PRNewswire - As the threat of a shutdown by the federal government looms, the nation's largest veterans service organization is offering support to military families who may suffer stress due to its effects.
If families of military personnel – especially those deployed overseas – are affected adversely by a government shutdown, they are encouraged to seek assistance from The American Legion's Family Support Network (FSN). FSN's function is explained on the program's web page at www.legion.org/familysupport. Electronic applications for help can be submitted immediately and 24/7 via a link on the page. The Family Support Network's phone center will be manned as of 8:00 a.m. Monday. "We are ready to help in any way we can," said Jimmie L. Foster, National Commander of The American Legion.
"Our Family Support Network cannot take the place of a paycheck," said Foster, "but we can help those families – especially those with deployed loved ones – take care of needs such as the provision of groceries, car repair, help with fix-it-up projects, advice and counsel, and perhaps, intercession with local businesses to extend payment terms and such. We are not the government," he continued, "but we are a good neighbor who can help some families get through this situation if it does happen."
To members of the armed forces, a government shutdown would mean that they would be issued promissory notes rather than paychecks while the work stoppage continues. "The problem is, an I.O.U. doesn't satisfy a mortgage company, or a utility company, a bank officer or even a grocery clerk," said Foster. "That's why we have strongly encouraged the Department of Defense to continue troops' pay uninterrupted. As I have said, 'The troops are either engaged in combat or supporting those who are. They don't need to deal with this uncertainty. We don't think our elected leaders should allow it to go that far.'"
As for military veterans and their families, the benefits and services offered to by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will remain, for the most part, unaffected by a government shutdown. However, some impact will be felt. The American Legion has posted a presentation by the VA on the subject at: www.legion.org/veteransbenefits/99722/va-provides-answers-shutdown-concerns.
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Showing posts with label benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefits. Show all posts
08 April 2011
14 December 2010
Year-long G.I. Bill 'fix-it' Campaign by Legion Pays Off with Senate Vote
/PRNewswire/ -- A concentrated lobbying effort by The American Legion and fellow VSOs (veterans service organizations) has culminated in U.S. Senate passage of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Improvements Act of 2010. The legislation expands and improves educational assistance for veterans who served in the armed forces after September 11, 2001.
"This is great news," said Jimmie L. Foster, National Commander of The American Legion. "This bill rectifies the inequities and shortcomings of the well-intentioned but incomplete Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and makes it whole."
Among other things, the new measure expands Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to include financial assistance to veterans pursuing training in vocational schools and through distance learning programs. Presently, assistance under that legislation is available only to those veterans attending degree-granting colleges and universities. The act also expands benefits to certain members of the National Guard and Reserve forces and provides students with an annual allowance for the purchase of textbooks while streamlining the application and benefits award processes.
Passage of the bill is the product of an intensive lobbying campaign by The American Legion that began immediately after implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill last year. Bob Madden, assistant director of the Legion's economic division, testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee in July and strongly urged support of many of the provisions that were ultimately included in the new measure. Commander Foster emphasized the importance of the "fix-it" bill during his testimony before a joint session of Congress shortly after he took office in September. At the time he said, "The American Legion urges enhancement to the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill that would give veterans a more robust educational benefit." His championship continued the legacy of The American Legion in seeking educational benefits for veterans. The Legion drafted the original World War II-era G.I. Bill -- the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 -- and was integral in the writing of the Post-9/11 bill as well as its latest enhancements.
The Senate measure, sponsored by Senator Daniel Akaka, a World War II veteran and beneficiary of the 1944 G.I. Bill, now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. A vote in that chamber may come as early as Thursday of this week. The bill is supported by many House members, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee Bob Filner.
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"This is great news," said Jimmie L. Foster, National Commander of The American Legion. "This bill rectifies the inequities and shortcomings of the well-intentioned but incomplete Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and makes it whole."
Among other things, the new measure expands Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to include financial assistance to veterans pursuing training in vocational schools and through distance learning programs. Presently, assistance under that legislation is available only to those veterans attending degree-granting colleges and universities. The act also expands benefits to certain members of the National Guard and Reserve forces and provides students with an annual allowance for the purchase of textbooks while streamlining the application and benefits award processes.
Passage of the bill is the product of an intensive lobbying campaign by The American Legion that began immediately after implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill last year. Bob Madden, assistant director of the Legion's economic division, testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee in July and strongly urged support of many of the provisions that were ultimately included in the new measure. Commander Foster emphasized the importance of the "fix-it" bill during his testimony before a joint session of Congress shortly after he took office in September. At the time he said, "The American Legion urges enhancement to the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill that would give veterans a more robust educational benefit." His championship continued the legacy of The American Legion in seeking educational benefits for veterans. The Legion drafted the original World War II-era G.I. Bill -- the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 -- and was integral in the writing of the Post-9/11 bill as well as its latest enhancements.
The Senate measure, sponsored by Senator Daniel Akaka, a World War II veteran and beneficiary of the 1944 G.I. Bill, now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. A vote in that chamber may come as early as Thursday of this week. The bill is supported by many House members, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee Bob Filner.
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17 November 2010
VA Pilots Expedite Payments to Disabled Veterans
(BUSINESS WIRE)--VA has launched two pilot programs to test new procedures that will speed the payment of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation benefits to Veterans with disabilities connected to their military service. These new programs are part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki’s effort to “break the back” of the disability claims backlog.
“A fundamental goal in the transformation of VA’s claims processing is to make sure that Veterans receive in a timely manner the benefits they earned through their service to our Nation,” Shinseki said. “VA’s ambitious tests of numerous innovations reflect our commitment to constantly improving how we meet our mission of responsiveness to Veterans, their families and survivors.”
The “Quick Pay” Disability Program at the St. Petersburg, Fla., Regional Office and the “Express Lane” Pilot, based at the Seattle, Wash., Regional Office, are among a number of new initiatives using reengineered and streamlined claims processes to provide Veterans with faster claims decisions and benefit payments.
Secretary Shinseki established as one of VA’s highest priority goals the elimination of the disability claims backlog by 2015, so that all Veterans receive a quality decision on their claim in no more than 125 days.
The “Quick Pay” Disability initiative is designed to speed disability compensation to Veterans who provide sufficient evidence at the time of claim submission to decide all or part of their claim. Since program launch, “Quick Pay” has paid more than $2 million in benefits to 1,656 Florida Veterans. These payments averaged $1,236 monthly and were made three months faster than the department’s 125-day goal.
Under the “Express Lane” Pilot program based in the Seattle Regional Office, staff members are realigned to address disability claims based on claim complexity.
Like a supermarket check-out “express lane,” small employee teams focus on rapidly processing numerous less complex claims that typically involve only one disability, thus freeing their co-workers to process the more complex and multiple-disability claims that demand the greatest level of unilateral effort.
The “Express Lane” Pilot, while managed from Seattle, is also being tested at three additional VA regional offices: Nashville, Tenn.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Muskogee, Okla.
The St. Petersburg and Seattle pilots are among more than three dozen VA initiatives exploring optimal ways to organize and deliver benefits and improve service to Veterans.
For additional information on VA’s claims transformation activities, visit http://www.vba.va.gov/transformation. Questions about benefits for Veterans may be directed to VA’s toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.
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“A fundamental goal in the transformation of VA’s claims processing is to make sure that Veterans receive in a timely manner the benefits they earned through their service to our Nation,” Shinseki said. “VA’s ambitious tests of numerous innovations reflect our commitment to constantly improving how we meet our mission of responsiveness to Veterans, their families and survivors.”
The “Quick Pay” Disability Program at the St. Petersburg, Fla., Regional Office and the “Express Lane” Pilot, based at the Seattle, Wash., Regional Office, are among a number of new initiatives using reengineered and streamlined claims processes to provide Veterans with faster claims decisions and benefit payments.
Secretary Shinseki established as one of VA’s highest priority goals the elimination of the disability claims backlog by 2015, so that all Veterans receive a quality decision on their claim in no more than 125 days.
The “Quick Pay” Disability initiative is designed to speed disability compensation to Veterans who provide sufficient evidence at the time of claim submission to decide all or part of their claim. Since program launch, “Quick Pay” has paid more than $2 million in benefits to 1,656 Florida Veterans. These payments averaged $1,236 monthly and were made three months faster than the department’s 125-day goal.
Under the “Express Lane” Pilot program based in the Seattle Regional Office, staff members are realigned to address disability claims based on claim complexity.
Like a supermarket check-out “express lane,” small employee teams focus on rapidly processing numerous less complex claims that typically involve only one disability, thus freeing their co-workers to process the more complex and multiple-disability claims that demand the greatest level of unilateral effort.
The “Express Lane” Pilot, while managed from Seattle, is also being tested at three additional VA regional offices: Nashville, Tenn.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Muskogee, Okla.
The St. Petersburg and Seattle pilots are among more than three dozen VA initiatives exploring optimal ways to organize and deliver benefits and improve service to Veterans.
For additional information on VA’s claims transformation activities, visit http://www.vba.va.gov/transformation. Questions about benefits for Veterans may be directed to VA’s toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.
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14 October 2010
111th Congress Achieves Banner Year on Veterans Legislation
/PRNewswire/ -- Congress may be receiving low approval ratings from the general voting population, but The American Legion says lawmakers have done quite well on veterans issues this year.
"The 111th Congress may be remembered for banner legislation such as health-care reform, financial regulation and the recovery act," said Jimmie Foster, national commander of the Legion. "But, in our view, the real successes were the passage of bills that affected nearly every veteran in America."
Chief among the pieces of veteran-related legislation was the "Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009," which guarantees appropriations for VA health care one full year in advance.
Another significant milestone for the 111th Congress was the "Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010." The bill included substantially increased VA funding for fiscal 2010 – the agency's first budget to exceed $100 billion.
More recently enacted laws affecting veterans include the "Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010," which created a pilot program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers, and also addressed a number of issues important to women veterans and those residing in rural areas.
A bill signed in July provided $13.4 billion to compensate Vietnam veterans who have suffered ill effects from exposure to the toxic herbicide, Agent Orange.
Within the past month, bills have been passed that provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for veterans receiving VA benefits, and expand state veterans nursing-home care to include parents whose children have died on active duty.
The American Legion's legislative director, Tim Tetz, said that, although Congress is becoming increasingly partisan, "the bipartisan passage of so many veterans bills by the 111th Congress certainly demonstrates its commitment to honor the sacrifices of those who have served in uniform."
Still awaiting President Obama's signature is the "Veterans Benefits Act of 2010." This omnibus legislation will clarify and, in some cases, expand certain benefits – including those related to homeless veterans, burial benefits, and adaptive automobile allowances for disabled veterans.
Foster laid out The American Legion's legislative agenda for next year during testimony before a joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing on Sept. 22. His list of priorities included a repeal of the disabled veterans tax, which penalizes military retirees by reducing their pension payments if they are receiving VA disability compensation.
The Legion also favors extending Post-9/11 GI Bill education funding to include vocational and distance-learning curricula, and providing benefits to more National Guard and reserve servicemembers.
Despite the work yet to be done, the Legion's national commander reiterated his praise for the 111th Congress. Reflecting upon his visit to Washington last month, Foster said, "I came to town to deliver my testimony on the needs of our nation's veterans. Before I left, Congress had passed half of our legislative agenda."
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"The 111th Congress may be remembered for banner legislation such as health-care reform, financial regulation and the recovery act," said Jimmie Foster, national commander of the Legion. "But, in our view, the real successes were the passage of bills that affected nearly every veteran in America."
Chief among the pieces of veteran-related legislation was the "Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009," which guarantees appropriations for VA health care one full year in advance.
Another significant milestone for the 111th Congress was the "Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010." The bill included substantially increased VA funding for fiscal 2010 – the agency's first budget to exceed $100 billion.
More recently enacted laws affecting veterans include the "Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010," which created a pilot program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers, and also addressed a number of issues important to women veterans and those residing in rural areas.
A bill signed in July provided $13.4 billion to compensate Vietnam veterans who have suffered ill effects from exposure to the toxic herbicide, Agent Orange.
Within the past month, bills have been passed that provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for veterans receiving VA benefits, and expand state veterans nursing-home care to include parents whose children have died on active duty.
The American Legion's legislative director, Tim Tetz, said that, although Congress is becoming increasingly partisan, "the bipartisan passage of so many veterans bills by the 111th Congress certainly demonstrates its commitment to honor the sacrifices of those who have served in uniform."
Still awaiting President Obama's signature is the "Veterans Benefits Act of 2010." This omnibus legislation will clarify and, in some cases, expand certain benefits – including those related to homeless veterans, burial benefits, and adaptive automobile allowances for disabled veterans.
Foster laid out The American Legion's legislative agenda for next year during testimony before a joint House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing on Sept. 22. His list of priorities included a repeal of the disabled veterans tax, which penalizes military retirees by reducing their pension payments if they are receiving VA disability compensation.
The Legion also favors extending Post-9/11 GI Bill education funding to include vocational and distance-learning curricula, and providing benefits to more National Guard and reserve servicemembers.
Despite the work yet to be done, the Legion's national commander reiterated his praise for the 111th Congress. Reflecting upon his visit to Washington last month, Foster said, "I came to town to deliver my testimony on the needs of our nation's veterans. Before I left, Congress had passed half of our legislative agenda."
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17 September 2010
Legion: GI Bill Needs Non-Degree Coverage
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Legion testified to Congress on Sept. 16 that the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which provides veterans with the most comprehensive education benefits since World War II, should be extended to cover courses at non-degree granting institutions.
Testifying before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Robert Madden of The American Legion said in his written statement that "a veteran or family member may choose a more traditional path and attend a non-degree institution, but cannot use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to complete these courses. Most of these education paths consist of a shorter training time and can lead to immediate employment. The American Legion believes that veterans should never be limited in the manner they use their educational benefits."
Madden, assistant director of the Legion's Economic Division, stressed the importance of informing student veterans and university administrators of the opportunities that the GI Bill provides, emphasizing that The American Legion has been a leading supporter of the bill since it was introduced by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.
Last month, The American Legion conducted a two-day "Veterans on Campus" education symposium in Milwaukee. The event, which Madden referenced in his testimony, focused on the unique needs of veterans in their transition from military life to the more relaxed world of academia.
"We found that a large number of student veterans... did not have sufficient information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. VA needs to provide more outreach to colleges and universities around the country to ensure these student veterans have a full range of knowledge concerning their education benefits," Madden told the subcommittee.
Helping veterans with their education benefits is especially important, Madden said, given VA's initial difficulties in delivering those benefits in August 2009, when thousands of student veterans failed to get their GI Bill payments on time. VA had to provide many of them with emergency payments of up to $3,000.
"Now, there are reports of veterans and their family members losing all of their future payments," Madden said. "There have been reports of schools being overpaid, which is why many schools are waiting for the add/drop period before sending in the veteran's enrollment certification.
"In spite of this move by the schools, the veteran is still being overpaid; consequently, the schools send back the money, but it is not being reported back to the VA in a timely manner. Ultimately, veterans are then denied their housing allowance and book stipend until their payment is recouped by VA," he said.
Of the two million servicemembers who have served since 2001, about 250,000 used the GI Bill in the spring 2010 semester. Madden told the subcommittee that one of VA's main challenges is to improve communication with veterans about their education benefits.
"One regional office (RO) says the veteran can do something one way and then another RO says the veteran cannot. Secondly, a veteran or family member will call the 1-800 numbers for education assistance and will ask a question. That same veteran will call back, get a different operator, and ask the same question. What the veteran receives, on occasion, is multiple answers. The veteran needs to receive the same answer so he/she can properly navigate the education process," Madden said.
As veterans determine the best means of providing income for themselves and their families, the options of vocational school, on-site job training, apprenticeships and online distance learning are becoming more popular. On behalf of The American Legion, Madden said that each veteran should have the right to use his or her Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their full extent, and that the inability of veterans taking vocational and online courses to maximize these benefits is unacceptable (veterans enrolled in online courses are not eligible for housing allowances).
The American Legion also wants education benefits extended to Title 32 Active Guard Reserve members who have served under federal orders since 9/11, but have not been allowed to include that federal time in their eligibility requirements for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. "These men and women served valiantly and with distinction. This is a must-fix and needs to be addressed immediately," Madden said.
Additionally. the Legion wants the GI Bill extended to spouses and children of veterans who served in the 9/11 era but retired before Aug. 1, 2009, when the new education benefits were implemented.
VA has increased its number of claims processors and will implement a new IT system to streamline the process itself. "The American Legion is excited about the final implementation of the new IT for veterans," Madden said. "We hope this IT solution helps resolve many of the application, payment and communication problems that have been experienced."
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Testifying before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Robert Madden of The American Legion said in his written statement that "a veteran or family member may choose a more traditional path and attend a non-degree institution, but cannot use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to complete these courses. Most of these education paths consist of a shorter training time and can lead to immediate employment. The American Legion believes that veterans should never be limited in the manner they use their educational benefits."
Madden, assistant director of the Legion's Economic Division, stressed the importance of informing student veterans and university administrators of the opportunities that the GI Bill provides, emphasizing that The American Legion has been a leading supporter of the bill since it was introduced by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.
Last month, The American Legion conducted a two-day "Veterans on Campus" education symposium in Milwaukee. The event, which Madden referenced in his testimony, focused on the unique needs of veterans in their transition from military life to the more relaxed world of academia.
"We found that a large number of student veterans... did not have sufficient information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. VA needs to provide more outreach to colleges and universities around the country to ensure these student veterans have a full range of knowledge concerning their education benefits," Madden told the subcommittee.
Helping veterans with their education benefits is especially important, Madden said, given VA's initial difficulties in delivering those benefits in August 2009, when thousands of student veterans failed to get their GI Bill payments on time. VA had to provide many of them with emergency payments of up to $3,000.
"Now, there are reports of veterans and their family members losing all of their future payments," Madden said. "There have been reports of schools being overpaid, which is why many schools are waiting for the add/drop period before sending in the veteran's enrollment certification.
"In spite of this move by the schools, the veteran is still being overpaid; consequently, the schools send back the money, but it is not being reported back to the VA in a timely manner. Ultimately, veterans are then denied their housing allowance and book stipend until their payment is recouped by VA," he said.
Of the two million servicemembers who have served since 2001, about 250,000 used the GI Bill in the spring 2010 semester. Madden told the subcommittee that one of VA's main challenges is to improve communication with veterans about their education benefits.
"One regional office (RO) says the veteran can do something one way and then another RO says the veteran cannot. Secondly, a veteran or family member will call the 1-800 numbers for education assistance and will ask a question. That same veteran will call back, get a different operator, and ask the same question. What the veteran receives, on occasion, is multiple answers. The veteran needs to receive the same answer so he/she can properly navigate the education process," Madden said.
As veterans determine the best means of providing income for themselves and their families, the options of vocational school, on-site job training, apprenticeships and online distance learning are becoming more popular. On behalf of The American Legion, Madden said that each veteran should have the right to use his or her Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their full extent, and that the inability of veterans taking vocational and online courses to maximize these benefits is unacceptable (veterans enrolled in online courses are not eligible for housing allowances).
The American Legion also wants education benefits extended to Title 32 Active Guard Reserve members who have served under federal orders since 9/11, but have not been allowed to include that federal time in their eligibility requirements for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. "These men and women served valiantly and with distinction. This is a must-fix and needs to be addressed immediately," Madden said.
Additionally. the Legion wants the GI Bill extended to spouses and children of veterans who served in the 9/11 era but retired before Aug. 1, 2009, when the new education benefits were implemented.
VA has increased its number of claims processors and will implement a new IT system to streamline the process itself. "The American Legion is excited about the final implementation of the new IT for veterans," Madden said. "We hope this IT solution helps resolve many of the application, payment and communication problems that have been experienced."
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03 August 2010
United Spinal Association/VetsFirst and Other Veterans Organizations Win Victory For Vietnam Vets Suffering From Agent Orange Diseases
/PRNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association/VetsFirst and other veterans organizations scored a victory yesterday for Vietnam veterans suffering from diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit instructed the VA to issue within 30 days new rules for paying disability benefits to Vietnam veterans stricken with ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease, or B-cell leukemias.
The rules impact an estimated 200,000 Vietnam veterans who suffer from one of the three Agent Orange-related diseases or their survivors.
The unanimous three-judge panel said VA must publish final rules on the three diseases in the Federal Register within 30 days. The VA claimed it could not issue the rules by the June 23rd deadline set by an act of Congress, because it was waiting for another federal agency (the Office of Management and Budget) to review them.
For many veterans and survivors, the date that VA rules are published has an impact on the amount of financial benefits they will receive. If a Vietnam veteran or survivor files a claim before VA publishes the rules on the three diseases, they are eligible for benefits retroactive to the date the claim is filed.
By law, veterans who file after the rules are published, receive benefits retroactive to the effective date of the regulation. For every month that publication is delayed, these veterans and survivors lose a month of benefits.
The VA estimates that as many as 150,000 Vietnam veterans and survivors have yet to file their paperwork. The veterans organizations believe the publication of rules in 30 days will likely result in a flood of additional VA claims.
Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association said, "We urge all veterans and their survivors who have been affected by Agent Orange-related diseases to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of the retroactive benefits available to them. This court decision will improve the quality of life of many individuals who have been suffering for far too long, but it's vital that veterans file now before the rules are published."
"We filed this request because veterans who have given so much for our country, should not have their compensation claims delayed because two federal agencies can't get their act together and comply with the law," said Bart Stichman, co-executive director of NVLSP. "Today's court order is a victory for our Vietnam veterans, and sends a strong message to federal bureaucrats - that bureaucratic delays will not be tolerated."
The successful request for a judicial remedy was filed in July 2010 by a coalition of veterans service organizations: United Spinal Association/VetsFirst; the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP); the Paralyzed Veterans of America; and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. The organizations received pro-bono legal help from Chadbourne & Parke LLP.
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The rules impact an estimated 200,000 Vietnam veterans who suffer from one of the three Agent Orange-related diseases or their survivors.
The unanimous three-judge panel said VA must publish final rules on the three diseases in the Federal Register within 30 days. The VA claimed it could not issue the rules by the June 23rd deadline set by an act of Congress, because it was waiting for another federal agency (the Office of Management and Budget) to review them.
For many veterans and survivors, the date that VA rules are published has an impact on the amount of financial benefits they will receive. If a Vietnam veteran or survivor files a claim before VA publishes the rules on the three diseases, they are eligible for benefits retroactive to the date the claim is filed.
By law, veterans who file after the rules are published, receive benefits retroactive to the effective date of the regulation. For every month that publication is delayed, these veterans and survivors lose a month of benefits.
The VA estimates that as many as 150,000 Vietnam veterans and survivors have yet to file their paperwork. The veterans organizations believe the publication of rules in 30 days will likely result in a flood of additional VA claims.
Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association said, "We urge all veterans and their survivors who have been affected by Agent Orange-related diseases to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of the retroactive benefits available to them. This court decision will improve the quality of life of many individuals who have been suffering for far too long, but it's vital that veterans file now before the rules are published."
"We filed this request because veterans who have given so much for our country, should not have their compensation claims delayed because two federal agencies can't get their act together and comply with the law," said Bart Stichman, co-executive director of NVLSP. "Today's court order is a victory for our Vietnam veterans, and sends a strong message to federal bureaucrats - that bureaucratic delays will not be tolerated."
The successful request for a judicial remedy was filed in July 2010 by a coalition of veterans service organizations: United Spinal Association/VetsFirst; the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP); the Paralyzed Veterans of America; and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. The organizations received pro-bono legal help from Chadbourne & Parke LLP.
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03 June 2010
American Legion Welcomes New Measure to Improve GI Bill Benefits
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Legion welcomed the introduction of a Senate bill last week that would substantially improve and expand education benefits for veterans.
Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, is sponsoring the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, which he introduced in the Senate on May 27.
"This new legislation would realize some of the changes we've been suggesting to Congress for the past couple of years," said Clarence Hill, national commander of The American Legion. "We're especially happy to see that Senator Akaka's bill would extend benefits to those veterans attending vocational schools, on-the-job training and apprenticeships."
Hill said the original 1944 GI Bill - authored and championed by The American Legion - paid for the education of about 16 million veterans. "And half of them went to some type of vocational institution after World War II, so it's most appropriate to expand today's benefits beyond traditional colleges and universities."
Robert Madden, assistant director of The American Legion's economic division, said that if Akaka's bill (S. 3447) becomes law, "every veteran would be free to choose any type of education and employment path that he or she happens to desire.
"Veterans have served America with pride and dedication. With bipartisan support, Congress can show its gratitude to them and their families by creating a GI Bill that is much more equitable," Madden said.
If passed, Akaka's legislation would upgrade veterans education benefits with several new provisions, including:
-- Veterans attending vocational schools would receive the national
yearly average for tuition/fee payments, plus housing stipend based
upon regular rate of the military's BHA (basic housing allowance).
-- On-the-job training and apprenticeships will be paid for on a prorated
schedule: 75 percent of costs for the first six months, 55 percent for
the next six months, and 35 percent for each subsequent month up to 24
additional months; benefits also include housing stipend and $1,000
annual book stipend.
-- 60 percent of charges for flight training and 55 percent for
correspondence courses will be covered, based on the national average
of established cost at all institutions of higher learning.
-- Servicemembers who retired after Sept. 11, 2001 but before the
Post-9/11 GI Bill went into effect would be able to transfer current
veterans education benefits to their family members (this provision
would be paid for by DoD and other federal agencies).
-- Housing allowance: distance-learning students and those attending
schools overseas will receive 50 percent of the established rate
(which would become prorated, based on a veteran's actual course
load).
-- Instead of paying up to $2,000 for a one-time test for licensure or
certification, an unlimited number of tests will be allowed, with
charges being deducted from a veteran's monthly benefits.
During a hearing before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on April 21, Madden urged Congress to cover non-degree education programs with GI Bill benefits, saying that such a disparity "has caused much concern."
At that same hearing, Akaka promised to introduce legislation before Memorial Day to help improve veterans education benefits. He delivered on that promise last week.
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Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, is sponsoring the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, which he introduced in the Senate on May 27.
"This new legislation would realize some of the changes we've been suggesting to Congress for the past couple of years," said Clarence Hill, national commander of The American Legion. "We're especially happy to see that Senator Akaka's bill would extend benefits to those veterans attending vocational schools, on-the-job training and apprenticeships."
Hill said the original 1944 GI Bill - authored and championed by The American Legion - paid for the education of about 16 million veterans. "And half of them went to some type of vocational institution after World War II, so it's most appropriate to expand today's benefits beyond traditional colleges and universities."
Robert Madden, assistant director of The American Legion's economic division, said that if Akaka's bill (S. 3447) becomes law, "every veteran would be free to choose any type of education and employment path that he or she happens to desire.
"Veterans have served America with pride and dedication. With bipartisan support, Congress can show its gratitude to them and their families by creating a GI Bill that is much more equitable," Madden said.
If passed, Akaka's legislation would upgrade veterans education benefits with several new provisions, including:
-- Veterans attending vocational schools would receive the national
yearly average for tuition/fee payments, plus housing stipend based
upon regular rate of the military's BHA (basic housing allowance).
-- On-the-job training and apprenticeships will be paid for on a prorated
schedule: 75 percent of costs for the first six months, 55 percent for
the next six months, and 35 percent for each subsequent month up to 24
additional months; benefits also include housing stipend and $1,000
annual book stipend.
-- 60 percent of charges for flight training and 55 percent for
correspondence courses will be covered, based on the national average
of established cost at all institutions of higher learning.
-- Servicemembers who retired after Sept. 11, 2001 but before the
Post-9/11 GI Bill went into effect would be able to transfer current
veterans education benefits to their family members (this provision
would be paid for by DoD and other federal agencies).
-- Housing allowance: distance-learning students and those attending
schools overseas will receive 50 percent of the established rate
(which would become prorated, based on a veteran's actual course
load).
-- Instead of paying up to $2,000 for a one-time test for licensure or
certification, an unlimited number of tests will be allowed, with
charges being deducted from a veteran's monthly benefits.
During a hearing before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on April 21, Madden urged Congress to cover non-degree education programs with GI Bill benefits, saying that such a disparity "has caused much concern."
At that same hearing, Akaka promised to introduce legislation before Memorial Day to help improve veterans education benefits. He delivered on that promise last week.
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13 October 2009
VA Extends 'Agent Orange' Benefits to More Veterans
/PRNewswire/ -- Relying on an independent study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki decided to establish a service-connection for Vietnam Veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the herbicides referred to as Agent Orange.
The illnesses affected by the recent decision are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson's disease; and ischemic heart disease.
Used in Vietnam to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy, Agent Orange left a legacy of suffering and disability that continues to the present. Between January 1965 and April 1970, an estimated 2.6 million military personnel who served in Vietnam were potentially exposed to sprayed Agent Orange.
In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.
The Secretary's decision brings to 15 the number of presumed illnesses recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
"We must do better reviews of illnesses that may be connected to service, and we will," Shinseki added. "Veterans who endure health problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence."
Other illnesses previously recognized under VA's "presumption" rule as being caused by exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam War are:
-- Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy
-- AL Amyloidosis
-- Chloracne
-- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
-- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
-- Hodgkin's Disease
-- Multiple Myeloma
-- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
-- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
-- Prostate Cancer
-- Respiratory Cancers, and
-- Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's
sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)
Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services and programs for Veterans exposed to the chemical are available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.
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The illnesses affected by the recent decision are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson's disease; and ischemic heart disease.
Used in Vietnam to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy, Agent Orange left a legacy of suffering and disability that continues to the present. Between January 1965 and April 1970, an estimated 2.6 million military personnel who served in Vietnam were potentially exposed to sprayed Agent Orange.
In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.
The Secretary's decision brings to 15 the number of presumed illnesses recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
"We must do better reviews of illnesses that may be connected to service, and we will," Shinseki added. "Veterans who endure health problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence."
Other illnesses previously recognized under VA's "presumption" rule as being caused by exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam War are:
-- Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy
-- AL Amyloidosis
-- Chloracne
-- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
-- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
-- Hodgkin's Disease
-- Multiple Myeloma
-- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
-- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
-- Prostate Cancer
-- Respiratory Cancers, and
-- Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's
sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)
Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services and programs for Veterans exposed to the chemical are available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.
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28 September 2009
VA Staffs Office for Survivors of Vets, Service Members
/PRNewswire/ -- To strengthen the programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the survivors of the nation's Veterans and military personnel, the Department has staffed an office to serve as their advocate, with a charter that includes creating or modifying programs, benefits and services.
"Taking care of survivors is as essential as taking care of our Veterans and military personnel," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "By taking care of survivors, we are honoring a commitment made to our Veterans and military members."
The office serves as the primary advisor to the secretary on all issues affecting the survivors and dependents of deceased Veterans and service members. It will monitor VA's delivery of benefits to survivors, make appropriate referrals to VA offices for survivors seeking benefits and explore innovative ways of reaching survivors who are not receiving the VA benefits for which they are eligible.
VA benefits for eligible survivors include educational assistance, home loan guaranties, health care insurance and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, a monthly payment to the survivors of some people who die on active duty and some seriously disabled Veterans.
More than 554,000 spouses, dependents and other survivors of Veterans are receiving VA benefits. That figure includes nearly 5,000 spouses of World War I Veterans, 90 spouses and 94 children of Spanish-American War Veterans, and two children of Civil War Veterans. The establishment of this office was authorized in the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
"Taking care of survivors is as essential as taking care of our Veterans and military personnel," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "By taking care of survivors, we are honoring a commitment made to our Veterans and military members."
The office serves as the primary advisor to the secretary on all issues affecting the survivors and dependents of deceased Veterans and service members. It will monitor VA's delivery of benefits to survivors, make appropriate referrals to VA offices for survivors seeking benefits and explore innovative ways of reaching survivors who are not receiving the VA benefits for which they are eligible.
VA benefits for eligible survivors include educational assistance, home loan guaranties, health care insurance and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, a monthly payment to the survivors of some people who die on active duty and some seriously disabled Veterans.
More than 554,000 spouses, dependents and other survivors of Veterans are receiving VA benefits. That figure includes nearly 5,000 spouses of World War I Veterans, 90 spouses and 94 children of Spanish-American War Veterans, and two children of Civil War Veterans. The establishment of this office was authorized in the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
10 July 2009
Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act
/PRNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on House passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which will provide critical funding for veterans' health services and the construction of key facilities for training and housing our military. The bill passed today in the House by a vote of 415 to 3.
"Ensuring that the needs of our veterans are met is a top priority of this Congress. We honor their service and sacrifice by investing in health care for those who have worn our nation's uniform and the construction of key facilities for training and housing our military.
"With passage of this bill, the New Direction Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans' health care and benefits since January 2007.
"I am pleased that this legislation also includes advance appropriations for 2011. This ensures timely and predictable funding for the veterans' health care initiatives upon which so many Americans depend.
"Just last weekend, on July 4th, we celebrated the freedom that is uniquely available to us as Americans. Today we have honored our troops and our veterans who ensure this freedom with real investments in their well-being."
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"Ensuring that the needs of our veterans are met is a top priority of this Congress. We honor their service and sacrifice by investing in health care for those who have worn our nation's uniform and the construction of key facilities for training and housing our military.
"With passage of this bill, the New Direction Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans' health care and benefits since January 2007.
"I am pleased that this legislation also includes advance appropriations for 2011. This ensures timely and predictable funding for the veterans' health care initiatives upon which so many Americans depend.
"Just last weekend, on July 4th, we celebrated the freedom that is uniquely available to us as Americans. Today we have honored our troops and our veterans who ensure this freedom with real investments in their well-being."
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03 July 2009
Keeping Faith with Those Who Serve
/PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the anniversary of our nation's founding, Lt. General Claudia Kennedy and Col. Don Fowler, Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Committee's Veterans and Military Families Council released the following statement lauding the efforts of the President and Democratic Congress to support our veterans:
"On the week of the anniversary of the birth of the United States, the President enacted into law the 2009 supplemental appropriations bill which extends new benefits to those Americans who, like their ancestors of 1776, have voluntarily put their lives on the line to protect the American people.
"The men and women serving in the armed forces of the United States deserve access to the highest quality health care facilities and mental health programs available to help with their transition to civilian life. The President's budget request includes the largest increase to veterans funding in 30 years, building on recent efforts to modernize veterans hospitals and facilities and improve care for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.
"And the historic benefits provided by the New GI Bill, which ensures a bright future for our warriors returning to a civilian life, will now be available to the children of those who have lost their lives in active duty."
After September 11, 2001, tens of thousands of Americans answered the call of duty and signed up to serve their country. Since then, under the Bush administration's stop-loss policy, they have been asked to serve double and triple tours of duty - putting a huge emotional and financial burden on service members and their families. As enacted by the President and Democratic Congress, the supplemental compensates those veterans who were asked to bear the extra burden by providing a $500 allowance for every month served under stop-loss orders since September, 10, 2001.
The bill also includes important provisions to support family members of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and lost their life in service to their country. The Fry Scholarship, a new benefit included in the bill, provides extended GI Bill of Rights college education benefits for children of service members who die in active duty.
To support military families, the bill also provides $1.8 billion for defense health programs that provide family counseling and traumatic brain injury and psychological health research. The bill supports the construction of nine wounded warrior support complexes to help wounded soldiers recover and invests $488 million in military hospital construction, as well as investments to complete construction at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
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"On the week of the anniversary of the birth of the United States, the President enacted into law the 2009 supplemental appropriations bill which extends new benefits to those Americans who, like their ancestors of 1776, have voluntarily put their lives on the line to protect the American people.
"The men and women serving in the armed forces of the United States deserve access to the highest quality health care facilities and mental health programs available to help with their transition to civilian life. The President's budget request includes the largest increase to veterans funding in 30 years, building on recent efforts to modernize veterans hospitals and facilities and improve care for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.
"And the historic benefits provided by the New GI Bill, which ensures a bright future for our warriors returning to a civilian life, will now be available to the children of those who have lost their lives in active duty."
After September 11, 2001, tens of thousands of Americans answered the call of duty and signed up to serve their country. Since then, under the Bush administration's stop-loss policy, they have been asked to serve double and triple tours of duty - putting a huge emotional and financial burden on service members and their families. As enacted by the President and Democratic Congress, the supplemental compensates those veterans who were asked to bear the extra burden by providing a $500 allowance for every month served under stop-loss orders since September, 10, 2001.
The bill also includes important provisions to support family members of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and lost their life in service to their country. The Fry Scholarship, a new benefit included in the bill, provides extended GI Bill of Rights college education benefits for children of service members who die in active duty.
To support military families, the bill also provides $1.8 billion for defense health programs that provide family counseling and traumatic brain injury and psychological health research. The bill supports the construction of nine wounded warrior support complexes to help wounded soldiers recover and invests $488 million in military hospital construction, as well as investments to complete construction at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
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19 June 2009
VA Reopening Health Care Enrollment to Thousands of Veterans
/PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which now has nearly 8 million Veterans enrolled in its award-winning health care system, is poised to welcome nearly 266,000 more Veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country by expanding access to health care enrollment for certain Veterans who had been excluded due to their income.
"This incremental approach to expanding enrollment ensures that access to VA health care for a greater number of beneficiaries does not sacrifice timely access or quality medical care for those Veterans already enrolled in VA's health care system," Dr. Gerald Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health, said. "Over the next four years, we hope to provide enrollment to more than 500,000 Veterans."
Under a new regulation effective June 15, VA will enroll Veterans whose income exceeds current means-tested thresholds by up to 10 percent. These Veterans were excluded from VA health care enrollment when income limits were imposed in 2003 on Veterans with no service-connected disabilities or other special eligibility for care. There is no income limit for Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities or for Veterans being seen for their service-connected disabilities.
Veterans who have applied for VA health care but were rejected due to income at any point in 2009 will have their applications reconsidered under the new income threshold formula. Those who applied before 2009, but were rejected due to income, must reapply. VA will contact these Veterans through a direct-mail campaign, Veterans service organizations, and a national and regional marketing campaign.
Information about enrollment and an income and assets calculator are available at www.va.gov/healtheligibility. The calculator provides a format in which Veterans enter their household income, number of dependents, and zip codes to see if they may qualify for VA health care enrollment.
In addition to applying online, Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222 VETS (1-877-222-8387). Each VA medical center across the country has an enrollment coordinator available to provide Veterans with enrollment and eligibility information.
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"This incremental approach to expanding enrollment ensures that access to VA health care for a greater number of beneficiaries does not sacrifice timely access or quality medical care for those Veterans already enrolled in VA's health care system," Dr. Gerald Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health, said. "Over the next four years, we hope to provide enrollment to more than 500,000 Veterans."
Under a new regulation effective June 15, VA will enroll Veterans whose income exceeds current means-tested thresholds by up to 10 percent. These Veterans were excluded from VA health care enrollment when income limits were imposed in 2003 on Veterans with no service-connected disabilities or other special eligibility for care. There is no income limit for Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities or for Veterans being seen for their service-connected disabilities.
Veterans who have applied for VA health care but were rejected due to income at any point in 2009 will have their applications reconsidered under the new income threshold formula. Those who applied before 2009, but were rejected due to income, must reapply. VA will contact these Veterans through a direct-mail campaign, Veterans service organizations, and a national and regional marketing campaign.
Information about enrollment and an income and assets calculator are available at www.va.gov/healtheligibility. The calculator provides a format in which Veterans enter their household income, number of dependents, and zip codes to see if they may qualify for VA health care enrollment.
In addition to applying online, Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222 VETS (1-877-222-8387). Each VA medical center across the country has an enrollment coordinator available to provide Veterans with enrollment and eligibility information.
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01 May 2009
VA Accepting Applications for Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
/PRNewswire / -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that Veterans can begin submitting applications online for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
"There is no better investment than education," said Tammy Duckworth, VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs. "The Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide new opportunities that are essential to our Veterans, our workforce and our economy."
Veterans, service members, reservists and National Guard members with active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit. Veterans will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of last discharge or release from a period of active duty of at least 90 continuous days.
Eligible applicants must have served for an aggregate period of at least 90 days since Sept. 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, and received a discharge for disability.
Benefit payment rates range from 40 percent of the maximum benefit for a person with at least 90 days, but less than 6 months of aggregate service and up to 100 percent of the benefit for people with at least 36 months of aggregate service or 30 continuous days and a discharge due to a service connected disability. Prospective beneficiaries may apply online through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.
Qualified Veterans will receive a "Certification of Eligibility" as well as additional information regarding benefits they may qualify for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which will become effective on Aug. 1, 2009.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible applicants with tuition payments to assist them in getting a college education. For many participants, it also provides a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.
Information about the new program and VA's other educational benefits can be obtained through www.GIBILL.VA.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).
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"There is no better investment than education," said Tammy Duckworth, VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs. "The Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide new opportunities that are essential to our Veterans, our workforce and our economy."
Veterans, service members, reservists and National Guard members with active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit. Veterans will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of last discharge or release from a period of active duty of at least 90 continuous days.
Eligible applicants must have served for an aggregate period of at least 90 days since Sept. 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, and received a discharge for disability.
Benefit payment rates range from 40 percent of the maximum benefit for a person with at least 90 days, but less than 6 months of aggregate service and up to 100 percent of the benefit for people with at least 36 months of aggregate service or 30 continuous days and a discharge due to a service connected disability. Prospective beneficiaries may apply online through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.
Qualified Veterans will receive a "Certification of Eligibility" as well as additional information regarding benefits they may qualify for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which will become effective on Aug. 1, 2009.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible applicants with tuition payments to assist them in getting a college education. For many participants, it also provides a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.
Information about the new program and VA's other educational benefits can be obtained through www.GIBILL.VA.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).
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23 April 2009
New Tool Available to Help Military Recover Life Insurance Compentation
Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced today the release of a new tool at https://eapps.naic.org/restitution/ to help military servicemembers research and recover compensation resulting from a 2006 multistate regulatory settlement agreement over life insurance sales practices to the military.
“This web application is designed to make it easier for our military servicemembers to determine if they are eligible for compensation by simply entering their first and last name in the search engine,” Oxendine said. “If you have one of these policies or are the beneficiary of such a policy, you are entitled to a cash payment, even if the policy has already been terminated.”
More than 14,000 servicemembers who purchased life insurance products from American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas or its two affiliates — Pioneer American Insurance Company and Pioneer Security Life Insurance Company — are owed more than $2.3 million from the multistate settlement. With this Web tool, military members can determine their eligibility for compensation by simply entering an individual’s first and last name in the search engine.
The multistate agreement was signed by 46 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Servicemember policyholders (or a named beneficiary) of a “Horizon Life” policy issued between Jan. 1, 2000, and July 28, 2006, might be entitled to compensation and/or increased policy benefits. Policyholders who have been paid a death benefit or who have received a full refund are not eligible to receive compensation.
The settlement agreement was the culmination of a 20-month investigation led by the Georgia and Texas insurance departments, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The investigation followed allegations by state insurance regulators and federal agencies that the American-Amicable companies violated insurance and consumer protection statutes in the sale and marketing of certain life insurance products to U.S. military servicemembers.
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“This web application is designed to make it easier for our military servicemembers to determine if they are eligible for compensation by simply entering their first and last name in the search engine,” Oxendine said. “If you have one of these policies or are the beneficiary of such a policy, you are entitled to a cash payment, even if the policy has already been terminated.”
More than 14,000 servicemembers who purchased life insurance products from American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas or its two affiliates — Pioneer American Insurance Company and Pioneer Security Life Insurance Company — are owed more than $2.3 million from the multistate settlement. With this Web tool, military members can determine their eligibility for compensation by simply entering an individual’s first and last name in the search engine.
The multistate agreement was signed by 46 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Servicemember policyholders (or a named beneficiary) of a “Horizon Life” policy issued between Jan. 1, 2000, and July 28, 2006, might be entitled to compensation and/or increased policy benefits. Policyholders who have been paid a death benefit or who have received a full refund are not eligible to receive compensation.
The settlement agreement was the culmination of a 20-month investigation led by the Georgia and Texas insurance departments, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The investigation followed allegations by state insurance regulators and federal agencies that the American-Amicable companies violated insurance and consumer protection statutes in the sale and marketing of certain life insurance products to U.S. military servicemembers.
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17 April 2009
AFAP: Newest GI Bill Seen as Victory for Soldiers and Families
Though the road was long and hard, the efforts and advocacy of the Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) have resulted in a major victory for Soldiers and families.
The creation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill was driven by AFAP Issues #497, #385 and #525. It becomes a reality August 1, 2009, and will offer all Soldiers with six years of service the opportunity to transfer unused Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to their dependents......http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/04/16/19772-soldiers-newest-gi-bill-exceeds-tuition-assistance-also-benefits-dependents/index.html
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The creation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill was driven by AFAP Issues #497, #385 and #525. It becomes a reality August 1, 2009, and will offer all Soldiers with six years of service the opportunity to transfer unused Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to their dependents......http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/04/16/19772-soldiers-newest-gi-bill-exceeds-tuition-assistance-also-benefits-dependents/index.html
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26 February 2009
President's 2010 Budget Request Strongly Supports VA Programs
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Obama's first proposed budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expands eligibility for health care to an additional 500,000 deserving Veterans over the next five years, meets the need for continued growth in programs for the combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and provides the resources to deliver quality health care for the Nation's 5.5 million Veteran patients.
The 2010 budget request is a significant step toward realizing a vision shared by the President and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki to transform VA into an organization that is people-centric, results-driven and forward-looking.
"Our success must encompass cost-effectiveness," Shinseki said. "We are stewards of taxpayer dollars, and we will include appropriate metrics to accurately gauge the quality of our care and the effectiveness of our management processes."
If accepted by Congress, the President's budget proposal would increase VA's budget from $97.7 billion this fiscal year to $112.8 billion for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2009. This is in addition to the $1.4 billion provided for VA projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The 2010 budget represents the first step toward increasing discretionary funding for VA efforts by $25 billion over the next five years. The gradual expansion in health care enrollment that this would support will open hospital and clinic doors to more than 500,000 Veterans by 2013 who have been regrettably excluded from VA medical care benefits since 2003. The 2010 budget request provides the resources to achieve this level of service while maintaining high quality and timely care for lower-income and service-disabled Veterans who currently rely on VA medical care.
The new budget provides greater benefits for Veterans who are medically retired from active duty, allowing for the first time all military retirees to keep their full VA disability compensation along with their retired pay. The President's budget request also provides the resources for effective implementation of the post-9/11 GI Bill -- providing unprecedented levels of educational support to the men and women who have served our country through active military duty.
The new budget will support additional specialty care in such areas as prosthetics, vision and spinal cord injury, aging and women's health. New VA Centers of Excellence will focus on improving these critical services.
The proposed fiscal year 2010 budget also addresses the tragic fact of homelessness among Veterans. It expands VA's current services through a collaborative pilot program with non-profit organizations that is aimed at maintaining stable housing for vulnerable Veterans at risk of homelessness, while providing them with supportive services to help them get back on their feet through job training, preventive care and other critical services.
Finally, the President's budget request provides the necessary investments to carry VA services to rural communities that are too often unable to access VA care. The President's budget expands VA mental health screening and treatment with a focus on reaching Veterans in rural areas in part through an increase in Vet Centers and mobile health clinics. New outreach funding will help rural Veterans and their families stay informed of these resources and encourage them to pursue needed care.
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The 2010 budget request is a significant step toward realizing a vision shared by the President and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki to transform VA into an organization that is people-centric, results-driven and forward-looking.
"Our success must encompass cost-effectiveness," Shinseki said. "We are stewards of taxpayer dollars, and we will include appropriate metrics to accurately gauge the quality of our care and the effectiveness of our management processes."
If accepted by Congress, the President's budget proposal would increase VA's budget from $97.7 billion this fiscal year to $112.8 billion for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2009. This is in addition to the $1.4 billion provided for VA projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The 2010 budget represents the first step toward increasing discretionary funding for VA efforts by $25 billion over the next five years. The gradual expansion in health care enrollment that this would support will open hospital and clinic doors to more than 500,000 Veterans by 2013 who have been regrettably excluded from VA medical care benefits since 2003. The 2010 budget request provides the resources to achieve this level of service while maintaining high quality and timely care for lower-income and service-disabled Veterans who currently rely on VA medical care.
The new budget provides greater benefits for Veterans who are medically retired from active duty, allowing for the first time all military retirees to keep their full VA disability compensation along with their retired pay. The President's budget request also provides the resources for effective implementation of the post-9/11 GI Bill -- providing unprecedented levels of educational support to the men and women who have served our country through active military duty.
The new budget will support additional specialty care in such areas as prosthetics, vision and spinal cord injury, aging and women's health. New VA Centers of Excellence will focus on improving these critical services.
The proposed fiscal year 2010 budget also addresses the tragic fact of homelessness among Veterans. It expands VA's current services through a collaborative pilot program with non-profit organizations that is aimed at maintaining stable housing for vulnerable Veterans at risk of homelessness, while providing them with supportive services to help them get back on their feet through job training, preventive care and other critical services.
Finally, the President's budget request provides the necessary investments to carry VA services to rural communities that are too often unable to access VA care. The President's budget expands VA mental health screening and treatment with a focus on reaching Veterans in rural areas in part through an increase in Vet Centers and mobile health clinics. New outreach funding will help rural Veterans and their families stay informed of these resources and encourage them to pursue needed care.
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20 February 2009
Statement by Congressman Chet Edwards in Response to Criticism of Veterans Funding in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Representative Chet Edwards released the following statement in response to criticism of veterans funding in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"It has been said that it is easier to kick down a barn than to build one. That appears to be the case regarding criticisms of veterans funding in this bill.
Regarding Congressman Buyer's criticism of the bill, let me point out that the Democratic Congress has increased veterans health care and benefits funding by more in two years than the Republican-led House did in 12 years, including his years as Chairman of the VA Committee.
In 2007 and 2008 alone, the Democratic-led Congress increased veterans funding by $16.3 billion, which is more than House Republicans did collectively from 1995 through 2004.
In addition to the $16.3 billion increase by Democrats in just two years, we also passed a historic 21st Century GI Education bill, which matched the education benefits of the World War II GI Bill.
Having passed a new GI Education bill and $16.3 billion in new funding in 2007 and 2008 for veterans, the 2009 stimulus bill adds $1.4 billion in additional funding to modernize our VA hospitals and $2.98 billion to modernize DOD hospitals, barracks and day care centers.
For Republicans such as Mr. Buyer to vote against and criticize the additional $1.4 billion for veterans after underfunding VA programs for over a decade makes his criticisms look more partisan than substantive.
The difference is clear. Democrats in just over two years have provided unprecedented increases in funding for VA programs, and Republicans' record for veterans never matched their rhetoric. That's a fact."
Military Construction Funding in H.R.1 Conference Report:
Hospitals: $1.33 billion to recapitalize our aging military hospitals and ambulatory centers. Many of these facilities are 40 or even 50 years old, and are not suited to current medical standards and practices.
Troop and family housing: $335 million to build new barracks and dormitories for our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen as well as further investments in quality family housing.
Child Care: $240 million for new child development centers on base. These facilities will help military spouses hold down jobs, and provide employment opportunities for caregivers.
National Guard: $100 million for the Army and Air National Guard. This will support our reservists who have been heavily deployed in recent years, as well as States who need Guard units for disaster assistance and homeland security.
Homeowners Assistance Fund: $555 million for assistance to military homeowners, including wounded warriors and surviving spouses, who have been impacted by the housing crisis.
Wounded Warriors: $100 million for warrior transition complexes to provide services to wounded warriors and their families.
Energy Conservation Investment Program: $120 million to make military facilities more energy efficient and save taxpayers money.
Veterans Affairs Funding in H.R. 1 Conference Report:
Medical Facilities: $1.0 billion for non-recurring maintenance, including energy projects, to address deficiencies and avoid serious maintenance problems at the 153 VA hospitals.
National Cemetery Administration: $50 million for memorial maintenance, including those identified in the 2002 Millennium Act report to Congress, for the National Cemetery Administration. These funds will enable the National Cemetery Administration to work toward an established set of cemetery standards of appearance throughout the system.
Claims Processors: $150 million for a temporary increase in claims processing staff.
Information Technology Systems: $50 million to improve automation of benefits processing.
State Extended Care Facilities: $150 million for grants to States for extended care facilities.
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"It has been said that it is easier to kick down a barn than to build one. That appears to be the case regarding criticisms of veterans funding in this bill.
Regarding Congressman Buyer's criticism of the bill, let me point out that the Democratic Congress has increased veterans health care and benefits funding by more in two years than the Republican-led House did in 12 years, including his years as Chairman of the VA Committee.
In 2007 and 2008 alone, the Democratic-led Congress increased veterans funding by $16.3 billion, which is more than House Republicans did collectively from 1995 through 2004.
In addition to the $16.3 billion increase by Democrats in just two years, we also passed a historic 21st Century GI Education bill, which matched the education benefits of the World War II GI Bill.
Having passed a new GI Education bill and $16.3 billion in new funding in 2007 and 2008 for veterans, the 2009 stimulus bill adds $1.4 billion in additional funding to modernize our VA hospitals and $2.98 billion to modernize DOD hospitals, barracks and day care centers.
For Republicans such as Mr. Buyer to vote against and criticize the additional $1.4 billion for veterans after underfunding VA programs for over a decade makes his criticisms look more partisan than substantive.
The difference is clear. Democrats in just over two years have provided unprecedented increases in funding for VA programs, and Republicans' record for veterans never matched their rhetoric. That's a fact."
Military Construction Funding in H.R.1 Conference Report:
Hospitals: $1.33 billion to recapitalize our aging military hospitals and ambulatory centers. Many of these facilities are 40 or even 50 years old, and are not suited to current medical standards and practices.
Troop and family housing: $335 million to build new barracks and dormitories for our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen as well as further investments in quality family housing.
Child Care: $240 million for new child development centers on base. These facilities will help military spouses hold down jobs, and provide employment opportunities for caregivers.
National Guard: $100 million for the Army and Air National Guard. This will support our reservists who have been heavily deployed in recent years, as well as States who need Guard units for disaster assistance and homeland security.
Homeowners Assistance Fund: $555 million for assistance to military homeowners, including wounded warriors and surviving spouses, who have been impacted by the housing crisis.
Wounded Warriors: $100 million for warrior transition complexes to provide services to wounded warriors and their families.
Energy Conservation Investment Program: $120 million to make military facilities more energy efficient and save taxpayers money.
Veterans Affairs Funding in H.R. 1 Conference Report:
Medical Facilities: $1.0 billion for non-recurring maintenance, including energy projects, to address deficiencies and avoid serious maintenance problems at the 153 VA hospitals.
National Cemetery Administration: $50 million for memorial maintenance, including those identified in the 2002 Millennium Act report to Congress, for the National Cemetery Administration. These funds will enable the National Cemetery Administration to work toward an established set of cemetery standards of appearance throughout the system.
Claims Processors: $150 million for a temporary increase in claims processing staff.
Information Technology Systems: $50 million to improve automation of benefits processing.
State Extended Care Facilities: $150 million for grants to States for extended care facilities.
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24 December 2008
Nearly 11,000 Survivors to Receive Retroactive VA Payments by New Years
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has identified nearly 11,000 surviving spouses of deceased veterans who will receive a lump-sum payment before the New Year to correct an error in their VA benefits. Also documented were more than 73,000 who had been previously paid. VA officials are still tracking down eligible survivors.
"I am pleased that our task force working to correct this problem has been able to identify this first group this week," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "We understand the difference these funds can make for these surviving spouses, especially during the holiday season."
Payments will be released to these survivors on Dec. 29. The total value of the payments is about $24 million.
At issue is a 1996 federal law that makes a surviving spouse eligible to receive the veteran's VA compensation or pension benefit for the month of the veteran's death. VA failed to properly implement that law in all cases.
Most likely to have been affected by this problem are surviving spouses who never applied for VA survivors' benefits following the death of a veteran. Eligible for the payment are surviving spouses of veterans who died after Dec. 31, 1996. The Department doesn't have current addresses for many of them, which makes the process of contacting them difficult.
VA has established a special Survivor Call Center (1-800-749-8387) for spouses who believe they may be eligible for this retroactive benefit. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central Standard Time. Inquiries may also be submitted through the Internet at http://www.vba.va.gov/survivorsbenefit.htm.
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"I am pleased that our task force working to correct this problem has been able to identify this first group this week," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "We understand the difference these funds can make for these surviving spouses, especially during the holiday season."
Payments will be released to these survivors on Dec. 29. The total value of the payments is about $24 million.
At issue is a 1996 federal law that makes a surviving spouse eligible to receive the veteran's VA compensation or pension benefit for the month of the veteran's death. VA failed to properly implement that law in all cases.
Most likely to have been affected by this problem are surviving spouses who never applied for VA survivors' benefits following the death of a veteran. Eligible for the payment are surviving spouses of veterans who died after Dec. 31, 1996. The Department doesn't have current addresses for many of them, which makes the process of contacting them difficult.
VA has established a special Survivor Call Center (1-800-749-8387) for spouses who believe they may be eligible for this retroactive benefit. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central Standard Time. Inquiries may also be submitted through the Internet at http://www.vba.va.gov/survivorsbenefit.htm.
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02 December 2008
Enhancement of Regular Refinancing Loans to Veterans
/PRNewswire/ -- The Veteran's Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, Public Law 110-389, was recently signed into law by the President. This law addresses changes to the VA (Veteran's Administration) Loan Guaranty Program of which MoneyLine Lending is a sponsored lender. This bill, in addition to low fixed interest rates, improves and enhances housing benefits for veterans.
"The federal government and the mortgage industry have partnered to assist veteran homeowners who have been negatively impacted by recent changes in the economy, or are concerned about the future," says Steve Gebhardt, Vice President, MoneyLine Lending. "This is an excellent opportunity for veterans to take advantage of saving money." Gebhardt adds, "The average American is carrying $9,200 in credit card debt. This is another way that veterans can take advantage of the benefits that lead to savings offered in this new law."
Effective immediately, the maximum guaranty amount for regular refinancing loans is the same as the maximum guaranty amount for purchase loans. This means that regular refinancing loans are now available for up to 100 percent of the appraised value of a home, an increase from VA's previous threshold of 90 percent. This allows veterans to take full advantage of the true benefits of Homeownership.
"For veterans, this translates to immediate savings and financial freedom." says Gebhardt. "Those who qualify can benefit by lowering their interest rate and eliminating debt. We encourage veterans to take advantage of this newly passed bill for their financial benefit. We can help veterans understand these benefits."
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"The federal government and the mortgage industry have partnered to assist veteran homeowners who have been negatively impacted by recent changes in the economy, or are concerned about the future," says Steve Gebhardt, Vice President, MoneyLine Lending. "This is an excellent opportunity for veterans to take advantage of saving money." Gebhardt adds, "The average American is carrying $9,200 in credit card debt. This is another way that veterans can take advantage of the benefits that lead to savings offered in this new law."
Effective immediately, the maximum guaranty amount for regular refinancing loans is the same as the maximum guaranty amount for purchase loans. This means that regular refinancing loans are now available for up to 100 percent of the appraised value of a home, an increase from VA's previous threshold of 90 percent. This allows veterans to take full advantage of the true benefits of Homeownership.
"For veterans, this translates to immediate savings and financial freedom." says Gebhardt. "Those who qualify can benefit by lowering their interest rate and eliminating debt. We encourage veterans to take advantage of this newly passed bill for their financial benefit. We can help veterans understand these benefits."
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19 November 2008
Understanding The New Veterans Educational Assistance Act
(NAPSI)-For individuals who served on active military duty on or after September 11, 2001, a new piece of legislation can help further education goals-or perhaps create new ones.
The Post−9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, also known as the Post−9/11 GI Bill, provides veterans with financial benefits for any approved program offered by a school that is authorized to grant an associate (or higher) degree.
These questions may help shed light on the subject for people who have recently served or are currently serving in the military, as well as their families:
Q. Am I eligible?
A. You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001.
You may also be eligible if you were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.
Q. When can I receive benefits under the Bill?
A. Post−9/11 GI Bill benefits are payable for training that begins on or after August 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date.
Q. How much will I receive?
A. Based on your length of active-duty service, you may be entitled to a percentage of the following:
4 Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive instate undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education;
4 Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents. The amount of the housing allowance is based on the ZIP code of the school and is not payable to individuals training at half-time or less or attending distance learning;
4 Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year (paid to you); and
4 A one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.
Q. How many months of assistance can I receive?
A. Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of benefits under the Post−9/11 GI Bill.
Q. How long am I eligible?
A. You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.
Q. Can I transfer my entitlement to my dependents?
A. If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. DoD and the military services will issue policy on entitlement to transferability benefit in the coming months.
For up-to-date information on this and other education benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov.
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The Post−9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, also known as the Post−9/11 GI Bill, provides veterans with financial benefits for any approved program offered by a school that is authorized to grant an associate (or higher) degree.
These questions may help shed light on the subject for people who have recently served or are currently serving in the military, as well as their families:
Q. Am I eligible?
A. You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001.
You may also be eligible if you were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.
Q. When can I receive benefits under the Bill?
A. Post−9/11 GI Bill benefits are payable for training that begins on or after August 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date.
Q. How much will I receive?
A. Based on your length of active-duty service, you may be entitled to a percentage of the following:
4 Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive instate undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education;
4 Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents. The amount of the housing allowance is based on the ZIP code of the school and is not payable to individuals training at half-time or less or attending distance learning;
4 Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year (paid to you); and
4 A one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.
Q. How many months of assistance can I receive?
A. Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of benefits under the Post−9/11 GI Bill.
Q. How long am I eligible?
A. You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.
Q. Can I transfer my entitlement to my dependents?
A. If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. DoD and the military services will issue policy on entitlement to transferability benefit in the coming months.
For up-to-date information on this and other education benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov.
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