THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES

• GI Bill [18] -----------------------------(Amended Bill)

• Tricare User Fee [22] -----------------------(Pharmacy Copays)

• Tricare User Fee [23] ------------------(SASC Rejects Increase)

• Tennessee Vet Home [01] ----------------------(DOJ Findings)

• Iowa Veterans Home [02] -----------(Expansion Programmed)

• VA Rating Schedules [02] ----------------(HVAS Conclusions)

• Mobilized Reserve 27 FEB 08 --------------(Net Increase 786)

• California Taxes ------------------------------------(Summary)

• Filipino Vet Inequities [08] ------------(Dual US/RP Pensions)

• IRS Audit -------------------------------------------(Don’t Panic)

• Economic Stimulus Package [03] -------------(6 Steps to take)

• VA Vet Centers [04] -----------(Additions ahead of Schedule)

• Seniors Benefit Checkup ---------------(Additional Assistance)

• Social Security Taxation [04] -(Other Income Considerations)

• Combat Veteran Health Care [02] ---------------(5 Year Limit)

• Agent Orange Stateside Use ---------------------(30 Locations)

• Falcon Loan Program ----------------------------(Loan to $500)

• Burial at Sea [02] --------------------(Obtainment)

• VAMC Martinsburg MD ----------------(Meal Policy Change)

• VA Category 8 Care [04] -----------------------(Policy Review)

• Congressional Hearings -------------------------(About to Start)

• Missing in America Project -------(Abandoned Vet Cremains)

• VA Burial Benefit [01] ----------------(Inform your Relatives)

• Retired Army Pin ------------------(Lapel Button Replacement)

• Retiree Wearing of the Uniform ---------------------(Guidance)

• Retiree Appreciation Days [01] ------------------(Updated List)

• COLA 2009 ----------------------------------------(Up 1.5% YTD)

• Tricare Uniform Formulary [24] ----(Change Announcements)

• VA Agent Orange Claims [03] --------(USS Ingersoll DD 652)

• CHCBP [01] ------------------(Transitional Medical Coverage)

• SBA Vet Issues [07] ---------------------------------(PL 110-186)

• VA Veteran Support -----------------------(Goals & Population)

• VA Rural Access [03] ----------------------(Peake Vows Action)

• VA Rural Access [04] --------------------------(Progress Report)

• Student Veterans of America (SVA) ---(New Vet Organization)

• Gun Salutes --------------------------------------(Overview)

• Philippines U.S. Troop Protest -------(Joint Military Exercises)

• Cardiovascular Disease --------------------(Recognize the Signs)

• Whooping Cough [01] ----------------------------(Vaccine Usage)

• Shingles [06] ---------------------(Vaccine Utilization)

• PTSD [17] ----------------------(Proof Policy Change)

• Higher Education Act -----------------------(Student Loan Rate)

• SBP Lawsuit [01] -----------------------(Widows Win 1st Round)

• CRDP/CRSC Claim Backlog ----------------(39,000+ Pending)

• Veteran Legislation Status 29 FEB 08 -------(Where we Stand)

GI BILL UPDATE 18: On 28 FEB, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) submitted his newly amended 21st Century GI Bill (S22 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007) to the Senate. This bill would give a WWII like education benefit to veterans; meaning it would cover the education costs of any college a veteran was able to enter. Last year the unamended bill had 32 co-sponsors but was very expensive. As amended in this year’s bill the federal government would pay the cost of a 4 year degree in a state university and 50% of the delta between that tuition and the tuition of institution the veteran enters. However, the institution must be willing to provide the remaining 50% of the delta. It also would allow cumulative entitlement for reservists serving multiple active duty tours. On the Senate floor it was supported by 4 veterans: Senator Webb member of both the Senate Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, Senator John Warner (R-VA) ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) member of both the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE).

[Source: TREA Washington Update 29 Feb 08 ++]

TRICARE USER FEE UPDATE 22: According to the HayGroup 2007 Benefits Prevalence Report raising military pharmacy copays by 100% to 400%, as recommended in the FY2009 Defense budget proposal would put military pharmacy benefits among the lower half of civilian plans, For generic drugs purchased in retail pharmacies, the defense budget proposes raising the beneficiary copay from $3 to $15. According to HayGroup, 83% of civilian employer plans charge less than that for generic drugs, with almost 20% charging $5 or less. For brand-name drugs in retail stores, the Pentagon proposes raising the Tricare copay from $9 to $25. The HayGroup survey indicates that almost half of civilian employers (45%) charge less than that. For brand-name, non-formulary medications, the Tricare copay would rise from $22 to $45 -more than 68% of civilian plans charge. In fact, many civilian plans are reducing or eliminating copays for generic drugs and medications used to treat chronic diseases like diabetes, because studies have found that higher copays actually deter many patients from taking medications that reduce the need for much higher-cost procedures later in life. The Tricare copays also would exceed those offered under many plans available to legislators and federal civilians. Most telling of all, Wal-Mart offers over 360 medications at a copayment of only $4 to anyone who walks in the door. Perhaps the purpose of the Pentagon-proposed fee hikes is to push more beneficiaries to use Wal-Mart rather than their Tricare benefit. That would certainly save the Defense Department money. But it wouldn't make military people feel very good about their military health coverage.

Additionally, the Administration's FY2009 budget would deal heavy blows to Medicare and many older beneficiaries. Physician reimbursement cuts of almost 10% originally planned for JAN 08 will go into effect in JUL 08 unless Congress acts to reverse them, and the budget envisions further cuts in JAN 09. The new budget would repeal annual inflation adjustments to the income levels used to means-test Part B premiums. If enacted, that would push more people each year into paying significantly higher Part B premiums impacting on TFL users while at the same time reducing their access to medical care providers willing to accept Medicare payments. This year, the higher premiums apply to single seniors with incomes over $82,000 ($164,000 for a married couple) as opposed to $80,000/$160,000 last year. The budget proposes freezing payment levels through FY2011 for inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and ambulance services, and a freeze through FY2013 for home health agencies.

[Source: MOAA Leg Up 15 Feb 08 ++]

The budget committee, chaired by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) is in the process of preparing a resolution spelling out revenue and spending guidelines. Levin and McCain did not ask the budget committee to increase the defense budget to make up for rejection of the $1.2 billion in Tricare fees. But they said they are “concerned” about whether there is enough money because the Bush budget assumes not just the fee increases, but also the controversial transfer of $1.3 billion from the national defense stockpile fund to cover health costs. There are a variety of ways Congress could cover those costs, including increasing the defense budget, diverting money for other defense programs or by using off-budget money from the war supplemental to pay for some health care costs. Pentagon officials are not giving up on their proposed fee increases for Tricare. David S.C. Chu, the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told the armed services’ personnel subcommittee on Wednesday that the Defense Department was willing to modify its proposal to get it passed.

The Defense Department has not submitted details, but Chu and other military officials said their proposal would be based on the recommendations made late last year by the Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care. In its report, the task force proposed some large increases. A 30-day supply of prescription drugs that now costs $3 at a retail pharmacy would cost $15, while brand-name drugs that are now $9 would be $25. For retirees in Tricare Prime, the military’s managed care plan, family coverage than now costs $460 a year would increase to $900 to $1,750 by 2011 under the plan that calls for phased increases. For retirees in Tricare Standard, who now pay no enrollment fee, the proposal would charge $5 a month for enrollment and would change the current annual deductible of $300 to between $490-$960 by 2011, again applying income-based charges. There also would be a $10 increase in the annual enrollment fee for Tricare for Life, the military insurance plan for Medicare-eligible retirees.

[Source: Air force times Rick Maze article 28 Feb 08 ++]　

TENNESSEE VET HOME UPDATE 01: A lack of care at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro has led to the early death and needless suffering of veterans in the facility's care, according to a new report by U.S. Department of Justice. The report, issued 8 FEB to Gov. Phil Bredesen by the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, describes "unconscionably poor health care" at the state's veterans nursing homes in Murfreesboro and Humboldt in West Tennessee However, state officials have said the problems have been remedied at both facilities since the data for the report was collected last year. The report describes a disturbing list of problems, citing specific instances with patients not receiving food and water, a lack of proper pain medication, psychotropic drugs given to patients for the convenience of staff, a lack of care for chronic conditions failure to address dangers of falls and failure to aid patients in rehabilitation. "At both TSVHs (Tennessee State Veterans Homes), residents have been, and continue to be, the victims of egregious neglect from the nursing homes' failure to provide for the most basic of human needs food and water," the report states. "As a result, residents have suffered and, sometimes, have died needless and untimely deaths."

One case found to have maggots in a patient's open pressure sore. In another, a patient whose pain was so severe he threatened suicide was given Tylenol and there was no follow up to his mental state. In yet another, a man in need of hospice care did not received it for five days while dying. "We found that many residents spend their last days and hours often suffering needless pain," the report stated. Lola Potter, a spokeswoman for the state of Tennessee, said the veterans administration is well aware of the problems.

"Everything in the DOJ report has been addressed every issue," she said. "We've made substantial changes in those homes." The investigation of the nursing homes, which took place over the last year, included on-site inspections of the facilities on April, May and July. Potter said that since the most recent inspection, the management of the nursing home has been replaced, including the administrator, nursing director and medical director all of whom have stronger backgrounds than the previous management.

She said the Murfreesboro home on Compton Road has made great strides improving care through reorganization and new training for staff. She said the staff members who deal with the residents are caring and giving individuals.

The state took over the management of the homes in 2005. Potter said that since then, the homes have been working to improve their quality of care. In JUL 07, the state contracted with Q Source, a nonprofit Medicare quality improvement organization for Tennessee, to perform a comprehensive quality assessment at each of the homes. Since their initial report was delivered in August, Q Source has continued to provide extensive and detailed analysis of healthcare improvements and needs in the homes, according to a statement from the state. "These things take time," Potter said. Potter added that no employees were disciplined as a result of the problems outlined in the report. Twice last year the Murfreesboro home had its ability to admit new patient suspended because of concerns over patient care . The Justice Department report cited letters from the state of Tennessee detailing the steps taken to correct the measures. "The letters also set forth the state's disagreements with our findings," the report says. "It is troubling that the state would take issue with such basic, and serious, deficiencies that have resulted in grievous harm to the veterans of the TSVHs." The Department of Justice gave the state seven weeks to correct a slew of problems at the homes before filing suit to correct the issues. The TSVH Board operates three homes, which are all 140-bed facilities, in Murfreesboro, Humboldt and Knoxville. All operate at an average daily census of more than 100 residents. In 2005, the state decided to take over management of the homes after successive failures of private management companies, which were contracted to operate the facilities.

[Source: The Daily News Journal Turner Hutchens article 28 Feb 08 ++]

IOWA VETERANS HOME UPDATE 02: Iowa has received a $27 million federal grant to begin renovation and expansion of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Gov. Chet Culver said 28 FEB the funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will cover expenses for the first phase of construction. There's also $15 million coming from the state to help start the project. Among the additions to the facility will be a 132-bed nursing home and a 60-bed pavilion. Culver's 2009 budget includes $20 million in state money for the final phases of construction. This facility is presently appealing a $10,000 fine imposed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. According to the inspections department, the Iowa Veterans Home had documented hundreds of medication errors at the facility in 2007. But because the facility has 700 residents, some of whom may receive a dozen medications daily, the overall error rate has remained well below the 5% limit imposed by federal officials. In a follow up inspection July state inspectors visited Home, reviewed its medication policies and practices, and declared that veterans there were in "immediate jeopardy." Within hours, the home changed its medication policies.

[Source: AP article 28Feb 08 ++]

The Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC) began looking at how service members’ and veterans’ disability cases were being handled long before FEB 07, when Military Times and the Washington Post featured stories highlighting problems in the system. Retired Vice Adm. Dennis McGinn, a member of the commission, said VA has made very limited progress since the group’s report came out in OCT 07. “I believe the ratings schedule needs to be clarified so it has logic from the point of view of medicine and science. It has not progressed in the last five decades.” The VDBC found that VA compensates veterans according to the schedule in a way that is generally adequate to offset average impairment and that the schedule does reasonably well. But there are specific areas where VA’s system does not serve troops and veterans well, McGinn said, including those with PTSD, those severely disabled at a young age and those granted maximum benefits because a disability makes them unemployable. Veterans with PTSD, he noted, have much greater loss of employment and earnings than those with physical disabilities.

CALIFORNIA TAXES: Veterans considering retirement in California should take into considertion the tax burden they will be undertaking as compared to where they presently reside. For further information, refer to the California Franchise Tax Board or the California State Board of Equalization websites.

State Tax Forms:

FILIPINO VET INEQUITIES UPDATE 08: The Philippine Senate passed on third reading 6 FEB a bill granting Filipino born veterans who fought in WWII the right to receive benefits from both the Philippine and American governments. Senate Bill 142 filed by Sen. Richard Gordon will amend the old veteran’s law that forfeits a pension from the Philippine government to those who receive a similar benefit from the U.S. Gordon said the bill will benefit more than half the estimated 16,000 surviving WWII veterans or their spouses living in the Philippines. He said the P5000 monthly allowance set by the bill would help the veterans live a more comfortably in the twilight of their years and the imminent enactment of his bill is timely with Washington inclined to pass similar legislation. Manila’s special envoy on veterans’ affairs, retired Army major general Delfin Lorenzana has expressed optimism the Filipino equity Bill which gives veterans in the Philippines $200 to $375 monthly, will finally become law as it will be endorsed on Capital Hill soon. Gordon said about 142,000 Filipinos fought during the war, 60 thousand of whom suffered through the infamous Death March in Bataan together with 10,000 Americans.

[Source: LA’s Ang Peryodiko Newspaper 9-15 Feb 08 ++]

IRS AUDIT: The most common form of audit from Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is by letter. A letter audit usually comes in duplicate. It informs the taxpayer about the problem, a time limit to resolve the problem and a contact person for discussing the problem. The IRS can cause Americans, even those overseas, difficulties. It can penalize and charge interest against unpaid taxes, attach property for unpaid taxes, and impede re-entry into the US for unpaid taxes. So if you received a notice from IRS, deal immediately with it. Keep copies of whatever you send to the IRS. Gather records from copies that pertain to the notice. Respond promptly to the notice. Note the name of the auditor, badge number and subject matter of any conversation you have with an auditor (who may not be the one listed on the notice). If you ask a tax professional for help resolving an IRS notice, be sure to describe the problem, send a copy of the notice, provide Power of Attorney, and sign an Engagement Agreement. Most IRS notices are routine. A tax return has not been received or signed. A tax payment has been improperly credited. A math error has been made. So don't panic!

[Source: The Tax Baron Report 20 Feb 08 ++]　

[Source: Military.com Feb 08 ++]

VA VET CENTERS UPDATE 04: Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today said 27 FEB an expansion by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of its Vet Centers, which provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to returning combat veterans, is well ahead of schedule. In FEB 07, VA announced it would open 23 new centers during the next two years. Fifteen of those centers are already operational, and five others are seeing patients in temporary facilities while finalizing their leases. The other three facilities will begin operations later this year. When all are online VA will reach a record 232 Vet Centers by the end of the year. Peake said, "To support this expansion and augment the staff at 61 existing Vet Centers, this year we are channeling a 44% increase in funding to the Readjustment Counseling Service, which operates the Vet Centers -nearly $50 million more than last year's budget." Vet Centers provide counseling on employment, plus services on family issues, education and outreach, to combat veterans and their families. Vet Centers are staffed by small teams of professional counselors, outreach specialists and other specialists, many of whom are combat veterans themselves.

VA's Vet Centers have hired 100 combat veterans back from Iraq and Afghanistan as outreach specialists, often placing them near military processing stations, to brief servicemen and women leaving the military about VA benefits. These outreach specialists meet with returning veterans, work through family assistance centers and visit military installations to carry the message that VA will be there for the troops and family members after discharge. The community-based Vet Centers are a key component of VA's mental health program, providing veterans with mental health screening and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) counseling, along with help for family members dealing with bereavement and loved ones with PTSD. The 15 new Vet Centers that are open in permanent locations are in Binghamton NY; Middletown NY; Watertown NY; Hyannis CT; DuBois PA; Gainesville FL; Melbourne FL; Macon GA; Manhattan KS; Escanaba MI; Saginaw MI; Grand Junction CO; Baton Rouge LA; Killeen TX; and Las Cruces NM. Five additional Vet Centers are providing services in temporary space while they finalize their leases: They are in Toledo OH; Ft. Myers FL; Montgomery AL; Everett WA; and Modesto CA. The final three locations where Vet Centers will open for clients later this year are in Berlin NH, Nassau County NY, and Fayetteville AR.

[Source: VA News release 27 Feb 08 ++]

COMBAT VETERAN HEALTH CARE UPDATE 02: Military veterans who served in combat since 11 NOV 98, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of no cost medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade. “By their service and their sacrifice, America’s newest combat veterans have earned this special eligibility period for VA’s world-class health care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. The five-year deadline has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military -even decades later -for medical care for service-connected health problems. The new provision, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on 28 JAN 08, applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home. It also extends VA dental benefits -previously limited to 90 days after discharge for most veterans -to 180 days. Combat veterans who were discharged between 11 NOV 98 and 16JAN 03, and who never took advantage of VA’s health care system, have until 27 JAN 11 to qualify for free VA health care. The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after 11 NOV 98 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Veterans who take advantage of this five-year window to receive VA health care can continue to receive care after five years, although they may have to pay copayments for medical problems unrelated to their military service. Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to $1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatient care each year.

[Source: VA News Release 26 Feb 08 ++]　

AGENT ORANGE STATESIDE USE: News Channel 5 investigative reporter Ben Hall says he has found the military used Agent Orange here in the United States -and one veteran James Cripps who spent time in the late 60’s as a game warden at Fort Gordon in Georgia says he has the health problems to prove it. He says he was ordered to spray a herbicide he believes was Agent Orange in the lakes around Fort Gordon to kill weeds. Agent Orange was a toxic herbicide used by the military to thin out the jungles of Vietnam. Soldiers sprayed millions of gallons, unaware how poisonous it was. News Channel 5 Investigates claims it has uncovered defense department documents that prove the military sprayed Agent Orange at Fort Gordon during the time Cripps was there. Documents detail more than 30 locations in the United States where Agent Orange was tested The documents show helicopters sprayed at least 95 gallons of Agent Orange at Fort Gordon in 1967. Despite all the evidence, the VA will not approve James Cripps disability claim denying him medical care for the conditions he now suffers from. Donald Stephens, who is with the Disabled American Veterans and has helped hundreds of veterans prepare their VA medical claims said, "I would give it a ten" when asked how strong was Mr. Cripps claim. He says there's plenty of help for veterans exposed in Vietnam, but he believes Cripps claim would open the floodgates for veterans exposed in the United States. Meanwhile, Cripps is on multiple medications and struggling to pay his medical bills. And now the VA is garnishing his Social Security checks.

[Source: WTVF Nashville TN Report 25 Feb 08 ++]　

BURIAL AT SEA UPDATE 02: The National Cemetery Administration cannot provide burial at sea. Burial at Sea is a means of final disposition of remains that is performed on United States Navy vessels. The committal ceremony is performed while the ship is deployed. Therefore, family members are not allowed to be present. The commanding officer of the ship assigned to perform the ceremony will notify the family of the date, time, and, longitude and latitude once the committal service has been completed. Individuals eligible for this program are:

1. A photocopy of the death certificate;

2. The burial transit permit or the cremation certificate; and

3. A copy of the DD Form 214, discharge certificate, or retirement order.

The Burial at Sea Request Form and the three supporting documents make up the Burial at Sea Request package. A Burial Flag is required for all committal services performed aboard United States Naval vessels, except family members, who are not authorized a burial flag. Following the services at sea, the flag that accompanied the cremains/remains will be returned to the PADD. If the PADD does not wish to send a burial flag for the service, a flag will be provided by the Navy for the committal service, but will not be sent to the PADD. (Note: For deceased veterans, a burial flag can be provided at no charge from the Veterans Administration).

VAMC MARTINSBURG MD: The Martinsburg Maryland Veterans Administration Medical Center has decided to discontinue allowing veterans who ride the DAV (disabled veterans) vans a meal on the day of their appointments. This policy has been in effect at the VAMC for approximately 18 years. Providing these veterans a meal was not technically an entitlement they rated. However, funding to support this program was not, nor did it come from VA authorized appropriations. Instead, funds were sourced for this through the Volunteer Funds Pool. Vic Ryan Jr., Lt. Col., USMC (Ret.) in a letter to U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski objecting to the change in policy noted that, “The majority of veterans who ride these vans do so as a last resort. Many of the veterans utilizing the van service are on extremely limited incomes, and they do not have the luxury of having their kids or grandkids/friends to drive them to these appointments. In fact, several of them do not have living relatives to assist them in their time of need.” No comment has been received so far from the VA or the Senator’s office.

[Source: Cumberland Times-News article 23 Feb 08 ++]　

VA CATEGORY 8 CARE UPDATE 04: Veterans' groups in New Hampshire and Maine want the federal government to ease tight restrictions preventing at least 5,000 New England veterans from getting health care benefits. Many of these people fall into a Department of Veterans Affairs category known as Priority 8, reserved for veterans never wounded in action and who earn more than $28,429 annually. Veterans wounded in the Iraq, Afghanistan or past wars, or who earn less than the present income threshold, are entitled to health-care benefits, according to VA officials. Veterans who enrolled for VA care before the current rules took effect in 2003 are grandfathered. Changes, which were made by the Bush administration, have been driven by Department of Defense budget cuts. A state-level estimate of the number of Priority 8 veterans in Maine and New Hampshire wasn't immediately available from local and regional VA officials or the VA's Office of Policy and Planning in Washington, D.C. There are an estimated 1.8 million veterans nationwide who are both uninsured, including being without VA health care, according to a study by Harvard Medical School researchers this fall. It did not specify how many of those veterans fall into the VA's Priority 8 category. It examined data from two federal surveys from 1987 to 2004 and found the number of uninsured veterans rose from 9.9% in 2000 to 12.7% in 2004. The study also found the number of uninsured, working-age veterans increased by nearly 300,000 between 2000 and 2004.

David Himmelstein, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, one of the study's authors said, “Until 2003, veterans who earned incomes higher than the threshold and who did not suffer any war wounds could access affordable health care from the VA with $50 co-pays. After the Bush administration made rule changes in 2003, those veterans were shut off. I think it says to the people who are considering military service is that the country honors the military service in words, not deeds. It also sends a message that veterans may not get the health-care benefits they thought they would.

Sandra Wunschel, a spokeswoman for the VA New England Healthcare System in Bedford, Mass., which oversees the VA medical centers in all six New England states said, “There may be as many as 5,000 Priority 8 veterans in New England who are enrolled in the VA system… There also may be thousands of other veterans who would fall into the category if they enrolled… Many of the 5,000 veterans earn incomes well above the threshold and don't need health-care benefits as much as poorer veterans who earn less… Many Priority 8 vets want VA services so they can get affordable prescription drugs from VA doctors.” Wunschel also believes some of the outcry is fueled by the misconceptions of older World War II or Korean and Vietnam war veterans, who may think they are entitled to free health care. "These are complicated issues, and in our effort to educate the public, they don't always hear the correct message," Wunschel said.

State and federal lawmakers also believe the VA needs to change its eligibility requirements to cover more veterans. State Sen. Joseph Kenney, R-Wakefield, chaired the N.H. Cares Veterans Legislative Task Force, which examined the VA health care system to identify areas that need improvement. The panel is to release it recommendations next month. Kenney, a Marine Corps reservist who served a tour in Iraq, said he'd like to see Priority 8 veterans have access to affordable VA benefits. Kenney said Priority 8 veterans could be permitted to enroll in the military's Tri-Care Select health insurance like national guardsmen and reservists. U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, held a hearing on the issue on 13FEB. During the hearing, Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake said he'd be willing to review the current policy. "I do believe that all veterans should have access to VA health care. The best way to accomplish that is by providing VA with the funding needed to be able to keep pace with demand," Akaka said in a statement. "Congress just provided VA with a $6.7 billion increase in health care funding over fiscal year 2007, so the funds are available."

[Source: Citizen of Laconia Robert M. Cook article 24 Feb 08 ++]　

In NOV 06 the Missing in America Project (MIAP) was established to address this situation and volunteers successfully interred 21 cremains of forgotten veterans, with full military honors and the dignity these fallen heroes so richly deserved to in the Idaho State Veterans cemetery. MIAP has spent the last year visiting funeral homes nationwide, asking to be let in to identify these veterans so they can get them properly buried in a national or state cemetery. It's a challenging task, considering not all the nation's 45,000 funeral homes are willingly opening their doors to show what's in their back rooms. In a year, MIAP has located, identified and interred 101 veterans with honors. There's much more to do. Thousands of America's war veterans are warehoused in back rooms, dusty basements and closets waiting for a proper burial. MIAP’s goals are to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organization and to provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.

VA BURIAL BENEFIT UPDATE 01: Often survivors are disappointed when they seek reimbursement of burial expenses for departed veterans. This is because retirees have not informed their loved ones what to do and how much to expect in the event of their demise. The following is the maximum benefits currently payable by the VA:

1. VA will provide headstones or markers to memorialize veterans or mark the graves of veterans buried in national, state, or private cemeteries as well as those whose remains have not been recovered or identified. This includes those buried at sea, those remains donated to science, and those cremated and whose cremated remains were scattered without burying any portion of them. VA will also provide markers for eligible family members interred in a national or State Veteran's Cemetery. When interment is in a private cemetery, the cemetery may require, and charge for, a foundation for the marker and installation of the marker. Such costs must be paid from private funds.

2. VA may provide $300 toward the burial expenses of retired veterans who are eligible for VA pension or compensation and for those who die in VA medical facilities. An additional $150 gravesite or interment allowance may be paid if a retired veteran served during a war period and is not buried in a national cemetery or other Government cemetery.

3. If a retired veteran’s death is deemed to be service-connected, VA will pay an amount not to exceed $2,000 in lieu of the usual burial and gravesite allowance.

4. VA will provide an American flag, upon request, for covering the casket; and a memorial certificate, bearing the President's signature, expressing our Nation's grateful recognition of the deceased veteran's service.

5. In addition to VA burial benefits, the surviving spouse or eligible child of a retired Soldier may be eligible for a $255 lump-sum death benefit from Social Security. Local Social Security Offices have details.

RETIRED ARMY PIN: Retired Soldiers are authorized to wear the new Retired Army pin, which is the Army logo with the word “Retired” emblazoned above it. At the behest of the CSA Retiree Council, this pin replaced the small green Retired Army Lapel button. The Council asked for a larger pin that could be recognized from afar, worn on clothing other than a suit jacket, and that would show the continuing bond between the retired Soldier and the Army. A mass mail-out of the new pin to all retired Soldiers started 26 MAR 07 and continued for about 4 months. The pin can be purchased online for around $4.00.

[Source: RSO Handbook Section 1-7 Feb 08 ++]　

RETIREE WEARING OF THE UNIFORM: Wearing a uniform after retirement is a privilege granted in recognition of faithful service to country. Retired Soldiers should exercise this privilege whenever possible and in such a manner as to reflect credit upon themselves and the United States Army. Soldiers who are advanced to a higher grade upon retirement may wear the insignia of such higher grade while participating in retirement ceremonies and thereafter. Retired Soldiers serving on active duty will wear the uniform and insignia prescribed for Soldiers in the active Army of corresponding grade and branch. Retired Soldiers not on active duty may wear either the uniform reflecting their grade and branch on the date of their retirement or the uniform for Soldiers in the active Army of corresponding grade and branch, when appropriate. The uniforms may not be mixed. The grade worn is that indicated on the retired grade/rank line of your retirement order. Retired Soldiers not on active duty are not authorized to wear shoulder sleeve insignia except as follows:

1. Junior ROTC instructors will wear the Cadet Command shoulder sleeve insignia on their left shoulder.

2. The shoulder sleeve insignia of a former wartime unit may be worn on the right shoulder by retired Soldiers who served in the unit.

3. The retired shoulder patch is worn on the left shoulder sleeve, centered one-half inch from the top.

Retired Soldiers not on active duty are not authorized to wear the Army uniform when they are instructors or are responsible for military discipline at an educational institution unless the educational institution is conducting courses of instruction approved by the Armed Forces. If there is any doubt about wearing the uniform to a function, the commander of the nearest Army installation should be contacted. Retired Soldiers in a foreign country should contact the American Embassy, the American Consulate, or a U. S. military authority. Wear of the Army uniform is prohibited for all retired Soldiers:

[Source: RSO Handbook Section 3-8 Feb 08 ++]