The Division of Veterans' Affairs was created by the Laws of 1945, Chapter 763. The head of the division, appointed by the governor, must be a veteran and is designated as the New York State director of veterans' affairs. A Veterans' Affairs Commission assists the director in the formulation of policies affecting veterans and in the coordination of all operations of State agencies relating to veterans' affairs. This commission includes the adjutant general, the director of the budget, the president of the Civil Service Commission, and the commissioners of the departments of Agriculture and Markets, Economic Development, Education, Health, Mental Health, and Social Services. In addition, the commission includes five veterans appointed by the governor.
In 1994 (Chapter 271), the position of Women Veterans Coordinator was created. Appointed by the state director of veterans' affairs, the coordinator focuses specifically on programs and services available to and of particular interest to women veterans. On October 1, 1997 the Bureau of Veterans Education was reassigned from the State Education Department to the Division of Veterans' Affairs. The Bureau of Veterans Education approves educational and training programs in New York State for which enrollees may seek Montgomery GI Bill educational benefits.
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The Division of Veterans' Affairs is part of a multitiered system that includes the federal Veterans' Administration, city and county veterans' service agencies, and voluntary organizations. The division coordinates programs and activities to aid members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families. The principal function of the division is to counsel veterans and their dependents and survivors in identifying entitlements and preparing claims for federal veterans' benefits and in obtaining New York State veterans' benefits relating to unemployment insurance, tax exemptions, tuition assistance, civil service, and burial. Division counselors advise active duty personnel on military law and the military medical system.
In addition, the division coordinates veterans' programs and services offered by other State agencies and analyzes veterans' needs and advocates at the State and federal level for those needs. The division administers the veterans' blind annuity-assistance program that provides financial aid to blind veterans and eligible widows.
