Very important note: A little known provision of the law, changed in 1980, states that if you are a commissioned officer or an enlisted with prior commissioned service, you must have at least 10 years of commissioned service to retire at your commissioned rank. If you have less than 10 years of commissioned service, and voluntarily retire, you retire at your enlisted rank, and only the highest 36 months of active duty enlisted base pay counts for retirement computation. The Service Secretary can waive this to 8 years. Note: The secretarial waiver authority expired on December 31, 2001.
Can anyone provide the reference(s) in the DOD pay manual, USC Title 10 chapter and section, AR's or other reg(s) that support this statement?
US Senators from Nevada: Harry Reid, John Ensign; US Representatives from Nevada: Dean Heller, Joseph J. Heck, Shelley Berkley; ------------------------------------
VETERANS HOPE CHARITY
PROPOSAL for Pass-Through or Sub-Grant
www.VeteransHopeCharity.org
Veterans Help Veterans, Inc. IRS 501c19 Fiscal Sponsor
Veterans Hope Charity is committed to improving the lives of our American heroes, the Veterans. Through outreach and advocacy, we can make a difference!
Because of the recession many of our veterans have lost their homes, families and the ability to provide for their loved ones. It is our goal to help as many of these disadvantaged veterans as possible.
We are requesting $50,000 for start-up and working capital
From a Pass-through or Sub-Grant
Contact: Bob Martin, Volunteer, Veteran & a Senior 702-347-7040
OUR MISSION:
Veterans Hope Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of our veterans in the community by creating an environment of hope and unity. We promise to work tirelessly to improve conditions for our veterans and others in the community and affect positive changes in their lives. We affirm the importance of working together to find solutions. Veterans Hope Charity will not profit from our endeavors. We believe in fairness for all. Veterans Hope Charity will not waiver in the conviction to create a better community for our veterans and also other disadvantaged seniors.
To provide our American heroes the honor, pride and dignity they have earned, our mission is to provide our American Veterans the pride and dignity they have earned when the final bugle sounds. The VA only pays $300 (only, if they qualify), but cremation today cost $1000 and an average funeral cost $6000, and also other disadvantaged seniors during this difficult recession. SSI only pays $255.
A bit like apples and oranges, Burial Life Insurance and Final Expense Life Insurance are the same but a bit different. They are basically designed to do the same job, not leave your loved ones with the expensive burden of paying for your burial expenses, but often people need a little more than that. Let’s look at the differences:
Burial Life Insurance is what most people look for when they are concerned about being a financial burden on their loved ones and want to leave enough money to pay for all of their funeral expenses. These are usually low cost policies which are only designed to leave sufficient funds to pay all funeral costs. $4,390 Minimum
Final Expense Life Insurance is designed to do the same thing, but a little bit more so. This is generally needed to cover not only the funeral expenses, but also any other outstanding debts which may be left behind. This can include mortgages, car payments, medical expenses and anything else.
The most important thing is to make sure that whether you go for Burial Life Insurance or Final Expense Life Insurance, there is enough money left behind for your family to sort out all of your estate. It’s bad enough losing a loved one without finding yourself in financial difficulty because of it.
VA DEATH BENEFITS
Veterans buried in a private cemetery may be eligible to receive a partial reimbursement for their burial costs. For non-service related deaths, a burial expense allowance (up to $300) and a plot allowance (up to $300) may be given. In order to receive a VA burial allowance you must meet the following conditions:
Payment for the veteran’s burial was made without any reimbursement from a government agency or other source, and
The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
The veteran died because of service-related disability, or
The veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation, or
The veteran died in a VA hospital or nursing home under VA contract.
In order to determine the final reimbursement amount, an “Application for Burial Benefits” (VA Form 21-530) must be submitted within two years from the date of the veteran’s permanent burial.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits do not cover all the funeral or cremation arrangements of honorably discharged veterans.
There are certain monetary, recognition and service benefits that may be available. $300 However, reimbursement for funeral or cremation service expenses is limited, and usually only applies to veterans who:
Retire from the Armed Services, or
Were disabled due to a service-related injury, or
Died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract
Standard guidelines are provided as an overview, but only the VA can rule on your exact benefits.
Many military veterans assume they get much more in the way of death benefits than is actually the case. Most often, they get a burial plot in a federal cemetery and this is the extent of the benefits they’re offered. The service, flag case, coffin, vault and other expenses are not covered and fall upon the family as a financial burden. There are ways that veterans can make sure that their families don’t end up footing the entire bill for the funeral.
In most cases, the cost of a veteran’s funeral will be much more expensive than the average funeral. Ten thousand dollars is not an astronomical sum for a regular funeral. It’s not uncommon for a veteran’s funeral expenses to reach $20,000. This means that the family will need financial resources to pay for it and this is where a good burial insurance policy comes in.
SOCIAL SECURITY (SSI) DEATH BENEFITS
Social Security should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. In most cases, the funeral director will report the person's death to Social Security. You will need to furnish the funeral director with the deceased's Social Security number so he or she can make the report.
A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased; or, if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death.
Payment after death If you have enough credits, a one-time payment of $255 also will be made after your death. This benefit may be paid to your spouse or minor children if they meet certain requirements.
TARGET MARKET
Seniors, 63+ years old 15% of the U.S. population is over 40 Million.in 2011. It is estimated that 65+ net worth is down 15%; financial assets are down 80%.15% are living in poverty. VETERANS they deserve to go out with pride and dignity, also other disadvantaged seniors.
In the Vegas Valley there are over 50,000 Vets 15% are disadvantaged (living in poverty) 5,000 minimum are 65 year old or older (BABY BOOMERS)
GROWTH TRENDS
This eight year old industry grew from Viaticals Business, which exploded in the 1990’s with AIDS patients and other terminally ill people. From 2001 to 2005, about $10 Billion dollars’ worth of Life Insurance settlements were transacted. By 2008, that amount had doubled. Over the next decade, as the rank of Baby Boomers swell, experts predict that Life Settlement deals will top $160 Billion.
MARKET PROFILE
After Wall Street gambled with pools of “sub-prime” mortgages that blew up and created the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, now Wall Street has created thenext big exotic investment. Our new business:Life Insurance Backed Assets
VISION
With the economy in crisis, now is a favorable time to get started. THIS IS TRULY A GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY!!!
MARKETING PLAN and STRATEGY
To market to disadvantaged veterans and other seniors, you have to go where they go; senior centers, veteran centers, retirement’s centers, goodwill, Salvation Army,
We have formed a Non-Profit Corporation in 2010. SENIOR MOMENTS with dba’s VeteransHopeCharity and SENIORBOOST
Using Veterans Help Veterans 501c19 approved Tax-Exempt Status. We help the disadvantaged veterans in many different ways, including arranging Burial/Final Expense Insurance for disadvantaged VETERANS ages 63-75. they deserve to go out with pride and dignity, and also other disadvantaged seniors.
Pending application for tax-exempt IRS 501(c) 8 not-for-profit fraternal organization. A 501(c) 8 organization is defined by the Internal Revenue Service as a; Fraternal beneficiary society, order or association operated under the lodge system or for the exclusive benefit of the members of a fraternal beneficiary society, order or association operating under the lodge system which provides for the payment of life, burial, final expense or other benefits to the members of such society, order or association.
BUDGET
Salaries $1,000 Director, all other are Volunteers
Rent $1,500
Van/car/ Ins.& gas $1,000
Utilities $500
Phones/Cell $500
Equipment $250
Premiums on Vet. Ins $2,000
“Learn from yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow” ---Albert Einstein
Contact: Bob Martins, Volunteer, Veteran, & a Senior 702-347-7040
e-mail: info@veteranshopecharity.Org
Web-Site: www.veteranshopecharity
God Provides Food bank is hosting October 23rd and 24th (Saturday and Sunday) The Native American Veteran Cutural Event and gathering at Whittier Narrows Park off the 60 freeway Rosemead Exit. This event will be at no charge to attend and promise to bring alot of information about native american history and art. Muliti tribal support and should be an event to calendar for the month of October.
in response to Sacramento...I was directed to this page because my wife, 6 month old daughter and i are in need of some assistance. I am on unemployment but my claim will be over in a couple of months and I am only making $686.00 every 2 weeks on it.
The Oklahoma War Veterans Commission recognized the need for a program to provide financial aid to veterans, their wives, widows, and children who are experiencing an emergency. Such must be due to an interruption or loss of job and income resulting from illness, injury or disaster such as loss of home due to fire, flood or storm. Unemployment not resulting from the above cannot be considered for one-time emergency aid and not as recurring source of income. Financial aid grants are available to eligible war veterans discharged under honorable conditions, who meet the one year residency requirement and who:
•Meets the definition of a war veteran as defined in Oklahoma Statutes 2001, Title 72, Section 67.13A.
•Has ninety (90) days of actual wartime service, in the Armed Forces for the United States during the period of a time in which the United States participated in a war, campaign or battle, but excluding any person who shall have served on active duty for training only, unless discharged from active duty for service connected disability falling within these dates:
WWII from 12/7/41 to 12/31/46.
3. Korean Conflict from 6/27/50 to1/31/55.
4. Vietnam Era from 8/5/64 to 5/7/75 (2/28/61 for Veterans who served "in country" before 8/5/64).
5. Persian Gulf war from 8/1/90 through future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation.
Note: Proof of service is required.
•One (1) year residence in the State of Oklahoma immediately prior to date of application for financial aid.
•Other than death cases, a recent medical statement showing the veteran's inability to work is required for emergencies. Involving disasters such as fire, flood or storm damage to a home we request a statement from the investigating agency concerning disaster claims.
•The widow or minor child's eligibility is based on the veteran's wartime service; however, on child welfare, the guardian or custodian of the child must have one (1) year residence as required item number 3.
General Application Policies and Procedures
•Application for aid available through the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs must originate at the local post or chapter level of the veterans service organizations.
•Application will be completed by a Post Service Officer according to instructions and forwarded to the Muskogee Claims Officer for adjudication.
•Application should be accompanied by a copy of the veteran's discharge which will remain as a permanent record.
•Upon approval of a claim for emergency aid, a warrant will be mailed to the Post Service Officer, who will supervise the proper use of grant funds and maintain accurate and complete records of expenditures of each warrant received and return receipts to the Muskogee Claims Office.
•Financial Assistance funds are to be used ONLY for the actual necessities of FOOD, RENT and UTILITIES for veterans and their dependents. The funds cannot be used for old debts, doctor or hospital bills, car payment, etc.
Physical Address:
Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
Eligibility
You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:
A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
A servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective December 23, 2006.
Period of Eligibility
If you are a son or daughter and wish to receive benefits for attending school or job training, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain instances, it is possible to begin before age 18 and to continue after age 26. Marriage is not a bar to this benefit. If you are in the Armed Forces, you may not receive this benefit while on active duty. To pursue training after military service, your discharge must not be under dishonorable conditions. VA can extend your period of eligibility by the number of months and days equal to the time spent on active duty. This extension cannot generally go beyond your 31st birthday, there are some exceptions.
If you are a spouse, benefits end 10 years from the date VA finds you eligible or from the date of death of the veteran. If the VA rated the veteran permanently and totally disabled with an effective date of 3 years from discharge a spouse will remain eligible for 20 years from the effective date of the rating. This change is effective October 10, 2008 and no benefits may be paid for any training taken prior to that date.
For surviving spouses (spouses of servicemembers who died on active duty) benefits end 20 years from the date of death.
How to Apply
You should make sure that your selected program is approved for VA training. If you are not clear on this point, VA will inform you and the school or company about the requirements.
Obtain and complete VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance. Send it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the State where you will train. If you are a son or daughter, under legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
If you have started training, take your application to your school or employer. Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send both forms to VA.
VA Disability CompensationDisability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free. Learn more here.
Social Security and Wounded Warriors
Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Learn More here.
Military Service and Social Security
Earnings for active duty military service or active duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Learn more here.
Life Insurance
Honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for insurance.
Veteran Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family.
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans and family members who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. All services are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. There are four Vet Centers serving Oregon in Salem, Portland, Grants Pass, and Eugene.
EDUCATION
GI Bill
VA administers the following education benefit programs, please click on the program name for more information. Call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (442-4551), or 1-800-827-1000 to contact the nearest VA Regional Office.
Allows federal agencies to appoint eligible veterans to jobs without competition. These appointments can be converted to career or career-conditional positions after two years of satisfactory work. Veterans should apply directly to the agency where they wish to work. http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei4.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VR&E Program
Education and Employment program for veterans with 20% or higher service-connected disability. For more information: Vocational Rehabilitation or call 1-800-827-1000
U.S. Small Business Administration
The Office of Veterans Business Development's mission is to maximize the availability, applicability and usability of all administration small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their Dependents or Survivors. Learn more here.
My Health-e-Vet
My HealtheVet is VA’s award–winning e–health website, which offers Veterans, active duty soldiers, their dependents and caregivers anywhere, anytime Internet access to VA health care information and services. Launched nationwide in 2003, My HealtheVet is a free, online Personal Health Record that empowers Veterans to become informed partners in their health care. See More Here. Health Care Eligibility & Enrollment
The fastest and easiest way to apply for enrollment and health benefits is online.
Dental Benefits
Dental benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) according to law. In some instances, VA is authorized to provide extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment may be limited. This Fact Sheet describes dental eligibility criteria and contains information to assist Veterans in understanding their eligibility for VA dental care. See More Here.
Loans for Farms and Homes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans and guarantees to buy, improve or operate farms. Learn more here.Veteran HomelessnessThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking decisive action to end Veteran homelessness in five years. All Veterans at risk for homelessness or attempting to exit homelessness must have easy access to programs and services. VA offers a variety of resources, programs, and benefits which are detailed through this link. More Information Here.
The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant
The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant program is available to veterans and servicemembers who have been rated eligible for the Specially Adapted Housing section 2101 (a) (SAH) or the Special Home Adaptation section 2101(b) (SHA) grant on a one time basis. More Information Here.
TRANSPORTATION
Travel Reimbursement
VA reimburses 41.5 cents per mile for veteran travel. VA has authority to provide eligible beneficiaries reimbursement for mileage, special mode of transportation (when medically justified by a VA health care provider), and in certain circumstances, taxi or hired car. Beneficiary Travel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Transportation to VA Medical Appointments The DAV Transportation Network provides veterans with a ride to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. The Transportation Network is administered nationwide by DAV Hospital Service Coordinators (HSCs) at the VA’s 172 medical centers, including Oregon. Contact the VA facility DAV Coordinator
Legislative Act No. 173, Regular Session 1945, approved June 23, 1945, created the State Department of Veterans Affairs of Alabama, to function under a State Board of Veterans Affairs. Operation of the Department began officially on October 1, 1945, as provided in the Act.
The State Board of Veterans Affairs consists of the Governor, as Chairman, and representatives from veterans organizations in Alabama, namely: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Veterans, Veterans of World I of the USA, Inc., American Ex-Prisoners of War, Inc. and Vietnam Veterans of America. Any other veterans organization having a national charter authorized by an Act of Congress and operating through local organizations in Alabama may be represented on the Board, the number of representatives being determined on a basis of membership of each veterans organization. Personnel of the Department consists of a State Service Commissioner (Director), Assistant State Service Commissioners as the State Board deems necessary; County Veterans Service Officers and Veterans Affairs Assistants in all of the 67 counties of Alabama; Veterans Service Officers assigned to the four U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers; Claims Representatives; clerical and stenographic employees.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Headquarters Office is located in the RSA Plaza Building, Suite 530, 770 Washington Avenue in Montgomery. The mailing address is Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 1509, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1509. The offices of our County Veterans Affairs Officers are located in the local courthouse or in the immediate vicinity. The County Veterans Service Officers and Veterans Affairs Assistants also perform itinerant service within the counties.
The State Department of Veterans Affairs, acting through the Director, is the designated agency of the State of Alabama to represent the State and its veterans before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly the Veterans Administration), or any other agency dealing with the interests of the veteran. The Director, with the approval of the State Board, is empowered to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states under which veteran who are residents of such the states may be rendered service in the State of Alabama.
It is the duty and purpose of the Department to fully develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide veterans' assistance program; to assist the veteran and his dependents in all their problems and to inform them of all their rights and entitlements under "veterans" laws. It is the duty of the Director to cooperate with all other departments of the State of Alabama in coordinating plans and programs of state agencies which affect veterans and their dependents. Included in such other departments are Military, Education, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Planning Board, Board of Health, Personnel Board and any other state agencies which might furnish services to veterans. The Department, through its Director, provides a central contact between federal agencies dealing with the problems of veterans, such as: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. State Department, Social Security Administration, Selective Service and other government agencies on one hand, and the said state agencies on the other. It is the duty of the State Service Commissioner (Director), Assistant State Service Commissioners, County Veterans Service Officers and Veterans Affairs Assistants to inform members of the armed forces, veterans, and their dependents of all federal, state and local laws enacted for their benefit. To aid all residents of the State of Alabama who served in the armed forces of the United States, their relatives, beneficiaries and dependents to receive from the United States and the State of Alabama any and all compensation, pension, hospitalization, insurance, educational, employment pay and gratuity, loan guarantee or any other aid or benefit to which they may be entitled under existing laws and laws to be enacted. Veterans in Alabama have the advantage of being in position to personally contact and receive service from the Veterans Service Officer or Veterans Affairs Assistants of the Department in the veteran's home county.
There is no charge to any individual for any service performed by the Alabama State Department of Veterans Affairs.
Under Act No. 302, General Acts, 1947, the Department with the approval of the State Board of Veterans Affairs, may contract with any veterans organization which has maintained regularly for a period of five years next preceding the date of such contract an established committee or agency to render certain services to veterans and their dependents and be reimbursed therefor. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 31-5-5)
Exemption is provided from ad valorem taxation of the home of any person who is totally disabled or who is 65 years of age or older, and who had a net annual income of $7,500.00 or less for income tax purposes for the last preceding year. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-9-21)
The home of any veteran which is or was acquired by him pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 702, 80th Congress (specially adapted housing grant) as amended by (38 USC) regardless of its value shall be exempt as long as the same is owned and occupied as a home by the veteran or his un-remarried widow. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-9-20)
Any disabled veteran of WW II or of any hostilities in which the United States was, is or shall be engaged against any foreign state who owns an automobile which has been, is or shall hereafter be all or partly paid for with funds furnished for such purposes by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), under the authority of any act of the Congress of the United States is entitled to exemptions from all license fees and ad valorem taxes on such motor vehicle provided the veteran keeps the vehicle only for private use. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-12-254)
All property owned by the American Legion or by Veterans of Foreign Wars or by the Disabled American Veterans, or any post thereof; provided, that such property is used and occupied exclusively by their organization. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-9-1(4)
Any veteran resident requiring special mechanical control devices to operate a vehicle because of service-connected disabilities; or a veteran whose service-connection exceed 50%, may be entitled to a special license plate for all vehicles owned by the veteran (solely or jointly). A tag fee must be paid, plus ad valorem taxes. The tag shall not be transferable. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 32-6-130 as amended)
Service-connected disabled veterans, any active or retired member of the Alabama National Guard or any resident of Alabama at the time of entering the United States armed forces reserve organization who are still residents of Alabama at the time the exemption is claimed, shall be exempt from the operation of the privilege or license tax and registration fee now and hereinafter to be levied on automobiles and motor vehicles by the State of Alabama. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-12-244)
Any person who was a member of the United States armed forces on December 7, 1941, was on station or offshore at a distance not to exceed three miles, during the attack on the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces may be issued a distinctive motor vehicle license tag identifying said persons as Pearl Harbor Survivors upon the payment of the regular fee and the additional payment of $3.00 for each plate issued. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 32-6-310) RECIPIENTS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR OR PURPLE HEART MEDALS AND FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR
A distinctive permanent license plate shall be issued to any resident of the state who is a recipient of the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart Medal or who is a duly recognized American prisoner of war, or who is an American who was a duly recognized prisoner of war while serving with a formal American ally force, for use on a private motor vehicle registered in the recipient's name. There shall be no fee or tax except Purple Heart Medal recipients shall pay ad valorem taxes and no recipient shall receive a plate for more than one vehicle. The recipient may keep the tag for life and does not need to re-register each year. Upon the death, the surviving spouse shall be entitled to retain the tag, at no fee or tax except the surviving spouse of Purple Heart Medal recipients shall pay ad valorem taxes due for one private motor vehicle owned by the surviving spouse for the remainder of the said spouse's lifetime or until remarriage. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 32-6-250 as amended) RETIRED MILITARY
Those persons who are non-disability retirees from active duty in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard of the United States may be issued distinctive motor vehicle tags identifying these persons with such retirement. Retirees are entitled to a distinctive tag for each vehicle registered in their name and must pay regular license fee and the additional payment of $3.00 for each tag issued. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 32-6-290 thru 295)
The commemorative tags for Atomic Veterans NUKED are for veterans of the U.S. armed forces exposed to dangerous levels of radiation due to atomic bomb and weapons testing from 1946 to 1962, the Veteran Tag Program for Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, WW II veterans, veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, and Veterans of Desert Shield/Storm. This commemorative tag fee shall have an annual fee of $3.00 plus the normal tag and issuance fee and ad valorem taxes.
An applicant for an Atomic Veterans NUKED or for any other veteran tag shall be a veteran of the appropriate conflict or otherwise qualified for a veteran tag and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs shall certify that the veteran is eligible for the appropriate veteran commemorative tag. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 32-6-150 as amended)
Members of the armed forces of the United States and their dependents may register and receive an absentee ballot for voting in the county of their Alabama permanent address by completing the federal postcard application form, "Federal Post Card Registration and Absentee Ballot Request" (Standard Form 76). This form may be obtained from the military unit's voting officer. The completed form should be mailed to the Board of Registrars in the county of his/her Alabama permanent address. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 17-10-3)
A gratuity in the amount of $500.00 shall be paid to any person who entered the armed services while a bona fide resident of the state of Alabama and who was imprisoned as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia. If the person qualified for the payment of this bonus died while a prisoner, the gratuity shall be paid to the next of kin. All applications for bonus or gratuity payments must be made to the State Department of Veterans Affairs. No payment shall be made except on applications duly received and approved by the said agency. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 31-7-1 thru 5) BUSINESS AND OCCUPATION LICENSE EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Any bona fide permanent resident of Alabama who is a veteran of the Spanish American War, WW I, WW II or at any time past, present or future, when the United States was, is or shall be engaged in hostilities with any foreign state and who has physical disabilities of 25% or more whether service-connected or not, who conducts their business as a means of livelihood through their personal efforts and has no more than one employee and whose property (both real and personal) is valued at less than $5,000.00 and net income is less than $2,500.00 is entitled to businesses and occupations license exemptions of $25.00 for each state, county and municipality. There is not a deadline on these exemptions. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-12-340 thru 352) BUSINESS AND OCCUPATION LICENSE EXEMPTIONS FOR VETERANS OF WW II
Alabama veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States between September 16, 1940 and the termination of WW II or at any subsequent time when the United States was, is or shall be engaged in hostilities with any foreign state are entitled to exceptions on business of occupation license of $35.00 for each the state, county and municipality for a period, as to WW II veterans, or six years from July 24, 1953, or six years after date of discharge from military service, whichever is later. Post Korean veterans (Vietnam) have for a period of six years from January 1, 1964 until May 7, 1975, or six years after date of discharge, whichever is later. Such veterans whose property is valued at $7,000.00 or more, or whose net annual income is $3,000.00 or more, is limited to $15.00 exemptions from the state, county and municipality. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-12-370 thru 377)
Whenever it appears that an incompetent veteran of any war, military occupation or expedition is eligible for treatment in a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is necessary for the proper care and treatment of such veteran, the courts of this state are hereby authorized to communicate with the administration with reference to available facilities and eligibility and, upon receipt of a certificate from the administration stating that there are facilities available in a VA Medical Center is entitled to hospitalization therein, the court may then direct such veteran's commitment to such hospital. Notice of such pending proceedings shall be furnished the person so committed, and his right to appear and defend shall not be denied. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 26-9-13) EXECUTIVE, ATTESTATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT CERTIFICATION
Acknowledgments, proof of conveyance and affidavits may be taken by certain government, state or municipal officials or by any commissioned officer of any of the armed forces of the United States, within or outside the limits of the United States, and when such acknowledgment is taken by the latter, no seal of office is required and the signature of such commissioned officer is prima facie proof of his authority, and is retroactive as of December 7, 1941. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 35-4-26)
All debts or extensions of credit incurred pursuant to any provision of the act of Congress known as the National Housing Act, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended or supplemented, and all debts or extensions of credit incurred pursuant to any act of Congress relating to veterans' benefits, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended or supplemented, are exempt from any law of this state relating to usury or prescribing or limiting interest rates. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 8-8-6)
Any fiduciary engaged in war service may be removed from this office as such upon petition filed in the proper court having jurisdiction and again serve as such fiduciary at any time after the termination of their war service upon petition of the court. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 19-2-2)
Any person who is totally disabled and who has been a bona fide resident of this state for not less than six months preceding the date of application may, upon the payment of a license fee of $1.00, procure a special annual fishing license.
DISABLED MILITARY VETERAN'S APPRECIATION FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE (Resident): Allows a discounted fishing license for an Alabama resident to fish the freshwaters of Alabama. The veteran must be certified by the U.S. Veterans Administration to be 20% or more disabled. The veteran is required to present certification of the disability from the U.S. Veterans Administration. The discounted license can be issued at an Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office, Probate Office, or License Commissioner. Code of Alabama 1975, Section 9-11-54) For an Alabama Resident Disabled Military Veteran's Appreciation Freshwater Fishing License application form - click here.
No corporate franchise shall be forfeited for non-use, if any of the managing officers of such corporation become engaged in military service of the United States and as a result thereof the corporation suspends operations, if the corporation has paid all its franchise and other taxes to the State. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 10-2-211)
The Uniform Veterans' Guardianship Act provides for the appointment of a guardian for veterans and their minor dependents who are mentally or physically incapacitated. This Act outlines the appointment process, duties, responsibilities, limits, taxing of costs and fees of guardianship. The control and accountability of the beneficiary's estate and income include only moneys received by the guardian from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and all earnings, interest and profits derived. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 26-9-1)
County and municipal officials who enter the military or naval service at a time when a state of national emergency has been declared to exist by the President of the United States, have preservation of job status and reemployment rights. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-8-1 thru 6)
Any teacher entering the military service of the United States, who is not on continuing service status but who has accumulated one or more years of teaching experience immediately prior to entering military service, shall be given credit for such experience if such teacher is reimposed within one year after release from military service. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 16-24-13)
Retirement benefits rights of state employees and teachers who enter the armed forces and return to state employment after discharge are preserved. A member who enter the armed services and does not withdraw contributions, and who returns to said employment within one year after being honorably discharged, may be granted credit for military service up to four years, provided the employee pays an amount equal to four percent of the average compensation paid to a state employee during each claimed year of full-time military service, plus and together there with eight percent interest compounded from the last date of such claimed military service. The contributions must be made within a period of time equal to the length of service in the armed forces or before attainment of age 60, or in the case of a state policeman, age 56, whichever occurs first. No credit for military service shall be granted if such member is receiving military service retirement benefits. (Code of Alabama, Section 36-27-4 & 16-25-3)
Money paid by the United States to a person as compensation for active service as a member of the armed forces of the United States in a combat zone designed by executive order of the President of the United States shall not be subject to income taxes levied by the State of Alabama for the calendar year 1965 or any subsequent year. (Code of Alabama 1974, Section 40-18-3)
All officers and employees of the State of Alabama, or of any county, municipality, or other agency or political subdivision thereof, who shall be active members of the Alabama National Guard or naval militia, or of the Officers' Reserve Corps of the United States Army, or of the reserve components of the United Stated armed forces, shall be entitled to military or naval leave of absence from their respective civil duties and occupations on all days that they shall be engaged in field or coast defense or other training or on other service ordered under the provision of the below cited statute, or of the National Defense Act, or of the federal laws governing the United States reserves, without loss of pay, time, efficiency rating, annual vacation, or sick leave, but no such person granted such leave of absence with pay shall be paid for more than 21 working days at any one time. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 31-2-13)
Effective January 1, 1989, and for all successive tax years, all retirement or compensation received as retirement benefits by any person retired from the military service of the United States of America and survivor benefits derived therefrom is hereby exempt from any state, county or municipal income tax or like tax whatever name called. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-18-19 as amended) NOTICE OF ARMED FORCES DEATH
A written notice or communication from the Department of Defense, the Adjutant General of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy or other officer charged with the duty of sending such notice or communication to the effect that any person in the armed forces of our country, or serving as auxiliary thereto, is dead shall be accepted as evidence of the death of such person. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 12-91-90)
An official written report or record or duly certified copy thereof, that a person is missing, missing in action, interned in a neutral country, or beleaguered, besieged or captured by an enemy or is dead or is alive, made by any officer or employee of the United States authorized by any law of the United States to make same, shall be received in any court, office or other place in this State as evidence as to the status of the person. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 12-21-91)
Any peace officer who becomes a member of the fund and who left employment and entered directly into the armed forces of the United States and who returned to work as a peace office within six months after release or discharge shall receive prior employment service credit for service in the military not to exceed five years. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-21-69)
All persons who have been honorably discharged from the United States armed forces at any time shall have five points added to any earned ratings in examination for entrance to the state classified service. Those honorably discharged veterans with the present existence of a service-connected disability and entitled to pension, compensation or disability allowance under existing laws shall have 10 points added to any earned ratings. Wives and widows of certain disabled or deceased veterans may have the 10 point preference extended to them and added to any earned ratings. (Code of Alabama, Section 36-26-15) PUBLIC RECORDS
One copy of any public record (birth or marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) is furnished free of charge when required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be used in determining the eligibility of any person to participate in benefits made available by their federal agency. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 26-9-12) RECORDING OF DISCHARGES
Honorable discharges and certificates of honorable service are recorded free of charge by probate judges. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 31-1-1) UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
A person who served in the armed forces of the United States and who is unemployed may be entitled to unemployment compensation based on their honorable military or naval service. Contact the nearest State Employment Compensation Claims Office. Pension or disability payments provided by the United States to the individuals who have completed the period of military service may disqualify such individual from receiving unemployment compensation. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 25-4-78) VALIDATION OF MARRIAGE OF DIVORCED PERSONS
Marriages of all persons subsequent to a divorce decree granted in the State and not prohibiting the person from remarrying, are declared to be valid, notwithstanding that the decree of divorce did not specifically confer on such person the right to remarry. Many claims for pension and compensation against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been made effective by this law. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 30-2-9)
The will of a person, executed while in the armed forces, is admitted to probate when subscribing witness or witnesses are out of the state at the time the will is offered for probate; or when places of address of witnesses are unknown, upon oath of at least three persons that the signature to said will is in the handwriting of the person whose will it intends to be. Such will is acceptable when so proved. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 43-8-167)
This program is administered by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and is governed by the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 31-6-1. The veteran must meet the following qualifications to establish eligibility of his/her dependents:
Military Service: The veteran must have honorably served at least 90 or more days of continuous active federal military service or honorably discharged by reason of service-connected disability after serving less than 90 days.
The ADVA will recognize the following periods of wartime service:
April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918 (World War I)
December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946 (World War II)
The veteran must be rated 20% or more due to service-connected disabilities or have held the qualifying rating at the time of death or
be a former prisoner of war (POW) or
declared missing in action (MIA) or
died as the result of a service-connected disability or
died while on active military service in the line of duty.
Residency Requirements: The veteran must have been a permanent civilian resident of the State of Alabama for at least one year immediately prior to (a) the initial entry into active military service or (b) any subsequent period of military service in which a break in service occurred and the Alabama civilian residency was established.
Permanently service-connected veterans rated at 100% may qualify after establishing at least five years of permanent residency in Alabama prior to filing of an application or immediately prior to death, if deceased.
Dependent: Child, stepchild, spouse or un-remarried widow(er).
Entitlement: Five standard academic years or part-time equivalent at any Alabama state-supported institution of higher learning or a prescribed course of study at any Alabama state-supported technical school without payment of any tuition, required textbooks or laboratory fees.
Exception: A spouse or un-remarried widow(er) of a veteran who is rated 20 - 90% due to service-connected disabilities are only entitled to three standard academic years without payment of tuition, required textbooks and laboratory fees or a prescribed technical course not to exceed 18 months of training.
Widow(er) forfeits benefits upon remarriage. Spouse forfeits benefits upon divorce from veteran in which the spouse derived their eligibility. These entitlements may be applied at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Age Deadline: The child or stepchild must initiate training prior to their 26th birthday. Age 30 deadline may apply in certain situations.
There is no age deadline for submission of the application by the spouse or un-remarried widow(er).
Application Assistance: Our Veterans Service Officers maintain an office in each county of the State. They can furnish information and assist in filing your application. Their office is located in the county courthouse or in the immediate vicinity. You may received additional information by writing: Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 1509, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1509.
A. Homestead Tax: Certain disabled veterans and certain widows/widowers, or minor children are allowed the maximum amount which may be granted under Section 2102 of Title 38 of the United States Code. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 48-5-48 here).
B. Sales Tax on Vehicles: A disabled veteran who receives a VA grant for the purchase and special adapting of a vehicle is exempt from paying the state sales tax on the vehicle (only on the original grant). (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 48-8-3 here).
C. Ad Valorem Tax on Vehicles: Exempt are veterans who are verified by VA to be 100 percent totally and permanently service-connected disabled and veterans who are receiving or who are entitled to receive statutory awards from VA for: (1) loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet; (2) loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; (3) loss of sight in one or both eyes; or (4) permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a prescribed degree. Exemption is granted on the vehicle the veteran owns or leases and upon which the free Handicapped Veterans (HV) Motor Vehicle license plate is attached. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-2-69 here).
D. State Income Tax: The period of time military personnel served on active duty as members of the armed forces of the United States in combat activities during a period designated by the President plus the next 180 days thereafter are disregarded in determining whether any filing requirement has been performed within the time limit prescribed for filing. For individuals who are hospitalized as a result of an injury or confined as a prisoner-of-war, the period of service in the combat zone, plus the period of confinement and the next 180 days there after shall be disregarded in determining whether any filing requirement has been performed within the time limit prescribed for filing. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 48-7-36 here).
A. Certificate of Exemption: Disabled veterans are exempt from payment of occupational taxes, administration fees, and regulatory fees imposed by local governments for peddling, conducting a business, or practicing a profession or semi profession upon meeting the following eligibility requirements: (1) be discharged under honorable conditions from the armed forces of the United States; (2) have 10 percent disability for certain wartime veterans or a 25 percent service-connected disability for peace time-only veterans; and (3) have an income that is not liable for state income taxes.
B. Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Any veteran who is a legal resident of Georgia, who files with the Game and Fish Division, Department of Natural Resources a letter from VA or a certificate from the Social Security Administration, Medicaid, Medicare, Railroad Retirement System or a unit of federal, state or local government recognized by the Board of Natural Resources by rule or regulation stating that he/she is a totally and permanently disabled veteran, is entitled to a lifetime honorary hunting and fishing license allowing the veteran to fish and hunt within the state without the payment of any fee. Persons who are at least 65 years old or who are rated totally blind also qualify. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 27-2-4 here).
C. Veterans Drivers' Licenses: Issued free to veterans who were residents of Georgia at the time of enlistment or commissioning and are residents at the time of application for the license or who have been residents of Georgia for at least two years immediately preceding the date of application for the license. Individuals must have served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or on active duty in a reserve component, including the National Guard, during wartime or any conflict when personnel were committed by the President, except for periodic transfer from reserve status to active duty status for training purposes, and who were discharged or separated under honorable conditions. The individual need not have been assigned to a unit or division which directly participated in such war or conflict. Additionally, any member or former member of the National Guard or reserve forces who has 20 or more years creditable service is entitled to a free driver's license. Veterans must obtain certification from SDVS in order to obtain a free license. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-5-36 here).
D. Honorary Driver's License: Issued free to: (1) any Georgia resident who is the surviving spouse of a veteran who was eligible for a veteran's license, so long as the surviving spouse does not remarry; or (2) any resident of Georgia who is the spouse of a veteran who would qualify for a veteran's license were it not for the veteran's permanent disabilities which preclude the operation of a motor vehicle.
E. Medal of Honor Tags: Special license plates are issued free to a veteran who is a legal resident of Georgia and who is a Medal of Honor recipient. Two distinctive license plates will be issued to be placed on the front and rear of the motor vehicle owned/leased by the Medal of Honor recipient. * (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-5-36 here).
F. DV Tags, Free (Automobile/Motorcycle): Provided free of charge to: (1) any veteran who was separated under honorable conditions and who served on active duty in the armed forces or on active duty in a reserve component, including the National Guard, and who is receiving or entitled to receive a statutory award from VA for (a) loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet; (b) loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; (c) loss of sight in one or both eyes; or (d) permanent impairment of both eyes to the extent that there is central visual acuity of 20/200 if there is a field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the better eye; or (2) any veteran separated under honorable conditions and verified by VA as receiving or entitled to receive compensation at the 100 percent service connected rate as a result of being totally disabled permanently or totally disabled non-permanently. Georgia law allows a disabled veteran to obtain only one free license plate. It can be placed on either a leased or owned vehicle. * (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-2-69 here).
G. DV Tags, Paid: Disabled veteran tags are available to veterans who were separated under honorable conditions and who meet the same degree of disability which is required for the issuance of DV tags, but are unable to qualify for a free license plate. DV tags are not issued free but may be purchased at special license plate rates. Ad valorem taxes are required to be paid on these license plates. * (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-2-73 here).
H. Purple Heart Tags: Recipients of the Purple Heart medal are entitled to one free license plate. It can be placed on an owned or leased vehicle. Additional tag(s) can be obtained by paying the regular license fees plus a manufacturing fee. * (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-2-84 here).
I. POW Tags: One free license plate will be issued free to any veteran who is a former prisoner-of-war, who was discharged under honorable conditions, and who is a legal resident of Georgia. Former prisoners-of-war are exempt from paying ad valorem taxes for state, county, municipal, and school purposes on the vehicle on which they place the free POW license plate. Additional plates may be purchased upon payment of the appropriate taxes and registration fees. The free tag can be issued to any vehicle owned by the recipient. If the vehicle is leased, ad valorem taxes will have to be paid. * (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-2-70 here).
J. Pearl Harbor Tags: Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor are eligible to receive a special and distinctive vehicle license plate upon application and payment of an additional fee. Ad valorem taxes are required to be paid on these license plates. * (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-2-85 here).
K. ID Cards: Personal identification cards are available to veterans who do not have a motor vehicle driver’s license and who would, otherwise, be entitled to issuance of a free veteran’s driver’s license. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-5-103 here).
L. Reduced Fees for Disabled Veterans: Any service connected disabled veteran who was discharged under honorable conditions can visit/use state parks, historical sites, and recreational areas at reduced rates after receiving a certificate from SDVS. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 12-3-9.1 here).
M. Veterans License Plates: Retired personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces or individuals who served during WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom are eligible to purchase special and distinctive vehicle license plates. All requests must be accompanied by payment of the appropriate taxes, registration fees and manufacturing fees. Motor vehicle owners who retired from active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States shall be issued one free tag upon application. Ad valorem taxes are required to be paid on these license plates. Appropriate documentation of military service must be presented. * (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 40-2-85.1 here. See examples of these plates, and learn how to apply, here).
Special Provisions:
A. Handicapped Parking: Holders of DV license tags are authorized to park their vehicles displaying such tags in parking areas designated for the handicapped without obtaining special handicapped parking area permits.
B. Motor Fuel Service to Handicapped: When there is an option on the price of fuel at a full-service/self-service facility, a station employee, upon request will dispense fuel at the lower price from the self-service pump into vehicles bearing DV license tags if: (1) the handicapped/disabled veteran is driving the vehicle into which fuel is to be dispensed; and (2) the veteran is not accompanied by a person at least 16 years of age who is not blind or has impaired mobility. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 10-1-164.1 here).
C. Abatement of State Income Taxes: Georgia law provides that service personnel who die as a result of wounds, disease, or injury incurred while serving in a combat zone as a member of the armed forces of the United States, are exempt from all Georgia income taxes for the taxable year of death, nor shall such taxes apply for any prior taxable year ending on or after the first day served in the combat zone. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 48-7-37 here).
D. Employment Preference: A 5-point credit is extended to war veterans employed by the State of Georgia. A 10-point credit is extended to veterans employed by the State of Georgia with a VA service connected disability of 10 percent or more. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 38-4-9 here or the State Personnel Administration's explanation here.).
E. Guardianship: The Uniform Guardianship Act provides for appointment of a guardian for incompetent veterans and for veterans’ children when VA benefits are involved. These appointments are made on the basis of certificates issued only by VA.
F. War Veterans Homes: Treatment is provided all honorably discharged war veterans in the Georgia War Veterans Home, Milledgeville, and in the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta. The term "war veteran" for this benefit means any veteran who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, or on active duty in a reserve component, including the National Guard, during wartime or during the period January 31, 1955, through May 7, 1975. To determine eligibility, see your local SDVS office.
G. State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Locations in Milledgeville and Glennville. Eligibility criteria are the same as federal law. (More information is available here.
H. Vital Statistics: Veterans, dependents, VA or veterans’ organizations, may obtain copies of marriage, divorce, birth and death documents without charge, through the Department of Veterans Service, provided the copies are to be used for establishing disability or death claims with VA, and the request is in writing. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 38-1-1 here).
I. Service Records: There is no charge for recording of veterans’ discharge certificates (DD Form 214) in county Superior Courts. (For more information, see Georgia Code Section 15-6-72 here).
* A surviving spouse may retain the license plate(s) until their death as long as they do not remarry. Ad valorem taxes are required, however.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Nebraska State Office
10909 Mill Valley Rd., Executive Tower Centre, Suite 100
Omaha, NE 68154-3955
P 402-492-3103
F 402-492-3150
Veterans Benefits Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Lincoln Regional Office
5631 S. 48th St.
Lincoln, NE 68516
P 800-827-1000
Veterans Health Administration Medical Centers
VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
Omaha Division
4101 Woolworth Ave.
Omaha, NE 68105
P 402-346-8800
F 402-449-0684
Grand Island Division
2201 N. Broadwell Ave.
Grand Island, NE 68803-2196
P 308-382-3660
F 308-389-5148
Lincoln Division
600 S. 70th St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
P 402-489-3802
F 402-486-7872
Vet Centers
Lincoln Vet Center #0427
920 L St.
Lincoln, NE 68508
P 402-476-9736
F 402-476-2431
Omaha Vet Center #0424
2428 Cuming St.
Omaha, NE 68131
P 402-346-6735
F 402-221-3148
Veterans Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education & Network Groups (CHALENG) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
600 S. 70th St., VAMC-597
Lincoln, NE 68510-2493
P 402-489-3802
F 402-486-7872
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—Homeless Services Directory
Lincoln Vet Center #0427
920 L St.
Lincoln, NE 68508
P 402-476-9736
F 402-476-2431
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Lincoln Regional Office
5631 S. 48th St.
Lincoln, NE 68516
P 800-827-1000
Veterans Employment and Training Services U.S. Department of Labor
550 S. 16th St.
Lincoln, NE 68509
P 402-437-5289
F 402-471-2318
U.S. Small Business Administration /Office of Veterans Affairs
Office of Veterans Business Development
11145 Mill Valley Rd.
Omaha, NE 68154
P 402-221-7208
F 402-221-3680
State
Organization/Department
Address
City/State/ZIP
Phone/Fax
State Committees on Employment of Persons With Disabilities
Governor’s Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities, Nebraska Job Service, Department of Labor
550 S. 16th St., Box 9460
Lincoln, NE 68509
P 402-471-9948
F 402-471-2318
State Contacts for Homeless Issues
State of Nebraska Office of Economic Development
Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida; US Senators from Florida: Bill Nelson, George S. LeMieux; US Representatives from Florida: Adam H. Putnam, Alan Grayson, Alcee L. Hastings, Allen Boyd, Ander Crenshaw, Bill Posey, C. W. Bill Young, Cliff Stearns, Connie Mack, Corrine Brown, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ginny Brown-Waite, Gus M. Bilirakis, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Jeff Miller, John L. Mica, Kathy Castor, Kendrick B. Meek, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart, Ron Klein, Suzanne M. Kosmas, Theodore E. Deutch, Thomas J. Rooney, Vern Buchanan; ------------------------------------
Unless we have been where you are, none of us can know what you and other veterans have been through or are currently going through. I can refer you to the VA, where you would receive help, but, shamefully, no one can take back their lack of respect or give you back all those lost years.
We will never know the horrors that you have survived or currently live with. We are too naive to fully understand the concept of war and how it truly affects those on the front lines. However, with your help, we may begin to comprehend some of it.
Very often, I have heard writing can be therapeutic. In fact, I use it myself quite often. Perhaps, if you were to open your life and let others get a glimpse inside, changes would begin to happen with you and others who suffer. While I can understand not wanting to expose yourself to the world, but until we can fully comprehend what happens to our men and women in the military - war will never end. Our children are disilusioned by the lure of easy money or an education, and the misconception that it cannot happen to them. Maybe by talking to them, things would be different.
Video games and movies which glorify war, acts of courage, and heroism do not paint a picture of the after effects. What happens to the soldier 10 years down the road after coming home? How do they cope? What services are available to them? Do they go to college and live a normal life? Do they get married and live happily ever after? While I do understand the need for a military, does and 18 year old comprehend the effect it will have in their life?
I know when I was full time military, I had never seen anything which would have scarred me for life. If I had, maybe I would have thought twice. I understand desperate times call for desperate measures, but at what cost? The military recruiters will tell the enlistees whatever they want to hear, but when the time comes, the recruiters are not on their way overseas.
I think more people would value the contributions you could make to this site and to society as a whole.
By H3RONA - on Nov 7, 2010... modified on Nov 7, 2010
Posted in whoknew
Veterans gave-up a lot to served this country, yet they are only rewarded doing war time, after the war they are forgotten about. These are young brave men and women that has put their life on hold to forefill their duty to country with honor! However, there are so many homeless veterans that have yet to made it back from the war within their mind. I know like so many veterans that suffer's from PTSD, that we are still living back within a war zone! I was one of those veterans who missused drugs and alcohol for the better part of my life. I am like so many who came home to nothing, no crowds thanking you for your service! "Like Today" I came back from "Hell", the country called it the Viet-Nam war, within my mind, or what is left of my mind relived events never seen before, they just now put a handle or gave what I am suffering from is "PTSD". This disease was unknown until the 80's, veteran's back then was mostly drug related, and alcohol related leaving us no other course but to go down the wrong road in life without any kind of help from the government that sent us in harms way. Now, who is going to take responseability for the crimnal record I received on behalf of serving my country? Yes; I did break the law, however, doing this period of time, there was no treatment for veterans, they called it shell-shock, and told us there was no help for us! The government did not step in until late within my mess-up life! They should forgive veterans that suffered from this disease without any help that is now here for veterans who suffers from being within a Combat zone, for many years; there are many veterans that are wearing these same shoes, who need help from other veterans to stand by our side and say this was wrong for the government not to give those who need it the most a break with their crinmal recorder being cleared up if they deserved it by doing all that required of them within the law of this country;
Judges overstepping. A veteran's further observation.
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How can state court judges waive away disability rights, and arbitrarily award as alimony or, as in other cases just take, a portion of a veteran’s disability rated compensation, determined on a case-by-case basis of a veteran’s whose disability rating that maybe, is factored in as critical? Title II of the ADA provides that "no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity." §12132 (2000 ed.). The entity being the VA, and the State court judgments as if all disabilities are exactly the same? State court judges are overstepping those whose authority it belongs, in the practice of medicine, reevaluation, and rehabilitation of the veteran. The law is quite clear, along with violating the canons of standard conduct for judges, violating “Authority for schedule for rating disabilities.” 38 USC 1155, "..., in no event shall such a readjustment in the rating schedule cause a veteran's disability rating in effect on the effective date of the readjustment to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred.”
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I now wondered, if state court judges are allowed to take away a veteran’s disability compensation without a medical license, or medical knowledge, how does the Board of Veterans Appeals, who are continually faced with determining a veteran’s disability, or other medical claim, adjudicate these medical questions?
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38 C.F.R. PART 20—BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE
http://law.justia.com/us/cfr/title38/38-2.0.1.1.5.html
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§ 20.101 Rule 101. Jurisdiction of the Board.
“(b) Appellate jurisdiction of determinations of the Veterans Health Administration. The Board's appellate jurisdiction extends to questions of eligibility for hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and nursing home and domiciliary care; for devices such as prostheses, canes, wheelchairs, back braces, orthopedic shoes, and similar appliances; and for other benefits administered by the Veterans Health Administration. Medical determinations, such as determinations of the need for and appropriateness of specific types of medical care and treatment for an individual, are not adjudicative matters and are beyond the Board's jurisdiction. Typical examples of these issues are whether a particular drug should be prescribed, whether a specific type of physiotherapy should be ordered, and similar judgmental treatment decisions with which an attending physician may be faced.”
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 511(a), 7104, 7105, 7108)
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§ 20.901 Rule 901. Medical opinions and opinions of the General Counsel.
“(d) Independent medical expert opinions. When, in the judgment of the Board, additional medical opinion is warranted by the medical complexity or controversy involved in an appeal, the Board may obtain an advisory medical opinion from one or more medical experts who are not employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Opinions will be secured, as requested by the Chairman of the Board, from recognized medical schools, universities, clinics, or medical institutions with which arrangements for such opinions have been made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. An appropriate official of the institution will select the individual expert, or experts, to give an opinion.”
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 7109)
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Even the Social Security Administration… has medical evidence standards they must follow.
42 USC 423 “In making any determination the Commissioner of Social Security shall make every reasonable effort to obtain from the individual’s treating physician (or other treating health care provider) all medical evidence, including diagnostic tests, necessary in order to properly make such determination, prior to evaluating medical evidence obtained from any other source on a consultative basis.”
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As veterans’ all know too well , state court judges, as incompetent as they are in the knowledge required to determine medical necessity and procedures, upon eyeing a veterans VA disability compensation, as alimony, the standards of judicial jurisprudence, and laws are totally ignored.
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The major test in applying 38 USC 1155 will be, "state family law must not do major damage to clear and substantial federal interest[s]," We, as veterans’ believe when it comes to a veteran’s health issues, it will indeed, interfere, damage, federal interests.
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38 USC 1155, "..., in no event shall such a readjustment in the rating schedule cause a veteran's disability rating in effect on the effective date of the readjustment to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred.”
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Even the Social Security Administration with a more than comparable disability caseload relies on professional medical opinions and evaluations. As we see in Title 42 USC sec. 421. But state court judges, having no medical expertise what-so-ever, are unique, special, and not having to apologize, or justify the seizing a veterans’ VA disability compensation.
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TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE CHAPTER 7--SOCIAL SECURITY
42 Sec. 421. Disability determinations
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“(h) Evaluation of mental impairments by qualified medical professionals “
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“..shall be made only if the Commissioner of Social Security has made every reasonable effort to ensure that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist has completed the medical portion of the case review and any applicable residual functional capacity assessment.”
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“..the possibility that such review could result in the termination of benefits, and the right of the individual to provide medical evidence with respect to such review.”
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“Travel Expenses for Medical Examinations, Reconsideration Interviews, and Proceedings Before Administrative Law Judges Provisions authorizing payment of travel expenses either on an actual cost or commuted basis, to an individual for travel incident to medical examinations, and to parties, their representatives and all reasonably necessary witnesses for travel…”
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State court judges disrespect for veterans’ is evident, and they continue to further disable the already disabled veteran.
I enjoyed the article by ex-marine Jeffrey Barnett.
Having lived in the Arab Kingdom for a total of two years, it changed my perspectives on being an American on many levels. Men who were recruited from jobs here to work in SA, HAD to take an R&R every three months out of the country. Culture shock was a given.
My ex-husband was a CEO. We were told more or less we were on our own while living there. Our Embassy could only do so much. The experiences I had while residing there, changed me for ever. Some good....some sad.
My heart and prayers go out to all of our military who has experienced the reality of different cultures under hostile conditions. Especially the Arab nations.
Thank You for bringing this article to our site. It makes for a good balance of all the things we feel are so detrimental to our well being. It reminded me to prioritize 'needs' from 'wants'.
By Jeffrey D. Barnett (a Marine officer and Iraq War Veteran):
"Before my deployment [to Iraq] I was disposed to always be active. Whether it was with work, hobbies, reading, social activities, or other things, I did not like to be idle. Now I am sometimes content to sit idle with only my thoughts. Watching the ocean, sitting in my front yard with my dog, driving at night: moments when I can contentedly reflect on life alone. Adding a few friends and a pleasant discussion to this activity is now probably my favorite pastime. I now place a much greater value on experiences, while before I almost exclusively valued achievement. And I don’t necessarily mean grand, individual achievements, but also group achievements through things like playing poker or gaming with friends.
Now, I certainly enjoyed experiences before Iraq. Going to the movies to see the latest Will Ferrell film was just as gratifying then as it is now. However, my perspective on activity has changed, and now I am content to relax and just let things happen rather than relentlessly steer every activity towards an ultimate goal. I still steer towards goals, and be sure that I am still relentless, but I now have a far more balanced desire for simple experiences. This has given me a much deeper appreciation for my experiences and those who share them with me, because I know they are just as mortal as I am.
The second change runs slightly counter to the first, causing disconnect with others: After experiencing real chaotic violence and seeing how ugly humanity can be it’s difficult to get excited about some things the rest of the world views as important. For example, about a year after I returned from Iraq a new video game was released and heavily criticized in the media for brief scenes of semi-nudity, I remember feeling frustrated that some of my friends were deployed at that time and probably facing worse circumstances than I had, yet America was in a tizzy over whether its children should be exposed to alien buttocks. At the end of the day, after you’ve seen school children walk in a single-file line past the dead body of a man executed at gunpoint, it’s difficult to care about the social degradation caused by bare buttocks in a video game."
Thank you Emil for sharing these three wonderful programs for the women and men returning from Irag and Afghanistan. They deserve more help than they had been getting.
I was reallly touched by all three especially the Home Base Program.
I was somewhat surprised to read our soliders returning are having more problems than the ones returning from Vietnam -how sad.
On brighter note there are these programs to help them as they deserve this and more.
The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, for as long as it takes. AW2 provides individualized support to this unique population of Soldiers, who were injured or became ill during their service in the Global War on Terrorism.
Wounded Soldiers are eligible for a wide array of benefits in order to help them recover physically, prepare financially and build their skills for a rewarding career. AW2 Advocates will ensure that AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families are connected with these benefits and services, which span:
The Boston Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital will announce today the launch of a $6 million program to treat the rising number of men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries and to encourage reluctant veterans to seek services.
The players hope to take a crucial role in trying to diminish the stigma many veterans feel about asking for help for a mental disorder. Pitcher Tim Wakefield has filmed the first of a series of planned public service announcements in which he implores veterans to get treatment. “Being on a team means never having to face a challenge alone,’’ he says.
The unusual Home Base Program will include a clinic at Mass. General to evaluate and treat veterans and to counsel family members, who can suffer when a veteran abuses alcohol or has angry outbursts. It will also provide training for psychiatrists in the community and expand research into post-traumatic stress and combat brain injuries.
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors.
To operate the Veterans Hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline.
I am the spouse of a veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and mother of a 16 year old son. Since my husband has been home from Afghanistan six years ago he has become violent, angry, and distant from our family. Two weeks ago he threatened to kill me and I called the police (only because the VA counselor told me to do so) and received a temporary restraining order. If I would have known that this would not get him/us more help I wouldn't have done it. Now he is out of the home, took all the finances, and I am left with the house, bills, car payment, no food, no gas, no nothing. I had to, temporarily, send my son to go live with his father out of state. I didn't want him to see everything and be here when the house gets emptied; not to mention I don't have the finances to take care of him right now. The gas got shut off last week and I had to use everything I had left in the bank to get it turned back on.
I have been in counseling since February for depression, anxiety, and possibly secondary PTSD myself. His anger has nearly caused me to have a nervous breakdown. I have Rhumetoid Arthritis and Fibromyalga so I have only been working part time for the past few years (12 hours a week at the store he manages). I also have to have surgery on the nerves in both my feet. How am I suppose to look for a full time job when I am suppose to have this surgery, end up riddled in pain after a short few hours of work, and have no gas for the car?
I have tried to get help from the Veteran's Association but have been told that spouses don't get help, there aren't any programs. If he were still in the military I would but he got out last year; he couldn't handle it anymore.
My husband is mentally ill and no matter how much I try to talk to him about the help he and I need, and the counseling we should be in together, he doesn't want to hear it. He just left me stranded and I have no clue of what to do. I love my husband and want to help him/us but right now I am having a difficult time helping myself. I worry they will take the car, forclose on the house; and when he gets better what home will my soldier have to come home to?
Is there anyone out there who can help me, whether it be adivce or financial?
Thanks. I try to post at least one link per week, but with my recent class I've not been online as much. Hopefully this summer I can again do more researching and give more links so that people might find the resources they need. I really like that so many on Aidpage are helping others out in this way.
I hope you are doing a service which most of the non profits are not doing.especially with disable we have to work lot. Morever funds are require in time to look after them.
I am 100% disabled VET and Unemployable due to Desert Storm And Other Military Issues. Now I am Fighting to get S.S.I. Social Security Insurance, WE All Pay for this through F.I.C.A. TAX or Called Payroll tax if you work for someone or at the end of the year at Tax Time. It is Insurance if you get disabled or if not you'll get it at retirement. I have not worked since 04/2001 when the company I was working for reorganized and eliminated 3 people in my department and I found out that the Company hired 5 to replace the 3 hmm, hmm, hmm. Now for the last 8yrs I have been scrambling just to make it month to month. I tried for a couple of years to find work till in December 2003 I applied for S.S.I., On January 15th 2003 The Veterans Administration determined I Was 100% Disabled And Unemployable. with all the stress and the injuries I have been dealing with add that to whats going on in the would the past 8yrs, I'm just barely able to stay ahead of everything.
the Question I have is this, Why Can I not Get S.S.I.? When other people who did it to themselves to become Dependant on alcohol, meth, or any other drugs are able to Get on S.S.I..
I served My Country, in WAR, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Was Injured, MY Health Has Worsened Since I Was in Desert Storm. I do have good health care and a pension Thanks TO The Army and the V.A. They BOTH Have lived up to the commitment.
NOW The S.S.A. (social security administration) THEY HAVE NOT, IT HAS NOW Been almost 6 years from application 8 years for DIB (Disability Insurance Benefit) and Nothing BUT a KICK in THE BackSide and so for thats it. I Dont Know If I Will, only time will tell.
Thank God, My Wife Is Healthy and able to work, she works for a family as a house cleaner, this is the only reason we still have anything at all.
I still count my self Lucky, as I know their are others out their in worse than we are.
p.s. I guess I needed A Place to vent my frustrations
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has a special provision for working Americans, called the “Making Work Pay” tax credit. This is a refundable tax credit of 6.2 percent of earned income, up to $400 for working individuals and $800 for married taxpayers. In other words, rather than getting a stimulus check, workers will have less tax to pay for 2009. To get the money into taxpayers’ wallets quickly, the IRS has already issued new tax withholding tables. The problem: military retirees, even though they are not eligible for the credit, will have less tax withheld under the new “one-size-fits-all” IRS withholding guidelines, and may get an unpleasant surprise on their 2009 tax bill when they find that they owe more than they expected.
The new IRS withholding rules were implemented by the Defense Finance and Accounting System (DFAS) on April 1st. Those who do not want to face a larger tax bill next April can ask DFAS to revert them back to having a higher amount withheld. Or they can set that extra money aside in an interest-bearing account and earn a little on it before it goes back to Uncle Sam.
Here are some scenarios and possible solutions from the Association of the US Army (AUSA), taking into account the fact that the stimulus law also provides a $250 payment to those drawing Social Security or VA disability compensation:
• Non-working military retirees with Social Security or VA disability compensation o Will get a $250 check from Social Security or the VA soon, and will end up having $400/$800 (single/married) less withheld from their retirement checks this year, but will still owe that money when they file taxes next year. o SOLUTION: DFAS executed the new withholding on April 1, therefore retirees in this category can ask DFAS to restore the previous, higher withholding amount (note: the reduction in withholding will not appear in checks until May 1.)
• Working military retirees who DON’T receive Social Security or VA disability compensation o Will have $400/$800 less withheld from BOTH their military retired pay AND from their employer’s pay – a total of $800/$1,600 less withheld, which means they’ll have to pay $400/$800 of that back when they file their 2009 taxes next year (you can only get the tax credit once). o SOLUTION: People who don’t want that to happen can ask EITHER DFAS or their employer to restore the original higher withholding now.
• Working military retirees who DO receive Social Security or VA disability compensation o Will get the $250 payment soon and will ALSO have $400/$800 less withheld from BOTH their military retired pay AND from their employer’s pay -- a total of $800/$1,600 less withheld. BUT the total tax credit they can qualify for will be $400/$800, and the $250 counts against that. That means they’ll end up having to pay back $650 (single) or $1,050 (joint filer) of that money when they file their 2009 taxes next year. o SOLUTION: If they don’t want that to happen, they should ask DFAS and/or their employer to increase their withholding an extra $100-$180/month for the rest of the year so they come out even.
Disabled American Veterans is a non-profit organization to help disabled veterans and their families. (Thanks to the one that pointed me to this link!)
This is the main website for the US Department of Veterans Affairs. They have lots of resources on their page to help you the various areas of your life. Even though at times it can seem there is a lot of "red tape", they are there to service you, and they should service you.
The VFW is not just for veterans who served in WWII. It is for all veterans. It is a worthwhile investment of a membership to help you connect with other serviceman/woman, along with the resources for veterans.
Funding Opportunity Number: VA-GRANTS-112508-001 Opportunity Category: Discretionary Posted Date: Nov 25, 2008 Creation Date: Nov 26, 2008
Original Closing Date for Applications: Aug 15, 2009
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO VA BY APRIL 15, AND "MUST" BE RECEIVED NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 15, IF THE STATE WOULD LIKE THE APPLICATIONS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR POSSIBLE GRANT AWARD DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
Current Closing Date for Applications: Aug 15, 2009
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO VA BY APRIL 15, AND "MUST" BE RECEIVED NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 15, IF THE STATE WOULD LIKE THE APPLICATIONS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR POSSIBLE GRANT AWARD DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
Archive Date: Aug 16, 2009 Funding Instrument Type: Grant Category of Funding Activity: Housing
Category Explanation: ONLY STATE GOVERNMENTS. STATE VETERANS HOMES NEED APPLY. ALL INITIAL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO VA BY APRIL 15, 2009, AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 15, 2009, IF THE STATE WOULD LIKE THE APPLICATION TO BE INCLUDED ON THE PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR POSSIBLE AWARD OF GRANTS DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
Expected Number of Awards: 20 Estimated Total Program Funding: $175,000,000 Award Ceiling: $175,000,000 Award Floor: $175,000,000 CFDA Number(s): 64.005 -- Grants to States for Construction of State Home Facilities Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes
Additional Information on Eligibility:
ONLY STATE GOVERNMENT VETERANS HOME FACILITIES MAY APPLY.
Agency Name
Construction of State Home Facilities
Description
GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR STATE GOVERNMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTIN OR RENOVATION OF STATE VETERAN HOMES. THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PARTICIPATION MAY NOT EXCEED 65% OF THE TOTAL PROJECT COSTS. AN ANNUAL PRIORITY LIST IS DEVELOPED AS OF AUGUST 15TH AND APPROVE BY VA'S SECRETARY FOR FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
Funding Opportunity Number: VA-GRANTS-110708-001 Opportunity Category: Discretionary Posted Date: Nov 07, 2008 Creation Date: Nov 25, 2008
Original Closing Date for Applications: Aug 15, 2009 ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO VA BY APRIL 15, AND "MUST" BE RECEIVED NLT THAN AUGUST 15, IF THE STATE WOULD LIKE THE APPLICATIONS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR POSSIBLE AWARD OF A GRANT DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. Current Closing Date for Applications: Aug 15, 2009 ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO VA BY APRIL 15, AND "MUST" BE RECEIVED NLT THAN AUGUST 15, IF THE STATE WOULD LIKE THE APPLICATIONS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR POSSIBLE AWARD OF A GRANT DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
Archive Date: Aug 16, 2009 Funding Instrument Type: Grant Category of Funding Activity: Housing
Category Explanation: ONLY STATE GOVERNMENTS VETERANS HOMES NEED APPLY. ALL INITIAL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO VA BY APRIL 15, AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 15, IF THE STATE WOULD LIKE THE APPLICATION TO BE INCLUDED ON THE PRIORITY LIST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR POSSIBLE AWARD OF GRANTS DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
Expected Number of Awards: 20 Estimated Total Program Funding: $175,000,000 Award Ceiling: $175,000,000 Award Floor: $175,000,000 CFDA Number(s): 64.005 -- Grants to States for Construction of State Home Facilities Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes
Additional Information on Eligibility:
ONLY STATE GOVERNMENT VETERANS HOME FACILITIES MAY APPLY
Agency Name
Construction of State Home Facilities
Description
GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR STATE GOVERNMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR RENOVATION OF STATE VETERAN HOMES. THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PARTICIPATION MAY NOT EXCEED 65% OF THE TOTAL PROJECT COSTS. AN ANNUAL PRIORITY LIST IS DEVELOPED AS OF AUGUST 15TH AND APPROVE BY VA'S SECRETARY FOR FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. Link to Application
Show veterans and active military men and women that you are thinking about them during the holidays. The link provides several links you can use to do so.
VA Disability Compensation is a monthly payment that varies in proportion to the degree of disability. Rates for veterans with dependents may be higher.
The benefits are tax-free.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have a service-connected disability, injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated by your active military service.
There’s no requirement as to length of service.
Compensation may also be paid to certain veterans who were disabled from VA health care or while participating in our Vocational Rehabilitation or Compensated Work Therapy programs.
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the veteran/servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Application Process For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information To complete an application, use VA Form 21-526, “Veteran’s Application for Compensation or Pension.” You can complete the application online at
The Veterans' Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income who are no longer able to work.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be permanently and totally disabled or have reached the age of 65. Income limits apply.
You must have served on active duty at least 90 days with at least one day of wartime service.
Generally, if you enlisted after September 7, 1980, you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty.
National Guard and Reserve members who were activated for federal military service and later separated are considered to be veterans. In most cases, these veterans need not have served 24 months. There are some exceptions.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the veteran/servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Application Process For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information To complete an application, use VA Form 21-526, “Veteran’s Application for Compensation or Pension.” You can complete the application online at
The Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly check paid to eligible survivors.
General Program Requirements
To qualify for this benefit program, you must be the child or spouse of a veteran who died while serving in active military duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.
This benefit may also be payable to survivors of veterans who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their deaths.
There is no requirement as to length of service.
National Guard and Reserve members who were activated for federal military service and later separated are considered to be veterans.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the veteran/servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Application Process For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information To complete an application, use VA Form 21-534, "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits." You can download the form https://www.va.gov/vaforms.
The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 125 national cemeteries in 39 states (and Puerto Rico) as well as 33 soldier’s lots and monument sites.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any of our open cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial benefits available for eligible spouses and dependents include burial with the veteran, perpetual care of the interment site. The spouse or dependent’s name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the veteran’s headstone at no cost to the family.
General Program Requirements
Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies while on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for burial in a National Cemetery.
Certain National Guard and reserve members may also qualify.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Length-of-service requirements apply in some cases.
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the veteran/servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Spouses and certain eligible dependents may also be buried in national cemeteries.
Pre-arrangement for burial at a National Cemetery is not allowed.
Application Process For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information If you have questions:
Visit https://iris.va.gov/ to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line.
You may also identify the closest cemetery to where you are and call them directly. Their staff will be happy to assist you. You can find their contact information by visiting our nationwide cemetery listing and then calling the appropriate cemetery office. That website for the nationwide cemetery listing is:http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp.
Call one of the VBA Regional Offices closest to you at 1-800-827-1000.
Hearing impaired may contact us at 1-800-829-4833.
Managing Agency National Cemetery Administration (NCA) www.cem.va.gov
Two new laws were signed in October 2008 that benefit military personnel and veterans. The first is Public Law 110-389, the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which has a number of provisions to help veterans concerning disability claims, VA mortgages, educational benefits, and assistance for those severely disabled while serving after September 11th, 2001. The second, Public Law 110-438, the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act, is intended to help National Guard and Reserve members who have been adversely impacted by strict bankruptcy rules.
The Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, PL 110-389, was signed by President Bush on October 10, 2008. It addresses a number of issues for recent veterans. Here are some of the things the law does:
• Compensation and Pension. Requires the VA to develop better (more case-specific) notices to claimants. Also, whenever there is an increase in benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the VA must increase by the same percentage the amounts it pays as veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.
• Housing. Provides a temporary increase (through December 31st, 2011) to the maximum VA loan guaranty amount (from 90% to 100%) for certain loans. Increases the maximum percentage of a veteran’s existing loan that the VA will refinance. Extends through FY2012 the VA’s ability to offer adjustable rate and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages, and allows the VA to provide residence assistance grants to active-duty personnel with a service-related disability.
• Labor and Employment. Allows extension beyond the normal 24-month limit for independent living services and assistance for severely-disabled veterans who served on active duty and were disabled after September 11th, 2001. Makes some changes to the Uniformed Service Employment & Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), regarding complaint processing and case reporting.
• Education. Doubles the time limit (to 20 years rather than 10) for the use of VA education benefits by the spouse of a member who dies or is permanently disabled as a result of a service-connected disability. Eliminates or shortens various paperwork requirements for veteran students.
• Insurance. Makes a stillborn child an insurable dependent under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) for veterans and their survivors and dependents. Allows full-time and family SGLI coverage for certain members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Allows the VA to set premiums for SGLI coverage for IRR spouses based on the spouse's age. Terminates a dependent's SGLI coverage 120 days after a member's separation or release from service (rather than 120 days after the member's SGLI coverage ends).
• Other. Allows the VA to suspend or terminate the collection of debts owed to the United States by individuals who die while serving on active duty, and to refund to the servicemember’s estate any debt previously paid under such circumstances. Extends eligibility for memorial headstones or markers to deceased remarried surviving spouses of veterans, whether or not the remarriage ended by death or divorce. Extends through 2012 the VA’s authorization to hire non-VA physicians to do veterans’ medical disability examinations.
To learn more about Public Law 110-389, click here.
The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act, PL 110-438, was signed into law on October 20th, 2008. This law is designed to help National Guard and Reserve members who are having financial problems and want to file for bankruptcy assistance when they return from deployment. According to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the sponsor of the law, “this law cuts the red tape our servicemembers face if they need to file for bankruptcy and levels the playing field for our veterans.”
When the U.S. bankruptcy code was changed in 2005, it became much harder to file for bankruptcy. Filers were required to pass a means test in order to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Means testing takes into consideration the filer’s income for the previous six months. National Guard and Reserve members whose small businesses and personal finances were in trouble because of repeated deployments were being evaluated, when they filed for bankruptcy, as if they were still earning the higher pay they received during deployment. The new law will not allow a bankruptcy court to dismiss or convert a bankruptcy case because of the results of a means test for returning Guard and Reserve who have been on active duty or performing a homeland defense activity for 90 days or more since September 11th, 2001. This gives the opportunity to file for bankruptcy protection if needed without being penalized by a means test that does not reflect current income. This provision is effective while the servicemember is on active duty and for 540 days after deactivation.
To learn more about Public Law 110-438, click here.
My therapist and I start EMDR tommorow. EMDR is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a practice for treatment of patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder, initially used for veterans. I watched the DVD with her at our last session. As a hypnotherapist, I found the information very interesting.
EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987. According to the EMDR website:
"In 1987, Francine Shapiro was walking in the park when she realized that eye movements appeared to decrease the negative emotion associated with her own distressing memories."
The theory behind it can be found here in short the site states:
"Shapiro proposes that EMDR can assist to successfully alleviate clinical complaints by processing the components of the contributing distressing memories. These can be memories of either small-t or large-T traumas. Information processing is thought to occur when the targeted memory is linked with other more adaptive information. Learning then takes place, and the experience is stored with appropriate emotions, able to appropriately guide the person in the future. A variety of neurobiological contributors have been proposed4,5,6,7,8"
How can state court judges waive away disability rights, and arbitrarily award as alimony a portion of a veteran’s disability rated compensation, determined on a case-by-case basis of a veteran’s whose disability rating that maybe, is factored in as critical? Judgment as if all disabilities are exactly the same? State court judges are overstepping those whose authority it belongs, in the practice of medicine, reevaluation, and rehabilitation of the veteran. And in doing so, ignorance of the law is no excuse, the law is quite clear, along with violating the canons of standard conduct for judges, violating “Authority for schedule for rating disabilities.” 38 USC 1155, "..., in no event shall such a readjustment in the rating schedule cause a veteran's disability rating in effect on the effective date of the readjustment to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred.” Violating as well, 38 USC 5301, 42 USC 1408.
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As veterans’ all too well know, state court judges upon eyeing a veterans disability compensation, and as well as Social Security disability, as alimony, the standards of judicial jurisprudence, and law are totally ignored. However, the following federal judge’s ruling supports the standard for which state court judges are governed.
State can't deny kids Medicaid services, judge says.
“The decision last week by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash pertains to the case of a 13-year-old developmentally disabled girl, Anna C. Moore of Danielsville in north Georgia. Her doctor prescribed 94 hours of private duty nursing care a week for her, but the state Department of Community Health approved only 84 hours.
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The Atlanta federal judge found the state does not have the discretion to deny funding for services prescribed by a treating physician. "The decision affirms that treating physicians, and not the state, should make those decisions," said the girl's attorney, Joshua Norris of the nonprofit Georgia Advocacy Office.”
A Quarterly Publication of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Bar Association
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“Thus, the Federal Circuit found that “[t]he statutory scheme … consistently excludes from judicial review all content of the ratings schedule as well as the Secretary’s actions in adopting or revising that content.” Looking at the legislative history, the Federal Circuit pointed out that “[t]he language in the legislative history is not limited to the percentages of the disability ratings, as appellants argue, but matches the statutes in broadly precluding judicial review of the contents of the disability rating schedule in toto.”
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What needs to be done? As explained above briefly, you know your fellow veterans’ are taking a beating from judges in state divorce court. Seizing veterans’ VA disability compensation. Being awarded as alimony. These judges, although recognizing federal law, somehow justify their interpretation of 38 USC 5301 and 10 USC 1408, and the Supremacy Clause as not being perhaps strong enough. Now comes, 38 USC 1155, “Authority for schedule for rating disabilities”, this is possibly just what the disabled veteran needs to overcome the state court’s opposition and uncertainty, with a law that leaves no room for ambiguity in it’s meaning.
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I don’t believe 1155 argument has ever been tried, or introduced in court. Now is the time to test this. Once introduced, the court will have to deal and rule on this. If there are any upcoming veterans' court divorce proceedings, or even possibly pending cases, the introduction of 1155 could possibly be the one thing that will remove, hopefullyforever, another burden from our disabled veterans, at an unfortunate time in their lives. I hope you found this advice worthwhile. Please post this notice on your bulletin board, email, or newsletter, there may be a veteran that can benefit from this advice Thank you.
For the reasons made obvious as you read, the Board of Veterans' Appeals, so-called veterans’ court, once again, are determined in frustrating my efforts in appealing my claim, by a still further delay. Is there something about this case that warrants this delay? Could the reason be, of the well over 1.1 million VA prescriptions, veterans are being over-charged?
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My claim, VA violation of 38 USC 1722A was denied by the Board of Veterans Appeals. I then filed with the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CVA). On 7/11/2007 was remanded back to the Veterans Board of Appeals (BVA). The BVA lost and rebuilt the file, that being the reason for the remand. After repeated checking, as of 5/20/08, now 10 months later, this remand, has not been returned to the BVA. So they say. It is obvious they may have lost it again in order that this claim, or I, would go away. Disappear. Perhaps I'll die? Case closed!
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VA prescriptions are dispensed in supplies of 90 days. However, for those unfamiliar with my claim, to explain these over-charges by the VA in violation of 38 USC 1722A, this example will be at it's simplest and most understandable throughout my explanation, . Let's say that you are at the VA, standing in line getting your prescription. The vet in front of you is getting the exact same prescription. She picks up her 30 day supply of 30 pills. Her copay for a 30 day supply of 30 pills is $8. You also are dispensed an $8 supply of 30 pills of the same exact prescription. Being that your condition is not as severe, your prescription requires you to split this 30 pill $8 supply. After you sit down at your kitchen table and split your 30 pill supply, now you have 60 split pills, a 2 month supply. But hold on! Except your co-payment cost for this 30 pill, $8 supply, now that it has been split, has increased. It now carries a co-payment of $16. This explains how veterans' has been overcharged by the VA since 2002. Shafted again (3/13/07) by the Board of Veterans Appeals in their phony denial. Do you see anything wrong? You should!
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"Pursuant to Section 20.1404(b) (2002), the motion alleging clear and unmistakable error in a prior Board decision must set forth clearly and specifically the alleged clear and unmistakable error, or errors, of fact or law in the Board decision, the legal or factual basis for such allegations, and why the result would have been different but for the alleged error."
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The two persons listed on the denial that had crafted, and fashioned up the logic that follows? Board of Veterans’ Appeals counsel M. Taylor, and Veterans' Law Judge, Judge John E. Ormand. I will show you exactly where, in their efforts to mislead, and to rewrite the law. This is the kind of garbage veterans have to put up with! Let's look at the reasoning in their BVA denial.
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Cited on the cover page of my denial was, "THE ISSUE. Whether the veteran is obligated to pay the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a copayment for each 30-day or less supply of medication provided by the VA on an outpatient basis in an amount established under 39 C.F.R. § 17.110."
= “Criteria & Analysis by the Board of Veterans Appeals.” 3/13/ 2007 = Here the Board understands the problem. "The record reflects that the appellant is prescribed a 12.5 mg daily dose of his medication. Because the medication is not dispensed in a 12.5 mg tablet, his physician has instructed him to split a 25 mg tablet in half to achieve the proper daily dosage. Thus, he receives a 30-day prescription consisting of fifteen 25 mg pills, each of which he splits in half to take one half of a pill per day. The appellant contends that the standard co-payment is excessive in light of the pill splitting." However, no where in my claim did I mention the word ‘standard', nor was the word 'standard' mentioned in 38 USC 1722A, or Federal Register, Final Rule. Here, in introducing 'standard', supposedly for the purpose of establishing two (2) ‘standard’ co-payments, counsel Taylor purposely has rewritten the law, in order to mislead.
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“In addition, the Board notes that the reference to the cost of medication contained in 38 U.S.C.A. Sec. 1722A clearly pertains to VA’s cost in dispensing the medication, not the cost to the appellant.” Is there a difference? My claim...clearly pertains to VA's co-pay cost in dispensing medication, and it’s inflated cost to the appellant! Which is the "excess of the cost" for the 'standard' co-payment, and is then arbitrarily increased, to those veterans required to split their 30-pill, $8 supplies. Dispensed exactly the same, and in like manner, as all other VA dispensed 'standard' co-payment and abundant 30-day $8 supplies of 30-45-60-90 pills.
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Counsel Taylor references remarks from the July 16, 2001 Federal Register. “Also, as we stated in the proposal, under 38 U.S.C. 1722A, VA may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the actual cost of the medication and the pharmacy administrative costs related to the dispensing of the medication. VHA conducted a study...and found that the VA incurred a cost of $7.28 to dispense an outpatient medication even without consideration of the actual cost of medication..”
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Dispensing! Where there is no difference in the prescription, supply amount, handling, or dispensing time, a 30 pill supply is dispensed, with a $16 co-payment. Interestingly, in the same exact manner as all 30-day, 30 pill $8 supplies are dispensed, as explained in the Federal Register! No splitting of pills was involved in the dispensing procedure. However, of an exact same 8$ dispensed supply, automatically these 'standard' 30-day $8 co-payment whole pill supplies are increased 100% (2 month split pill supply).
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Counsel Taylor, citing, "1722A clearly pertains to VA's cost in dispensing". Counsel Taylor just does not get it! Nor does Judge Ormand. Their is no difference! No difference in dispensing two supplies that are exactly alike in prescription and supply, or to the cost related to dispensing! However, counsel Taylor is emphatic in making the point, conclusive, that it clearly pertains to the cost in dispensing? Or is it the ISSUE, the " 30-day or less supply"? For some unknown reason, which counsel Taylor did not elaborate on, a second exact duplicate supply increases, double the co-pay cost? Although, counsel Taylor may have tried, but failed.
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“38 USC 1722A; (a)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall require a veteran to pay the United States $8 for each 30-day supply of medication furnished such veteran under this chapter on an outpatient basis for the treatment of a non-service-connected disability or condition. If the amount supplied is less than a 30-day supply, the amount of the charge may not be reduced.”
Which then also means, if the amount is not less than 30-day supplies, as described in paragraph (1) the Secretary may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the cost for medication provided to a veteran as described in paragraph (2).
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Citing my argument, BVA’s counsel Taylor, quotes inaccurately, to confuse, again to mislead. 38 USC 1722A “Copayment for medications. Paragraph (2) The Secretary may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the cost of the Secretary for medication as described in paragraph (1).”
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The correct reading is, “(2) The Secretary may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the cost to the Secretary for medication described in paragraph (1).”
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"The appellant has not cited to, and the Board is unable to find any authority allowing for a deviation from the standard copayment." The Board is right! I too, am unable to find that authority.
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Where the Board got it wrong! Of all what you have understood and read so far, what follows puts to rest any doubts as to the 30-day medication over-charges in my claim, and refutes the reasoning of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in their reading of 38 USC 1722A. Of everything that has been explained, BVA counsel Taylor’s reference to 38 USC 17.110, (addressed in my claim) is the key to explaining, what counsel Taylor and Veterans Law Judge John E. Ormand, and the VA failed to, or did not, want to comprehend, or consider in their thinking, in understanding 38 USC 1722A.
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The Board counsel Taylor, referenced 38 USC 17.110; Copayments for Medication. “..a veteran is obligated to pay a copayment for each 30-day or less supply of medication provided by the VA on an outpatient basis (other than medication administered during treatment).”
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Counsel Taylor made it a point to reference 17.110. Veterans' do know we have to pay a co-payment. THE ISSUE was obviously a "30-day or less supply." The Board's main argument to my claim, is their erroneous interpretation of what the law is. "Each 30-day or less supply", is suggesting to them, an across the board 30-day 15 pill supply is less. However, "..each 30-day or less supply", refers to only one (1) condition. Veterans who may visit a VA facility on a one time basis as an outpatient. For emergency room care, or see a doctor for a cut finger, brief illness, etc. I wish counsel Taylor would explain another circumstance in which a veteran may be charged an “excess of the cost”? Please enlighten us. I know of no other "excess of the cost" than what I claim.
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Counsel Taylor better not again, bring up 15 pills is less than a 30-day supply! The reality is, a veteran who falls under the 17.110 meaning, "obligated to pay a co-payment for each 30-day or less supply...on an outpatient basis (other than medication administered during treatment.)", refers to medication, in a dispensed 30-day supply of 15 pills, for treatment on an outpatient basis. The veteran in fact is not receiving less than a 30-day supply, this is his full 30-day monthly supply during outpatient treatment! For this reason, as described in 1722A, paragraph (2) is the basis for my claim. A 30-day, 30-pill, dispensed supply, for treatment, whether or not it is split, according to 1722A carries the maximum co-payment of $8. Which the Board refuses to recognize, but rather relies on a "each 30-day or less" argument. "The secretary may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the cost, for medication described in paragraph (1)." $8 for each dispensed 30-pill, 30-day supply co-payment, includes supplies of the abundant 30-day supplies of 45-60 or 90 pills, and as well for all veterans' under treatment, receiving a same exact dispensed 30-pill supply. A prescribed 2 month supply (split pill).
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Counsel Taylor in an effort in re-enforcing the Board's position cites “(b) The Secretary, pursuant to regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe may-...(1) increase the co-payment amount in effect under subsection (a);..” Pursuant to regulations? Means according to the law! To regulations as written. Where is this regulation mentioned in the Code of Federal Regulations, this "standard" co-payment you talk about, for $16 split pill supplies? Where, counsel Taylor, does it mention increased co-payment cost for one of two (2) exact duplicate 30-day prescription supplies? Other than my example, where is it mentioned 15 pills is less than 30-day supply? "The Administrative Procedure Act requires that agencies publish administrative regulations in the Federal register before they can be legally effective." Where?
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The VA, and the BVA , they want me to pass on, disappear. When that happens, veterans you lose. They don't want you to win. However, this claim will live on, when other veterans think it's important enough of a veteran's issue to file a claim. It's (BVA) $50 filing fee is well spent. A younger veteran, whose prescription requires splitting, can file right now, and can keep playing the same silly game that the VA and the BVA insists on playing, just as long as they can.
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You mention the Veterans Administration, I then have to mention....
VA overcharges/violations.
Sunday April 6, 10:13 am ET By Hope Yen, Associated Press Writ
AP IMPACT: VA Workers Charge $2.6B on Gov't Credit Cards at Luxury Hotels, High-End Retailers = WASHINGTON (AP) -- Veterans Affairs employees last year racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in government credit-card bills at casino and luxury hotels, movie theaters and high-end retailers such as Sharper Image and Franklin Covey -- and government auditors are investigating, citing past spending abuses. = All told, VA staff charged $2.6 billion to their government credit cards. CORRECTION. After AP published this story, AP quickly corrected the dollar amount downward. However, this does alter the deed. = Yes, and then there are those few veterans, including my brother, criticize me for going after my claim, VA violation of 1722a, split pill co-payment overcharges. Well, along with the acknowledgement by many veterans, I’m glad I’m doing it. Because this is what happens when you are not vigilant, with nobody watching the store. Here are just a few remarks, regarding my claim, from those that apparently have more money than others, and march to a different drummer. ------------------------------------- “So what exactly do you want them to do? Other than waste the time and money of the VA dealing with a trivial claim so that they can't help other veterans." ----------------------------------- "It really bothers me to see people waste the VA's resources on things like this. It probably cost the VA thousands of dollars to work this claim up to the point of the BOVA, not to mention a lot of time of the people working in the VA. Even if you would have won on the claim, it would have wound up costing the VA more money so they could set up a new accounting system to deal with the change. That would likely cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars and would not really have benefited anyone that I can see.” ----------------------------------- Veterans get prescription drug benefits? I'd love to complain about $8.00 prescriptions. Every attempt I've made to get into the VA Health System I've been told I don't have any benefits. ------------------------------------ It's annoying to hear some people complain about what they are getting while others of us are "locked out" of the system entirely. ---------------------------------- HOGWASH! I suggest you do some homework. ---------------------------------------------- No one is doubting your claim, as much as why you are doing it. What they are trying to say is, you are tying up valuable resources that could be better served to adjudicate an individuals claim that had to go the way of the courts. What they are saying, also, is be thankful you have the VA who charges much less a co-pay than what most greedy outside civilian insurance companies charge. When I had outside insurance, before I became TDIU, I was paying $15.00, $20.00, and $25.00 as my co-pays for my medication, so 8 dollars is fairly trivial an amount to pay for prescriptions, not to mention people that have to pay full price for medications...co-pays do not exist for them. So I do understand where you are coming from and where you are trying to go, it just seems like you are trying shove this issue down everyones collective throats to get your point. Good luck in your endeavors, yet I hope some other veterans claim hasn't been backed up because of your want to change what seems to you to be an inequity seen only by you. ------------------------------- The VA violation of 38 USC 1722a problem is not petty, or trivial as suggested, using the words of another veteran who thought that the VA money and effort should be spent doing the serious work of the VA in helping veterans. How did the VA employee do that? By living it up, buying and enjoying things for personal use on the government dime. My claim, VA violation of 38 USC 1722a effects all veterans, and I imagine most veterans, that receive VA prescriptions that require pill splitting. = If a veteran is charged $16 for, using the Board of Veterans' Appeals description, of an actual dispensed 30-day $8 medication supply, add up this VA dispensed $8 overcharge by the well over 1.1 million veterans that require their medication be split. (You'll be adding up just one months overcharges). All the while, employee's using government credit cards for what-ever. = John E. Ormand, Jr. BVA Veterans Law Judge, writes, "Also, under 38 USC 1722a, VA may not require a veteran to pay an amount of the actual cost of medication and pharmacy administration costs related to the dispensing of medication." And what is the dispensing cost for a 30-day supply? $8. Why then does this dispensed actual 30-day $8 supply cost a veteran $16? Because he is required to split his pill medication. In other words, you can have any amount for a 30-day, $8 supply, but if you are required to split any supply over 30 pills, the VA will double the copay cost. The USC or the CFR do not mention anything about doubling the cost of prescriptions, when the prescription requirement calls for the veteran split their pill medication. = Should I prevail, this is not money the VA would be losing, this is money the VA should never had taken from veterans in the first place. My claim was remanded back to the BVA from the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. I was notified of this remand on July 16, 2007. On Feb. 11, 2008, I called the BVA inquiring about my claim. I was told it was "coming back from the Court, but hasn't reached us yet." 6/9/2008, I called asking for it's status. "Still at the Court of Veterans Appeals." It's now been 11 months! Are they not in the same town? Is this such a hot item that the VA does not want to adjudicate it? This is how our courts work. This is how the VA works. Think this is bad? You haven't seen nothing yet. Wait till our men and women return from Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Male, 35
union millwright
Clarksville, IN, US
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Stay at home mom
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Disabled Veteran
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Retired (Disabled)
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I don't know how to begin.
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