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VFW Washington Weekly, November 20, 2009
Posted at 07:10 PM on Friday, November 20, 2009 by Missouri
This Issue:
1. VA Spending Bill Passes Senate
2. Vet Health Care Bill Clears Senate
3. Senate Talks Veterans Employment
4. Adaptive Grants Topic of House VA Hearing
5. VA-DOD Disability Evaluation Pilot Expanded
1. VA Spending Bill Passes Senate: This week, the Senate cleared the Military Construction-VA Appropriations bill. The bill, HR 3082 now moves to conference committee. The Senate funding package provides $133.9 billion dollars for VA and Military Construction with $53.2 billion for veterans programs including $34.7 billion for medical services and $4.6 billion for mental health care. $2.1 billion dollars was set aside to address specific care and services for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. It includes advanced funding for healthcare in 2011 as well. A VFW-supported amendment sponsored by Senator Tim Johnson (D-ND) , which would set aside $50 million dollars to renovate vacant VA buildings to help an estimated 131,000 homeless veterans find housing also passed. The House passed their bill in July. They will now try to resolve differences before sending it to the President's desk.
2. Vet Health Care Bill Clears Senate: A comprehensive bill improving veteran's health care cleared the Senate yesterday (98-0). The bill, S. 1963, The Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 had been stalled by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) due to costs. The legislation includes six VFW-supported bills - some of the key provisions are:
- Studies on access to care for female veterans
- Improvements in training and care for Military Sexual Trauma
- Providing child care services for veterans seeking treatment at VA
- Expanding services to veterans in rural areas
- Providing caregiver support, counseling and a stipend for family members taking care of veterans
- Allowing catastrophically disabled veterans emergency care outside VA
- Enhanced programs aimed at reducing homelessness among veterans
For more on the bill type the bill # into the box at: http://thomas.loc.gov/
For the Senate Press Release go to the Senate VA website at: http://veterans.senate.gov/press-releases.cfm?action=release.display&release_id=3f02fe9d-40b4-4f1b-bdd9-f3d82a021c7f
3. Senate Talks Veterans Employment: The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing on employment focusing on the needs of veterans recently separated from active duty. Current statistics show the unemployment rate of returning veterans to be among the highest at 11.6%. Raymond Jefferson, Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training (VETS), Department of Labor discussed current VETS initiatives to include its competitive grant programs and their role in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Committee members probed representatives from wounded warrior transition teams, Microsoft, and Oracle for ideas on how to improve current programs and transition services to veterans.
For more on the hearing or to view the live webcast visit the Senate VA website at: http://veterans.senate.gov/
4. Adaptive Grants Topic of House VA Hearing: The House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing regarding current changes in VA's adaptive grants program. Last year Congress provided increases to both the Specially Adapted Housing Grant, the Special Housing Adaptation Grant and introduced a new housing program, the Temporary Residence Assistance Grant for disabled servicemembers temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. VFW supported the increases and the new program and continues to call for help addressing the growing needs of our severely disabled veterans. Chairwoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-SD) requested that VA provide accurate numbers of those using the benefit and eligibility requirement changes to the committee.
For testimony and more on the benefit visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
5. VA-DOD Disability Evaluation Pilot Expanded: VA and DOD announced six additional sites for the Disability Evaluation System pilot program that was implemented in 2007. The pilot program is designed to eliminate the duplication, time constraints and confusing elements of disability evaluations being done by both VA and DOD. Authorized as a part of the FY 2008 NDAA, the program is designed to streamline the process into one medical exam and a single disability rating. To date over 5,431 service members have participated. The new locations include: Fort Benning GA; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Lewis, WA; Fort Riley, KS and Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY, November 13, 2009
Posted at 08:17 PM on Friday, November 13, 2009 by Missouri
This Issue:
1. VFW / VA Members Among Fort Hood Victims
2. VFW Legislative Priority Goals for 2010
3. No Tricare For Life Changes
4. White House Employment Initiative Good for Veterans:
1. VFW / VA Members Among Fort Hood Victims: Last week's tragic shooting
at Fort Hood included VFW and VA members. Staff Sgt. Justin M. DeCrow,
32, was killed by Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who allegedly murdered 13
and wounded dozens before being shot and apprehended by two civilian law
enforcement officers. DeCrow was a member of VFW Post 11016 in Songnam,
South Korea. He graduated high school in 1996 in Plymouth, IN, and
leaves behind a wife and daughter at Fort Gordon, GA. Two VA employees
also slain were identified as:
* Dr. Russell G. Seager, Ph.D., a 51-year old Army Reserve captain
who led a mental health team at the VA medical center in Milwaukee.
* Lt. Col. Juanita L. Warman, a 55-year-old Maryland National
Guardsman who was a nurse practitioner at the VA medical center in Perry
Point, MD. She was a former member of VFW Post 8276 in Delmar, MD.
VFW Commander-in-Chief Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. said, "No words can
properly convey our condolences to the wounded and families of those
murdered. The entire military family is grieving right now. I just
want them to know they do not grieve alone. Our hearts and prayers are
with them." Read the VFW press release at
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5280.
2. VFW Legislative Priority Goals for 2010: The VFW's Legislative
Committee voted and approved this year's priority goals, which are our
mandate for lobbying Congress on behalf of veterans and our
servicemembers and families members. Ensuring a sufficient VA budget,
reducing the disability claims backlog, and providing enhanced quality
of life programs and services for all military members and their
families are just a few of the 2010 Legislative Priority Goals. The VFW
urges all members and veterans' advocates to educate themselves and
their congressional delegations on these critical priority goals, which
are based on resolutions passed at the VFW National Convention in
August. The entire list is available at the VFW website at
http://www.vfw.org/PR/Legislative/2010PriorityGoals%20PROOF.pdf
3. No Tricare For Life Changes: VFW members have been receiving
erroneous e-mail claims that Tricare For Life is under attack by the
Administration and Congress. The claims stem from a January
Congressional Budget Office report that recommended changes to the
program, changes that the President and Congress did not act upon. In
fact, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act with no fee
increases and no changes in administering Tricare For Life, and they
added language into the legislation that prohibits the Defense
Department from implementing any Tricare inpatient care copayment
increases for FY2010. The legislation also authorized premium-based
Tricare coverage for "gray area" Reserve Force retirees younger than age
60, and expanded active-duty Tricare eligibility for activating Reserve
Force members and their families. The President signed the bill into law
in October. Also of note, the health reform legislation that Congress
is considering would enable those covered by Tricare as well as VA care
to be exempt from the legislation's individual responsibility penalty.
The VFW continues to lead other Veterans Service Organizations in
ensuring nothing is done to erode Tricare or VA health care benefits
that veterans so richly deserve.
4. White House Employment Initiative Good for Veterans: The VFW
applauded a new presidential executive order this week that places
special emphasis on hiring veterans for both public and private
employment. It also created a special Council on Veterans Employment to
encourage federal agencies to recruit and train military veterans. The
council will be co-chaired by the secretaries of Labor and Veterans
Affairs. Approximately 480,000 veterans currently work for the
government, about one-fourth of the total federal workforce. "The
president is serious about helping veterans get a job, and he is making
sure the federal government is at the top of the hiring line," said VFW
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard L. Eubank, who witnessed the Nov.
9 signing in the Oval Office while in Washington to represent the
organization at national Veterans Day events. Read the president's
executive order at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-veterans-empl
oyment-initiative. Read the VFW press release at
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5289.
VFW Washington Weekly, November 6, 2009
Posted at 07:33 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. VFW Urges Passage of Veterans Health Care Bill
2. FY 2011 Independent Budget Critical Issues On-line
3. Record Stories to Honor Veterans
1. VFW Urges Passage of Veterans Health Care Bill: A large veterans' health care bill is being held up in the Senate and awaits final passage. It has been reported that Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) is objecting to the bills costs and has placed a hold on the legislation which prevents action. S. 1963, The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 contains many VFW supported provisions including:
- Health care improvements for female veterans, to include studies on barriers to care.
- Improvements into training and care for military sexual trauma.
- Requiring VA to provide a detailed plan on services provided to female veterans.
- A pilot program to offer child care at several VA facilities.
- Mental health programs for veterans in rural areas utilizing local community mental health centers.
- Health care, living stipends, counseling and support for family caregivers.
- Enhanced programs for homeless veterans.
VFW asks everyone to contact their Senators, especially those of you living in Oklahoma and urge quick passage of this most important bill.
For information on contacting your Senators click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/
2. FY 2011 Independent Budget Critical Issues On-line: The Independent Budget (IB) critical issues report for fiscal year 2011 is available on-line. The critical issues report is designed to alert Congress VA and the Administration as to issues we believe need special scrutiny and attention. The FY2011 IB will be released in February 2010 concurrent with the release of the President's proposed budget for VA. Co-authored by the VFW, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America, the IB is a comprehensive recommendation of what VA truly needs to provide healthcare, benefits and services to veterans.
For FY 2011 IB critical issues report go to: http://www.independentbudget.org/2011/CI_2011.pdf
3. Record Stories to Honor Veterans: The VA and Library of Congress wants America to honor her military heroes this Veterans Day by getting their stories recorded into the Library's Veterans History Project. To find out more about the Veterans History Project and how to submit
VFW Washington Weekly, October 30, 2009
Posted at 03:52 PM on Friday, October 30, 2009 by Missouri
1. President Signs Defense Bill: The President signed the National Defense Authorization Act this week, which authorizes $550.2 billion for FY 2010 Department of Defense programs, and $130 billion to support overseas military operations. Some VFW-supported highlights include:
- No proposed Tricare fee increases.
- A 3.4% pay raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve members.
- Authorizing premium-based Tricare coverage for "gray area" Reserve retirees who are under age 60.
- Authorizing special compensation on behalf of caregivers of severely wounded warriors while on active duty.
- Requiring a medical examination before administrative separations of members affected by traumatic brain injury or PTSD.
- Protecting absentee voting rights for military members and families.
- Expanding active-duty Tricare eligibility for activating Guard/Reserve members and their families.
A detailed summary of the bill can be found at: http://armedservices.house.gov.
2. VFW Hosts DHS Secretary: Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard DeNoyer and representatives from nine other veterans' organizations met with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in the VFW Washington Office yesterday to discuss veterans employment and other key issues. Veterans currently comprise a quarter of DHS' 220,000 workforce, and the secretary reiterated the department's goal to hire 50,000 more by 2012. She also discussed increasing contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses. When asked for her Top 3 concerns, she said radicals inside our borders who are intent on causing harm and damage; cybersecurity attacks that would deny essential services that range from air traffic control to traffic lights; and the need for more legal tools, as it applies to illegal immigration. The secretary said safety and security is a shared responsibility, so she is committed to reaching out to veterans groups through Citizen Corps and the Red Cross to ensure the nation has a first response capability for natural disasters. The meeting was a follow-up to a recent DHS initiative to create a Veterans Outreach Steering Committee. .
3. House VA Committee Clears Bills: The House Veterans' Affairs Committee approved two bills that would help veteran-owned small businesses and provide job training for veterans. The committee rolled seven other bills into the Veterans Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009, sponsored by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA). Some of the provisions include providing outreach to areas with high concentration of veterans, allowing parents of eligible veterans to be buried in national cemeteries, and enabling servicemembers to terminate certain service contracts if they deploy for more than 90 days. The other bill approved, The Veterans Retraining Act of 2009, would authorize the Department of Labor to pay a monthly training allowance to veterans enrolled in an employment program that teaches a skill in demand. It would also provide a monthly housing allowance equal to an E-5 living in the same Zip Code, and up to $5,000 in moving expenses related to training. For more on the bills, go to the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.
4. DNA Samples Needed for MIA Identifications: There are 88,000 missing and unaccounted-for American servicemen from World War II forward, yet many MIA families have not provided a family reference sample to assist in DNA identifications. Currently, 68% of Korean War families have provided samples, 66% of Vietnam War families and 63% of Cold War families, but only 0.01% of WWII families have provided samples. The government identifies about 75 MIAs annually, but many more could be identified-and quicker-if reference samples were on file. Please forward the following service casualty office contact information to MIA families in your hometown, as well as to local newspapers:
- Army: 800-892-2490
- Navy: 800-443-9298
- Air Force: 800-531-5501
- Marine Corps: 800-847-1597
- State Department: 202-647-5470
To learn more about how DNA technology helps the Full Accounting Mission, go to the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/family_support_info/dna.htm.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY, October 23, 2009
Posted at 02:28 PM on Friday, October 23, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. President Signs Advanced Funding Bill
2. Retroactive Stop Loss Payments Begin
3. VFW Urges Russia to Support POW/MIA Commission
4. FY11 IB Critical Issues Now Online
5. VFW Testifies on Key Senate Bills
6. House VA Subcommittee Action
1. President Signs Advanced Funding Bill: President Obama signed into
law yesterday the VFW's top priority goal, advanced appropriations for
the Department of Veterans Affairs. VFW Commander-in-Chief Thomas J.
Tradewell Sr. called the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and
Transparency Act a huge victory for veterans, because a budget known a
full year in advance will enable VA to plan for the hiring of critical
medical and research staff, as well as forecast equipment and facility
upgrades throughout their entire nationwide network. "The VFW is proud
of our House and Senate champions, and grateful to President Obama for
his support of advanced appropriations when he was a senator, and for
his signature today," he said. To read the VFW press release, go to
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5260.
2. Retroactive Stop Loss Payments Begin: Active, Reserve Forces and
former servicemembers who had their enlistments extended or retirements
suspended due to Stop Loss are now eligible for retroactive special pay,
provided they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept.
30, 2009. All applications must be submitted to the respective service
by Oct. 21, 2010. Eligible personnel will receive a payment of $500 per
month for each month (or any portion of a month) that a member was
retained on active duty due to Stop Loss. Servicemembers must provide
Stop Loss documentation with their claim. Family members of deceased
personnel should contact the appropriate military service for assistance
in filing their claim. For more information, e-mail or logon to:
* Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil or e-mail
RetroStopLossPay@CONUS.Army.Mil
* Navy: E-mail NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
* Air Force: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss/
* Marine Corps: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss or e-mail
stoploss@usmc.mil
3. VFW Urges Russia to Support POW/MIA Commission: VFW
Commander-in-Chief Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. returned from a 12-day trip
to Europe this week to urge the Russian government to revitalize the
U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs, as well as to meet with
American servicemembers stationed in Italy to discuss how VFW can better
serve them and their families. In Moscow, Tradewell met with members
from both houses of the Russian Federation's parliament, as well as the
leadership of two prominent veterans' organizations. His message was
for them to urge their government back to the Joint Commission, which
was created in 1992. He said an exchange of diplomatic notes in July
was a positive step forward, but no action had yet been taken to appoint
a Russian co-chairman or return access privileges to their central
military archives, which could help determine the fate of some of the
88,000 missing and unaccounted-for Americans going back to World War II.
American researchers have been barred from the archives since October
2006. For more on U.S. full accounting efforts, go to the Defense
POW/Missing Personnel Office website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/, or
the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command website at
http://www.jpac.pacom.mil/.
4. FY11 IB Critical Issues Now Online: The Independent Budget critical
issues report for fiscal year 2011 is now online. The critical issues
report is designed to alert Congress, the Administration and VA on
issues we believe need special scrutiny and attention. The new IB will
be released in February, concurrent with the President's proposed VA
budget release. Coauthored by VFW, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans
and Paralyzed Veterans of America, the IB is a comprehensive
recommendation of what VA needs to provide healthcare, benefits and
services to America's veterans. For the FY11 IB critical issues report,
go to http://www.independentbudget.org/2011/CI_2011.pdf.
5. VFW Testifies on Key Senate Bills: VFW testified this week before the
Senate VA Committee on a wide array of bills to improve healthcare and
benefits for veterans and their families. The 22 bills discussed
included chiropractic care, improved education benefits for Guard and
Reservists, voting rights, and bills that would extend grants, housing
and outreach to homeless veterans and their children, among others. VFW
supported all of the bills under review and urged the committee to pass
the legislation quickly. For VFW testimony, go to
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.leveld&did=3702. For more on
the hearing, visit the Senate VA Committee website at
http://veterans.senate.gov/.
6. House VA Subcommittee Action: The House VA subcommittees on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Health cleared several
VFW-supported bills this week, to include:
* HR 761 would allow parents of certain deceased veterans to be
buried in a national cemetery if there is available space at the
veterans' gravesite.
* HR 2559 would direct VA to create an outreach campaign to reach
homeless veterans and veterans at risk for becoming homeless.
* HR 2735 would change the Grant and Per Diem Program from a daily
care cost payment system to one based on the annual cost of the services
provided to homeless veterans.
* HR 3073 would provide funding to public and nonprofit
organizations to help veterans who are in imminent danger of becoming
homeless.
* HR 3485 would exclude monetary benefits paid to veterans by
states and municipalities from income when determining pensions.
All the bills now move to the full House VA Committee for approval. For
more information on the bills, type the bill number into the search box
at http://thomas.loc.gov/, or visit the House VA Committee website at
http://veterans.house.gov/.
VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY, October 16, 2009
Posted at 04:06 PM on Friday, October 16, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. Advanced Funding Ready for President
2. Veterans May Receive $250 Payment
3. House VA Committee Hearings
4. Maine Troop Greeters - The Movie
5. Entire Military Exceeds Recruiting Goals
1. Advanced Funding Ready for President: The Senate this week approved
the VFW's top priority-advanced funding for veterans' health care. The
legislation now heads to the President's desk for his signature. VFW
thanks Congress for its support in getting this critical bill passed.
The new law will allow VA to receive its funding a year in advance so
that VA's managers will be able to provide high-quality health care and
better address the needs of America's veterans. The VFW has called on
President Obama to quickly sign it. Read the VFW Partnership's press
release at http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5250.
2. Veterans May Receive $250 Payment: A proposal that would provide
another one-time $250 payment to Social Security recipients,
VA-compensated veterans and others collecting disability payments, has
earned the backing of the President. The payment is designed to help
seniors and veterans who are unlikely to receive a
cost-of-living-adjustment in 2010 due to the inflation rate and other
factors being negative. This is the first time in decades such payments
have not received a COLA increase.
3. House VA Committee Hearings:
* On Wednesday, the House VA Committee held a hearing to discuss
the current "State of VA." Secretary Eric Shinseki assessed the
challenges his agency is facing, to include new GI Bill implementation,
health care enrollment, the claims backlog, cemetery planning, among
many other. He answered questions concerning accountability, program
improvements, new initiatives for veterans, and his vision for the VA in
the 21st century. To read his report, go to the House VA Committee
website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=472.
* On Thursday, the House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
held another oversight hearing on GI Bill implementation. VA Director
of the Office of Education Services Keith Wilson testified on recent
delays in education payments, and the lack of communication regarding
resources, which has angered members of Congress. Subcommittee Chair
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) asked VA to speak about IT upgrades and
the unique demands of the new benefit. Others asked about feedback from
veterans on the problems they encountered and if legislative fixes are
needed.
* Also on Thursday, the House VA Subcommittee on Health held a
hearing on inappropriate VA billing practices. Subcommittee Chair
Michael Michaud (D-ME) questioned witnesses about overbilling, copayment
charges and the overall inefficiencies in the billing system. Witnesses
discussed data collected from independent surveys that suggested VA was
incorrectly billing veterans and private insurance companies for
service-connected conditions. Members agreed that VA has attempted to
implement more accurate billing practices and relies on third party
collections, but has failed to document the non service-connected care
provided to insured veterans, and assign the appropriate billing codes
essential to accurate collections.
For more on any of the hearings, visit the House VA website at
http://veterans.house.gov/.
4. Maine Troop Greeters - The Movie: Since 2003, a band of patriotic
veterans and citizens have greeted every deploying and redeploying troop
plane that landed at Bangor International Airport regardless of the hour
or the weather. At last count, they have now shaken the hands of more
than 970,000 service personnel heading to or back from Afghanistan,
Iraq, and elsewhere. Their devotion is now the subject of an 86-minute
documentary entitled, "The Way We Get By," which is now showing in
select theaters nationwide. Highlighted in the film are VFW Post 1761
member Bill Knight and friends Joan Gaudet and Jerry Mundy. Click here
for a theater nearest you:
http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/screenings/.
5. Entire Military Exceeds Recruiting Goals: For the first time since
the All Volunteer Military went into effect in 1973, all four active
duty services and six Guard/Reserve components reached or exceeded their
recruiting goals for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. The Pentagon
cited the economic downturn and job market, as well as enlistment
bonuses and other incentives as contributing factors. By the numbers:
* Army had 70,045 accessions, making 108 percent of its 65,000
goal.
* Navy had 35,527 accessions, making 100 percent of its 35,500
goal.
* Marine Corps had 31,413 accessions, making 100 percent of its
31,400 goal.
* Air Force had 31,983 accessions, making 100 percent of its
31,980 goal.
* Army National Guard had 56,071 accessions, making 100 percent of
its 56,000 goal, and the Army Reserve had 36,189 accessions, making 105
percent of its 34,598 goal.
* Navy Reserve had 7,793 accessions, making 101 percent of its
7,743 goal.
* Marine Corps Reserve had 8,805 accessions, making 122 percent of
its 7,194 goal.
* Air National Guard had 10,075 accessions, making 106 percent of
its 9,500 goal, and the Air Force Reserve had 8,604 accessions, making
109 percent of its 7,863 goal.
VFW Washington Weekly, October 9, 2009
Posted at 07:06 PM on Friday, October 9, 2009 by Missouri
1. House Passes Advanced Funding: The House on Thursday passed HR 1016 by a vote of 419-1 to provide advanced funding for veterans' health care. This is a top VFW priority, and we applaud all who supported the legislation, especially VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), the bill's sponsor. The legislation will allow VA to know its funding a full year in advance, which will enable managers to more efficiently allocate resources to provide better healthcare and programs for America's veterans. VFW also thanks many other House leaders for their key support, to include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI), Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Chet Edwards (D-TX), VA Subcommittee on Health Chairman Mike Michaud (D-ME), and Reps. Phil Hare (D-IL) and Walter Jones (R-NC). The legislation now moves back to the Senate, where we expect approval of the compromise language to come within the next few weeks. Read the Veterans Partnership press release at http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5250.
2. VFW Helps Block TRICARE Copayment Increase: VFW swung into action last week when TRICARE announced an intention to increase inpatient copayment fees from $535 to $645 per day for retirees, family members and survivors covered under TRICARE Standard. The VFW National Legislative Service wrote congressional leaders as well as the Secretary of Defense to block the plan. The effort paid off as House and Senate leaders prohibited the increase in the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.
3. Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial Update: The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in Salazar v. Buono. The case is about the seven-foot-tall Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial that was erected in the shape of the cross by a VFW Post 75 years ago to honor all World War I dead. On behalf of the plaintiff, ACLU counsel Peter Eliasberg claimed a cross on federal lands violates the Establishment Clause, which prohibits the federal government from creating a national religion or endorsing one religion over another. The main issue to emerge Wednesday was whether the 2002 congressional mandate to swap the one-acre memorial site for five acres of private land elsewhere within the Mojave Desert Preserve was an attempt by Congress to circumvent a lower court order to remove the cross. Eliasberg maintained that you cannot cure an Establishment Clause violation with a land swap, and said a land swap would result in a donut-hole plot of private land that would be indistinguishable from surrounding federal land. On behalf of the government and veterans groups, U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan countered that there was no Establishment Clause violation, and that there are approximately 1,000 private landowners who already own 1,800 plots of varying size within the 1.6 million-acre Desert Preserve. A final ruling is not expected till next year.
4. House PTSD Discussion: VFW took part in a PTSD roundtable discussion with the House VA Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs on recent regulations to liberalize the evidence required by veterans to establish service-connection for PTSD. The VA regulation change was prompted by legislation submitted by Subcommittee Chairman John Hall (D-NY) to redefine "combat with the enemy" for proof of service-connection for mental health compensation. Current law places the burden of proof on the veteran, which is often difficult and results in a veteran being denied compensation. VFW suggested that VA and non-VA credentialed psychiatrists or psychologists should be allowed to confirm the claimed stressor, and that all RO, VHA examiners, AMC and BVA staffs be trained on the rule change.
5. House VA Committee Action: The House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity cleared several VFW-supported bills, which would benefit military personnel and their families. Some of the bills included:
- HR 1182, The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, would amend SCRA to allow spouses of military personnel clear residency rights.
- HR 2461, The Veterans Small Business Verification Act, would make VA responsible for clarifying veteran-status of small business's owners in the database maintained by VA.
- HR 2696, The Servicemembers' Rights Protection Act, would provide enforcement of rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
For more on any of the bills, visit the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/, or type the bill into the search box at http://thomas.loc.gov/.
6. NDAA Update: The House on Tuesday approved the Conference Report for the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act. While there are plenty of things about the authorization to be pleased about, there are several noteworthy disappointments as well.
Highlights include:
- A 3.4% pay raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve members.
- Prohibiting the Pentagon from implementing any TRICARE inpatient care copayment increase for FY2010.
- Authorizing premium-based TRICARE coverage for "gray area" Reserve retirees who are under age 60.
- Authorizing special compensation on behalf of caregivers of severely wounded warriors while on active duty.
- Requiring a medical examination before administrative separation of members affected by traumatic brain injury or PTSD.
- Protecting absentee voting rights for military members and families.
- Expanding active-duty TRICARE eligibility for activating Guard/Reserve members and their families.
Citing lack of funding, House and Senate conferees did remove some important items from the final report, however, to include:
- A House plan to phase out the disability offset to retired pay for medically retired (Chapter 61) members. This is a particularly devastating setback because, for the first time, the President's budget had included concurrent receipt, and House leaders had found funding for the first year. Unfortunately, Senate conferees objected to the specific funding sources identified by the House, and leaders could not find other offsets to comply with Senate budget scoring rules.
- The Senate initiative to repeal the deduction of VA survivor benefits from military SBP annuities, again for lack of funding offsets.
- A Senate-approved provision to authorize retroactive Reserve retirement age credit for active duty service since Sept. 11, 2001 (current law credits only service since Jan. 28, 2008), again for lack of funding offsets.
The Conference Report now moves back to the Senate for final approval.
VFW Washington Weekly, October 2, 2009
Posted at 08:13 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2009 by Missouri
1. Emergency GI Bill Payments: VA announced that its 57 regional benefits offices would begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments of up to $3,000 today to student-veterans who have yet to receive a government payment under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Also beginning today is online registration for the emergency payment. The difference between the two programs is a personal visit-with proper identification and enrollment certification-yields an immediate payment, whereas the online request may take a week or more due to processing and mail delivery. Knowing that many student-veterans attend school far away from any regional office, VFW National Commander Tommy Tradewell asked his Departments and Posts this week to reach out to campus student-veterans organizations and offer transportation assistance to the nearest VA regional office. The VA, too, is offering to provide transportation assistance.
For more on the VA emergency payment program, go to http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1790.
To read the VFW press release, go to http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5227.
2. Congress Passes CR to Fund VA: Congress failed to pass funding for all government agencies as the FY 2010 budget year began yesterday, but they did pass a Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government operating through the end of October. VA was funded at a slight increase. VFW National Commander Tommy Tradewell said he appreciates the plus-up in healthcare funding, but that Congress missed a golden opportunity to pass an on-time budget and advanced appropriations legislation that the president and the entire veterans' community supports. "The VFW will continue to advocate hard for that legislation so that America's veterans will be properly cared for by a VA that is funded in a sufficient, timely and predictable manner."
3. TRICARE Fee Increase Proposed: Despite promises from DOD that there would be no proposed TRICARE fee increases for FY 2010, VFW has been made aware of a proposed increase to retirees and their family members and survivors covered by TRICARE Standard. TRICARE Management Activity proposed Wednesday increases of $110 per day on hospital inpatient copayments-from $535 to $645 per day. VFW is working with members of The Military Coalition to reverse the proposed fee increase.
4. DOD Expands Homeowners Assistance Program: The Defense Department announced details this week of a temporary expansion of the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) to partially reimburse eligible military personnel, surviving spouses, and federal civilian employees whose service to the nation required them to relocate and sell their primary residence at a loss. Potential eligible personnel include:
- Active and former service members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard;
- Civilian employees of DOD, Coast Guard, and non-appropriated fund activities; and
- Surviving spouses of both fallen service members and civilian employees.
The HAP expansion is not designed to pay 100 percent of losses, or to cover all declines in value, but it can help protect eligible applicants from financial catastrophe due to significant losses in their home values. Potentially eligible personnel who have sold a primary home for a loss, who are considering selling their home or who have to sell their home are encouraged to visit the DOD website (http://hap.usace.army.mil) to check specific program criteria and, if eligible, to apply online.
5. Senate Hearing on VA Contracts: The Senate VA Committee heard testimony this week from VA and outside contractors on how health care services are purchased, and who oversees and manages those services. VA spent about $3 billion on contract fees services in FY 2008. They recently restructured the contracting process to move contracting authority from the local level to a more centralized area. Committee members voiced their concern about how the reorganization will help VA ensure that contractors provide quality services at a fair price that benefits VA and veterans. For more on the hearing, visit the Senate VA website at http://veterans.senate.gov/.
6. VFW Testifies on House VA Bills: VFW testified this week before the House VA Subcommittee on Health on recently introduced legislation designed to enhance homeless programs, physical therapy, hearing loss, and other programs and benefits for veterans. Some of the VFW-supported bills included:
- HR 1036 would create a Director of Physical Therapy within VA to help increase physical therapy programs and enhance healthcare for all generations of injured veterans.
- HR 2735 would change the Grant and Per Diem Program from a daily care cost payment system to one based on the annual cost of the services provided to homeless veterans.
- HR 3073 would provide funding to public and nonprofit organizations to help veterans who are in imminent danger of becoming homeless.
For our complete statement, or to view the hearing on the web, visit the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/
VFW Washington Weekly, September 25, 2009
Posted at 02:35 PM on Sunday, September 27, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. Health Care Victory for Veterans
2. VFW Testifies on Bills
3. House VA Subcommittee Hearings
1. Health Care Victory for Veterans: Key House leaders have agreed to offer an amendment that will put to rest any concerns that VA health care will change under the nation health care reform debate. VFW has been in talks with House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) and Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-IN) on this important issue. The amendment being offered will ensure that veterans enrolled in VA are automatically deemed as having qualified health care coverage, and also allow veterans using VA health care to purchase other types of insurance through the health insurance exchanges. VFW will continue to monitor health care reform legislation in the House and Senate.
2. VFW Testifies on Bills: VFW testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on a number of bills designed to expand VA's work-study, vocational rehabilitation, small business programs, and employment, to include job training and apprenticeship expansion. VFW stressed the importance of helping disabled veteran-owned small businesses through the awarding of government contracts from Federal stimulus funding, and that those contracts adhere to the 3% set-aside. VFW also discussed several bills that would improve small business programs, amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and improve upon last year Post 9/11 GI Bill. To read VFW testimony, visit the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=474.
3. House VA Subcommittee Hearings:
- Tuesday: The Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to review VA's national formulary and the management of the pharmacy program. In FY 2008, VA spent $3.7 billion on approximately 126 million prescriptions dispensed at VHA facilities and through their consolidated mail outpatient pharmacies. Representatives from the VA Inspector General's office testified on their report of recent audits of VA pharmacy inventory, which looked at administrative management of non-controlled drugs. Non-controlled drugs are 95% of VA's pharmaceutical spending. Other issues discussed included pharmacy benefits and VA's restrictive formulary, when compared to Medicare and DOD's Tricare listings.
- Wednesday: The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Senior Executive Bonuses issued at VA. Recent reports by the media and VA's own Inspector General have suggested that bonuses were not appropriately awarded or given proper administrative review. Members of the committee restated their opposition to bonuses given to VBA employees when the backlog remains at critical numbers. In questioning, VA Deputy Secretary Scott Gould said Performance Review Board standards need to be tightened and the award of bonuses needs to be tied to organizational goals, but he reminded the committee that not every senior executive within VBA is tied to the claims backlog. He specifically mentioned VBA's home loan and insurance programs as outstanding success stories. Other discussion topics included unfair hiring practices and the award review process among VA managers.
- Thursday: The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs discussed the VA national cemetery system. Currently VA maintains more than 2.9 million gravesites at 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico. Representatives from the VSO community, VA , AFGE, American Battle Monuments Commission, Arlington National Cemetery and the National Park Service all testified to present and future needs of veterans and their families with regard to national cemeteries here and abroad.
VFW Washington Weekly, September 18, 2009
Posted at 01:08 PM on Sunday, September 20, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. Medal of Honor Awarded
2. Disability Compensation Hearing
3. Veterans Courts
1. Medal of Honor Awarded: The President bestowed the Medal of Honor posthumously to the family of Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti during a White House ceremony yesterday. Then-Staff Sergeant Monti was killed June 21, 2006, after making several attempts to rescue a fellow soldier after his 16-man patrol was attacked by 50 Taliban insurgents on a rocky ridge in Afghanistan. Monti, a native of Raynham, MA, was 30 years old at the time of his death. He enlisted in the Army in March 1993 and trained as a forward observer for artillery. He was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, NY. This is only the second time the medal has been awarded for action in Afghanistan. It has been awarded four times for action in Iraq. All the presentations were done posthumously. For more information on Monti's award, go to http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55892.
2. Disability Compensation Hearing: The Senate VA Committee held a hearing this week on VA Disability Compensation for the 21st Century, their third such hearing this session. Witnesses and committee members discussed reforming the compensation process so that veterans receive timely, accurate and fair compensation. Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC) both agreed that the committee is looking at legislation that would revamp the rating schedule to reflect modern medicine and quality of life payments for service-connected veterans. Retired Lt. Gen. James Terry Scott, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation, recommended examining the rating schedule to reflect accurate and timely assessment of disabilities and loss of earnings, as well as recognizing inconsistencies in mental versus physical disabilities. The other panelists recommended further studies into compensating quality of life. Committee members questioned the need for additional studies and strongly voiced the need for progress in the disability claims system. For more information or to watch the webcast of the hearing, go to the Senate VA website at http://veterans.senate.gov/.
3. Veterans Courts: The House VA Committee held a roundtable discussion Wednesday on judicial courts that only hear nonviolent cases involving veterans. Modeled after drug and mental health treatment courts, judges are able to order counseling, substance abuse treatment, mentoring, job training, housing assistance, and job placement services as alternatives to incarceration, which is far more expensive. Ten veterans' courts currently operate in New York, Alaska, California, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, with other states working to establish similar programs. Invited guests included three judges from Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Edwardsville, IL, as well as a VA medical center director and others involved in mentoring and treatment programs. For more on the hearing, visit the House VA website at http://veterans.house.gov/.
VFW Washington Weekly, September 11, 2009
Posted at 01:21 PM on Friday, September 11, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. Patient Care Group Scam
2. VFW Urges Passage of Women's Health Care Bill
3. Unemployed OEF/OIF Vets at Record High
4. House Committee Looks at GI Bill IT Progress
5. Tarawa MIA Search
6. National POW/MIA Recognition Day
1. Patient Care Group Scam: The VA has received reports that veterans are being contacted by a "Patient Care Group" that claims it is helping to administer the VA's prescription medicine program. "Patient Care Group" is saying the VA recently changed its pharmacy billing procedures, therefore a personal credit card number is now required for prescription payments in advance of filling those prescriptions. This is a scam! Do not provide credit card information over the phone to anyone who claims to represent the VA! The VA has not changed their pharmacy procedures, and they do not ask veterans to disclose personal financial information over the phone. If you should receive such a call, do not give them any information. Tell them you are busy and try to get a name and callback number. Report that information to your local police.
2. VFW Urges Passage of Women's Health Care Bill: VFW urges all veterans' advocates to contact their Senators and ask them to pass S. 252. The large health care bill, which passed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee earlier this summer, contains a broad range of health care improvements for all veterans, including expanded mental health services and grants for homeless veteran programs. It also includes a number of significant improvements for female veterans and the health care and services VA provides to them, which are VFW priority goals. Click on the link below for information on the bill and to contact your Senators today: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=14009536
3. Unemployed OEF/OIF at Record High: The total number of unemployed current war veterans almost equals the total number of troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to August unemployment data released last week by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The BLS data increased the nationwide unemployment average to 9.7 percent for the general population, and dramatically increased the unemployment rate of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans from 9.8 percent in July to 11.3 percent in August. Equally disturbing, said new VFW National Commander Tommy Tradewell, is the number of unemployed current war veterans increased from 160,000 to 185,000, which almost equals the total U.S. military strength currently serving in the wars. Tradewell said the VFW strongly believes that any entity that accepts federal stimulus money, regardless of amount, should be required to adhere to federal veterans' laws, in particular the Jobs for Veterans Act and the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act. To read the VFW press release, go to http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5195.
4. House Subcommittee Looks at GI Bill IT Progress: The House VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity discussed progress between VA and its government contractor, the U.S. Navy's Space Naval and Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR), who was hired to implement Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. The Interagency Agreement was the topic of a recent VA Inspector General's report that highlighted many contracting irregularities between SPAWAR and the VA. The contractor was named to help VA's IT department design new software to implement the Chapter 33 regulations. GI Bill benefits rolled out Aug. 1 with some kinks that are still being worked out. Subcommittee members voiced their concerns that quality controls and short and long-term goals are not being met. For more on the hearing, visit the House VA website at http://veterans.house.gov/.
5. Tarawa MIA Search: A survey team from the Hawaii-based Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command is scheduled to depart this weekend for the Pacific island of Tarawa, with hopes of finding enough evidence to launch a recovery operation of buried Americans who died in the November 1943 World War II battle. Nearly 1,000 U.S. Marines and 700 sailors died in the three-day battle. Researchers from the privately-funded History Flight organization claimed last year to have found almost 140 unmarked graves using ground-penetrating radar. More than 78,000 Americans are currently listed as missing and unaccounted-for from World War II.
6. National POW/MIA Recognition Day: The third Friday in September is set aside as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. On Sept. 18 this year, VFW Posts around the country will host ceremonies to remember those 88,000 Americans who remain missing and unaccounted-for since World War II, and to honor those 138,000 Americans who were captured. To aid in preparations, the VFW website contains a recommended speech and POW/MIA Awareness Brochure, which contains instructions for the Missing Man Table of Honor ceremony. Go to http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.leveld&did=3700
VFW Washington Weekly, August 7, 2009
Posted at 07:39 PM on Friday, August 7, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. VFW Protects Health Care Programs
2. Vet Bills Update
3. New GI Bill Benefit Begins
4. Senate Hearing on Disability Compensation
5. Congress on Recess
1. VFW Protects Health Care Programs: VFW is working closely with House leadership to ensure national health care reform legislation does not change the way veterans, military retirees and their families receive their health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the military's TRICARE program. Key VFW-supported amendments adopted by the House include:
- Exclude TRICARE from all reform movements;
- Exclude VA health care from all reform movement, and maintain the VA secretary's current authority to operate the organization as he deems appropriate.
- Give veterans using VA health care the option of purchasing additional insurance under the new national health care plan. This would expand, not restrict, health care coverage available to them and their families;
VFW will continue to work closely with Congress to ensure that neither VA nor TRICARE are adversely affected under the national health care reform proposal. We have also received assurances from the President that veterans and servicemembers will be safeguarded under any bill passed by Congress.
2. Vet Bills Update: It has been a busy session of hearings and votes - VFW has had many successes and thanks everyone for their advocacy in advancing our legislative priority goals - below are some key bills that have cleared.
The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 (Advanced Appropriations) which authorizes funding for VA medical accounts two-years in advance passed the House and Senate (the Senate cleared the bill yesterday before recessing for the rest of the month).
Other VFW-supported bills that have passed the House include:
HR 466- The Wounded Veterans' Job Security Act prohibits discrimination and acts of reprisal against persons who receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service.
HR 1037 authorizes VA to conduct a five-year pilot project to expand on existing work-study activities
and allows student veterans to participate in work-study positions in academic departments.
HR 1088 The Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009 provides a one-year period for training (instead of the current three) for new DVOPs and LVOPs through the National Veterans Employment and Training Institute.
HR 1089 enforces employment rights of veterans and members of the armed services employed by the Federal Government Services Institute.
HR 1170 provides grants up to $200,000 for development of technologies to improve adaptive housing for disabled veterans.
HR 1171 reauthorizes the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program through 2014, and also includes special grants to programs and facilities that provide for homeless female veterans and homeless veterans with children.
HR 1172 directs VA to include on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors.
HR 1211 - The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act expands and improves health care services available to women veterans, including studies in barriers to care, mental health services for PTSD, MST and extended health care to newborns of female veterans immediately following birth.
HR 1293 increases the amount veterans receive for improvements and structural alterations for home health services.
HR 1377 expands veteran eligibility for VA reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA facilities.
HR 3155 authorizes training, support and medical care to family and non-family caregivers of veterans. It would also create a stipend to cover housing and expenses incurred by primary caregivers to certain veterans.
HR 3219 combines provisions from eight other bills, to include establishing a Director of Physician Assistant position within VA; eliminating the deduction in accelerated death payments to terminally-ill veterans and service members under SGLI and VGLI; allows certain veterans to increase the amount of life insurance they carry under VGLI; prohibits catastrophically-disabled veterans from having to pay copayments or other fees for critical medical services; and permanently authorizes hospital care, medical services and nursing home care for Vietnam and Persian Gulf War veterans exposed to herbicides
For more on any of the bills type the bill # in the box at: http://thomas.loc.gov/
3. New GI Bill Benefit Begins: This week, VA began implementing the new Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit. VFW played a key role in getting the historical legislation passed last year. The Chapter 33 benefit provides 36 months of full tuition at every public college or university in the nation, plus fees, books and a housing stipend. It eliminates the $1,200 enrollment fee, extends the time to use the benefit from 10 to 15 years. It also permits reenlisting servicemembers to transfer some or all of their educational benefits to a spouse or children. It automatically adjusts itself as tuitions and fees increase, greatly enhances the amount paid to Guard and Reserve members, and provides a dollar-for-dollar tuition match to more than 1,100 private schools who chose to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. To calculate your benefits or get the list of education institutions participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program visit the VA website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/
For the VFW press release click here: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5149
4. Senate Hearing on Disability Compensation: The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing on the veterans' disability compensation process and how to make improvements at VA and DOD. VFW submitted testimony for the record outlining a proposal, which calls for the creation of a test program, entitled the Provisional Claims Processing Program. The program would be limited to service members leaving the Armed Forces or recently discharged veterans. An initial evaluation would be conducted based on existing evidence, and the veteran would have the opportunity to accept or decline the provisional rating. The testimony also called on VBA to improve training and better utilize technology to create efficiencies within the disability compensation process.
To read our testimony click here: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.leveld&did=3702
For more on the hearing visit the Senate VA website at: http://veterans.senate.gov/hearings.cfm
5. Congress on Recess: August recess has begun for Congressional members - you will find them in their district offices and/or travelling in their home States. Now is a great time to schedule a meeting and discuss VFW priority goals and key legislation. We are continuing to push for passage of Advanced Appropriations (House passed - Senate is pending) as well as the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act and many provisions found in the FY 2010 Defense Authorization Bill. For our priority goals as well as a list of the bills we support, visit the VFW website and click on the Capitol Hill section at: http://www.vfw.org/
***Thank you for your continuing advocacy on behalf of veterans and our active duty military , guard and reserve members - The Washington Weekly will be published again the first week of September when Congress returns from August recess.***
VFW Washington Weekly, July 24, 2009
Posted at 04:24 PM on Friday, July 24, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. House VA Committee Hearings
2. NDAA Update
1. House VA Committee Hearings:
Wednesday: The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (O&I) held a hearing on VAs brachytherapy safety standards. Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy often used to treat prostate cancer by using radioactive seeds which are placed inside or next to a patient's malignant cells. The hearing came on the heels of reports of botched prostate cancer procedures and lack of quality and controls at Philadelphia's VA Medical Center. A panel of doctors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine who implemented the Brachytherapy procedures under contract at the Philadelphia VA offered their explanations and apologies. The committee posed questions to the panel of doctors and the representatives from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about the safety and security of radioactive materials used in medical procedures and how VA can identify quality controls and strict oversight. Reports show that the Brachytherapy procedure is very effective when administered and monitored properly.
Thursday: The O&I subcommittee also held a hearing examining Quality of Life and Ancillary Benefits provided by VA. VA ancillary benefits include adaptive grants for automobiles and housing, vocational rehabilitation, education, aid and attendance and insurance. Witnesses included representatives from veterans' service organizations, The Institute of Medicine, Quality of Life Foundation of Virginia, National Organization on Disability and VA benefits staff. Chairman John Hall (D-NY) asked the panels to review recent legislation and reports addressing the appropriateness of VA benefits and quality of life loss payment. Updating VAs current rating schedule and addressing quality of life payment has remained a priority for VFW and other VSOs since recommendations were made by the VDBC in October 2007.
For more on the hearings, visit the House website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/
To read the final report of the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC) go to:
2. NDAA Update: Late last night, the Senate passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 87-7. The bill, S. 1390 included the following VFW-supported provisions:
**SBP-DIC offset - The Senate approved an amendment offered by Sen. Bill Nelson that would end the deduction of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.
**Concurrent Receipt - The Senate approved an amendment offered by Sen. Harry Reid to phase-in the extension of concurrent receipt to all medically retired service members, regardless of years of service.
**Military Spouses Residency Relief - The Senate approved an amendment offered by Sen. Richard Burr that would give a military spouse who moves out of state because of military orders the option to claim one state of domicile, regardless of where they move. This amendment would remove the need for military spouses to update drivers' licenses, filing tax returns for multiple states, and changing vehicle and voter registrations with each move.
The House passed its bill (HR 2647) in June. The bills now head to conference for final approval.
VFW Washington Weekly, July 20, 2009
Posted at 08:35 PM on Monday, July 20, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. House VA Committee Hearings
2. Women Veteran Hearings
3. Military Voting Rights Bill
4. DOD Identifies Captured Soldier
1. House VA Committee Hearings:
Tuesday: The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on VA and DOD's implementation of a joint electronic medical record. Mandated by the FY 2008 Defense bill, Secretaries' Shinseki and Gates have made the interoperable record a priority. The deadline for the creation of a joint lifetime electronic record that will contain information from the day a servicemember enters the military to their transition into the VA system is Sept. 30, 2009. Committee members all stated that it is time to make the transition easier for all those returning from battle, and to improve upon a system that ensures the best care, efficient benefits delivery, and seamless transition in to civilian life. Director Rear Adm. Gregory Timberlake and Deputy Director Cliff Freeman of the Interagency Program Office, both testified that it is their goal to enable DOD and VA to work together to deliver a comprehensive system that will modernize both agencies and bring them into 21st century.
Wednesday: The full committee moved several VFW-supported bills forward for House action.
- HR 3155 would authorize training, support and medical care to family caregivers of veterans. It would also create a stipend to cover housing and expenses incurred by primary caregivers to certain veterans.
- HR 1293 would increase the amount veterans receive for improvements and structural alterations for home health services.
- HR 2270 combines provisions from eight other bills, to include establishing a Director of Physician Assistant position within VA; eliminate the deduction in accelerated death payments to terminally-ill veterans and service members under SGLI and VGLI; allow certain veterans to increase the amount of life insurance they carry under VGLI; prohibit catastrophically-disabled veterans from having to pay copayments or other fees for critical medical services; and permanently authorize hospital care, medical services and nursing home care for Vietnam and Persian Gulf War veterans exposed to herbicides.
Thursday: VFW presented testimony before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on State Approving Agencies (SAAs) and their role in education programs administered by VA. SAAs were established by Congress in 1947 to ensure that veterans and eligible dependents use the GI Bill educational benefit in an approved educational environment. Their key function is to ensure that education and training programs meet VA standards. VFW believes that with the passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, SAAs need more highly trained individuals working at the state and federal levels. We also testified that adequate resources provided by Congress and vigilant oversight are needed to decrease the potential for waste, fraud and abuse.
To read VFW testimony, go to: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.leveld&did=3702.
For more on the hearings, visit the committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/.
2. Women Veteran Hearings: The Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees held hearings last week on VA healthcare services for women veterans. Both hearings looked at how VA can bridge the gaps in care that currently face female veterans. VFW sponsored a witness who spoke of her experiences about the care given her when she transitioned out of the Army into VA. A panel of female warriors spoke at both hearings and told personal stories of their struggles getting proper care and benefits at VA facilities. According to VA, of the 1.8 million women veterans in the U.S., about 450,000 have enrolled for care at VA. The VA's chief consultant on women's health, Dr. Patricia Hays, addressed some of the inconsistencies and problems, and told Senate Committee members that VA is implementing an innovative approach to improve services to women. Some of the current initiatives and programs include:
- Comprehensive primary care providers throughout the nation.
- Staffing every VA medical center with a Women Veterans Program Manager.
- Enhancing mental health care at all facilities.
- Creating a min-residency education program on women's health for physicians.
- Improving communication and outreach about VA services for women.
- Conducting a multi-faceted research program on women's health.
VFW -supported legislation addressing access to care at VA that focuses on understanding the needs of women vets and improving services was introduced by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-SD). The House passed their version. We await Senate action. For more on both hearings, visit the respective committee websites at http://veterans.senate.gov/ and http://veterans.house.gov/.
3. Military Voting Rights Bill: The Senate Administration Committee approved legislation last week to ensure the votes of U.S. troops and other Americans living overseas are counted in upcoming elections. The bill, S. 1415, would require states to send ballots to military and overseas voters at least 45 days before an election, and provide a 10-day grace period for ballots to be received after Election Day, as long as they are postmarked in time. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), the bill's sponsor, is going to offer the legislation as an amendment to the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, now under consideration by the Senate.
4. DOD Identifies Captured Soldier: The Defense Department announced the capture of Army Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 23, of Ketchum, ID,on July 3. Bergdahl, a member of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, AK, is the only missing American serviceman in Afghanistan. Army Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie, of Ann Arbor, MI, is the only missing American serviceman in Iraq. He was allegedly kidnapped while on his way to visit family in Baghdad on Oct. 23, 2006.
VFW Washington Weekly, June 29, 2009
Posted at 08:55 PM on Monday, June 29, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. GI Bill Hearing
2. GI Bill Transferability Rules
3. House Passes Defense Bill
4. Congress on Recess
1. GI Bill Hearing: The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity held another hearing on VA's implementation plans for the
Post 9/11 GI Bill. The GI bill benefit is scheduled to be fully
implemented on Aug. 1, 2009. The application process to determine
eligibility opened on May 1. VA has reported over 100,000 applications
filed for the education benefit. Keith Wilson, Director of VA's
Education Services, testified that VA has a two-part IT strategy that
relies on short- and long-term goals for processing the claims. He
updated committee members on VA's partnership with the Navy's SPAWAR
Systems Center, which is contracted to design, develop, and deploy an
end-to-end solution that utilizes rules-based, industry-standard
technologies. VA is currently working with SPAWAR on the long-term IT
solution, and expects the program to be completed no later than December
2010. For more on the hearing, visit the House VA website at:
http://veterans.house.gov/.
2. GI Bill Transferability Rules: The Pentagon released final rules
under the transferability provision of the new GI Bill and began taking
applications today. Servicemembers can register to transfer their Post
9/11 GI bill benefits to family members on a special Pentagon website.
The application site is for servicemembers who do not plan to use their
benefits anytime soon or not at all. The Pentagon stresses that for
those who wish to begin using their benefit now to register through the
VA website (www.va.gov). Under the new law, servicemembers have up to 15
years from the time they leave the military to use their education
benefits. Transferability laws apply to those on active duty or in the
Selected Reserve on August 1, 2009 and include fulfilling a minimum
service obligation. If you are scheduled to retire anytime before July
31 or have separated and are in the Individual Ready Reserve you are not
eligible for the transferability benefit. All other eligibility criteria
for the benefit can be found at:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/DTM%2009-003%20Post%209-11%20GI%20Bill.p
df
The transferability of education benefits (TEB) website will be open and
available for applications on June 29, 2009 at:
https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/
The site can only be accessed from military computers
3. House Passes Defense Bill: The House last week passed (389-22) its
version of the FY 2010 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 2647). One key
amendment passed was a provision to phase-in (within 5 years) concurrent
receipt for Chapter 61 retirees. The measure would allow disabled
military retirees with less than 20 years of service to collect both
their retirement pay and VA compensation without offset. It also extends
expiring authorities concerning a wide array of bonuses and special pays
that are critical to military recruiting and retention. The VFW thanks
Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) for his leadership
on this critical fix, and is hopeful that the language of this bill will
be incorporated into the Senate version of the FY 2010 NDAA. Other
provisions of the bill include a 3.4% military pay raise, TRICARE health
coverage for Reserve Component members, significant funding for family
housing, and increases in size of the military force by 15,000 Army
troops, 8,000 Marines, 14,650 Air Force, and 2,477 Navy. For more
information on the entire House-passed bill visit the House Armed
Services Committee at:
http://armedservices.house.gov/apps/list/press/armedsvc_dem/skeltonpr061
709.shtml.
4. Congress on Recess: Congress is on recess and is expected to return
to Washington on July 7. Their very busy July agenda involves completing
all 12 appropriations packages - including the VA/Military Construction
and Defense bills. Other VFW legislative priorities that need final
approval and votes include the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement
Act, Advanced Funding for VA Medical Care, and several bills that will
expand benefits for veterans. Now is a great time to visit the district
offices and urge your legislators to pass our priority goals. For a list
of our goals and the bills we support, visit the VFW website and click
on the Capitol Hill link at:
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.home&tok=1.
VFW Washington Weekly, June 19, 2009
Posted at 08:57 PM on Friday, June 19, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. Priority 8 Enrollment Update
2. Endoscopic Procedures Hearing
3. VA Appropriations Update
4. House VA Committee Hearings
5. Defense Bill Passed by Committee
1. Priority 8 Enrollment Update: VA changed enrollment eligibility rules on June 15 to make it easier for more veterans to enroll in VA's health care system. Under this new provision, they expect about 266,000 more veterans to enroll this year and possibly 500,000 in the next four years. VA relaxed income restrictions on enrollment for health benefits. While this new provision does not remove consideration of income, it does increase income thresholds. A web-based calculator is available for veterans to enter personal data at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/apps/enrollmentcalculator/. Veterans may also contact VA's health resource center at 1-877-222-8387 or visit the VA health eligibility website at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/
2. Endoscopic Procedures Hearing: The House VA Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held hearing following reports that three VA medical facilities failed to use proper safeguards in the cleaning of endoscopic equipment. A recent VA Inspector General report said fewer than half of 42 VA facilities selected for no-notice inspections last month had proper training and guidelines in place. The report came after VA uncovered procedural errors at medical centers in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee that potentially exposed more than 10,00 veterans to HIV and other infections, such as Hepatitis B and C. Members of the committee expressed outrage and disbelief at the findings, and tasked VA to ensure that proper policies and training programs are in place. They also questioned the care and treatment of those exposed and how they are going to regain the trust of the veterans they serve. For prepared testimony and to listen to audio from the hearing, go to: http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=417
3. VA Appropriations Update: This week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and VA moved advanced appropriations closer to final approval when it cleared a $77.9 billion bill. The bill, as approved, contains $48.2 billion in advanced funding for VA medical accounts for FY 2011. VFW testified before the committee several times in support of the concept, as we believe this will allow VA to better plan for the future, attract and recruit high-quality health care professionals, and allow them to better target gaps in care among other enhancements. For the subcommittee press release, go to: http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/Milcon-FY2010-EdwardsStatement-9-16-10.pdf
4. House VA Committee Hearings:
Thursday: VFW testified before the Subcommittee on Health on several bills designed to improve care to veterans. Some of the VFW-supported bills included:
- HR 1293, The Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act, would increase the amount of VA grants for minor home improvements. This would be the first increase since 1992, and would bring the total to $6,900 and $2,000 for service and non-service connected veterans, respectively.
- HR 1335 would exempt catastrophically disabled veterans (category 4) from for nursing home and health care co-payments.
- HR 2734, and HR 2738 would provide much needed medical care and benefits to family members who are serving as caregivers.
- Draft bill that would require VA to provide information and outreach to family caregivers, and allow them to also receive counseling and mental health services form VA.
Also on Thursday, VFW testified before the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs regarding the VA claims backlog. This is the third hearing the committee has held on how to simplify the claims process and reduce the backlog. The VFW testified that there is no quick fix to the ratings process, but there are still things that can be done to improve production, reduce backlogs, and ensure claims are completed with quality. We also testified on a VFW proposal to incorporate the best practices of a post-WWII claims system to make expedited provisional decisions based on existing records. Limited to servicemembers leaving the Armed Forces or recently discharged veterans, this proposal calls for the creation of a test program granting benefits on limited information quickly, but with quality. Under this program, a VA examination and a new decision would be required four years after the initial rating. A veteran would have the opportunity to accept the provisional rating or wait the six to eight months for a permanent rating.
To read VFW testimony, go to: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.leveld&did=3702
For more on both hearings, go to the House VA Committee website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
5. Defense Bill Passed by Committee: The House Armed Services Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. HR 2647 authorizes $550.4 billion for DOD and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. It also provides $130 billion to support overseas contingency operations during fiscal year 2010. Some of the VFW-supported provisions include:
- Providing a 3.4% pay raise to all servicemembers.
- Extending DOD authority for bonuses and incentive pay.
- Expanding chiropractic health care to all active duty military members.
- Extending TRICARE Reserve Select to members of the Retired Reserve who are qualified for a non-regular retirement but are not yet age 60, otherwise known as "gray area retiree.
- Requiring a medical examination prior to the involuntarily separation of service members with post-traumatic stress disorders or traumatic brain injuries.
- Providing travel and transportation fees for up to three designated persons visiting hospitalized servicemembers.
For the House Armed Services press release and more on the provisions in the bill, go to: http://armedservices.house.gov/apps/list/press/armedsvc_dem/skeltonpr061709.shtml
VFW Washington Weekly, June 12, 2009
Posted at 03:26 PM on Friday, June 12, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. VA Committees Hold Hearings on CARES
2. House Committee Clears Advanced Funding/Other Vet Bills
3. Defense Bill Update
1. VA Committees Hold Hearings on CARES: This week, VFW testified before both House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees on the future of VA's health infrastructure. VFW has been supportive of VA's Capitol Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services process (CARES). The CARES model is a systematic, data-driven assessment of VA's facilities designed to evaluate present and future demands for health-care services. We testified that the strength of CARES is in the decision making framework that it created enabling VA to reassess annually their construction priorities and veterans' needs. Currently VA has a large number of projects underway and some still in the planning and design phase. One of the challenges remains the funding issue. We stressed the need for Congress and the Administration to provide full funding for major construction accounts to reduce the backlog and to begin funding future construction priorities. Another difficulty has been communication between VA and the veteran communities affected by the changes to the CARES process. We believe that VA needs to do a better job of explaining what their plans are for every location based on the facts so as to not create a sense of urgency among veterans that there care is being taken away. Access to care for all involved, especially those in rural areas, is a major challenge and we believe that many of the answers lie outside of the construction process.
To read our testimony visit the VFW website at: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.leveld&did=3702
For more on both hearings, visit the House and Senate VA websites at:
2. House Committee Clears Advanced Funding/ Vet Bills. The House Veterans' Affairs Committee approved 23-0, VFW-supported legislation that would fund VA medical care one year in advance. The committee also included VA's IT accounts in the bill (HR 1016) as an amendment. HR 1016, The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, will allow VA to better plan for the future, attract and recruit high-quality health care professionals, and allow them to better target gaps in care. The Senate passed their version (S.423) in May.
Other VFW-supported bills cleared by the committee include:
HR 952 would expand the meaning of combat with the enemy to mean active duty service in a combat theater during a time of war not just during actual combat. The bill aims to shorten the claims process for many veterans suffering from psychological injuries.
HR 2270 would establish a compensation fund for certain WWII veterans who were not eligible for readjustment benefits. Those eligible would receive a monthly payment of $1000
HR 1037 would authorize $10 million annually to implement a five-year pilot program to expand work-study activities for veterans on campuses.
HR 1098, The Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 would increase educational assistance for veterans pursuing internships or on-the-job training. It also increased the monthly training assistance for eligible veterans and their dependents under the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program.
HR 2180 would waive housing loan fees for veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active duty.
HR 1821, The Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009 would extend VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program to 15 years following discharge or release from active duty. It also authorizes single parents participating in the program up to $2000 a month for child care services.
HR 1211, The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act is a comprehensive bill that will improve health care services for female veterans.
For more information on any of the bills cleared visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
OR type the bill # into the box at http://thomas.loc.gov/
3. Defense Bill Update: The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, this week, approved the subcommittee's markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. For the first time ever, the Department of Defense (DOD) will have the statutory mandate to account for all the missing from World War II, Korea, the Cold War, the Vietnam era, the Persian Gulf War and other conflicts designated by the Secretary of Defense. Furthermore, the DOD will be tasked to significantly increase the number of identifications from the current 70 per year to 200 by 2015 and subsequently to 350 per year by 2020.
Other initiatives included in the markup are:
**Expanding chiropractic health care to all active duty military members;
**Extending TRICARE Reserve Select to members of the Retired Reserve who are qualified for a non-regular retirement but are not yet age 60 otherwise known as "gray area retirees; and,
**Requiring a medical examination prior to the involuntarily separation of service members with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.
The subcommittee's markup will be forwarded to the House Armed Services Committee for approval.
VFW Washington Weekly, June 5, 2009
Posted at 04:07 PM on Friday, June 5, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. House Committee Marks up Vet Bills
2. Healthcare Bill for Women Veterans Cleared
3. House VA Committee Hearings
4. Japan Apologizes to American POWs
5. McHugh Tapped for Army Secretary
1. House Committee Marks up Vet Bills: Several VFW-supported bills cleared their respective subcommittees this week. All of the bills now move to the full committee for consideration.
HR 952 would expand the meaning of combat with the enemy to mean active duty service in a combat theater during a time of war not just during actual combat. The bill aims to shorten the claims process for many veterans suffering from psychological injuries.
HR 2270 would establish a compensation fund for certain WWII veterans who were not eligible for readjustment benefits. Those eligible would receive a monthly payment of $1000
HR 1037 would authorize $10 million annually to implement a five-year pilot program to expand work-study activities for veterans on campuses.
HR 1098, The Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 would increase educational assistance for veterans pursuing internships or on-the-job training. It also increased the monthly training assistance for eligible veterans and their dependents under the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program.
HR 2180 would waive housing loan fees for veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active duty.
HR 1821, The Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009 would extend VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program to 15 years following discharge or release from active duty. It also authorizes single parents participating in the program up to $2000 a month for child care services.
For more information on any of the bills cleared visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
OR type the bill # into the box at http://thomas.loc.gov/
2. Benefits Bill for Women Veterans Cleared: A comprehensive bill that will improve health care for female veterans cleared the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health this week. HR 1211, The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act is a VFW priority goal. The bill as passed would:
**Authorize $4 million to VA to study barriers women face in accessing care and another $5 million for an assessment of the VA's health care services and programs provided to female veterans.
**Create a new program to offer graduate medical education, training and certification to mental health professionals who provide counseling, care and services for veterans suffering from sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
**Authorize $1.5 million in 2010 and 2011 for a pilot program to provide child care to veterans who are receiving mental health or other intensive care services at VA facilities.
**Provide health care services for the newborns of female veterans who delivered at VA facilities for 7 days after birth.
Last month, the Senate VA Committee passed similar legislation in a large health care bill. VFW thanks both Senator Patty Murray and Representative Herseth-Sandlin for their leadership on this most important bill.
3. House VA Committee Hearings
Wednesday: The Full Committee met to discuss homeless veterans. Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) talked about the commitment to end homelessness by the Administration and the growing number of OIE/OEF and female veterans at risk because of poverty and lack of support from family, friends and program availability. Panelists discussed VA programs that have proven successful such as the Grant and Per Diem program which helps public and non-profit organizations establish and operate transitional housing and service centers. Many suggested increasing the per diem amount for the program as it uses an antiquated system that does not allow for geographic differences and changes in service costs. Witnesses all agreed that a more comprehensive strategy to combat homelessness to include more outreach by VA would help prevent veterans from becoming homeless in the first place. VA reported that the number of veterans who are homeless has decreased from 195,000 in 2005 to 131,000 in 2008.
Thursday: The Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on meeting the needs of family caregivers of veterans. The hearing hoped to identify gaps in supportive services to those family members providing care to severely disabled veterans. Witnesses included representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project, National Military Family Association, VA, DOD, HHS, and groups that provide in-home and respite care for individuals in need. Chairman Michael Michaud (D-ME) asked panelists to comment on recent legislation introduced and what the committee can provide by way of economic and other support for those caring for their wounded family members. Lack of coordination between VA and DOD when providing services was the most common complaint of witnesses. Retired Cmdr. Rene Campos, Deputy Director for government relations, Military Officers Association of America said it best when she commented as a part of her testimony that "There needs to be a commitment from VA and DOD to work together to build a total package that will meet the needs of the servicemember and their families now and into the future."
For more information on the hearings or to view the recorded webcast go to: http://veterans.house.gov/
4. Japan Apologizes to American POWs: Japan's Ambassador to the U.S. delivered his government's historic apology to the former POWs of Japan, their families, and friends at the last convention of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (ADBC) on May 30 in San Antonio, Texas. In the Pacific Theater, during World War II, over 29,000 American military personnel were captured by the Japanese. Nearly 40 percent of those POWs died in captivity as a result of the Bataan Death March and the horrific conditions that existed in the Japanese POW forced labor camps and enslavement at private Japanese companies. The ADBC, for decades, has been pressing Japan for an apology for the inhumane treatment American POWs suffered under Japan's colonial rule during WWII. They also seek an apology from Japanese industry for their inhumane actions and to include the American POWs in a new and permanent Peace, Friendship, and Exchange Fund. Note: The VFW has been working closely with the ADBC and the U.S. State Department over the past six months to facilitate this apology, and to pressure Japan to include American POWs in the Peace, Friendship, and Exchange program.
5. McHugh Tapped for Army Secretary: President Obama has nominated Congressman John McHugh to be Secretary of the Army. McHugh represents New York's 23rd Congressional District and is the Republican Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee. He is presently serving in his 9th term in the U.S. House of Representatives and if confirmed by the Senate will become the 21st Secretary of the Army.
VFW Washington Weekly, May 22, 2009
Posted at 07:57 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. Senate VA Committee Clears Advanced Funding
2. House VA Committee Hearings
3. House Passes Veteran Small Business Centers
4. Military Overseas Voting Hearing
5. Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial
1. Senate VA Committee Clears Advanced Funding/ Other Vet Bills: The Senate VA Committee cleared a bill authorizing advanced funding for VA. S. 423, The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, would allow VA to receive their budget one year in advance. It's a top priority for VFW. VFW believes that advanced funding will allow VA to better plan for the future, attract and recruit high-quality health care professionals, and allow them to better target gaps in care, among many other program enhancements. Other VFW-supported bills cleared by the committee include:
- S. 252, The Veterans Health Care Authorization Act - Would authorize enhanced care and services for women veterans, to include hiring more mental health professionals. Other parts of the bill strengthen VA recruiting programs, institutional and non-institutional care, rehabilitative care for OEF/OIF veterans, research, homelessness, and mental health services, among others.
- S. 728, The Veterans Benefit Enhancement Act - Would strengthen insurance programs for disabled veterans, expand eligibility for traumatic injury protection, ease the burden on certain combat veterans who seek to establish a service-connection for their disabilities, and strengthen laws protecting veterans and servicemembers from employment discrimination.
- S. 801, The Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act - Would establish an unprecedented permanent program to train, support and assist caregivers of disabled veterans. It would also improve care and treatment for veterans living in rural areas, and enable VA to reimburse eligible veterans for emergency care in non-VA facilities.
- S. 475, Military Spouses Residency Act - Would update USSERA laws for spouses of military personnel with regard to matters of residency.
- S. 407, Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act - Would increase rates of compensation and DIC for service-connected veterans and their survivors. Rates would be effective Dec. 1.
All of the bills now move to the Senate floor for action. For complete details, visit the committee's website at http://veterans.senate.gov/.
2. House VA Committee Hearings: The House VA Committee also had a busy week of hearings.
- Tuesday: The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Gulf War Illness research. Subcommittee Chairman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) promised this would be one of many the committee plans to hold to examine the impact of toxin exposures during the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War, and the subsequent research and response by government agencies including the DOD and VA
- Also Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA medical care and the outreach being made to veterans of all eras. Committee members believe VA is still not reaching those eligible for benefits and services, and has steered away from the use of public advertising.
- Wednesday: The House VA Committee held a roundtable discussion about the growing needs of women veterans in VA. A diverse group of panelists discussed their experience with VA from health care to claims to other services provided. Virginia VFW District 10 Commander, Margo Sheridan, provided her recommendations on changes needed by both VA and DOD. She stressed the need for recognition of women in combat roles and the changing role of women in the military.
- Thursday: The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on several bills.
- HR 1522 would grant veteran status to United States Nurse Cadet Corps of WWII members, making them eligible for VA benefits and services.
- HR 2270 would establish a compensation fund for other qualified WWII veterans, such as the Flying Tigers and other "civilian" groups that supported the war effort.
- HR 1982 would amend the Veterans Claims Assistance Act by directing VA to acknowledge receipt of medical, disability and pension claims, and other communications submitted by veterans within 60 days.
- Also Thursday, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity discussed bills designed to update VA's work-study program, increase educational assistance and apprenticeships and on-the-job training, as well as expanding services offered by VR&E and updating servicemembers rights under USERRA laws.
For more information on any of the hearings or to view the live webcast visit the committee's website at http://veterans.house.gov/.
3. House Passes Veteran Small Business Centers: By a vote of 406-15, the House passed VFW-supported legislation that would reauthorize the Small Business Administration's entrepreneurial development programs. HR 2352, The Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009, would authorize $22 million to establish a veterans' business center program through FY 2011. The program will issue grants using guidelines set up by the SBA, and concentrate on areas where veteran populations exceed national medians. Veterans' business centers would use the money on veteran entrepreneurial development, such as providing small business counseling and government procurement information. VFW believes that this will dramatically increase a veteran's access to entrepreneurial resources.
For more on the bill, go to www.thomas.loc.gov and enter the bill number into the search block.
4. Military Overseas Voting Hearing: The House Administration Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on Military Overseas Voting. The committee found that despite the enacting of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986, it is clear that military and overseas voters are not able to register and cast their ballots without numerous administrative burdens. Survey data from the Congressional Research Service suggested that one in four ballots from overseas military voters went uncounted in the 2008 election. Consequently, the committee is considering HR 2393, the Military Voting Protection Act, which would improve procedures for the collection and delivery of marked absentee ballots of military voters. The legislation, which the VFW strongly supports, was introduced by Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). For more on the hearing, go to the committee's website at http://cha.house.gov/view_hearing.aspx?r=50.
5. Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial: The VFW participated in a press conference yesterday at the National Press Club in Washington on an upcoming Supreme Court case that will either save or threaten military veterans memorials that were erected on public lands with religious symbols. Salazar v. Buono is about a World War I veterans memorial that a VFW Post erected in the Mojave Desert in the shape of a cross in 1934. In 2002, Congress designated it a national memorial and authorized the National Park Service to transfer the one-acre site to the VFW in exchange for five acres of private property elsewhere within the Mojave Desert Preserve, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the transfer. The VFW has been joined by numerous other veterans groups in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court to defend its memorial. The high court is expected to hear the case this fall.
To read a VFW press release, go to http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=4939.
For more information or to watch a video on efforts to save the memorial, go to http://www.donttearmedown.com/.
VFW Washington Weekly, May 15, 2009
Posted at 12:54 PM on Friday, May 15, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. VA Appropriations Update
2. House VA Committee Hearings
3. Merchant Mariner Bill Passes House
4. GI Bill Registration Update
1. VA Appropriations Update: In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki reaffirmed the Administration's support for advanced appropriations, a VFW top priority goal. Advanced appropriations would ensure funding for veterans healthcare is sufficient, timely and predictable for all who use the system by funding the system one year in advance. H.R. 1016 and S. 423, sponsored by House VA Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) and Senate VA Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI), respectively, still needs your support. VFW asks you to contact your legislators and urge them to co-sponsor these critical bills. To send a message to your legislators, visit the VFW website at: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=13251881.
2. House VA Committee Hearings:
Wednesday: The House VA Committee held a hearing to discuss innovative technologies and treatments available to help veterans with various health-related diagnoses. Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) discussed with panelists how new ideas and technologies can be brought into the VA health care system. Panelists were asked to summarize their latest discoveries. The ideas ranged from brain devises to help TBI patients with visual impairments, to a simple procedure that can detect oral cancer, as well as an FDA-approved drug to help battle alcohol dependency.
Thursday: The subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held its second hearing on the Court of Veterans Appeals and its effect on veterans. Judge Bruce Kasold testified on the courts two major initiatives: electronic filing and a mediation process that has been successful in expediting some 25% of claims filed at the appeals level. A panel of VSO advocates criticized the process as being inefficient, laborious and error-ridden. Barton Stichman, Joint Executive Director of the National Veterans Legal Services Program, referred to the appeals process as a "hamster's wheel of justice."
Thursday: The subcommittee on Economic Opportunity discussed the Department of Labor's federal contract process. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program plays an important role in protecting veterans by ensuring that they are not discriminated as far as equal employment opportunities. Subcommittee Chairman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-SD) stated that recent reports have shown federal contractors are not complying with federal regulations with regard to hiring practices. "This is specifically troubling considering the increased number of servicemembers returning to civilian workforce," she said. The VFW has made employment issues for returning veterans and the laws that protect them a priority goal.
3. Merchant Marine Bill Passes House: The House passed by voice vote this week a bill that would compensate merchant mariners who supported U.S. military activities during WWII. The bill, H.R. 23, sponsored by House VA Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), would provide a $1,000 special monthly pension to those veterans who served in the Merchant Marines from Dec. 7, 1941, to Dec. 31, 1946. VFW opposed the measure because we believe it creates inequities among veterans, and because the half-billion estimated cost over five years could take funding away from other programs. The Merchant Marines was one of 28 civilian groups who supported the war effort, but none of them receive a special monthly pension. In a letter to every member of the House, VFW Washington Office Executive Director Bob Wallace wrote, "The VFW greatly respects their bravery and their dedication, but we cannot support legislation that singles them out above other deserving groups. With waves of servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan presenting challenges for the entire VA health care system, especially for those who are grievously wounded, taking away money to give a special bonus to one segment of veterans is not right."
4. GI Bill Registration Update: VA received more than 25,000 claims for education benefits during the first two weeks that veterans and servicemembers could apply online for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. The number of education benefits' applications submitted in the first week was more than three times the rate of benefit applications usually received through the Veterans Online Application system (VONAPP). VONAPP is used for all education benefit programs, as well as for submission of applications for VA disability compensation and pension benefits. The unprecedented volume of first-day applications on May 1 slowed the system for some, but by the next morning performance was fully restored. Veterans can apply on-line through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov. Additionally, paper applications are being accepted at VA regional processing offices located in Atlanta, St. Louis, Buffalo, and Muskogee, OK. Veterans applying now receive a "Certificate of Eligibility" and information about their benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Applicants may expect to receive their certificate within 24 days of submission. VA will begin paying benefits on Aug. 1, 2009.
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