Veterans to see Largest COLA Increase Since 1982
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 01:53 PM
by post9372
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Effective December 1, 2008, veterans’ disability compensation, among other benefits, will be increased by 5.8 percent, to respond to the increasingly high cost-of-living in the United States. This increase was secured by an Act of Congress, authored by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The exact percentage increase of 5.8 percent was determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, corresponding with the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The Social Security Administration reports that this year’s CPI increase is the largest since 1982. Last year’s increase was 2.3 percent.
(via Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Press Release)
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VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY - Oct. 16, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM
by post9372
In This Issue:
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Election Day
NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1. President Signs Defense Bill
2. VFW Leaders Travel to Europe
3. Reserve Component Mobilization
NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE
1. Retirees and Disabled Veterans Receive 5.8% Increase
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Election Day: The election is fast approaching (Nov. 4), so now is a
great time to volunteer to work at your local polling place or to
volunteer to provide transportation to others who may need help getting
to the polls. The VFW encourages everyone to be educated on the issues
and to exercise their constitutional right to vote. The October 2008
issue of VFW Magazine covered both presidential candidates and their
positions on issues important to veterans. That link is at
http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/partyplatforms.pdf.
Read more Washington Weekly
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VA News - Week of October 13, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 03:22 PM
by post9372
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USPS Sets Holiday Mailing Deadlines for Military
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 02:27 PM
by post9372
Washington, DC -Holiday gifts from home are a big morale boost for military service members stationed around the world. To help the families and friends of military personnel, the Postal Service is offering a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat-Rate box.
Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the largest Flat-Rate Priority Mail box is $12.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to only $10.95. Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at
usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship at
www.usps.com/clicknship.
"Flat-Rate Priority Mail boxes offer the best bargain in holiday shipping," says Paul Vogel, managing director, Global Business and senior vice president. "The contents can be any weight for one low rate. If it fits, it ships."
The Postal Service continues to show its support by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes.
"The best support for the troops this holiday season is a gift that's on time, so mail before the deadline," Vogel advises.
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DoD Healthcare Feedback Deadline Extended
Monday, October 13, 2008 at 07:05 AM
by post9372
Falls Church, Va – Wounded, ill or injured service members and their families now have until November 28, 2008, to help Military Health System (MHS) leadership better understand the needs and expectations of warriors in their care. The deadline for participating in the MHS questionnaires has been extended due to overwhelming response.
The questionnaires—one for wounded, ill or injured service members and one for family members—are available on the Military Health System Web site at http://www.health.mil and will remain open through November. November has been designated as Warrior Care Month.
The questionnaires ask for feedback concerning a service member’s experience and satisfaction with the care he or she has received since becoming wounded, ill or injured.
All questionnaire responses are anonymous to encourage honest and specific answers that will lead to positive changes in how the MHS handles care for wounded, ill or injured service members.
The questionnaires are part of Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ commitment to supporting wounded, ill and injured service members—ensuring that their care is the Department of Defense’s top priority. Care is continually improving but MHS leaders recognize that there is still more to be done. By listening to the opinions of wounded, ill or injured service members and their families, the MHS will be in a better position to meet their needs and expectations. The online questionnaires are available directly at http://www.health.mil/Pages/Page.aspx?ID=18.
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VA Washington Weekly - October 9, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 11:25 AM
by post9372
110th Congress Wrap-Up
In This Issue:
1. President Signs VA Funding Bill
2. Congress Clears Veterans' Health and Benefit Bills
3. Vet Accomplishments for 110th Congress
4. Election Day Coming - Get Out the Vote
1. President Signs VA Funding Bill
President Bush signed the FY 2009 VA funding bill which is $4.5 billion more than last year. Some of the highlights in the VA funding package, which was passed as a part of the $634 billion Continuing Resolution, include $3.8 billion for mental healthcare, $584 million for substance abuse programs, $510 million for medical and prosthetic research, and additional funding for homeless grants. It allows the Veterans Benefits Administration to hire 2,000 additional claims adjudicators to help reduce the disability claims backlog, raises the mileage reimbursement rate to 41.5 cents per mile, and provides an additional $750 million in funding for the construction of VA medical facilities. It was the first time in well over a decade that the VA was able to begin a new fiscal year with an on-time budget. VFW national commander Chief Glen Gardner thanked Congress and the president, and said, "We hope the delivery of an on-time budget is the start of a trend that will continue into the next administration and Congress."
Read the VFW Press Release at: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=4772. For a summary of the bill, visit the House Appropriations Committee website at http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/MCFY09CONFSummary09-22-08.pdf.
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