Veteran's Bill of Rights
Veterans, you have the right to:
- File a written application for veterans benefits at anytime. You can insist upon this right, even if told that you are ineligible
- Get help from your local or town veterans services officer or town clerk in completing your application 1
- Receive a full explanation of the services and veteran's benefits available under Chapter 115 MGL, as well as other available benefits.
- Receive a written notice and explanation of the approval or denial of your application for benefits 2
- Be treated with dignity and respect, and receive accurate, courteous, and timely service
- Appeal and request a hearing if you disagree with any action taken in your case 3
- Expect confidentiality; personal information will not be collected or used except for the purposes of determining your eligibility for benefits
- Receive fair and equal treatment without regard to veteran's status 4
- Preference in public employment 5
For additional information on benefits for which you may be eligible, contact your town Director of Veterans’ Services by calling (508) 473-8461 or by contacting the Town Clerk at Town Hall.
If you fail to get a response within a reasonable period of time, call the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Veterans' Services at (617) 210-5480.
Notes
1 Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 115, Section 3
2 Chapter 108 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 8.02 (1)
3 108 CMR 8:07 (1)
4 Chapter 151B, Section 3 MGL
5 Chapter 31, Section 25 and Chapter 41, Section 112 MGL