"All gave some, some gave it all ..."
Tribute - .. to those that did not come home.
"A Fallen Comrade comes home from Iraq, his war is over."
Click here for story.
Veterans can now salute!
It is no longer necessary to be in uniform to render a salute!
Veterans can now show their pride that they served!
As part of the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, both veterans and active duty
military not in uniform may render a salute to the National Anthem, flag ceremonies,
and where appropriate. As our nation moves away from military service
commitment to an all-volunteer military force, veterans can now show their pride that
they served and have the distinction amongst civilians at any tribute to our country
and flag.
Franco Picchione U.S. Army Ft Hood, Texas 1967
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year
that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the
raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during
the National Anthem. Effective January 28, 2008
United State Army Diplomatic Corps The All-Volunteer Army K.M.A.
Operation Iraqi Freedom "Coming to a theatre near you
.. so, you won't have to join u.s. in the real thing
.. like our leaders -
Cheney and Bush *
.. that were too busy @ Vietnam War!"
Army Diplomat Full Combat Gear
"Take a left at Sadam Plaza and it will be on the right
- KFC .."
Diplomatic Social Programs
(..supposed to be UN Workers, but they couldn't make it either.)
.. less y'all forget this war brought to you by GW and fought by
the American (Fighting) Soldier!
.. so, you won't be Drafted.
"Huh, what did you say?"
"Who packed the bottles?"
"I sure didn't.."
"Smoke'em if ya'got'em."
"It's not so bad.."
"Visit your local recruiter -- today!"
"Sports? .. cards .. golf"
7-Iron shot ..
120 yards to the green (brown..)
Note my back-up iron ..
Breakfast isn't exactly like Ihop,
but a little creative and improvising ..
.. sorry, no running water either ..
.. as for chairs & mirrors right ..
And, don't expect the Hilton for accomodations .. catch'em when you can
yeah might wanna keep ya'boots on too .. (helmet is optional)
Strolls with your platoon ..
.. not quite in the park
sometimes downtown!
.. or Iraqi neighborhoods All that walking can make you thirsty
.. take a break (in place)
.. oh yeah, betta kneel (smaller target)
Here's a different kind of soldier ..
.. works the seas for u.s.
.. couldn't do without him
.. click on the photo to see his taxi driver, moi.
So, the next time you think about doing something
as simple as goin fishin, pray that these guys take care of business for you!
* If you want to wear with pride & honor Army garb of a Warrior,
like
Cheney and Bush here, ***
you earn it as I did @
"Hell on Wheels" **
as it brings honor to yourself for having served honorably.
U.S. Army 16 Nov 66 - 17 Apr 77
** Ft Hood, Texas (1967; pre-deployment to S.E.A.)
Otherwise, appropriate attire is a civilian suit
as the Honorable Sec. of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld is wearing with a military overcoat garb without military insignias or designation.
Soldiers earned that right, a right we all take pride in.
Just like our comrades in the Marines to wear "USMC"
and .. you find their Dress Blues pretty,
.. like to wear them?
.. The Marines (Recruiter) would love to hear from you!
.. in the meantime, welcome this Soldier home!
"A gentle reminder to keep your life in perspective.
And when you meet one of our returning Soldiers, please remember what they have been through and show them
compassion and tolerance.
Thank you." - Captain Alison L. Crane, RN, MS
Mental Health Nurse Observer-Trainer
7302nd Medical Training Support Battalion
MILITARY STOLEN VALOR
To report suspected fraud involving veterans benefits, other crimes
such as Stolen Valor, fraud, waste or mismanagement in the VA,
contact the Office of Inspector General Hotline
at 1(800) 488-8244
or email at
vaoig.hotline@forum.va.gov or write to VA OIG HOTLINE, PO Box 50410, Washington, DC 20091-0410.
Pat Tillman
U.S. Army Ranger
KIA in Afghanistan @ 27
Hollywood may glorify war, but never doubt that these guys are taking on the responsibility
so that you don't have to!
Memorial Day/2007 - Franco, US Army Veteran
Advocate for Veterans' Rights Soldiers' Creed -
"No one is left behind .. in battle, or sick."
Unfortunately, Congress had to create a law prohibiting the wearing of military awards and honors, eg,
medals due to the abuse by individuals seeking to be given honor for same this past legislation session.
Locally, in Las Vegas, we had an idiot parading around as a field commissioned officer;
attending honorary military functions; wearing Army Dress Blues, complete with
combat medals including the purple heart and corresponding
Nevada State License Plates, along with other
notable army badges for service in S.E.A. He is a fraud.
Previously, an Army General was cited for
wearing the "V"
Device, for valor, on a
decoration
of his. It turned out, he did not deserve it and he killed himself in
disgrace/embarrassment.
In the military/Army, you wear what you earned; nothing more.
The Purple Heart
Awarded for combat wounds and death in battle
Vietnam Service Medal for Duty in S.E.A.
Unit Citations for
for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy (Presidential) and other similar
awards are the US Meritorious Unit or Distinguished Unit Citation
was created by the Army and may be warned while a member of that unit or if a participant when so designated.
Unit pride is reflected in these patches which, although, collectively may not be symbolic of
an individual's personal achievements, it reflects upon the military command in which the soldier is a part of;
warn on the right side of the uniform, above your name plate.
Here are Presidential, Meritorious, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm Awards:
Left to right: 1st (Airmobile) Cavalry, 25th Infantry ("Tropic Lightning"),
1st Infantry ("Big Red One"), 3rd & 4th Infantry, and Airborne Divisions:
82nd ("All American") and the 101st ("Screamin Eagle")
Note: Army Rangers would have another patch above their unit patch similar to the "Airborne" designate.
Army Theme Song: "I want to be an Airborne/Ranger. I want to live a life of danger." You can sing the song, but don't (even) wear the patches unless you are one!
This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi Palace, now home to the
4th Infantry Division.
It will eventually be shipped home and put in the Memorial Museum in Fort Hood, Texas.
The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat who for years was
forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam
that dotted Baghdad.
Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation
of his country; he melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made
the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors.
Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months.
To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier
comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.
"Be all that you can be!" Are you ready for a challenge in your life? .. a military challenge?
In my younger days, after the army, I would visit local high schools
to talk to graduating students * about a future in the military.
My Army or the Marines is not for everyone.
You don't have to be physically strong -- just mentally.
The military will make you physically strong by the time you finish Basic Training.
Today, I prefer the Air Force (USAF) over any other branch of service.
In good conscience, I can not suggest the Army or Marines
to anyone because you have a high chance of becoming a casualty;
a casualty with serious wounds for life, or worse, death.
"All you can be .." means "shape up!" & "mentally ready!"
We vets want you to be a winner, a veteran;
live with pride and your head held high!
Whatever you do in life,
follow your dreams!
That is the best advice
this 'ole soldier can give you!
Mother's Day'68 -- Korat, Thailand Company Clerk, 22 years old ..
No college education then .. eight years later .. U.S.C. Graduate studies @ 4.0 gpa in Systems Management
while serving at Army Hqs in
Honolulu, Hawaii
Admin - like me
Soldiering Marines or Support role eg, Airman @ Air Base
or Navy Sailor aboard a ship
Recruiter - 1972 In the Army, wearing the "Blue Cord" for the Infantry,
my medals, I walked with the pride of accomplishment!
* Whatever you decide to do, finish high school first!
United States Marines - "Semper Fi"
Leading the fight is Gunnery Sgt Michael Burghardt, known as "Iron Mike" or just "Gunny"
.. huh .. giving the 'bird'
"Iron Mike" is on his third tour in Iraq. He had become a legend in the bomb disposal world
after winning the Bronze Star for disabling 64 IEDs and destroying 1,548 pieces of ordnance during his second tour.
Then, on September 19th, he got blown up. He had arrived at a chaotic scene after a bomb
had killed four US soldiers. He chose not to wear the bulky bomb protection suit.
"You can't react to any sniper fire and you get tunnel-vision," he explains.
So, protected by just a helmet and a standard-issue flak jacket, he began what bomb disposal officers term
"the longest walk", stepping gingerly into a 5ft deep and 8ft wide crater.
The earth shifted slightly and he saw a Senao base station with a wire leading from it.
He cut the wire and used his 7 in knife to probe the ground. "I found a piece of red detonating cord
between my legs," he says. "That's when I knew I was screwed."
Realizing he had been sucked into a trap, Sgt Burghardt, 35, yelled at everyone to stay back.
At that moment, an insurgent, probably watching through binoculars, pressed a button on his mobile phone
to detonate the secondary device below the sergeant's feet. "A chill went up the back of my neck
and then the bomb exploded," he recalls. "As I was in the air I remember thinking,
'I don't believe they got me.' I was just ticked off they were able to do it.
Then I was lying on the road, not able to feel anything from the waist down."
His colleagues cut off his trousers to see how badly he was hurt. None could believe his legs
were still there. "My dad's a Vietnam vet who's paralyzed from the waist down," says Sgt Burghardt.
"I was lying there thinking I didn't want to be in a wheelchair next to my dad and for him to see me
like that. They started to cut away my pants and I felt a real sharp pain and blood trickling down.
Then I wiggled my toes and I thought, 'Good, I'm in business.' "As a stretcher was brought over,
adrenaline and anger kicked in. "I decided to walk to the helicopter. I wasn't going to
let my team-mates see me being carried away on a stretcher." He stood and gave the insurgents who had
blown him up a one-fingered salute. "I flipped them one. It was like, 'OK, I lost that
round but I'll be back next week'."
Copies of a photograph depicting his defiance, taken by Jeff Bundy for the Omaha World-Herald, adorn the walls of
homes across America and that of Col John Gronski, the brigade commander in Ramadi, who has hailed the image as
an exemplar of the warrior spirit. Sgt Burghardt's injuries - burns and wounds to his legs and buttocks
- kept him off duty for nearly a month and could have earned him a ticket home. But, like his father
- who was awarded a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts for being wounded in action in Vietnam
- he stayed in Ramadi to engage in the battle against insurgents who are forever coming up with more ingenious ways
of killing Americans.
Vietnam Era Veterans
VSM Legal Precedence (16 Aug 06)
Or the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) that preceded the VSM
This landmark decision sets aside the definition of "service in 'Nam"
Over-turns any attempt by the VA to limit benefits to Vietnam-era Veterans
NOTICE (15 Sep 06 Update)
.. take the above link to learn more about this landmark decision.
If our Defense Department (and Congress/President) will not provide our soldiers
with proper equipment, then it is up to patriotic Americans everywhere to stand up !
Notice: always click "refresh"
on your browser when viewing these pages.
It is subject to change without prior notice.
And, you want to insure you have the latest page updates.
"No soldier will be left behind ..."
To learn more, visit Thailand Vets for Equal Treatment
None of these poor bastards wanted to contrac cancer, diabetes and other plague
diseases. They served proudly for our country; only to be betrayed
by a government that will not acknowledge their disability claim liabilities to them.
Allegations - U.S. Govt Cover-Up
for Thailand Vets Exposure to Toxins/AO
Cover-Up consistently denied
for disability benefits
associated with service in Thailand
Concerned? Learn more - details.
This past Memorial Day/2006, I ordered several vintage books on the topic
of Arlington National Cemetery and these three items I highly recommend
become a part of your personal library.
I have both DVDs and my personal choice is this one from National Geographic Society !
The important point is they both offered something different.
To order yours, click on the DVD cover.
1 - 734 - 302 - 0220 or 1 - 800 - 887 - 4091
"Arlington: In Eternal Vigil"
A very moving and tour companion before you visit Arlington !
Thanks to the producer and gift this Memorial Day Weekend, 2006 !
In the State of Nevada, we have two veterans supporters in Representaive Shelly Berkley
and Senator Harry Reid, both Democrats. Senator Ensign (R-NV) voted against the
recent legislation that would affect all veterans health care at the V.A. dramatically
and overall, the Republicans and 1 Democrat shot down the legislation this past time.
From the latest RAO:
VA HEALTH CARE FUNDING UPDATE 05: Annual funding for VA health care has
again been shot down. On 16 MAR a vote was taken in the Senate on Sen
Stabenow's (D-MI) Amendment No. 3141 to an original concurrent resolution
setting forth the Government's congressional budget for fiscal year 2007
and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2006 and
2008 through 2011. The purpose of S.Amdt. 3141 to S.Con.Res. 83 was to
provide an assured stream of funding for veteran's health care that would
take into account the annual changes in the veteran's population and
inflation to be paid for by restoring the pre-2001 top rate for income
over $1 million, closing corporate tax loopholes and delaying tax cuts for
the wealthy.
Senator Vote (Roll Call)
The amendment was defeated by a vote of 54 (53 Rep + 1 Dem)
to 47 (44 Dem + 2 Rep). Following is the roll call vote which vets should
remember come the next election: bolded Senators are in the news.
red distinguished war vets and suppporters.
And, for those that don't support us veterans: "Don't balance
the budget on the backs of us veterans." -- Rep. Shelly Berkley (D-NV)
Nay - Republicans
Yea - Democrats
Alabama: Sessions - Shelby
Alaska: Murkowski - Stevens
Arizona: Kyl - McCain
Colorado: Allard
Florida: Martinez
Georgia: Chambliss - Isakson
Idaho: Craig - Crapo
Indiana: Lugar
Iowa: Grassley
Kansas: Brownback - Roberts
Kentucky: Bunning - McConnell
Louisiana: Vitter
Maine: Collins
Minnesota: Coleman
Mississippi: Cochran - Lott
Missouri: Bond - Talent
Montana: Burns
Nebraska: Hagel - Nelson (Democrat) Nevada: Ensign
New Hampshire: Gregg - Sununu
New Mexico: Domenici North Carolina: Burr - Dole * * Husband Ohio: DeWine - Voinovich
Oklahoma: Coburn - Inhofe
Oregon: Smith Pennsylvania: Santorum
Rhode Island: Chaffee
South Carolina: DeMint - Graham
South Dakota: Thune
Tennessee: Alexander - Frist Texas: Cornyn - Hutchison
Utah: Bennett - Hatch
Virginia: Allen - Warner
Wyoming: Enzi - Thomas
The Honor Roll
Arkansas: Lincoln - Pryor California: Boxer - Feinstein
Colorado: Salazar
Connecticut: Dodd - Lieberman
Delaware: Biden - Carper
Florida: Nelson Hawaii: Akaka - Inouye
Senator Akaka, Chairman - Senate VA Committee (2007)
Illinois: Durbin - Obama
Indiana: Bayh
Iowa: Harkin
Louisiana: Landrieu Maine: Snowe (Republican)
Maryland: Mikulski - Sarbanes Massachusetts: Kennedy - Kerry
Michigan: Levin - Stabenow
Minnesota: Dayton
Montana: Baucus Nevada: Reid
(Democrat Minority Leader)
New Jersey: Lautenberg - Menendez
New Mexico: Bingaman New York: Clinton - Schumer
North Dakota: Conrad - Dorgan
Oregon: Wyden Pennsylvania: Specter (Republican)
Rhode Island: Reed
South Dakota: Johnson
Vermont: Jeffords - Leahy
Washington: Cantwell - Murray West Virginia: Byrd - Rockefeller
Wisconsin: Feingold - Kohl
VA REGISTRIES UPDATE 02: There are several Registers for qualified
Veterans at VA Medical Centers (IRR-Ioinizing Radiation Exposure, AO-Agent
Orange, SHAD, Gulf I, & Others). Generally, these Registers are
administered in the VAMC Environmental Agents Office (some refer to it as
"Occupational & Safety Hazards") and not the Clinics. Administration of
these Registers is governed within designated VA Handbooks (IRR-Handbook
1301.1, AO-Handbook 1303.1, & Others). VA Handbooks relating to the
various Registers can be observed & downloaded from the VA at
www1.va.gov/EnvironAgents.
Various Register Newsletters can be received, as
published, by going to the same Site. To be placed on one or more of these
Registers (as eligible) the veteran must fill in a Request Form. Proof
must be included per Register requirements from acceptable source
documents such as Orders, Certificates, etc.
There are many occasions where veterans have attempted to be placed on
a Register and were informed that there is no such Register, etc.. These
answers are either a result of misinformed VA personnel, the veteran is
inquiring at the wrong location within the VAMC, or other
misunderstandings. Many of the older, more familiar employees, have either
retired or are in process of doing so. Many of the newer replacements are
in the process of getting up to speed regarding the rules. If no Register
exists for the particular activity the veteran was involved in the
Environmental Agents Office can in many cases place the veteran into an
applicable Program for treatment. Being on a Register and receiving
treatment(s) for listed diseases can assist the veteran in a related claim
or claims. Generally, treatment and applicable medications for recognized
diseases by the specific Register is free. By being on a Register your
priority level may also be elevated.
In instances where a request is not honored or difficulty is
encountered with a request to be placed on a Register assistance is
available from Dick Conant at
RUCON1@comcast.net which could remedy the
situation. Your email request should include the veteran's name, address,
telephone number, SSN, and email addee (if available). Also the VAMC &
Location. This information is kept Confidential within the initial
communication. It will be forwarded to a VA source in Washington, DC who
usually contacts the Registry Coordinator at the VAMC in question within
48 hours (normal work day) directing that Office to make contact with the
Veteran and initiate the Registry process. The local VMAC Registry
Coordinator will then contact the Veteran to setup the necessary
appointment(s). These services are available to every veteran eligible
for being placed on a Register and receive the applicable treatments.
[Source: New Mexico e-Veterans News 25 Mar 05 ++]
VA BUDGET 2006 UPDATE 14: Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) secured approval in
the House Appropriations Committee of an amendment to an emergency
supplemental bill. His amendment frees up an additional $275 million for
health care to help pay for an increase in patients from the current war.
The number of veterans from the war accessing the system is far above what
VA had projected. NO SHIT!
The bill cleared the House Appropriations Committee and
is expected to pass on the House floor next week.
[Source: VFW Washington Weekly 18 Mar 06]
VA BUDGET 2007 UPDATE 02: Both the House of Representative's and the
Senate's Veterans Affairs Committees have rejected the Administration's
proposals to charge a $250 yearly enrollment for veterans in Categories 7
and 8 (those who have higher incomes and no service-connected
disabilities) and increasing their pharmacy co-pay from the present $8
co-pay to $15 prescription. Additionally, the Senate voted 100-0 to
support an amendment to their budget recommendations that would eliminate
the need to enact an annual enrollment fee and higher prescription
co-pays. The amendment, offered by Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT) adds $823
million to the approximately $80 billion DVA budget proposed by the
Administration for FY2007. Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) chairman of the Senate
VA Committee, voted with his colleagues to endorse the amendment, but
called it a tough decision. Without enactment of the fees and increased
co-pays, the VA system needs additional funding, which will have to come
from other federal programs.
[Source: FRA NewsBytes 18 Mar & http://thomas.loc.gov & TREA 24 Mar 06 ++]
To learn more about VA Disability Claims and associated pension benefits, please turn
to VBA Preface with an interesting article(s) on
poor communication and misinformation given veterans, two major surveys, and Rep. Shelly Berkley (D-NV)
demanding hearings on same issues.
[YOUR RIGHTS TO] VA MEDICAL RECORDS: While visiting your local VA medical care provider
you are entitled to view any and all medical records concerning your care.
You can ask to view the home page of your computerized medical record
during your appointments with Primary Care and/or Specialty Physicians.
This is the page that first comes up with all of your basic information.
It should show your allergies, your disabilities & percentages, and
special notations such as radiation exposure, agent orange, etc. This
information should also be present on any appointment print outs. If you
believe there are errors or omissions contact the VA Eligibility Office
and have them corrected or added. During VA medical appointments, the
veteran is entitled to ask questions and receive satisfactory answers and
explanations. If the Veteran has impairments such as hearing, vision, etc.
that may result in misunderstandings the veteran is entitled to have a
person along during the visit who can understand such as a spouse, family
member, etc.
In instances where the explanations are not satisfactory, go to the
"Patient Representative" to clear things up. The Patient Representative
is the veteran's go between in the VAMC. In most instances the Patient
Representative should be able to resolve the problem. Oft times the
problems are from misunderstandings. If the problem is not resolved by the
Patient Representative the veteran is entitled to file a written grievance
and explanation to the VAMC Administrator. If this communication does not
satisfy the grievance the veteran is entitled to take it to VA in
Washington, DC. Additionally, the veteran is entitled to:
1.) Furnish copies of medical papers from sources other than VA and have
those entered into the VA Medical Records File by their Primary Care
provider. These copies should also be filed in the Medical Record hard
copy file in the Facility Archives.
2.) Visit the Archives and review the contents of his/her file at any time
3.) Obtain Second Opinions from other than VAMC Facilities.
4.) Copies of pertinent VA treatments to take to private sector medical
facilities.
5.) Check out copies of X-ray's, ultrasounds, and other tests to take to
other Medical Facilities for review by other Physicians connected with the
veteran's health or for second opinions. These copies must be returned to
the VAMC.
[Source: Dalene Renfroe VA VIST Mar 06]
VA HOMELESS VETS: The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing
to examine homeless veterans programs within VA. Federal officials
estimate that on any given night, approximately 250,000 veterans go
homeless, which is about one percent of the nation's 24.5 million
veterans. But veterans represent a disproportionate number within the
homeless population of America - one of every three homeless adult males
has served in the U.S. Armed Forces. To address this problem, the VA and
other federal agencies offer a wide variety of programs to help provide
shelter and employment for homeless veterans. VA spends around $221
million on grants, housing, and treatment of underlying conditions that
often lead to homelessness. Legislation enacted in December 2001 (P.L.
107-95) which funds many mental health and homeless programs is set to
expire. Witnesses provided statistics on the number of homeless veterans
dealing with a host of issues and asked Congress to fully fund all
programs which assist homeless veterans. Chairman Larry Craig (R-ID) noted
that 45% of homeless veterans have mental illnesses or suffer from
alcohol/substance abuse disorders. Two bills have recently been offered to
address the homeless veteran situation:
S. 1180, the Sheltering All
Veterans Everywhere Act, offered by Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), and S. 1991,
the Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act, offered by Sen. Richard
Burr (R-NC).
[Source: VFW Washington Weekly 17 Mar 06 ++]
Notice: these updates are part of RAO Bulletin, 1 Apr 06
THE COMPLETE LIST OF E-MAIL ADDRESSES & FAX NUMBERS FOR CONGRESS, SENATE & GOVERNORS -
Click here.
Welcome home -- Veterans !
Veterans' Day - 2005
Las Vegas celebrations this year with a theme
for Vietnam Era Veterans Welcome Home after 30 years ...
(Betta late than never)
Click here @ Vegas Vet Parade
These organizations, imho, are taking advantage of tax deduction status
as so-called non-profit and the emotions of the American people.
They are making a very nice living off the sacrifice of those that served
and those that appreciate those sacrifices!
To insure "Fair'n Balanced" Crap * * a republican trademark™
.. from Vietnam Veterans Against the War Blog
(To be updated regularly, otherwise see www.vvaw.org/blog)
First Article:
"VA help lines found to regularly provide wrong information"
Translation: "VA Hires Morons .. that don't know shit"
Source Story: Knight Ridder (Washington Bureau) 12-30-05
See V.A. Morons for excerpt, for posterity (may be suitable for latrine duty)
The following are either re-prints of articles that this veterans'
advocate feels should not go away, be available to be read by all
concerned veterans and citizens, in general, or links to the DAV
website that are important to acknowledge and read.
Quote:
The amendment failed to win approval in two procedural votes that saw just one Republican, Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter, along with every Democrat and the Senate’s one Independent voting in favor.
"Less than half way through the current fiscal year, Veterans Affairs medical facilities across the country have already run out of money and face huge deficits, an emergency situation if there ever was one."
"VA facilities in every region of the country have exhausted reserve funds to meet critical needs. Many have stopped hiring doctors and nurses because of shortfalls, while still others have cut back or even eliminated medical services. Health care for millions of today’s and tomorrow’s veterans is in limbo because Congress and the Administration have continually failed to adequately fund the VA."
The Department of Veterans Affairs fulfills the government's obligation to help those who leave the military injured or ill.
In service to their country, military members give up the right to decline dangerous assignments.
Their occupations lack conventional workers' compensation coverage.
As VA evaluates the evidence gathered, it must apply rules from an extensive body of laws, regulations, court rulings and internal policy manuals.
There are more than five dozen separate steps in evaluating a veteran's initial disability compensation claim, and VA itself may wait two or three months to receive information requested of other federal agencies and private sources with medical records.
One step that generally contributes significantly to processing time is the search for old military records, particularly medical records.
Finding evidence that a condition first was noted when someone received care
in the military health care system ***
can be important to determining an official connection with his or her service.
In memory of our brothers and sisters that gave their all.
And, to those that never did serve, please never forget ~
"Freedom is never free, it was paid for with the blood of many."
You may have heard that the VA places a homeless vet's application
on the "fast-trak," whatever that means ...
I'll believe it (only) when I see it.
~ a vet definitely on the "slow-trak" ...
.. after two (2) application "responses," ie, dragging it out ..
first response ~ 90 days pending .. for consent/authorization for VA Med records *
second response ~ 99 - 125 days (and, that was with supposedly everything received
eg, medical records required - both active duty and VA source
and only
needing evidence * of service in Vietnam ...
turned around immediately, within days of notice, over 60 days ago ...
* You may be wondering why the VA requires consent/authorization
for their own medical treatment records.
.. especially when it specifically states on the VA application
it is not necessary. A:delay, ie, dragging their feet.
See note below as well.
** I never thought the VA could deny such facts/basis when your DD214
reflected service (medals)
but than again, I never met a government attorney that I liked either.
Fortunate for me, annotation on army pay voucher for "EM in CZ/RVN"
plus Cas Pay (Casual Pay) ...
VA Lawyers may try to "fudge" the CZ exemption,
but what the hell are they going to do about, in transit,
receiving casual pay ?
Note: in my personal case, I had one medical emergency/episode
where I was treated at a private hospital for 5 days
versus a VA facility.
.. my VA medical records speaks for themselve -- back to 1992.
.. my 10 years of active duty medical records ditto
and per policy changes this past May, 2005
-- "burden of proof" for medical conditions falls on the VA
and not the soldier !
At least the battle for back pay *** for application is a moot point,
but surviving the whole process is another issue ...
*** Complicated issues as to compensation benefits back to 1992
is another issue which may require the assistance of a qualified attorney
versus a veteran advocate ...
Veteran advocate groups or VSOs may be good for filing
and representation at hearings, appeal in nature,
but actual complicated legal issues, I'm not sure.
.. stay tune for more information.
Aid and Attendance Program
VA Conducting Outreach for Under-Utilized Benefit
(VA Press Release)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to inform wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans about an under-used, special monthly pension benefit called Aid and Attendance.
Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility. The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.
Many elderly veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the congressionally mandated legal limit for a VA pension may still be eligible for the special monthly Aid and Attendance benefit if they have large medical expenses, including nursing home expenses, for which they do not receive reimbursement.
To qualify, claimants must be incapable of self-support and in need of regular personal assistance.
The basic criteria for the Aid and Attendance benefit include the inability to feed oneself, to dress and undress without assistance, or to take care of one's own bodily needs. People who are bedridden or need help to adjust special prosthetic or orthopedic devices may also be eligible, as well as those who have a physical or mental injury or illness that requires regular assistance to protect them from hazards or dangers in their daily environment.
For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for this special monthly pension, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a period of war, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Wartime veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8, 1980, (October 16, 1981, for officers) must have completed at least 24 continuous months of military service or the period for which they were ordered to active duty.
If all requirements are met, VA determines eligibility for the Aid and Attendance benefit by adjusting for un-reimbursed medical expenses from the veteran's or surviving spouse's total household income. If the remaining income amount falls below the annual income threshold for the Aid and Attendance benefit, VA pays the difference between the claimant's household income and the Aid and Attendance threshold.
The Aid and Attendance income threshold for a veteran without dependents is now $18,234 annually. The threshold increases to $21,615 if a veteran has one dependent, and by $1,866 for each additional dependent. The annual Aid and Attendance threshold for a surviving spouse alone is $11,715. This threshold increases to $13,976 if there is one dependent child, and by $1,866 for each additional child.
VA Helping Facilitate Less Expensive Prescriptions
The Department of Veterans Affairs is helping some veterans get generic prescriptions for half the VA price. Veterans in health care priority categories 4 through 8 normally must make an $8
co-pay for drugs from the VA that might be available at the $4 rate being offered by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and Target Corp.
VA Deputy Undersecretary William Feeley has
told VA providers they can write prescriptions that can be filled at any private-sector pharmacy. They cannot transfer the veterans' prescriptions directly to a private-sector pharmacy, but they can write new prescriptions if they meet state requirements and cancel existing VA prescriptions.
$4 Drug Program @ Walmart/Sam's Club and Target
For the $4 drugs available at Wal-Mart, visit
Walmart,
and for the Target drugs go to
Target.
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Allegations - U.S. Govt Cover-Up
