Navigating Benefits and Claims

Join the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP), in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley Veterans Resource Center, for an informational event on California specific benefits and disability compensation and filing claims for veterans.

Guest speakers from CalVet and a local County Veterans Services Office (CVSO) will provide information on available benefits as well as discuss the process for filing a disability claim, receiving compensation, and pension eligibility.

Agenda

12:30 p.m. - Welcome/CalVet/CalTAP Overview

12:55 p.m. - Local Interagency Network Coordinator (LINC)

01:05 p.m. - County Veteran Service Office (CVSO)

01:40 p.m. - Question and Answers

Below you will find more information about our guest speakers

Jana Adams, Training Coordinator

CalVet, CalTAP

Jana Adams started as the Training Officer in the Human Resources division before she joined the CalTAP team in the Veterans Services division.

Jana grew up in the Sacramento area and attended California State University, Chico where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communications with an emphasis in Leadership Studies.

In her current role, Jana provides information about earned benefits and resources available to service members, veterans, and their families throughout the state of California. Jana provides this information during outreach events at military installations and on higher education campuses throughout the state as well as through video conferencing platforms.

Beyond her passion for serving veterans, Jana has continued to volunteer her time as a Panhellenic Advisor within the Greek system at University of California, Davis since 2012. In this role, Jana helps to plan and execute philanthropic events to raise money for various foundations.

Kevin Graves, Bay Area LINC

CalVet

Kevin Graves is a survivor and Gold Star Father. His son, SPC Joseph A. Graves, was KIA just outside of Baghdad, Iraq on 25 Jul 06. Joey was killed while serving in the 720th MP BN, 110th CO out of Ft. Hood, Texas. Joey was Kevin’s only child and was raised by his father as a single parent from the age of nine.

At that time, Kevin had been in the construction industry for thirty years. The loss of his child ultimately resulted in the loss of his career. In searching for direction and purpose, Kevin started working on legislation to provide Gold Star license plates to families of the fallen. With the assistance of CalVet, as the sponsoring agency, the ‘Gold Star Family’ license plate bill was signed into law in 2009. Kevin, alongside another Gold Star father, wanted to make sure that the bill was designed to show recognition to all immediate family members that had sacrificed so much. They also made sure it included all eras.

In 2010, still searching for a purpose and with no prior service, Kevin was struggling with understanding the experiences his son had in the military. In January of 2010, Kevin was sworn into the Cal Guard as a 56M, Chaplains Assistant. This fulfilled the need Kevin had to earn the right to wear the uniform his son so proudly wore. Kevin is currently a Sergeant First Class serving the 185th MP BN out of Pittsburg, CA.

As the Bay Area LINC, Kevin provides outreach to approximately 360,000 veterans and their families in a ten-county region. His role with CalVet ties into his survivor support by continually advocating on behalf of survivor families. Kevin feels honored to provide veterans and their families with resources and benefits and he is passionate about this mission that is fueled by the sacrifice of his son.

Alameda County Veterans Service Office (CVSO)

The Alameda County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) provides veterans, their dependents and survivors with information regarding US Department of Veterans Affairs and CalVet benefits, and to help file claims for these benefits.

Cal Veteran Services Center

University of California, Berkeley

The Cal Veteran Services Center is dedicated to providing programs and services in support of the academic and personal success of student veterans.

As a supportive and inclusive community, they are committed to increasing student veteran access to and awareness of campus resources and enrichment opportunities. The center also promotes campus and community engagement and leadership development that enrich and support students' academic and professional goals.

The Cal Veteran Services Center carries out the University commitment to access and equity for students and plays a key role in campus outreach and recruitment of student veterans.

Host or Publisher California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP)