March 16, Barry A. Searle, director of The American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division, attended a meeting at the Department of Veterans Affairs along with other veterans service organizations. Searle and the other VSOs were briefed on the new "E Benefits" portal.

The portal, to be debuted April 1 by VA, will allow veterans to check on the status of their claims, check payment history and collect information regarding benefits to which they may be entitled. This "real time" capability will eliminate the need for calling the VA's "800" number and wading through numerous prompts to receive information.

The system is also set up to allow service officers with power of attorney for an individual veteran to access the same information.