General Announcements

 

Posting#1 of 10

 

WW II Veterans

 

"The Greatest Generation Marches On - 65th Anniversary End of WW II"

 

Sponsored by the RI Department, Reserve Officers Association and the

 RI Chapter of the Association of the United States Army

 

This is a patriotic event for the entire community to attend!

 

In order to honor Rhode Island’s WW II Veterans during this 65th anniversary of the end of WW II, a tribute is being held to appropriately recognize their brave and selfless service to our nation and the world in the cause of freedom.

                       

          When:  12:00 - NLT 4:00 PM.  Saturday, 14 August, 2010 - VJ Day.

 

          Where:  Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston, RI. (Directions? Call 785-4333)

           

Guests of Honor:  RI WW II Veterans

 

Check in/Reception: 12:00/1:00 P.M.

WW II vehicles on display

 LT John Finn's (MoH) auto from Pearl Harbor attack

Patriotic music  -  Cash bar

 

Program: 1:00 - 4:00PM

RI Militia in Grand Parade  -  National Anthem/Navy Band

Memorial Ceremony for RI WW II War Casualties

Luncheon served - salad, pasta, chicken, desert, coffee

Entertainment - USO Show from New York City, The Liberty Belles

Special Guests  -  Tuskeegee Airmen

"Personal Recollections of RI Vets' WW II Service", a short film by Tim Gray

WWII  Commemorative Victory Medal Presentations to WW II Veterans

Raffle  -  Benediction  -  God Bless America

______________________________________________________________

 

Dress: WW II Veterans along with any other Veterans are encouraged to wear original uniforms or their Veteran's organization regalia! Active/retired military may wear the Class A or Dress Blue uniform (or service equivalent) w/long tie. Otherwise, jacket and tie for men and appropriate dress for women.

 

Cost: FREE for RI WW II Veterans!  All others only $20!

                           

(See other side for response form)

 

Tribute to RI WW II Veterans Response Form

 

* RSVP No Later Than 1 Aug 2010 - Seating is limited to 1,000 attendees *

 

In order to determine who are WW II Veterans, those who are not etc. for seating arrangements and other logistics, you, as the main responder, please choose the most applicable category(s) of the five below and CHECK/FILL IN ALL THAT APPLY. Your name will be placed on the admissions list with the # of attendees in your party. Tables hold 10 people. You will not receive tickets in the mail, etc., just show up on 14 Aug and check in!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

1.  [_] I am a WW II Veteran and will attend at no cost.   Service:

 

 [_]Army  [_]Army Air Corps  [_]Navy  [_]Marine Corps  [_]Coast Guard  [_] Oth _____________ 

 

Campaign(s) served in: _____________________________________________________________

 

    My name: ____________________________  Rank: ____________   Tel #: _____________

 

2.  [_] I am not a WW II Veteran but will attend to honor those who are at a cost of $20.

 

    My name: ____________________________  Rank (if any): ______  Tel #: _____________

 

3.  [_] In addition to myself, there will be  ___  additional WW II Veterans in my party attending at no cost.

     

      [_] In addition to myself, there will be  ___  additional people in my party who are not WW II Veterans and will be attending at $20 per person. 

 

4.   [_] I wish to honor a family member/friend who was killed in WW II by entering their name on the Roll of Honor page in the program book:

 

Name of WW II Vet:__________________________________  Rank/service:__________________

           

5.   Total # of attendees: _____.

 

[_]$25 donation for Roll of Honor inclusion.      Total amount enclosed: $ ___________

 

Any notes/comments: ______________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

 

[_] Member Reserve Officers Association (ROA)          [_] Member Assoc. U.S. Army (AUSA)

 

 

Please forward this response form with your check (if applicable) made payable to RIROA to: LTC Dennis Morgan, 432 Buchanan St., Pawtucket, RI 02920. Questions? Call Dennis (401-724-3913) or email (dmorganltc@gmail.com)

                                                                        (See other side for details)

ONLY IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND EVENT

 

There will be a raffle conducted at the 14 Aug 2010 WW II Veterans Tribute, the proceeds from which we will be able to help fund our scholarship program and other initiatives we find that will help our RI military and their families.

 

If you cannot attend this historical event (tickets will be sold at the event for those who can), please purchase the raffle tickets below for a donation of $10 (you get 6 chances). Please fill them out, detach and forward with your check made payable to RIROA to our treasurer, COL (R) Michael Patalano, 11 Sullivan Lane, Bristol, RI 02809. You will be notified if you win!

 

PRIZES: Trip for 2 on an original WW II B-24 or B-17 bomber; a full size replica of the M1 rifle; a large, signed, framed lithograph of the "Assault on Damn Yankee", Gov. Bruce Sundlun's B-17 bomber by a RI artist Domenic DeNardo; a photo-packed history of WW II; and a $500 Cardi’s Furniture gift certificate!

________________________________________________________________________

 

Reserve Officers Association of the United States      Reserve Officers Association of the United States

                    Rhode Island Department                                             Rhode Island Department

 

               Tribute to RI WWII Veterans                                  Tribute to RI WWII Veterans                                           

 

  Name: _________________________________            Name: _________________________________

 

  Phone: _________________________________            Phone: _________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Reserve Officers Association of the United States      Reserve Officers Association of the United States

                    Rhode Island Department                                             Rhode Island Department

 

               Tribute to RI WWII Veterans                                  Tribute to RI WWII Veterans                                           

 

  Name: _________________________________            Name: _________________________________

 

  Phone: _________________________________            Phone: _________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Reserve Officers Association of the United States      Reserve Officers Association of the United States

                    Rhode Island Department                                             Rhode Island Department

 

              Tribute to RI WWII Veterans                                   Tribute to RI WWII Veterans                                           

 

  Name: _________________________________            Name: _________________________________

 

  Phone: _________________________________            Phone: _________________________________

 

Posting#2 of 10

 

 

The 107th Signal Co had our 40th year reunion last month and MANY of us have had open heart surgery.  This could prove to be very important information to my brothers and also to the guys from the 115th who also served in Nam.  The 107th was located right on RT 1 in VN and the Air Force would spray Agent Orange on a weekly basis to keep that road clear.  Mabey "Charles" could "spread the word" about "Ischemic Heart Disease".

Agent Orange: Answering the questions

The American Legion - April 1, 2010

04/01/2010 - 12:54pm

The American Legion

A quick look at several of the issues involving the Department of Veterans Affairs' policy on Agent Orange.

What are the Presumptions within VA associated with Agent Orange?

The Presumption of Exposure. VA concedes that any veteran who set foot on the ground - the so called "Boots on the Ground" rule - has been exposed to the chemical herbicide Agent Orange between the dates of January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975. The presumption of exposure relieves the veteran of the need to provide direct proof of being exposed to Agent Orange. Simply having boots on the ground during the affected period is enough for VA to concede exposure.

Click here to read the rest of this story on Legion.org

 

Posting#3 of 10

 

 

Walt Disney World's Armed Forces Salute 2010

 


From January 3, 2010 to July 31, 2010, Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of the National Guard or Reservists, may purchase 4-Day Walt Disney World Armed Forces Salute Tickets for themselves and up to five (5) family members and/or friends for $99.
The base ticket is valid for four days of admission into one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. The Park Hopper option allows guests to visit more than one park each day. The Water Park and More option gives guests a total of four visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.
During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 4-Day companion tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be activated by September 26, 2010. Block out dates 3/27- 4/9/2010 All locations. 7/3-4/2010 Magic Kingdom only. Tickets available for purchase at Shades of Green beginning January 3, 2010. Tickets expire September 30, 2010.

 

 

 

Posting#4 of 10

 

It's official; DD-214s are NOW Online.

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following
website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s

online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his
DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for
veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of
documents from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military
members may now use a new online military personnel records system to
request documents.

Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the
Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site.
Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential
for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC
has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The
new web-based application was designed to provide better service on
these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and
processing time.

Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may
know and their dependents

Posting#5 of 10

 

ALL VETS SHOULD COPY THIS

Someone has gone to a lot of trouble. If this helps one person, then it was worthwhile... Pass on to all veterans!

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won't tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you -- and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.


Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
Board of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6 /ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www..va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benef its/exams/index..htm
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
Dut y to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents http://www1.va .gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10 http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibi lity http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also,
Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES
 AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
Forms and Records Request
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/part ii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care
http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG
http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm 

Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q&As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admi n21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M 10 for spouses and children h ttp://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication..asp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelin es http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
Ment al Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf and,
http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/tit le38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html 
 

Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans'_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337

Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/ 

Public Health/SARS http://www.publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Pu blications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac..va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002
 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendation s_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html


Title 38
Index
Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl

Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/ textidx?sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl


Title 38
Part 3 Adjudication
Subpart Aââ,¬"Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02..tpl


Title 38
Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief
(also Ã,§ 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here)
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&si d=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl


Title 38
PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS
target=_blank>
ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38


Title 38
Ã,§ 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the
individual.
PART 4ââ,¬"SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart Aââ,¬"General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1..0.1.1.5.1.96.11&idno=38

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook ââ,¬" Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3. htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http: //www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veteransââ,¬(tm) Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www..vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
Wartime Di sability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do
http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

 

Posting#6 of 10

 

Release No. 12-02-09
>
> Dec. 3, 2009
>
>
> 2009 tax form, pay statement availability schedule
>

>
> CLEVELAND (AFRNS) - Air Force retirees with a myPay online account can now
> download their annual account statements. Annuitant statements will be
> available online Dec. 14.
>
> There will not be a cost-of-living adjustment increase for military
> retirees or annuitants in 2010.
>
> COLA increases are determined each year based on the rise in the Bureau of
> Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical
> workers. The Department of Labor calculates the change in the CPI for
> goods and services from the third quarter average of the previous year to the
> third quarter average for the current year.
>
> Although Congress and the Administration decide how much to increase
> federal pay, because military retirees and annuitants do not receive pay increases
> but cost-of-living adjustments, they rely on the final CPI results.
>
> Internal Revenue Service 1099R forms for retirees and annuitants will be
> posted Dec. Dec. 14.
>
> Retirees who rely on the U.S. Postal Service for DFAS correspondence can
> expect to see their account statements soon as they are now in the mail,
> while tax forms will be mailed Dec. 11.
>
> For annuitants, account statements and 1099R forms begin mailing Dec. 14.
>
> Statements and forms are mailed to the address on file with DFAS.
>
> Retirees with questions about account statements or tax forms should call
> the DFAS Contact Center at 800-321-1080. (Courtesy of DFAS)
>
> Related sites:
>
> 2009 <http://lyris.dmasa.dma.mil/t/2327108/5020558/8156/0/> Tax Forms and
> Statements
>
> DFAS <http://lyris.dmasa.dma.mil/t/2327108/5020558/8157/0/>

 

Posting#7 of 10

Dear Readers,

 

Reading the news these days reminds me of the Depression era song my mom used to

sing: "Happy days are here again.The skies above are clear again......"

Can we say that yet about our own time and economy? Some experts say we can, but I

keep wanting to insert an "almost" or "maybe, baby," or " I hope, I hope" (except it

wrecks the rhythm).

I think it'll be awhile before we know whether we're out of the woods. Spending

bazillions of dollars to correct a horrible economic abyss may work -- I certainly hope

so.

Today's feature focuses on another way to increase your monthly income if you need

long-term care -- not by using your home, but by using a little known pension benefit

available to veterans and their spouses. As I come across other options, I'll write about

them in future issues.

Til next time.

Liz Taylor

Aging Deliberately

www.agingdeliberately.com

14-year former columnist on aging, The Seattle Times

Editor, the Aging Deliberately e-Newsletter

 

Feature Column: Little known financial help for those who

served their country

by Liz Taylor

 

One of the Catch-22's in the eldercare world is being too poor to be able to afford

what you need when you need care - and being too wealthy to qualify for government

assistance. There's a little-known financial aid program available only for veterans and

their spouses that may offer you or someone you know much needed help.

Aid and Attendance Special Pension program

Passed into law by Congress under the Truman Administration, The Aid and Attendance

(A&A) Special Pension provides additional income for veterans and surviving spouses

who need assistance (or "attendance") with their daily activities. This income is used

to offset the costs of needed care, such as help with eating, bathing, dressing,

escorting to the dining room, taking medications, or going to the toilet.

You can use the financial aid to pay for help in an independent retirement community,

assisted living, adult family home, nursing home or at home (though home care is

more difficult to obtain).

The A&A Pension can provide up to $1,644 per month to a single veteran, $1,056 per

month to a surviving spouse, $1,949 per month to a veteran with a spouse, or $2,540

for two veterans married to each other.

To qualify, a vet must have served at least one day in the military during wartime

(though not necessarily in combat), show financial need, and prove he can't live by

himself. If the veteran has died, a surviving spouse can apply for the benefit. The

disability does not have to be service related.

Three factors make this benefit work better than many other government programs.

One, you don't have to exhaust your assets, like you must before applying for

Medicaid. A vet may keep a portion of his assets to qualify, plus a home, car and

personal possessions.

Second, VA regulations currently allow you to transfer your assets to your children or

others to reduce your net worth in order to qualify (Medicaid has strict limits on asset

transfers).

Third, financial need is usually fairly easy to show when a person

facing tens of thousands of dollars in care each year doesn't have

the income to cover it.

The one significant problem with the A&A benefit is the

application process - it's demanding, involving many documents,

and everything must be submitted to the Veteran Administration

exactly right. Approval usually takes six to nine months (although

benefits are retroactive to the date of application). You can apply

on your own, or work with a professional trained to help you with the process. There is

no fee to apply.

A private, nonprofit organization - Veterans Assistance Association -- operates in six

states, including Washington, to help veterans apply for the Aid & Attendance benefit.

You can find out more at its website by clicking here or by calling Rick Kamenshine at

Senior Assurance Consultants, Inc, its local representative, at 425-275-9555.

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Posting#8 of 10

 

MSNBC Nightly News

Little-known veterans benefit can really help

Hundreds of thousands may be eligible, says Veterans Affairs

 

By Anne Thompson

Chief environmental correspondent

NBC News

Updated: 3:38 p.m. ET Feb 26, 2007

 

DALLAS - At 83, Byrdeen Goldsmith can still harmonize. To look at her, you wouldn't know she has Alzheimer's, but she can't live on her own.  A year ago, her daughter Betty moved Byrdeen into an assisted living facility in Dallas, and got an unexpected assist from the government.

 

"It's thrilling," says Betty about the veterans' benefit that helps her mom. "It's a real blessing. It's just something you didn't expect."

 

Byrdeen's husband, Hubbard, served in World War II, a Navy medic in the invasion of Sicily. Because of that service, Byrdeen gets about $900 a month, one-quarter of the cost of her care. The other $3,000 comes out of Betty and husband Ted's savings each month.

"The financial burden is stressful enough, then you have the emotional stress on top of it," says Betty.

 

It's called the Aid and Attendance benefit, for at home, assisted living, or nursing home care. Facility director Michael Halliburton says it never fails to surprise families.         

"It's shock and awe," he says. "Their eyes light up; their jaws drop. I've had people cry. I've had people hug and kiss me. It can really make the difference as to whether someone can afford the services." But the program is little known. Today, just 143,000 veterans or surviving spouses receive the benefit. The government says hundreds of thousands more could be eligible.

 

"We know that about 36 percent of veterans either didn't know about the program or thought they weren't entitled," says Brad Mayes with Veterans Affairs.

Eligibility is based on need, but you don't have to be impoverished. The formula includes your income, minus medical expenses, and your net worth, excluding your house and car. The benefit is available to veterans who served during wartime and their spouses, if they cannot live on their own.

 

It's a benefit that is now one more part of Betty's father's legacy.

 

"I think he'd be proud of the fact that his service was being honored," says Betty.  Hubbard Goldsmith helped his country then; his country helps his wife now.

 

 

Posting#9 of 10

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2006

 

Secretary Nicholson: VA Reaches Out to Veterans and Spouses

“Aid and Attendance” an Under-Used Benefit

 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to inform wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans about an under-used, special monthly pension benefit called Aid and Attendance.

“Veterans have earned this benefit by their service to our nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.  “We want to ensure that every veteran or surviving spouse who qualifies has the chance to apply.”

Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility.  The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing-homes or assisted-living facilities.

 

 

Posting#10 of 10

 

 

VA Disability Pension

General Information

 

·        What is Aid & Attendance?  Benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature.  It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity.  Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.

 

·        How can these benefits help someone?  Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home, or assisted living facility.  A veteran is eligible for up to $1,644/month, while the surviving spouse of a veteran is eligible for up to $1,056/month.  A married couple, with one veteran is eligible for up to $1,949/month and two married veterans $2,400.

 

·        Who is Eligible?  Any War Veteran with 90 days of active duty, 1 day beginning or ending during a period of War.  A surviving spouse of a War Veteran—marriage must have ended in death.  The individual must qualify both medically and financially.

 

·        How do I qualify for this benefit?  Eligibility must be proven by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation.  This application will require a copy of DD-214 or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from physician, current medical issues, Net worth limitations, and Net Income, along with out of pocket Medical Expenses.  The VA does not allow a Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) or VA benefit recipient to double-dip.  What this means is if the resident is already receiving money from DFAS in the form of retirement or from the VA in the form of disability, the VA will give them the greater benefit of the two.  They will not be allowed to receive both benefits at the same time.

 

·        Example of Determining eligible benefit amount for a War Veteran:

 

Total monthly income (Social Security, pension, etc.)             $2,500.00

Total out-of-pocket facility expenses                                      <$3,000.00>

Total Net Income                                                                     <$   500.00>

     

           Aid & Attendance Monthly Benefit:      

               

                            $1,949.00 (Married Vet)                                                                                             

                     $1,644.00 (Single Vet)                                                                                                 

                                       $1,056.00 (Surviving Spouse)

 

·        How quickly would I receive the benefit?  To actually receive payment from the VA takes approximately 6-9 months.  However, the VA does pay retroactively from the date of application.  An application must be turned in by the third week of the prior month for which you are applying.  For example, if you are applying for April benefits the application must be turned in no later than the third week of March and the VA will start the payment date as of April 1.  The resident is paid directly from the VA.  This program financially assists the resident with paying their monthly rent and care.

 

Disclaimer:  This information is not guaranteed.  It is provided for informational purposes and based on advice from VA representatives.