Print & Post: Week of November 30, 2009
Deal of the Week: Veteran Discounts
Military.com has hundreds of discounts exclusively for veterans and their families. Don't pay full price for anything -- cars, clothing, computers, electronics, vacations, groceries, beauty, home, jewelry, and more. (http://benefits.military.com/DC/DealIndex.jsp?ESRC=vr.nl) Browse coupons and discounts now.
Navigating Voc-Rehab
Disabled veterans seeking to tap into their Voc-Rehab benefits to learn new skills with the goal of starting a new career must first tap into their own sense of purpose. Veteran Ben Krause's series of articles can help.
Read Part Two of his series - (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,205643,00.html) Seven Essentials to Voc-Rehab to learn more.
New Redesigned VA Website
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rolled out the first phase of a large-scale renovation for its (http://www.va.gov/) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The first and most visible step of the renovation consists of changing the website's look. Some of the major changes include improvements in the navigational structure that provide consistency among all sites and consolidate major topics; a slide show section that showcases current VA events or hot topics; and a "Quick List" with links directly to important applications such as (http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp) Veterans On Line Applications (VONAPP) and (http://www.myhealth.va.gov/) MyHealtheVet . To view the new version of the Website, visit (http://www.va.gov/ href=) www.va.gov.
House VA Committee Conducts Hearing
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairwoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) recently conducted a hearing to review the implementation of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had recently authorized issuance of advance payments to veterans enrolled in school who have not received their benefits. Prepared testimony and a link to a recording of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=485) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website. Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available on the VA website at (http://www.gibill.va.gov/) www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551). Information on advance payments under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is available on (https://advancepay.gibill.va.gov/) the VA website.
Visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Legislative Center on Military.com for more information on issues and legislation.
Committee Advances Veteran Bills
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), recently approved two bills. (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=14286176) H.R. 3949 -- the Veterans Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009-- (1) would include amending the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to improve the equitable relief available for servicemembers called to active duty, including allowing greater flexibility for family cell phone plans, rental leases, and motor vehicle leases when a servicemember has changed duty stations or been deployed. (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=13415771) H.R. 1168 would authorize living stipend and moving assistance to veterans who have been unemployed for at least 4 months, who are not eligible for training or education under VA, and who are enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor re-training program.
Take Action: (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=14308186) Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
An Overview of VA Home Loans
For veterans and active duty military personnel, a VA loan can be the most flexible home financing option available. Zero down payments, no private mortgage insurance, relaxed qualifying standards, and low interest rates are some (http://www.military.com/finance/homebuying/an-overview-of-va-home-loans.html?ESRC=vr.nl) of the benefits enjoyed by VA mortgage holders.
What is VetSuccess?
VetSuccess is a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) (http://vetsuccess.gov/about/ href=) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program and the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) program. The two programs work together in partnership to provide direct job service to VR&E participants on a national as well as local level.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/vetsuccess) Learn More.
VA Pilots E-Health Records
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Kaiser Permanente recently announced a new, pilot program designed to exchange electronic health record (EHR) information using the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) created by the Department of Health and Human Services. VA and Kaiser Permanente is currently sending a joint letter to veterans in the San Diego area who receive care from both institutions to invite them to participate in this first-ever pilot program. Veterans who respond and ask to participate will enable their public and private sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely and privately. The pilot program will connect Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect and the VA's electronic health record system, VistA, two of the largest electronic health record systems in the country. This initial pilot is planned to begin in mid-December 2009.
Read more of the (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) latest veteran benefits news on Military.com.
VA to Launch Women Veterans Study
The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a comprehensive study of women veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to explore the effects of their military service upon their mental and physical health. The study, which begins this month and lasts more than four years, will contact approximately 10,000 women in a mailed survey, telephone interview and a review of their medical records. The study will assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical health conditions for women Vietnam veterans. The study will be managed by specialists in the VA's Cooperative Studies Program and is projected to cost $5.6 million.
Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran) veteran benefits on Military.com.
VA Expands Pilot Application Process
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the expansion of a program with the Department of Defense (DoD) to streamline the application process for people retiring or exiting the military due to disabilities. The Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot began in November, 2007 and is expanding to an additional six military installations, bringing the total number to 27 military facilities where a single physical examination determines eligibility for VA disability compensation. The new locations will be Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Fort Riley, Kan.; and Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va. The estimated completion date for the new expansion is March 31, 2010.
Read more of the (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) latest veterans benefits news on Miliary.com.
New Program Connects Vets with Peers
A group of area veterans met last week in Fredericksburg, Va. to talk about their military experiences, share information and forge new friendships. The peer-support group is one component of a new program to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. (http://www.military.com/news/article/new-program-connects-vets-with-peers.html) To learn more, read the full article on Military.com.
Ever wonder what happened to that guy you pulled liberty with back in the day? Why not find him right now? It's fast and easy with Military.com's
(feature href=) Buddy Finder.
Which College Will Give You Credit for Military Service?
Your service in the Military may have earned you up to a full semester of college credit. Military.com connects you to hundreds of schools who recognize the work you've already done. Make sure to get college credit for military service. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Now.
Senate Passes Vets, Caregivers Reform
The U.S. Senate voted 98-0 to pass the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009, a sweeping reform bill sponsored by Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) for wounded warriors and the families who care for them. (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=14300181) S. 1963 merges two veterans' health bills which passed the Committee with unanimous bipartisan support this summer, only to be blocked from a floor vote by a single Senator until today.
Take Action: (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=14390376&type=CO) Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
Featured Job: Government and Law Enforcement
Use your military experience to land a federal job. (http://www.military.com/government?ESRC=mr.nl) Search thousands of Federal, State and local jobs in Law Enforcement and Homeland Security on Military.com.
Beneficiaries, Vets Shielded From Health Reform
The national health reform bill passed by the House last month and the Senate version to be debated in early December pose no threat to current health care benefits provided to military families, retirees or veterans, say advocates for these beneficiaries as well as congressional committee staffs. The House-passed Affordable Health Care for America Act ( (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=14394676) HR 3962) states in Section 311 that "nothing" in the bill "shall be construed as affecting" authorities used by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to provide TRICARE programs or VA health care benefits. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,206499,00.html) read the full article on Military.com.
Military.com has hundreds of discounts exclusively for veterans and their families. Don't pay full price for anything -- cars, clothing, computers, electronics, vacations, groceries, beauty, home, jewelry, and more. (http://benefits.military.com/DC/DealIndex.jsp?ESRC=vr.nl) Browse coupons and discounts now.
Navigating Voc-Rehab
Disabled veterans seeking to tap into their Voc-Rehab benefits to learn new skills with the goal of starting a new career must first tap into their own sense of purpose. Veteran Ben Krause's series of articles can help.
Read Part Two of his series - (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,205643,00.html) Seven Essentials to Voc-Rehab to learn more.
New Redesigned VA Website
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rolled out the first phase of a large-scale renovation for its (http://www.va.gov/) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The first and most visible step of the renovation consists of changing the website's look. Some of the major changes include improvements in the navigational structure that provide consistency among all sites and consolidate major topics; a slide show section that showcases current VA events or hot topics; and a "Quick List" with links directly to important applications such as (http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp) Veterans On Line Applications (VONAPP) and (http://www.myhealth.va.gov/) MyHealtheVet . To view the new version of the Website, visit (http://www.va.gov/ href=) www.va.gov.
House VA Committee Conducts Hearing
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairwoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) recently conducted a hearing to review the implementation of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had recently authorized issuance of advance payments to veterans enrolled in school who have not received their benefits. Prepared testimony and a link to a recording of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=485) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website. Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available on the VA website at (http://www.gibill.va.gov/) www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551). Information on advance payments under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is available on (https://advancepay.gibill.va.gov/) the VA website.
Visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Legislative Center on Military.com for more information on issues and legislation.
Committee Advances Veteran Bills
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), recently approved two bills. (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=14286176) H.R. 3949 -- the Veterans Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009-- (1) would include amending the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to improve the equitable relief available for servicemembers called to active duty, including allowing greater flexibility for family cell phone plans, rental leases, and motor vehicle leases when a servicemember has changed duty stations or been deployed. (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=13415771) H.R. 1168 would authorize living stipend and moving assistance to veterans who have been unemployed for at least 4 months, who are not eligible for training or education under VA, and who are enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor re-training program.
Take Action: (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=14308186) Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
An Overview of VA Home Loans
For veterans and active duty military personnel, a VA loan can be the most flexible home financing option available. Zero down payments, no private mortgage insurance, relaxed qualifying standards, and low interest rates are some (http://www.military.com/finance/homebuying/an-overview-of-va-home-loans.html?ESRC=vr.nl) of the benefits enjoyed by VA mortgage holders.
What is VetSuccess?
VetSuccess is a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) (http://vetsuccess.gov/about/ href=) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program and the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) program. The two programs work together in partnership to provide direct job service to VR&E participants on a national as well as local level.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/vetsuccess) Learn More.
VA Pilots E-Health Records
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Kaiser Permanente recently announced a new, pilot program designed to exchange electronic health record (EHR) information using the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) created by the Department of Health and Human Services. VA and Kaiser Permanente is currently sending a joint letter to veterans in the San Diego area who receive care from both institutions to invite them to participate in this first-ever pilot program. Veterans who respond and ask to participate will enable their public and private sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely and privately. The pilot program will connect Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect and the VA's electronic health record system, VistA, two of the largest electronic health record systems in the country. This initial pilot is planned to begin in mid-December 2009.
Read more of the (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) latest veteran benefits news on Military.com.
VA to Launch Women Veterans Study
The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a comprehensive study of women veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to explore the effects of their military service upon their mental and physical health. The study, which begins this month and lasts more than four years, will contact approximately 10,000 women in a mailed survey, telephone interview and a review of their medical records. The study will assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical health conditions for women Vietnam veterans. The study will be managed by specialists in the VA's Cooperative Studies Program and is projected to cost $5.6 million.
Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran) veteran benefits on Military.com.
VA Expands Pilot Application Process
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the expansion of a program with the Department of Defense (DoD) to streamline the application process for people retiring or exiting the military due to disabilities. The Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot began in November, 2007 and is expanding to an additional six military installations, bringing the total number to 27 military facilities where a single physical examination determines eligibility for VA disability compensation. The new locations will be Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Fort Riley, Kan.; and Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va. The estimated completion date for the new expansion is March 31, 2010.
Read more of the (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) latest veterans benefits news on Miliary.com.
New Program Connects Vets with Peers
A group of area veterans met last week in Fredericksburg, Va. to talk about their military experiences, share information and forge new friendships. The peer-support group is one component of a new program to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. (http://www.military.com/news/article/new-program-connects-vets-with-peers.html) To learn more, read the full article on Military.com.
Ever wonder what happened to that guy you pulled liberty with back in the day? Why not find him right now? It's fast and easy with Military.com's
(feature href=) Buddy Finder.
Which College Will Give You Credit for Military Service?
Your service in the Military may have earned you up to a full semester of college credit. Military.com connects you to hundreds of schools who recognize the work you've already done. Make sure to get college credit for military service. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Now.
Senate Passes Vets, Caregivers Reform
The U.S. Senate voted 98-0 to pass the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009, a sweeping reform bill sponsored by Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) for wounded warriors and the families who care for them. (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=14300181) S. 1963 merges two veterans' health bills which passed the Committee with unanimous bipartisan support this summer, only to be blocked from a floor vote by a single Senator until today.
Take Action: (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=14390376&type=CO) Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
Featured Job: Government and Law Enforcement
Use your military experience to land a federal job. (http://www.military.com/government?ESRC=mr.nl) Search thousands of Federal, State and local jobs in Law Enforcement and Homeland Security on Military.com.
Beneficiaries, Vets Shielded From Health Reform
The national health reform bill passed by the House last month and the Senate version to be debated in early December pose no threat to current health care benefits provided to military families, retirees or veterans, say advocates for these beneficiaries as well as congressional committee staffs. The House-passed Affordable Health Care for America Act ( (http://vote.military.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=14394676) HR 3962) states in Section 311 that "nothing" in the bill "shall be construed as affecting" authorities used by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to provide TRICARE programs or VA health care benefits. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,206499,00.html) read the full article on Military.com.
