Veterans Issues

VA to Re-open Enrollment to 265,000 Vets

2009-01-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

Military.com | Veterans Affairs (VA) | January 12, 2009
VA To Offer Health Care to Previously Ineligible Veterans

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today plans to re-open enrollment in its health care system by July 2009 to about 265,000 veterans whose incomes exceed current limits.

"We're pleased to be able to offer what has been called 'the best care anywhere' to many more new veterans," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "We'll be able to provide these newly enrolled veterans with the kind of timely, high quality health care veterans who already use our system are accustomed to."

The change affects veterans whose incomes exceed the current VA means test and geographic means test income thresholds by 10 percent or less. Congress provided funds in VA's fiscal year 2009 budget to support the new enrollment.

In 1996, Congress established a priority-based enrollment system for VA and a uniform package of medical benefits for all enrollees. The legislation opened enrollment in VA's health care system to all eligible veterans and required that each year the Secretary of Veterans Affairs assess veterans' demand for services and determine if the necessary resources are available to provide timely, quality care to all enrollees.

Enrollment for the lowest priority of the eight groups--veterans who are not being compensated for a military-related disability and who have incomes above a set threshold--was suspended on January 18, 2003, although veterans in that priority group who were already enrolled for care were permitted to remain enrolled.

VA originally suspended enrollment for Priority 8 veterans because it was unable to provide all enrolled veterans with timely access to its health care due to a tremendous growth in the number of veterans then seeking enrollment. VA now plans to reopen enrollment for a portion of these veterans without compromising the Department's ability to provide high quality health care services to all enrolled veterans who are eligible for care.

VA's computer systems are being modified to accommodate the changes, and the Department is preparing communication and education materials to ensure that Congress, veterans service organizations, and the public are aware of the coming changes.

"The rule will take effect by June 30, 2009, if the regulatory process proceeds smoothly," Peake said. "We look forward to welcoming these newly eligible veterans into the VA system. VA will continue to monitor wait times to ensure the quality of care is not adversely affected."

Statement of Senator John F. Kerry Massachusetts

2009-01-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Every Veteran Deserves The Best Care
Recently, we've heard media reports suggesting that our brave returning military servicemembers are getting inferior care at Walter Reed Medical Center and other facilities when they return from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s unacceptable to me and it should be unacceptable to all of us. I intend to hold the Bush Administration accountable for the failure to anticipate the number of wounded militatry and to provide adequate care and outreach to families that are already hurting.
Congress is holding hearings and several investigations are underway. In the Senate, I am talking with colleagues about setting aside additional funds to pay for imemdiate improvements and additional staff to process paperwork. I intend to make sure that our bravest from Massachusetts get the care they deserve. Since 9-11, more than 15,000 servicemembers from Massachusetts have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; another 2,200 were there as recently as Christmas. We have nearly 477,000 veterans in our state and all of them have earned our care and respect.

I encourage any returning servicemember or family of a servicemember who is having trouble getting the kind of health-care or counseling assistance from the miltiary of VA system that they need to reach out to my office. We are here for them and we will do everything we can to insure that everyone gets the help they need.

VA Aid And Attendance Benefits Available For The Spouse Of A Veteran

2009-01-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

Are VA Aid And Attendance Benefits Available For The Spouse Of A Veteran And, If So, How Much Can The Spouse Expect To Receive?
August 20th, 2008 · No Comments
(The following is based upon a real discussion that recently took place on an elder law listserv for attorneys. It illustrates the misinformation that is often inadvertently provided to consumers by government agency personnel concerning the availability of and eligibility criteria for needs-based public benefits.)

Question: I recently contacted the Veterans Administration (VA) about applying for Aid & Attendance Benefits (VA A&A Benefits) for my client, who is the surviving spouse of a World War II Veteran. I was told that in order to get VA A&A Benefits, the surviving spouse had to be collecting a VA pension based on the deceased spouse’s military service. The deceased spouse never received a VA pension, but he received VA medical benefits and died in a VA nursing home. Am I receiving correct information about my client’s eligibility for VA A&A Benefits? Also, if my client qualifies for VA A&A Benefits and later enters an assisted living facility, will the VA A&A Benefits make her ineligible for Medicaid by putting her over the assisted living income cap even after she spends down all of her assets and is otherwise eligible for Medicaid?

Answer: No, unfortunately you did not receive correct information. In order for your client to receive VA A&A Benefits, she must have been married to the veteran when he died. The veteran must have served at least 1 day in the military during a war time period and have served at least 90 days total in the military. Further, in order to qualify medically your client must either need assistance from another to help her with her activities of daily living, or be unsafe in her own environment without supervision. It is presumed the client needs the assistance if she lives in an assisted living facility; however, the client would still need a physician’s affidavit documenting her medical needs. If she meets all of those criteria, the client must still meet the asset and income requirements. The client’s income cannot exceed $998 per month in 2008. However, in order to qualify financially under the program, she can reduce her gross income by deducting all medical expenses, including the cost of the assisted living facility. In many cases, the assisted living facility costs alone, when deducted from her income, will reduce her income down to below $0.00. With regard to assets, the standard is whether the applicant has sufficient means to pay for her own needs, including her care needs. The informal asset limit is $80,000.

Assuming your client receives the maximum from the VA, she will get $998 per month in 2008. With regard to Medicaid, all of the VA A&A Benefits are excluded from income in New Jersey in determining eligibility for assisted living facility Medicaid. In other states, a portion of the VA A&A Benefits are considered to be “pension” and are included in the income cap calculation and the other portion is considered to be “aid and attendance” which is exempt from the income calculation. The “pension” portion is $624 per month and the A&A portion is $373 per month. In states other than NJ, once Medicaid is approved, you or the client must to notify the VA that she is receiving Medicaid by using VA Form 21-0779. Then, the VA will reduce the A&A to $90 per month which takes the place of the normal personal needs allowance. All of the $90 per month received from the VA is exempt from the Medicaid income calculation.

Voting Drive Returns To VA after Feds Lift Ban

2008-10-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tjos is happening in Conn, I would like to see action by those interested in getting out the vote on Massachusetts issues appearing on the November 4 ballott when we not only pick our national leaders but also what propositions before th voters will affect Massachusetts Citizens. Who better to determine our destiny than those who served!!

October 07, 2008
Knight Ridder/Tribune

WEST HAVEN -- Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and volunteers with the League of Women Voters will be registering voters today at the Veterans Affairs medical center for the first time since a federal ban on the practice was lifted last month.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ended its ban on voter registration drives in federal facilities last month. The ban was imposed in May and was attributed partly to the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal workers from engaging in partisan political activity.

Bysiewicz and state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal fought for the department to overturn the ban, which they called illegal. On June 30, Bysiewicz and Blumenthal were denied access to the hospital when they visited there to register patients.

League of Women Voters volunteer Nancy Ciarleglio said she will be on hand today registering veterans to vote, updating registrations and passing out absentee ballot applications.

It was not clear Monday whether the Democratic and Republican registrars of voters from West Haven would be attending the drive and passing out absentee ballots.

Ciarleglio said she wants to be able to offer in-patient veterans at the hospital the same conveniences as would be offered to someone in a nursing home.

"We are just asking to make it easier to get veterans to vote," she said.

Read more election and voter information, visit the 2008 Election Center on Military.com.

Home Loans Fund for MA Vets

2008-07-16T08:04:00.001-07:00

Home Loans Fund for MA Vets
Week of July 14, 2008

Veterans in Massachusetts have access to low- or no-down payment mortgages under the "Home for the Brave" Program. The program will offer affordable home loans to Massachusetts veterans and will include mortgage insurance that will pay a veteran's monthly mortgage payment for up to six months if the veteran becomes unemployed or deployed on active duty. The program was developed by Mass Housing, the state's affordable housing bank. For more information, visit the MassHousing.com website. Learn about proposed national legislation to help vets through the mortgage crisis.

Connect with lenders ready to help you refinance.
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HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND REMEMBER OUR VETERANS

2008-07-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

NOTES FROM VFW AUXILARY NEWS LETTER

Make a real difference in America's communities.
Work to serve veterans and troops
Support our troops and Remember Our Veterans.
Remember by wearing a "buddy poppy" VFW OFFICIAL FLOWER
YOU NOT ONLY HELP NEEDY AND DISABLED VETERAN BUT ALSO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE SACRICED SO MUCH FOR OUR FREEDOM
Support our troops and Remember our veterans by
FLYING YOUR FLAG
Show Support for the nation, active-duty troops and veterans by flying the U.S> flag on all patriotic holidays.
Encourage others in your community to fly our country's most sacred symbol
VOTING
Throughout the generations, veterans have protected our right to vote.
Encourage members of your community to take this civic duty seriously.
Be part of the Democratic process by working the polls on Election Day.
Offer a ride to the polls to someone who doesn't have transportation.
VOLUNTEERING
Schedule a visit to a lonely or ailing veteran.
Join hospital vollunteers and visit a VA medical Center.
Family Support program.
LOBBYING
Join a grassroots campaign to keep veterans issues in the minds of lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Write Call of Visit your elected officials to esnsure their continued support for our contry's heroes.

Support our returning Middle East Veterans

2008-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

> HELP VETS REBUILD CONNECTIONS
>WHEREAS: Deployment in a war zone can exact a unique toll on not only those in imminent danger but also on their love ones back home.
>
>WHEREAS; There are mental, emotional, spiritual and relations challenges facing veterans and families before, during and after deployment.
>
>WHEREAS: The support for OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM is to be questioned by many throughout the USA AND THE WORLD.
>
>THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED that Mass Senior Action urge the Administration. Legislators, Public Officials and all citizens enjoying their FREEDOM create a safe, unconditional, supportive environment for veterans and families and make sure resources are made readily
available.

>Howard McGowan
>
>M A S C

Soldiers risk ruin while awaiting benefit checks

2008-06-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

SAN ANTONIO, Jun. 17, 2008 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- His lifelong dream of becoming a soldier had, in the end, come to this for Isaac Stevens: 28, penniless, in a wheelchair, fending off the sexual advances of another man in a homeless shelter.

Stevens' descent from Army private first-class, 3rd Infantry Division, 11 Bravo Company, began in 2005 -- not in battle, since he was never sent off to Iraq or Afghanistan, but with a headfirst fall over a wall on the obstacle course at Fort Benning, Ga. He suffered a head injury and spinal damage.

The injury alone didn't put him in a homeless shelter. Instead, it was military bureaucracy -- specifically, the way injured soldiers are discharged on just a fraction of their salary and then forced to wait six to nine months, and sometimes even more than a year, before their full disability payments begin to flow.

"When I got out, I hate to say it, but man, that was it. Everybody just kind of washed their hands of me, and it was like, `OK, you're on your own,'" said Stevens, who was discharged in November and was in a shelter by February. He has since moved into a temporary San Antonio apartment with help from Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization.

Nearly 20,000 disabled soldiers were discharged in the past two fiscal years, and lawmakers, veterans' advocates and others say thousands could be facing financial ruin while they wait for their claims to be processed and their benefits to come through.

"The anecdotal evidence is depressing," said Rep. John Hall, D-N.Y., who heads a subcommittee on veterans disability benefits. "These veterans are getting medical care, but their family is going through this huge readjustment at the same time they're dealing with financial difficulties."

Most permanently disabled veterans qualify for payments from Social Security and the military or Veterans Affairs. Those sums can amount to about two-thirds of their active-duty pay. But until those checks show up, most disabled veterans draw a reduced Army paycheck.

The amount depends on the soldier's injuries, service time and other factors. But a typical veteran and his family who once lived on $3,400 a month might have to make do with $970 a month.

Unless a soldier has a personal fortune or was so severely injured as to require long-term inpatient care, that can be an extreme hardship.

The Army, stung by the scandal last year over shoddy care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, has been working to help soldiers during the in-between period, said Col. Becky Baker, assigned to injured soldier transition at the U.S. Surgeon General's Office.

In a change in policy that took effect last August, the Army is allowing wounded soldiers to continue to draw their full Army paychecks for up to 90 days after discharge, Baker said. It is also sending more VA workers to Army posts to process claims more quickly, and trying to do a better job of informing soldiers of the available benefits and explaining the application process.

"We make certain that we've covered all the bases before we discharge the soldier," Baker said.

She acknowledged, however, that the changes have been slow to take hold across an Army stretched by war. "It's definitely a practice that is new. It takes awhile for new practices to be institutionalized," the colonel said.

Stevens was moved to the Operation Homefront apartment after a social worker at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, acting on her own initiative, rescued Stevens from a homeless shelter there.

"This is a situation where someone used their common sense and they did the right thing, versus saying, `This is the rules. We can't do this,'" Tripler spokeswoman Minerva Anderson said of the social worker.

Typically, the first 100 days after discharge are spent just gathering medical and other evidence needed to make a decision on disability, VA officials say. If paperwork is incomplete, or a veteran moves to another state before the claim is decided, the process can drag on longer. Disagree with the VA's decision, and the wait time grows.

"The claims are a lot more complicated than people think," said Ursula Henderson, director of the VA's regional office in Houston.

Amy Palmer, a disabled veteran and vice president of Operation Homefront, which helps newly disabled servicemembers, said: "Nobody's assigned to them. You're on your own once you get out."

Hall is pushing legislation that would force the VA to use compatible computer systems and more consistent criteria and to reach out to veterans better.

"A veteran goes and serves and does what the country asks them to do," the congressman said. "But when they come back they're made to jump through these hoops and to wait in line for disability benefits."

Simon Heine served three tours in Iraq as a tank mechanic before he was discharged with severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

His wife quit college so she could figure out how her four children could live on less than $1,000 a month. Eventually, she moved the family of six into an Operation Homefront apartment so they could finish navigating the bureaucracy and wait out the arrival of Social Security and VA benefits.

"It is like giving you a car and taking the steering wheel off. They say, `There is the gas and the brake. Just go straight,' and hopefully, you are going in the right direction," Heine said.

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Com

washby says:
My Father passed away a couple of years - ago,at the time he was collecting a disabled veterans pension from world war 2 and a reduced benefit from social security.He retired from a state authority in N.Y.His social security was reduced by the amount of his World war 2 disability pension.When he died the social security adminastration started paying my mother his social security benefit because it was higher than hers.The benefit she is receiving is the reduced benefit that my father received because of his disability pension from ww2,she lost his disability pension upon his death,shouldn't her social security benefit be what his full benefit would have been not the reduced amount?

VA benefits and Assistance

2008-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

We Thank You for Your Service

The Department of Defense notifies VA when service members are released from active duty. Then VA sends a letter with information about VA benefits and assistance to aid transition to civilian life. You can find help with personal and family concerns, and community readjustment issues. There are also toll-free numbers, VA Web sites, and brochures to help you get the information you need.

Toll Free Numbers
Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000
Health Care Eligibility Information 1-877-222-8387

Medical Care VA Budget

2008-05-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is leading a coalition of groups that are pressing lawmakers to approve advance appropriations for medical care as part of the VA’s budget. This would give the VA much more certainty over its funding, as it would know its budget a year in advance. For example, funding for 2010 would have to be approved this year.

The change would mean that “veterans would no longer be used as a political football,” said Joe Violante, DAV’s national legislative director.

“It is a lot cheaper to provide veteran care through the VA than it is to provide it by Medicare or Medicaid,” said Violante. “If we put the resources into the VA it would certainly be fiscally responsible.”

Congress now appropriates VA medical care funds on an annual basis. Political squabbling has delayed VA funding in 13 of the past 14 years — something that has severely hampered the department’s ability to plan and manage its healthcare system, according to DAV’s talking points.

Veterans’ groups say the change would ensure the agency can better handle the growing number of veterans dependent on it for medical care.

Veterans Legislation

2008-03-11T19:34:00.001-07:00

Items 1 through 7 of 7
1.
Senate: 'A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program for the provision of readjustment and mental health services to veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes. ' (S.38)
2.
Senate: 'A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve benefits and services for members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the Global War on Terrorism, and for other purposes. ' (S.117)
3.
Senate: 'A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release. ' (S.383)
4.
Senate: 'A bill to establish demonstration projects to provide at-home infant care benefits. ' (S.820)
5.
Senate: 'A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase burial benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. ' (S.1454)
6.
Senate: 'A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase burial benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. ' (S.1468)
7.
Senate: 'A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend or make permanent certain authorities for veterans'' benefits, and for other purposes. ' (S.1757)

2008-03-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Disabled veterans who do not normally file a tax return will have to file a federal return for 2007 in order to take advantage of the rebate checks that will be mailed later this year. The federal government will begin issuing rebates to citizens in May 2008 as part of the $152 billion economic stimulus package signed into law by President Bush. In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600 for individuals and $600 to $1,200 for joint filers. For more information, visit the IRS' Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center. Tax Center - To learn more about military taxes, visit the Military.com Tax Center.

Stimulus Payment

2008-03-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

Tax Rebate Update: Don't Wait to File
To get your tax rebate from the government, be sure to file your federal taxes.
...you could get your rebate by mail as early as May or June...
Looking forward to getting a cash rebate from the government this year? The IRS estimates that more than 130 million Americans will benefit from an income tax rebate plan that will give $600 to $1,200 to most households and at least $300 to lower-income people, Social Security recipients and disabled veterans. What should you do to make sure you get your share? File your taxes. Only qualified people who file a 2007 return will receive a rebate.
Why Do Your Taxes and File Now?
You should do your taxes now because how much you receive will be based on information contained in your 2007 tax return. Taxpayers who file after April 15 could get their rebates months after those who file on time.TurboTax makes it easy to do your taxes. Get started for free.
What Is the Tax Rebate?
The tax rebate is a one-time cash payment to most American households. As the major part of the government's economic plan to prevent a recession, the rebates are intended to stimulate the economy by encouraging consumer spending.

Veterans on Home care

2008-02-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

VA Gives $4.7 Million to Help Caregivers
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide nearly $4.7 million for “caregiver assistance pilot programs” to expand and improve health care education and provide needed training and resources for caregivers who assist disabled and aging veterans in their homes. The pilot programs will support eight caregiver projects across the country. Among the key services provided to caregivers are transportation, respite care, case management and service coordination, assistance with personal care (bathing and grooming), social and emotional support, and home safety evaluations.
Education programs teach caregivers how to obtain community resources such as legal assistance, financial support, housing assistance, home delivered meals and spiritual support. In addition, caregivers are taught skills such as time management techniques, medication management, communication skills with the medical staff and the veteran, and ways to take better care of themselves. The VA pilot programs include:
At the Memphis (Tenn.) and Palo Alto (Calif.) VA medical centers, a project will provide education, support and skills-building to help caregivers manage both patient behaviors and their own stress. This intervention will be provided in 14 Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs across the country and also to caregivers in non-HBPC settings at the Palo Alto VAMC.
At the VA medical center in Gainesville, Fla., caregivers will take part in a Transition Assistance Program to provide skills training, education and supportive problem solving using videophone technology.
At the VA Healthcare System of Ohio, headquartered in Cincinnati, caregiver advocates will be available around the clock to coordinate between VA and community services.
At the VA Desert Pacific Network and the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System, VA will work with a community coalition to provide education, skills training and resources for caregivers of veterans with traumatic brain injury using computer-based telehealth, including Web, telephone and videoconferencing.
At the VA medical center in Albany, N.Y., a pilot project will convert a three-hour workshop developed by the National Family Caregivers Association called “Communicating Effectively with Health Care Professionals” into a cost-effective multimedia format.
At the Atlanta VA Medical Center, use of computer-based technology will provide instrumental help and emotional support to caregivers who live in remote areas or to those who cannot leave a patient alone.
The Tampa VA Medical Center and the Miami VA Healthcare System are working on a collaborative project. In the Tampa area, the current program will be expanded to provide 24-hour in-home respite care to temporarily relieve caregivers up to 14 days a year. In Miami, the program will coordinate comprehensive community-based care services, including respite, home companions, adult day care and use of emergency response system.
The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System will use the “medical foster home” model of care, in which caregivers in the community take veterans into their homes and provide 24-hour supervision. This program will take place on the islands of Kauai, Hawaii, Maui and rural areas of Oahu.
For more information, visit the Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Comments
takandles
3 days agoSuggest Removal
My father gets Aid in Dependent Care from the VA which is a big financial help. I do not work to take care of him so some of that money is suppose to be to pay me. the down side is that if I want to hire someone for respite care it comes out of my part which I need to support myself. I only get to go to the store when one of my children can come sit with him. I have not gone anyplace else in years. There needs to be more respite care for the caregivers with little or no income such as me. Here in the state of Alabama there isn' much. You have to have no or very little to get help or be rich enough to afford it. What we get from the VA it a big help but not enough.

Temporary relief from the stress and duties of caregiving.
mbsmarttext('Respite Care','bbf852d1-7af3-483e-a7b3-1067f001bd53');

Veterans Service

2008-02-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

We Thank You for Your Service
The Department of Defense notifies VA when service members are released from active duty. Then VA sends a letter with information about VA benefits and assistance to aid transition to civilian life. You can find help with personal and family concerns, and community readjustment issues. There are also toll-free numbers, VA Web sites, and brochures to help you get the information you need.
Toll Free NumbersBenefits Information 1-800-827-1000Health Care Eligibility Information 1-877-222-8387

http://www.managedmusic.com/Music/PlayBeforeYouGo.php

2008-02-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

This in a tribute to our World War II veterans and is passed on to our future generations for cosideration http://www.managedmusic.com/Music/PlayBeforeYouGo.php

2008-02-16T15:28:00.002-08:00

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei and Malden Veterans Services Director John Webster this week are reminding local veterans who were called to active duty after Sept. 11, 2001 that they may be eligible for a cash bonus through the state-funded Welcome Home program.
Established by the Legislature in 2005, the Welcome Home program provides a one-time $1,000 bonus to Massachusetts soldiers for active service in Iraq or Afghanistan and a $500 bonus to those who served at least six months of active duty at home or abroad since Sept. 11, 2001.
Active service does not include active duty for training in the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Naval Academy, or reservist training.
The bonus is available to service members who were residents of the commonwealth for at least six months prior to entry into the armed forces, and were discharged under honorable conditions.
Fewer than half of the 28,000 qualifying Massachusetts veterans have filed the necessary paperwork to receive their bonus payment.
“We want our servicemen and women to know this benefit is available to them, and we encourage them to apply,” said Tisei. “The bonus payment represents just a small token of the Commonwealth’s appreciation for those who have proudly served our country to protect the many freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans.”All applications must be accompanied by a certification of residence issued by the City Clerk or Election Commissioner; a copy of the service members’ discharge papers; and a signed and dated W9 form.
Application forms are available online at www.mass.gov/treasury/veteransbonus/welcomehomebonus.htm.
For more information, contact the State Treasurer’s office at 617-367-9333, ext. 350 or 505, or visit the Malden Veterans Services office at City Hall, 200 Pleasant St., Room 527, or call 781-397-7139.

2008-02-16T15:28:00.001-08:00

Vetearns Forgotten

2008-02-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

-- Recently, volunteers in Missouri and a handful of other states discovered the cremated remains of war veterans inside small canisters and cardboard boxes. Instead of receiving their promised military burial, these war heroes have been forgotten and left on mortuary and hospital shelves for decades. A national effort is underway to give these veterans a proper and dignified burial.

Bill would clear debt

2008-01-24T15:58:00.000-08:00

Contact your Senators regarding
S.2536:'A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts to the United States in the case of veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.
Please pass this e-mail along to all who care that our service members are giving their lives for their country without their families having to sacrifice any more than they already have due to the loss of their loved one.
Link to the bill and to contact your Senators: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/bills/?billtype=S.&billnumb=2536&congress=110

www.cbo.gov Veterans Affairs

2008-01-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Department of Veterans Affairs health care system received a highly favorable review in an interim report recently published by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The report credits organizational restructuring and management systems, performance measurement and information technology (IT) as contributors to VA's success. It also outlines ways in which VA can continue serving as a model for other health care systems. The interim report is featured on at www.cbo.gov.

2007-12-31T12:06:00.000-08:00

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AID & ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PENSION
There is much information that needs to be gathered and prepared when applying for the Aid & Attendance Special Pension. We have compiled a list of the documents you will need, as well as links to download some of the VA and Government Forms that you will need. While it may seem to be a daunting task, we recommend that you read through this site to better your understanding of the application process to be prepared before you speak with any Veterans' Affairs Office.
To apply for the Aid & Attendance Special Pension, you will need the following documents. Prepare these before making your filing.
Discharge/Separation Papers (DD-214). If you need to request military records, you can either fill out Standard Form 180 (right click to save) or, you can visit http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/standard-form-180.html. Full instructions on how to request military records is listed on that site.
Copy of Marriage Certificate and all marital information (surviving spouses only).
Copy of the Death Certificate (surviving spouses only).
Copy of current Social Security Award Letter (the letter that Social Security send at the beginning of the year stating what your monthly amount will be for the following year).
Net Worth information, including bank accounts, CDs, Trusts, Stocks, Bonds, Annuities, etc.
Proof of all income from pensions, retirement, interest income from investments, annuities, etc.
If you are a court-appointed guardian of the veteran or surviving spouse, a certified copy of the court order of the appointment is required.
Proof of insurance premiums, medications, medical bills or any other medical expenses that are not reimbursed by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
Physician statement that includes current diagnosis, medical status, prognosis, name and address, ability to care for self, ability to travel unattended, etc. If you are a veteran in a nursing home, or a family member of a veteran in a nursing home, you can use this form as a certification of that status (right click to save): Nursing Home Status Statement
Banking information for Direct Deposit of A&A monthly payments (include a voided check).
Employment history (does not apply if you are over 65).
List of all doctors and hospitals visited in the last year.
Once you have this information compiled, you will need to obtain and complete VA Form 21-526 and/or VA Form 21-534 for Special Pension benefits with Aid & Attendance. These forms can be downloaded in PDF format here (right click to save):
VA Form 21-526 VA Form 21-534
Now that you have all your information, follow the instructions on Form 21-526 or Form 21-534 to file for your Aid & Attendance Special Pension. In most cases, you will send the information to your local or regional Veterans' Administration. If you need assistance with filing your paperwork, you can contact the VA, however, be prepared to encounter someone who is not knowledgeable about this benefit and may provide inaccurate information. We encourage you to explore all the available options and services provided through the VA and service agencies to find the option that’s right for you and your circumstances.

Veterans Assistance DoD

2007-12-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

DoD Transition Assistance Goes Online (ttp://www.turbotap.org/) TurboTAP is an easy to use, interactive Web portal that provides life-long support to separating military servicemembers (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families. It is a single source starting point for accessing key resources available for servicemembers transitioning out of the military at any point in their military career.

Help Vets Rebuild Connections

2007-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

WHEREAS: Deployment in a war zone can exact a unique toll on not only those in imminent danger but also on their love ones back home.>>WHEREAS; There are mental, emotional, spiritual and relations challenges facing veterans and families before, during and after deployment.>>WHEREAS: The support for OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM is to be questioned by many throughout the USA AND THE WORLD.>>THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED that Mass Senior Action urge the Administration. Legislators, Public Officials and all citizens enjoying their FREEDOM create a safe, unconditional, supportive environment for veterans and families and make sure recources are made readily
available.>>>>Howard McGowan

TRY THIS LINK

http://www.angelfire.com/il2/VeteranIssues/

Why we support our military

2007-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

America's fighting men and women put their lives on the line each day to defend our freedom and secure the peace throughout the world.
Engaging the enemy with confidence in their cause, they are strengthened by the support and encouragement of their fellow citizens on the home front. With each challenge they overcome and each victory they achieve, America's courageous and dedicated troops help to safeguard the liberties upon which our country was founded. For more than two hundred years, these brave warriors have faced down every threat to our democracy, ensuring the preservation of our American way of life and strengthening the foundations of our great nation.

First Marine Division Memorial

2007-11-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

Support Our Troops

2007-11-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

Something cool that Xerox is doingIf you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! This is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them...

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND REMEMBER OUR VETERANS

2007-11-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

FLY YOUR FLAG
Show support for the nation, active-duty troops and veterans by flying the U.S. Flag on all patriotic Holidays.
Encourage members of your community , our civic leaders to fly our most sacred symbol.
Educate our fellow citizens, younger generations to learn about America's proud heritage.

VOTING
Throughout the generations, veterans have protected our right to vote.
Encourage members of the community to take this civic duty seriously.
Be part of the democratic process by working the polls on Election Day
Offer a ride to the polls to someone who needs transportation.

VOLUNTEERING
Schedule a visit to a lonely or ailing Veteran
Visit VA Medical Centers
Get involved with local service projects.
YOU CAN LEND A HAND TO VETERANS WHO ARE NOT HOSPITALIZED BUT STILL HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS (FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM)

LOBBYING
Join a grassroots campaign to keep veterans issues in the minds of lawmakers on Capital Hill. Write call or visit your elected officials to ensure their continued support for our country's heros.

Information obtained for above VFW Ladies Auxiliary
Annamae McGowan
Life Member Post 1046

Veterans Issues: A tribute to our Flag

2007-11-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Veterans Issues: A tribute to our Flag
http://marine41.blogspot.com

Veterans Issues: A tribute to our Flag

2007-11-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

Veterans Issues: A tribute to our Flag

A tribute to our Flag

2007-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

http://home.comcast.net/~nw-fla/index.html About NW FL VNIS Contact Site Map

A Tribute to our Flag. Submitted by Bob Thompson, Retired Military Veteran, Panama City, Florida

The Flag of the United States of America
If you're interested, Elvis is singing "America The Beautiful" on this tribute, so have your speakers on.
If this doesn't give you chills, you should pack up and move on to another country.
I Am the Flag of the
Of America I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom.I am confident.I am arrogant.I am proud.When I am flown with my fellow banners,My head is a little higher,My colors a little truer.I bow to no one!I am recognized all over the world.I am worshipped - I am saluted.I am loved - I am revered.I am respected - and I am feared.I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.I'm presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed.I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired,But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.It does not hurt for I am invincible.I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.And when it's done by those Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.But I shall overcome - for I am strong.I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come. When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parentat the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.
Please forward my message to all who still love and respect me that I may fly proudly for another two hundred years.

Uninsured Veterans

2007-11-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

1.8 Million Veterans Lack Health Coverage
Harvard Study Finds Sharp Increase Since 2000
Nearly 6 Million Uninsured Americans are Veterans or their Families

Of the 47 million uninsured Americans, one in every eight (12.2 percent) is a veteran or member of a veteran's household, according to a study by Harvard Medical School researchers published in the December, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Public Health (galley version available here). 1.8 million Veterans (12.7 percent of non-elderly veterans) were uninsured in 2004, up 290,000 since 2000, the study found. An addition 3.8 million members of their households were also uninsured and ineligible for VA care.

The study is based on detailed analyses of government surveys released between 1988 and 2005. Veterans were only classified as uninsured if they neither had health insurance nor received ongoing care at Veterans Health Administration (VA) hospitals or clinics. A preliminary review by the study's authors of 2006 data released last month (while this study was in press) shows little change in the number of uninsured veterans since 2004.

"Like other uninsured Americans, most uninsured vets are working people - too poor to afford private coverage but not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid or means-tested VA care," said Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School who testified before Congress about the problem earlier this year. "As a result, veterans and their family members delay or forgo needed health care every day in the U.S. It's a disgrace."

Other findings of the study include:
The number of uninsured veterans has increased by 290,000 since 2000, when 9.9% of non-elderly veterans were uninsured, a figure which rose to 12.7% in 2004.
Of the 1.768 million uninsured, 645,628 were Vietnam-era veterans while 1,105,891 were veterans who served during "other eras" (including the Iraq and Gulf Wars)
Of uninsured veterans, 56.5% were older than 44.

Uninsured veterans had as much trouble getting medical care as other uninsured persons. 26.5% of uninsured veterans reported that they had failed to get needed care due to costs; 31.2% had delayed care due to costs; 49.1% had not seen a doctor within the past year; and two-thirds failed to receive preventive care
Nearly two-thirds of uninsured veterans were employed.

Many uninsured veterans are barred from VA care because of a 2003 Bush Administration order that halted enrollment of most middle income veterans. Others are unable to obtain VA care due to waiting lists at some VA facilities, unaffordable co-payments for VA specialty care, or the lack of VA facilities in their communities.

"Since President Bush took office the number of uninsured vets has skyrocketed, and he's cut eligibility, barring hundreds of thousands of veterans from care. This administration has put troops in harm's way overseas and abandoned them and their families once they got home," said Dr. David Himmelstein, co-author of the study and co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program. "We need a solution that works for veterans, their families, and all Americans - single payer national health insurance."

"I see uninsured vets in my clinic every week," said Dr. Jeffrey Scavron, a former Navy physician now practicing in Springfield, Massachusetts. "In many cases, they're too sick to work, but not yet sick enough for full disability which would qualify them for Medicare. Only the government can put men and woman into military service and only the government can guarantee that they are covered after they serve." Dr. Scavron is a founding member and former president of Physicians for a National Health Program.

Taxpayers Guide to Real Estate Exemptions in MA

2007-11-04T11:25:00.005-08:00

QUALIFYING VETERANS
Clause 22- $250.00 This exemption is available to the following classes of persons:
1 Veterans with a wartime service connected disablity of 10% or more as determined by the Veterans Administration or the branch of servie from which separated.
2. Veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
3. Gold Star mothers and fathers.
4. Spouses (where the domicile is owed by the veteran's spouse) and surviving spouses(who do not remarry) of Veterans enttled to exemption uder clause 22.

Clause 22a- $425.00 This exemption is available to Veterans (and their spauses of surviving spouses) who
1. Suffered in the line of duty the loss or permanent loss of the use of one foot or one hand or one eye.
2. Received the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Nave Cross or Air Force Cross.
If the subject property is greater than a single family house, only that fraction of $425.00 which correspons to segment occupied by the veteran will be allowed.

Clause 22B- $775.00 This exemption is available to Veterans (and their spouses or surviving spouses) who suffered in the line of duty the loss of permanent loss of the use of both feet or both hands or both eyes.
If the subject property is greater than a single family house, only that fraction of $775.00 which correspods to the segment occupied by the Veteran will be allowed.

Clause22C-$950.00 This exemption is available to veterans (and their spouses or surviving Spouses) who (1) suffered total disability in the line of duty and (2) and who received assistance in acquiring"specially adapted housing" which they own and occupy as their domicile.
If the suject property is greater than a single family house, only that fraction of $ 950.00 which corresponds to the segment occupied by the Veteran will be allowed.

Clause 22D- $250.00
This exemption is available to surviving spouses (who do not remarry) of soldierd and Sailors who died in combat at the islands of Quemoy and Matsu.

Claus 22E- $600.00 This exemption is available to veterans (and their spouses) who suffered total disability in the line of duty and are incapable of working
If the subject property is greater than a single family house, only that fraction of $600.00 which corresponds to the segment occupied by the veteran will be allowed

Parapledic- Total Exemption.
This exemption is available the Veterans who are certified by the Veterans Administration as parapledic and the surviving spouses of such veterans.

WARTIME SERVICE
Wartime service is service performed by a "Spanish War veteran" a World War I veteran" a "World War II veteran" a "Korean Veteran" a "Vietnam veteran" aLabanese peace keeping force veteran" a "Panamanian intervention force veteran" a "persion Gulf veteran" or a member of the WAAC
Dated for each qualifying military action as set out in GL Ch 4 7 (43)

For further information Contact your local board of Assessors
Department of Revenue
Division of local Services
Property Tax Bureau

(617) 626-2300

2007-11-04T11:25:00.003-08:00

2007-11-04T11:25:00.001-08:00

2007-11-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Democrats seek better care for veterans By MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press Writer
Sat Nov 3, 2:45 PM ET

A Democratic senator on Saturday accused President Bush of "hollow talk" in support of U.S. troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and said the Bush administration has not done nearly enough to provide veterans with the care they need.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said, "The president can call on Democrats to follow him in lockstep all he wants, but when it comes to caring for our veterans, we are not about to start taking advice from George Bush."

Bush scolded Democrats on Thursday for combining spending bills for defense and veterans programs with one for labor, health and education matters. Republicans consider the bill bloated.

The president also lamented that his emergency spending request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan still languishes.

Murray, delivering the Democrats' weekly radio address, accused Bush of underfunding the Veterans Affairs Department and said thousands of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are "stuck in a bureaucratic nightmare" and aren't getting the health care they need.

The senator said the number of uninsured veterans has skyrocketed in recent years. The administration also lost the personal data of millions of veterans and failed to correct shoddy outpatient treatment and poor living conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, she said.

Murray, the fourth-ranking Democratic senator, defended a Democratic bill that pays for veterans programs and other priorities such as education and medical research.

The bill provides thousands of new case workers to help reduce delays for treatment, improves conditions at Walter Reed and other facilities and invests in new ways to treat ailments such as post-traumatic stress disorder, she said.

Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Veterans Administration Duties Congress Resposibllities

2007-11-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides services and benefits to
veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. VA carries out its programs nationwide through three administrations and the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA).
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is responsible for veterans health care
programs.
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is responsible for providing
compensation, pensions, and education assistance among other things. The National
Cemetery Administration’s (NCA) responsibilities include maintaining national
veterans cemeteries.
VHA operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system. Unlike other
federal health programs, VHA is a direct service provider rather than a health insurer or payer for health care. VA health care services are generally available to all honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are enrolled in VA’s
health care system. VA has a priority enrollment system that places veterans in
priority groups based on various criteria. Under the priority system VA decides each
year whether its appropriations are adequate to serve all enrolled veterans. If not, VA could stop enrolling those in the lowest-priority groups.
Congress continues to grapple with a number of issues facing current veterans
and new veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation
Iraqi Freedom (OIF). They include trying to ensure a seamless transition process for
veterans moving from active duty into the VA health care system, and improving
mental health care services such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment
programs for returning veterans.
In recent years, VA has made an effort to realign its capital assets, primarily
buildings, to better serve veterans’ needs. VA established the Capital Asset
Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) initiative to identify how well the
geographic distribution of VA health care resources matches the projected needs of
veterans. Given the tremendous interest in the implementation of the CARES
initiative in the previous Congress, the 109th Congress would continue to monitor the
CARES implementation.
Several veterans’ health-care related bills have been passed by either the House
or Senate. At present, these bills are pending action in the other chamber.
This report will be updated as events warrant

2007-11-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Needy Veterans to get a boost at weekend events
For 30 houss starting at 8 AM, the dilemmas of where to sleep, what to eat and who to turn to for a job will be the last things hard luck War heroes will fret about.
500 homeless soldiers are expected to march themeselves to a "Stand Down" at Clifford Park on Massachusetts Avenue in Dorchester.
Ease back into normal civilian life
It is disturbing to see how many elderly veterans are homeless.
They served their Nation, did their duty, look forward to living in a shelter if you can find a bed!!
Homeless vets will be able to camp out in Clifford Park in sleeping bags provided for them.
They can obtain Medical Sercices, ride the MBTA for free and get assistance with drivers liciences, Housing and taxes.
Their will be a Job Fair.
Sean Lunde and Iraq War Vetran now serving as program coordinator for the State Department of Veterans Services.

Iraq surge

2007-11-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Iraq War Critics cite military progress
Some of the critics of President Bush's Iraq war policies are conceding their is evidence of recent improvements in the military situation in Iraq, while political progress remains stalled.
We are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in Military terms.
It is recommended to Congress to sustain the current troop buildup "at least till 2008.
This in not a no-brainer to keep surging. Open to debate.
People need to catch up with the battlefield facts.
We still are critical of the administration's handling of the whole situation.