Pictured from left are Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Chairwoman Laura Koerner,
Claims Benefits Advisor Greg Holland, Executive Director Tom Palladino and
Commissioner Chuck Wright.
Greg Holland works to keep justice involved veterans connected with their benefits, compensation and the services they have earned. He travels many miles to visit them in person. His advocacy led to VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams being offered in jails. His assistance to justice involved veterans has resulted in their being awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation.
Holland, an Army veteran, is TVC’s Justice Involved Veterans Claims Benefits Advisor. His commitment and support of justice involved veterans, plus his effectiveness earned Holland a TVC Excellence Award.
“Greg Holland is remarkably efficient and productive, especially in his efforts to connect with incarcerated veterans in jails and prisons,” cited his award nomination. “By regularly visiting these facilities he establishes a direct line of communication, building trust and understanding with each veteran he meets. Despite the challenges posed by restricted communication within these environments, he has developed innovative methods to ensure that every veteran is heard and supported.”
Among his successes is helping a veteran receive a $238,000 retro payment. The veteran had filed his claim through a national service organization in 2002 prior to his incarceration. Being in jail created an obstacle with his claim as it made it difficult to attend any examinations the VA would schedule. The veteran was denied requests to be transported to exams. The veteran filed an appeal and hired an attorney. After years of waiting, he had no success in the progression of his appeal. Then, he met Holland. Around 2017, it was arranged for VA examiners to complete C&P examinations at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice units. Afterwards, as a result of Hollands assistance including getting C&P exams performed in prison, the veteran was awarded $238,000 in back pay, was able to cover 20% of attorney fees and filed an apportionment for his wife.
Holland advocates for justice involved veterans to the Texas Criminal Justice system. He works to raise awareness about the challenges faced by incarcerated veterans and the benefits they are entitled to. Additionally, he educates fellow Claims Benefit Advisors on legislative laws related to the VA, ensuring that they are fully informed on how to navigate the complex landscape of this veteran population.
He shares his knowledge for assisting justice involved veterans by conducting comprehensive training sessions for multiple departments in TVC. This is to help make every team member well-versed in the unique needs for incarcerated veterans. The sharing of his expertise extends to events for Veteran County Service Officers across the state of Texas.
“Mr. Hollands selfless efforts and genuine concern make a profound difference in the lives of those who served,” stated his award nomination.
Congratulations Greg!
Want some help with claims? Schedule a free appointment with a TVC Claims Benefits Advisor at https://www.tvc.texas.gov/claims/appointments/ .
