Northville, Michigan – Several US states and US-based law schools, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), recently announced various programs and legislative changes intended to help local veterans.

Major changes in various states, law schools, and other organizations include:

New Jersey launches state Department of Veterans Affairs. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed a law creating a Department of Veterans Affairs within the state government of New Jersey. The department will separate from the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, with independent leadership.

Nebraska works harder to prevent veteran suicides. Nebraska’s recently-passed law seeking more information on preventing suicides includes the creation of a suicide mortality review team within the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Collier County, Florida advances plans for a new veterans nursing home. Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs and Collier County are working together to plan a new 120-bed nursing home specifically for veterans in the county. Officials say they could break ground on the project as soon as early next year.

Connecticut’s annual Veterans Stand Down event provides essential assistance. Connecticut recently held its annual Stand Down event, which seeks to provide the state’s 100,000 veterans with access to healthcare, employment, clothing, legal, mental health, and vehicle assistance.

Campbell Law School opens Veterans Legal Clinic for North Carolina veterans. Campbell Law School in down Raleigh, North Carolina recently opened the doors of its Veterans Legal Clinic. The clinic offers pro bono representation and advocacy for veterans challenging their discharge classifications – a process that is often necessary to access benefits, status, and services.

VA awards grants to fight homelessness among veterans. The VA recently announced that it has awarded over $818 million in grants intended to fight homelessness among veterans. The grants helped 235 organizations throughout the US provide funding to support veterans’ access to affordable housing, health care, and child care.

While veterans benefits are overseen by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, accessing benefits can also mean navigating state law and local programs. For help, speak to an experienced veterans benefits lawyer.