Denver Options obtains full benefits for Ft. Carson female veteran

From 30% non-service connected V.A. benefits to 100% service connected V.A. benefits

For Immediate Release

Contacts:
Annie Davies
Communication Director
O. 303.636.5918
adavies@denveroptions.org

Michaela Turner
Media Relations Specialist
O. 303-636-5968
mturner@denveroptions.org

DENVER, CO ­— February 14, 2012 — After more than a year of working with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Denver Options is pleased to announce that Operation TBI Freedom helped obtain 100 percent service connected benefits for former United States Army Staff Sergeant, Cynthia Galvin.

Galvin, a member of the 242nd Ordinance Battalion (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) based out of Fort Carson, Colorado, served from 1987 to 2010. She served three tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2007, Galvin suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from an improvised explosive device (IED). As a result from her traumatic brain injury, memory loss and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Galvin was medically discharged from Army Active Duty in 2010. At that time, the Army Medical Evaluation Board and Veterans Affairs Office processed Galvin as 30 percent disabled. Galvin’s disability classification, however, did not accommodate for her inability to serve in the military and civilian workforce. Unable to pay her rent, car payment and other bills, Galvin reached out to Operation TBI Freedom (OTF), a Denver Options program.

Operation TBI Freedom provided Galvin with a military support specialist who reviewed and championed her case throughout the Veterans Affairs benefits process, something military personnel with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often struggle to navigate. In addition to other findings, Operation TBI Freedom found that Galvin’s proposed disability rating was not fully reflective of Galvin’s combative service, post-medical state, nor did it fully capture the extent of her injuries and disabilities.

During Galvin’s second appeal, Operation TBI Freedom’s military support specialist helped Cynthia obtain 100 percent, service-connected Veterans Affairs benefits.  By obtaining 100 percent service-connected benefits, Galvin is entitled to a much higher rate of government funding and services. This designation will also help Galvin obtain social security disability insurance (SSDI).

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” said former United States Army Staff Sergeant, Cynthia Galvin. “If I didn’t have the help of Operation TBI Freedom, I don’t know if I would have made it.”

Every year, 27,000 service members deploy from Fort Carson, Colorado. More than 5,000 will return to Colorado with a traumatic brain injury. Many military personnel returning with traumatic brain injuries receive inadequate benefits and services. Operation TBI Freedom is proud to advocate and provide additional resources on behalf, and for these individuals.

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Denver Options utilizes human services expertise to improve the health, self-sufficiency and overall quality of life for individuals who face challenges from developmental delays, cognitive and intellectual impairments, brain injuries, aging or social conditions. By providing resources, care coordination, direct services and technical expertise for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and government agencies, Denver Options delivers unsurpassed human services to the western region of the United States. For more information on Denver Options visit: www.deveroptions.org.
 
Operation TBI Freedom specializes in military support services to provide the best individualized care and resources for military personnel and veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Our trained staff, all veterans themselves, help individuals manage crisis situations, identify resources and learn self advocacy. Operation TBI Freedom’s military support specialists listen to the specific needs of those enrolled in the program and help them link to services and funding resources to which they are entitled. All services offered by Operation TBI Freedom are free of charge and offered by Certified Brain Injury Specialists with military and Case management experience. For more information on the Operation TBI Freedom program visit: www.operationtbifreedom.org.