Briefs: Sopori to host Community Day Nov 10, 2009
Vietnam veterans who served one day in-country can file for service connected disability compensation if they suffer from any of these diseases, which include Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Parkinson s Disease and Ischemic heart disease. Membership in the American Legion is not a requirement to receive assistance. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
State Capitol Week in Review Nov 4, 2009
Published: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 12:15 PM CST LITTLE ROCK About 260,000 veterans of the Armed Forces live in Arkansas and 50,136 veterans or their spouses receive disability compensation or pension payments ... 9 million veterans receive a monthly disability compensation for medical problems resulting from their military service ... In all, 50,136 Arkansans receive some form of disability compensation. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Shinseki steps up Oct 21, 2009
The decision by the Secretary, with the consent of the President, should make it far easier for Vietnam veterans afflicted with these maladies to receive healthcare services and disability compensation from the VA.. Secretary Shinseki is commended for acting promptly after an independent study by the Institute of Medicine found a clinical association between the three diseases and Agent Orange, said Disabled American Veterans National Commander Roberto Barrera in a statement released last week. (Burlington Union, MA)
Disabled Veteran personal property tax exemption benefits offered Oct 15, 2009
This benefit expanded with the June 2009 passage by the Texas Legislature of a bill which grants veterans compensated for service connected injuries at the 100% disability rate or receive 100% disability compensation for being Individually Unemploy-able (IU) to apply for exemption from paying any property taxes on their homesteads. Unlike the basic veteran's personal property tax exemption, the total personal property tax exemption is not transferable to a surviving spouse. (Elgin Courier, TX)
VA will ease way for vets to get stress disability, Shinseki says Oct 15, 2009
A World War II-era law established that veterans who "engaged in combat with the enemy" receive special treatment when they seek disability compensation, so it's less burdensome to prove an injury was from war service. Troops from an infantry or special forces unit are awarded a badge that makes it easier to prove they engaged in combat. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Military Update: Inpatient fee hikes blocked Oct 10, 2009
For many thousands of disabled retirees, retired pay still is reduced or "offset" by disability compensation. Obama promised in his presidential campaign to extend concurrent receipt to all disabled military retirees. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
DNC Commends Policies That Are Making a Difference in the Lives of Military Families Sep 15, 2009
4% pay raise for our troops; expanding support for military families such as health care and housing; investing 15% more than 2009 for medical care, benefits claims processors, and facility improvements; and permitting veterans medically retired from active service to receive both military retirement and Veterans Disability Compensation. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the DNC commends the successful leadership by President Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress to provide a new direction for... (PR Newswire)
How Independent Can A DNR Secretary Really Be? (12) Sep 14, 2009
- Apply for benefits, such as VA health care and prescription drug benefits, disability compensation and pension, personal loans, home mortgage loans, home improvement loans and education or job training grants. - Receive information on retiree benefits and services. (Agri-View, WI)
Damages denied to train crash rescuers Sep 6, 2009
IN THE 6 years since the Waterfall train disaster, David Wicks has had recurring nightmares about arriving at the scene too late to help the victims. The former police officer arrived in time to rescue and comfort those injured in the January 2003 derailment. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
VA blames coding error for fatal disease scare Aug 29, 2009
VA used data and information from its database to identify veterans diagnosed with ALS or who had filed a claim for ALS but were not currently receiving disability compensation benefits for the condition," the VA said. "However, as a result of problems in the codes VA used to identify these veterans, VA sent the letter to some veterans who do not have ALS." While the agency did not specify the nature of the coding error, Jim Bunker, president of the National Gulf War Resource Center, a veterans... (FCW.com)
Health scare sent to 1,800 veterans Aug 25, 2009
Katie Roberts, a spokeswoman for the VA, said the letters were simply to inform veterans with ALS of disability compensation available to them and were not intended to deliver a medical diagnosis of ALS.. Roberts said the administration has since been contacted by a "small number" of people who did not believe they had ALS. Veterans Administration officials are now reviewing all the cases, Roberts said. (USA Today)
Disability pay report raises myriad questions Aug 3, 2009
On Wednesday, however, a senior VA official told senators that the department isn't prepared yet to endorse a qualify-of-life payment, or to make any other significant change to disability compensation ... This six-month study was to follow up on recommendations from both the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission and the Dole-Shalala Commission in 2007 to reform disability compensation ... In the interim, the commission said, Congress should increase VA disability compensation immediately by... (NJ.com -- Times)
Airman Lost Legs to Botched Surgery Jul 23, 2009
A1C Read will ultimately be discharged with a Good Conduct record, then have to fight the rest of his life for disability compensation via the DoD and the VA, both of whom will deny any wrong-doing, and make it his fault that they screwed up. His family will suffer as well, especially in the total lack of assistance they will get from the Air Force and ultimately the VA. This is NOT an isolated case; happens almost daily and will continue to occur until the folks in Washington DC and the... (CBS News -- US)
Veterans Affairs struggles with backlog of disability claims Jul 13, 2009
Todd, 33, is part of a flood of veterans, young and old, seeking disability compensation from the department for psychological and physical injuries connected to their military service. The backlog of unprocessed claims for those disabilities is now above 400,000, up from 253,000 six years ago, the agency said. (Boston Globe)
Women veterans fall through cracks in system Jul 8, 2009
The Department of Veterans Affairs has much progress to make in recognizing women s physical and psychological wounds and awarding women veterans equal disability compensation for their trauma. Similarly, the epidemic of military sexual trauma - sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape - has yet to be adequately addressed by the armed forces, the VA, or mainstream veterans groups, leading to untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug abuse, homelessness, and suicide among... (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
McKinney viewpoint: Saluting our troops on July 4th Jul 5, 2009
House Bill 3613 - This bill, which I joint-authored, is the enabling legislation that exempts veterans who are receiving 100 percent disability compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs from paying property taxes on their homesteads. This exemption is effective for the 2009 tax year, and all eligible individuals should be sure that this exemption is reflected on the 2009 appraisal roll. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
> Health Care: Bookshelf Jul 5, 2009
What s more, Pransky writes, many disability compensation systems still operate on an antiquated assumption that a cancer diagnosis is equivalent to permanent and total disability. This idea leads naturally into the economics of cancer. (Albany Business Review, NY)
VA Launches 10-Year Health Study of 60,000 New Veterans Jun 23, 2009
The study will compare the deployed and non-deployed Veterans in terms of chronic medical conditions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions, general health perceptions, reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, functional status, use of health care, behavioral risk factors (smoking, drinking, seatbelt use, speeding, motorcycle helmet use, and sexual behavior), and VA disability compensation. VA has contracted with an independent... (PR Newswire)
History lesson: fiscal fallacy during the Great Depression May 28, 2009
Nowadays, unemployment and disability compensation, nutrition and health care assistance, Social Security and other short-term assistance programs are built into the system. Special loans are no longer an issue, because townships and cities are less dependent on the county than in the 1930s, Hebert says. (Chetek Alert, WI)
The NFL's Behemoth Linemen: Healthier Than You Think May 27, 2009
In recent years, several retired players have been denied disability compensation from the NFL for serious health conditions, including heart disease, which they attribute to their time playing football. While the NFL pays out about $1 billion in pensions and other benefits each year, it sets aside just $20 million annually to care for disabled retired players. (Time.com)
Military Update: Obamas CRDP plan would help 103,000 disabled retirees May 23, 2009
Concurrent receipt means being able to receive both VA disability compensation and military retired pay earned for years served ... Regular retirees with VA ratings of 40 percent or lower still see retired pay offset by VA disability compensation ... On Jan. 1, 2014, a small group of Chapter 61 retiree receiving VA disability compensation and not included earlier would become eligible. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Stimulus means extra $250 for each Social Security recipient May 1, 2009
Those eligible for the payments include people who got retirement, survivor, disability, railroad retirement, disability compensation and other Social Security payments from November 2008 to January 2009. The AARP is telling people they don't have to take any action to receive the checks, which will be sent automatically by the Treasury Department. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Studies link Parkinsons, Vietnam vets Apr 29, 2009
The bill, , would add PD to the list of diseases presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service in Vietnam and therefore compensable under veterans' disability compensation. In a letter to House colleagues to garner support for the bill, Filner wrote there are a number of medical conditions presumed to be associated with exposure to certain herbicides for veterans who served in Vietnam. (Burlington Union, MA)
Melrose Veterans Office marked for overhaul Apr 17, 2009
After financial assistance, one of the most prominent roles of local veterans agents is helping veterans receive disability compensation, Kelly said. The veterans receive that compensation directly from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs for any disability incurred during military service. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
House passes transportation-reform bill Apr 14, 2009
New MBTA employees will now have to serve at least 25 years and attain the age of 55 to qualify for retirement benefits from the MBTA. MBTA employees will have to decide between pension and disability compensation if out on disability. All current MBTA employees and new hires would also be required to join the state s Group Insurance Commission, as will current turnpike authority and Tobin Bridge. (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
• TRICARE network not expected to shrink Apr 11, 2009
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting online applications from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application. VA is processing applications received through its online application Web site () without the claimants signature. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Idaho man pleads guilty in major VA fraud case Apr 8, 2009
U.S. Attorney James A. McDevitt said it was the largest disability compensation fraud case in VA history ... He retired in 1976 and began receiving disability compensation. (North County Times)
Idaho man pleads guilty in $1.5m VA disability fraud case Apr 8, 2009
He retired in 1976 and began receiving disability compensation. In September 2007, he was using a wheelchair when he went to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane for a checkup and told a doctor he had been unable to work or walk since he left the Air Force. (Boston Globe)
Hoping to save dollars and image, state Senate gets behind pension overhaul Apr 1, 2009
Under the proposal, elected officials would also no longer be able to claim increased termination benefits for failing to win reelection and public employees filling in for supervisors would be prohibited from claiming a higher rate of disability compensation if they are injured. The bill, generated by the Senate Ways and Means Committee without a formal public hearing, will not affect current retirees, senators said. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Kauai veterans news and information (186) Mar 30, 2009
VA disability compensation and pension. Veterans often confuse the difference between disability compensation and pension. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Vet groups seek update in combat definition Mar 25, 2009
It's estimated that if the law is changed, thousands more veterans would seek disability compensation for PTSD, potentially costing hundreds of millions of dollars annually ... Bradley Mayes, director of Veterans Benefits Administration's Compensation and Pension Service, told the subcommittee that changes have been made to make it easier for veterans with PTSD to qualify for disability compensation. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Colonel's Corner Mar 20, 2009
" Full disclosure here: I'm relieved because, among other things, I had a personal stake in the outcome. According to the V.A., my service-connected wounds and injuries amount to a 40 percent disability. I receive $541 a month from the V.A. as "disability compensation. " Unlike civilian private-sector or government retirees receiving "disability," my military retired pay is reduced by the same amount. Like most military veterans, I now have a "civilian" job that pays me a lot more to get shot at... (Fox News)
The Burden of Battle Mar 20, 2009
00 a month from the VA as disability compensation. Unlike civilian private-sector or government retirees receiving disability, my military retired pay is reduced by the same amount. (Human Events Online)
Vets' Corner: Local veterans share stories Mar 14, 2009
Just to give you an idea of his breath of knowledge, Bill can help you apply for and fill out the paperwork for health care, burial benefits, educational benefits, VA home loans, vocational rehabilitation, disability compensation, widow s benefits, non-service connected pensions and any other Veterans benefits. His services are free and invaluable. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
President's 2010 Budget Request Strongly Supports VA Programs Feb 27, 2009
The new budget provides greater benefits for Veterans who are medically retired from active duty, allowing for the first time all military retirees to keep their full VA disability compensation along with their retired pay. The President's budget request also provides the resources for effective implementation of the post-9/11 GI Bill -- providing unprecedented levels of educational support to the men and women who have served our country through active military duty. (PR Newswire)
House committee welcomes Shinseki Feb 19, 2009
Nor could the VA tell a veteran more information is needed, causing potential delays in adjudicating claims for disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, etc. But frankly, giving the VA custodianship of files that important is a scary thought. (Burlington Union, MA)
Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for compensation for Diabetes Feb 19, 2009
Military veterans who served in Vietnam who now have Type 2 Diabetes are eligible for presumptive service-connected disability compensation and health care connected with this condition through the VA. Service in the waters offshore or in the air does not qualify a veteran unless there is proof that he or she set foot on land in Vietnam. For most veterans who served in Vietnam, their service is clearly shown on their military discharge papers (DD-214). (Forest Republican, WI)
New Web site helps wounded veterans Feb 16, 2009
Almost 3 million veterans are receiving VA disability compensation. About 8 million are enrolled in the VA health care system. (CNN -- Tech)
Which Tax Breaks Survived the Negotiations in the Final Version of American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009? Feb 14, 2009
While not technically a tax provision, only the Senate bill had a one-time payment of $300 for retirees, disabled individuals, Social Security beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and veterans receiving veterans' disability compensation and pension benefits. Now, it's $250 instead of $300, with an analogous provision to give the same amount to certain government retirees who are not eligible for Social Security benefits. (PR Newswire)
Peake, Chu, should update resumes Feb 8, 2009
Mon Nov 10, 2008, 04:00 PM EST. During the course of a 21- month presidential campaign, President-elect Barack Obama said he would derail the amount of legislation passed on behalf of Washington, D.C. lobbyists, many of whom are former government officials. (Burlington Union, MA)
