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Posted for your information will be the latest VFW Washington Weekly and VA News Releases
 


VFW Washington Weekly

July 2, 2010

In This Issue:
1. Arlington National Cemetery Hearing 
2. House VA Commitee Hearings
3. Two Korean War MIAs Identified
4. Congress on Recess
 
1. Arlington National Cemetery Hearing: The House Armed Services Committee held a hearing Wednesday on the Army Inspector General's report of mismanagement at the cemetery.  More than 200 gravesites were discovered to be improperly marked or not marked at all.  According to Army Secretary John McHugh, progress is being made to address the managerial problems, but he said Arlington will not examine all 330,000 gravesites until they fully automate their current recordkeeping system, which is on 3x5-inch index cards. 
 
2. House VA Committee Hearings:
  • Wednesday: The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met to evaluate the VA General Counsel Office's ability to provide legal advice and representation for all aspects of VAs program and management responsibilities. The VA General Counsel has more than 700 employees in Washington, DC, and in field offices across the country.
  • Thursday: The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs reviewed several bills to improve veterans' benefits and compensation. The VFW testified in support of HR 3407, a comprehensive bill that would increase aid and attendance and adaptive grant enhancements for severely injured veterans; HR 3787, to recognize Guard and Reservists who serve 20 or more years; and HR 5064, The Fair Access to Veterans Benefits Act of 2010, which would provide more flexibility in filing claims before the Board of Veterans Appeals.
For more information or to watch the recorded hearing, visit the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.
 
3. Two Korean War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced that the remains of Navy Ensign Robert W. Langwell of Columbus, IN, and Army Pfc Charles H. Higdon of Akron, OH, have been identified.  On Oct. 1, 1950, Langwell was aboard the minesweeper USS Magpie when it struck an enemy mine.  Twelve crewmen were rescued, but Langwell was one of 20 lost at sea.  In 2008, South Korean officials came upon an elderly fisherman who remembered burying an American in 1950 after his body was caught in his fishing net.  Dental comparisons were used to indentify Langwell's remains.  In November 1950, Higdon was occupying a defensive position when the enemy collapsed their perimeter.  Almost 400 men were reported MIA or KIA from the battle.  Following the war, it was learned that Higdon and nine others were captured and taken into a field and shot.  Three of the 10 survived, though one later died, but detailed information on the incident location and the identities of the other soldiers was obtained.  In May 2004, a joint U.S.-North Korean team excavated a mass grave where an elderly civilian reported witnessing the shooting and burial.  Higdon was identified using dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA, which matched that of his sister. 
 
4. Congress on Recess: Members of Congress will be in their district offices during the Independence Day recess, and will return to Washington on July 12.  Now is a great time to schedule a visit to discuss the VFW legislative priority goals, especially our number one priority, which is to fix the claims backlog problem.  We also encourage you to discuss veterans' employment and rural health care initiatives with your elected members.  Challenge them by asking what they are doing for veterans, for servicemembers and for their families.  For a list of VFW priority goals, visit the VFW Capitol Hill webpage at http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=caphill.leveld&did=3694.

 

VFW Washington Weekly

June 25, 2010

 In This Issue:
1. Senior Officer Changes
2. South Korean Presidential Thank You
3. Senate Discusses Military Suicides
4. House VA Committee Hearings
5. U.S.-Russia Joint Commission Update
6. WW I Marine Identified
7. Help VFW Win $250,000 Grant
 
1. Senior Officer Changes: The president on Wednesday nominated U.S. Central Command commander Gen. David Petraeus to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as overall commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan.  The action was based on an in depth magazine article in which McChrystal and his senior staff were portrayed as being publicly insubordinate towards the White House and senior administration and diplomatic officials.  "I welcome debate, but I won't tolerate division," said the president.  Petraeus' nomination requires Senate confirmation.  A replacement for Petraeus at CENTCOM has yet to be named.
 
2. South Korean Presidential Thank You: Today marks the 60 anniversary of the start of the Korean War, and the Republic of Korea wants to personally thank every veteran of that war for their service and sacrifice on behalf of South Korea's freedom.  According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, almost 1.8 million servicemen and women served in-theater during the three-year war that resulted in 33,739 combat deaths and more than 103,000 woundings.  A letter signed by South Korean President Lee Myung-bako is available online at http://eng.koreanwar60.go.kr/apply.asp or by writing to: U.S. Branch, ROK 60th AKW Commemoration Committee, 2450 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008.
 
3. Senate Discusses Military Suicides: The Senate Armed Services Committee discussed progress in helping to prevent military suicides.  Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) opened the hearing with suicide rates among servicemembers suffering from the effects of traumatic brain injuries or PTSD, many of whom do not seek or get the care they need.  Representatives from the four military services testified to ongoing efforts to reduce the number of suicides, and to detect and care for soldiers suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other mental health issues.  VA also testified on their programs designed to treat polytrauma injuries, and discussed their collaboration with DOD.  For the archived webcast, visit the committee website http://armed-services.senate.gov/e_witnesslist.cfm?id=4642.
 
4. House VA Committee Hearings:
  • Wednesday: The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing to evaluate VA's readiness to perform its fourth mission, which requires VA to utilize its healthcare facilities and providers to respond when called upon by the Federal Response Plan. The committee asked witnesses to evaluate VA's emergency management, preparedness, and security and law enforcement activities to ensure they can perform in case of national threats or natural disasters.
  • Thursday: The Subcommittee on Health discussed overcoming barriers to rural health care by focusing on a wide range of innovative wireless health technology solutions, and the potential for using these services for veterans residing in rural communities. The use of telehealth and telemedicine, as well as the ability of doctors to receive test results and other critical information through mobile health devices, was a primary focus among witnesses.
For testimony or to watch the recorded hearing, visit the House VA Committee website at: http://veterans.house.gov/.
 
5. U.S.-Russia Joint Commission Update: The VFW Washington Office hosted a meeting Thursday morning with the acting Russian co-chairman of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission, retired Gen. Maj. Aleksandr Kirilin, his American counterpart, retired Air Force Gen. Robert "Doc" Foglesong, and the chief of staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs, John Gingrich.  VFW Executive Director Bob Wallace said every VFW national commander has visited Russia since 2004 to stress the humanitarian aspect of the Full Accounting Mission.  "This veteran-to-veteran contact is enabling us to reach the inner sanctums of the Russian government," he said, "places that are inaccessible to U.S. government and diplomatic officials, all in order to help U.S. researchers gain more access into their central military archives.  In exchange, the VFW is helping Russian veterans to create a government system similar to our VA.  Having their acting co-chairman meet the VA chief of staff sends a powerful message that we are sincere in wanting to help Russian veterans secure veterans' benefits and services from their own government."
 
6. WWI Marine Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced that the remains of a Marine World War I have been identified.  On Sept. 15, 1918, First Sgt. George H. Humphrey of Utica, NY, was killed in action in what would become known as the St. Mihiel Offensive.  His remains were buried the next day, but attempts to locate his grave after the war were unsuccessful.  French civilians hunting for war relics found artifacts they believed to be from an American soldier.  A team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command excavated the area and recovered human remains and military-related items, to include a marksman's badge with Humphrey's name engraved on it.  The full DOD press release is at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13627.
 
7. Help VFW Win $250,000 Grant: Only one week remains to help the VFW Foundation receive a $250,000 grant through the "Return the Favor" contest by Pepsi Refresh Grants.  Your vote will help VFW provide financial assistance to military families in need.  For example, since 2004, the VFW has provided more than $3.4 million to help thousands of military families through emergency financial situations, as well as funded military unit "homecoming" and "sendoff" events, plus provided free calls for troops in the field to their loved ones at home.  The $250,000 grant will go a long ways towards helping the Foundation continue providing these free programs for our service personnel and their families, plus you don't have to be a VFW or Auxiliary member to vote.  Please "Return the Favor" by going to http://www.refresheverything.com/ReturnTheFavor and vote for the VFW, and please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do so, too.
 
VFW Washington Weekly
June 18, 2010

In This Issue:
1. VFW National Commander Meets With President
2. House Subcommittee Meets on Claims Backlog
3. Senate VA Committee Discusses Rural Healthcare
4. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant
5. Pearl Harbor Sailor Identified
6. Four Vietnam MIAs Identified

1. VFW National Commander Meets With President: VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. met with President Obama yesterday to discuss issues of importance to America's veterans, servicemembers and their families.  He thanked for the president for signing into law advanced appropriations for the VA and family caregiver legislation, and also expressed VFW concerns about the high military suicide rate, the huge VA claims backlog, unemployed veterans, and burial accountability problems that recently surfaced at Arlington National Cemetery.  "It was good meeting and I am grateful for the opportunity, because it is clear that the president shares our concerns to make things right, as does the first lady, and the vice president and Dr. Jill Biden," said Tradewell.  A VFW press release is at http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5515.

2. House Subcommittee Meets on Claims Backlog: The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing to discuss VA progress relating to the disability claims processing system.  Committee Chairman John Hall (D-NY) noted this was the 7th hearing this year on the subject, and despite significant congressional oversight, the VBA claims system is still in need of comprehensive repair.  There are more than one million claims and appeals in the backlog.  Fixing the VBA claims system is the VFW's number one legislative priority goal.  For testimony or to view the recorded hearing, visit the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

3. Senate VA Committee Discusses Rural Healthcare: The Senate VA Committee discussed rural health care initiatives and long-range goals.  Witnesses talked about efforts to improve access, quality and coordination of care, with emphasis on telehealth and telemedicine services.  Committee members referred to rural outreach services, mobile clinics and other options as a way to help reduce the burden of care for those veterans living in highly rural areas.  VA established an  Office of Rural Health in 2008.  For complete hearing coverage, visit the Senate VA Committee website at http://veterans.senate.gov/.

4. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant: You are urged to vote daily during June to help the VFW Foundation receive a $250,000 grant through the "Return the Favor" contest by Pepsi Refresh Grants.  Your vote will help VFW provide financial assistance to military families in need.  For example, since 2004, the VFW has provided more than $3.4 million to help thousands of military families through emergency financial situations, as well as funded military unit "homecoming" and "sendoff" events, plus provided free calls for troops in the field to their loved ones at home.  The $250,000 grant will go a long ways towards helping the Foundation continue providing these free programs for our service personnel and their families, plus you don't have to be a VFW or Auxiliary member to vote.  Please "Return the Favor" by going to http://www.refresheverything.com/ReturnTheFavor and vote for the VFW every day this month, and please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do so, too.

5. Pearl Harbor Sailor Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of Navy Fireman Third Class Gerald G. Lehman of Hancock, MI, who was one of 393 sailors and Marines to be buried as unknowns after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on the battleship USS Oklahoma.  More details are contained in the DOD press release at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13601.

6. Four Vietnam MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office also announced the identification of Air Force Capt. Peter H. Chapman II of Centerburg, OH: Tech. Sgts. Allen J. Avery of Auburn, MA, and Roy D. Prater of Tiffin, OH; and Sgt. James H. Alley of Plantation, FL.  The four were part of a six-man crew flying a combat search and rescue mission over Quang Tri Province when their HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter was hit by enemy fire and crashed on April 6, 1972.  More details are contained in the DOD press release at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13605
 
 
VFW Washington Weekly
June 14, 2010
 
In This Issue:
1. Arlington National Cemetery
2. Priority Group 7 & 8 Copays to Increase $1
3. New A/O Presumption Payments Possibly Delayed
4. House VA Committee Hearings
5. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant
6. Korean War MIA Identified
7. Nine Vietnam War MIAs Identified
 
1. Arlington National Cemetery: The VFW is both angered and saddened over the Army Inspector General's report last week on Arlington National Cemetery.  The IG verified allegations of mismanagement as well as confirmed that 211 gravesites were improperly marked or not marked at all.  Army Secretary John McHugh took the appropriate steps to strip the retiring superintendent of authority; place the deputy on administrative leave; create a new executive position with total oversight powers over all Army cemeteries; borrow a senior VA cemetery system official to fill in as temporary superintendent; and create an Army National Cemetery Advisory Commission, with retired Sen. Bob Dole and former VA Secretary Max Cleland as lead.  The Army created a dedicated hotline for concerned families, many of whom "are just now learning that, potentially, their loved one may not be resting in peace," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., in a statement.  The number, 703-607-8199, is manned weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT. 
 
2. Priority Group 7 & 8 Copays to Increase $1: The Department of Veterans Affairs announced last week that Priority Group 7 and 8 veterans will begin paying $1 more per 30-day supply of medications beginning July 1.  Priority Groups 7 and 8 veterans are those with no service-connected disabilities, and who generally have higher income levels.  The $1 copayment increase - from $8 to $9 - will be the first copayment increase for these two categories since Jan. 1, 2006.  The change will not impact veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6, who will continue to pay $8 for each 30-day supply of medications for non-service connected conditions, unless otherwise exempted.  Priority Group 1 veterans - those with service-connected disability ratings of 50 percent or greater - are exempt from copayments. 
 
3. New A/O Presumption Payments Possibly Delayed: The VFW is fully aware of an amendment Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) attached to the war supplemental funding bill that would - if the House approves - temporarily delay the VA from paying disability claims based on three new Agent Orange presumptions till after a 60-day congressional review.  The senator is exercising his congressional oversight responsibilities by wanting to ensure linkage exists between Agent Orange and hairy cell leukemia, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease before the VA begins paying new compensation claims.  The VFW strongly supports all actions to care for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.  We will continue to monitor this amendment, and if we discover any reason other than the exercise of congressional oversight authority, we will act accordingly.  We urge you to contact the offices of your elected officials and let them know where you stand on this issue.  For the VFW press release on the new presumptions, go to http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5253. 
 
4. House VA Committee Hearings:
  • Wednesday: The full committee held a hearing on current reports and recommendations made by VA's Office of Inspector General, which has an oversight responsibility to root out inefficiencies and potential fraud, waste and abuse cases within the entire department. Currently, the IG has 115 open reports with almost 694 recommendations that the VA have yet to implement. Committee members, as well as the VFW, are concerned that VA is not making the necessary corrections fast enough.
  • Thursday, The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on pending legislation. VFW testified in support of most of the bills, which would improve education, rehabilitation, adaptive grants, and benefits for veterans and their families. Some of the bills include:
  • - H.R. 4319 would allow a disabled veteran to use the VA adaptive grant program while residing temporarily in a family member's home without having the amount charged against the aggregate limit for the program.
  • - HR 4765 would authorize veterans in VA rehabilitation, education or training programs to also receive work-study allowances.
  • - HR 5360 would update the standard of visual acuity required for eligibility for veterans' specially adapted housing assistance.
  • - The VFW did oppose HR 114, which would allow Montgomery GI Bill benefits to be used for business expenses, to include startup costs and operations. The VFW believes the purpose of the GI Bill is to provide training and education, not to compete with other federal agencies that are created to provide such assistance, such as the Small Business Administration.
For more on the hearing or to read VFW testimony, go to the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.
 
5. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant: You are urged to vote daily during June to help the VFW Foundation receive a $250,000 grant through the "Return the Favor" contest by Pepsi Refresh Grants.  Your vote will help VFW provide financial assistance to military families in need.  For example, since 2004, the VFW has provided more than $3.4 million to help thousands of military families through emergency financial situations, as well as funded military unit "homecoming" and "sendoff" events, plus provided free calls for troops in the field to their loved ones at home.  The $250,000 grant will go a long ways towards helping the Foundation continue providing these free programs for our service personnel and their families, plus you don't have to be a VFW or Auxiliary member to vote.  Please "Return the Favor" by going to http://www.refresheverything.com/ReturnTheFavor and vote for the VFW every day this month, and please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do so, too.
 
6. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office has announced the recovery and identification of Army Master Sgt. Roy E. Head of Clinchport, VA, who had been missing in action since the Korean War.  Head was assigned to Headquarters Company, 49th Field Artillery Battalion.  After the 1953 armistice, it was learned from surviving POWs that he had been captured in February 1951 and died of malnutrition a few months later in a North Korean POW camp.  With this accounting, 8,025 service members still remain missing from the Korean War.  A DOD press release is at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13583.
 
7. Nine Vietnam War MIAs Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office also announced that the remains of nine U.S. Air Force airmen, missing in action since the Vietnam War, have been identified.  They are Col. William H. Mason of Camden, AR; Lt. Col. Jerry L. Chambers of Muskogee, OK; Majs. William T. McPhail of Chattanooga, TN, and Thomas B. Mitchell of Littleton, CO; Chief Master Sgts. John Q. Adam of Bethel, KS, Calvin C. Glover of Steubenville, OH, Thomas E. Knebel of Midway, AR, and Melvin D. Rash of Yorktown, VA; and Senior Master Sgt. Gary Pate of Brooks, GA.  On May 22, 1968, they were crewing a C-130 Hercules on a nighttime flare mission over Laos.  The crew of another U.S. aircraft observed a large ground fire near the last known location of Mason's C-130.  Search and rescue attempts were not initiated due to heavy antiaircraft fire in the area.  With this accounting, 1,719 Americans still remain missing from the Vietnam War.  A DOD press release is at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13596.
 

 
VFW Washington Weekly
June 7, 2010
 
In This Issue:
1. VFW Victorious in Protecting DOD, VA Healthcare Programs
2. VA Creates Homeless Vet Hotline
3. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant
4. Afghanistan Now America's Longest War
5. Defense Budget Update
6. Vietnam MIA Identified
 
1. VFW Victorious in Protecting DOD, VA Healthcare Programs: The president's signature last week on H.R. 5014 ended a two-month battle that only the VFW waged to ensure all DOD and VA healthcare programs for all beneficiaries were recognized as meeting minimum essential coverage standards under the new national healthcare law.  H.R. 5014 recognizes all VA healthcare programs provided to more than 8 million beneficiaries.  H.R. 4887, signed into law April 26, recognizes all military Tricare and nonappropriated-fund healthcare programs for more than 9 million beneficiaries.  The battle began when House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) revealed just days before a full House vote that national healthcare legislation only recognized Tricare for Life as meeting standards, and excluded a half dozen other Tricare programs, as well as the NAF healthcare plan.  A closer review of the 2,400-page document revealed that not all VA healthcare programs were recognized either, to include those provided to widows and dependent children.  Whereas many in Washington chose to believe that the intent of the new law would not impact DOD or VA programs, the VFW knew differently, because bill language becomes the law of the land, and because the intent of the 111th Congress will carry little weight in the 125th Congress, when the nation's focus has moved on to other priorities.  The new national healthcare law had to be fixed, not for what it provided, but for what it omitted, and "The VFW is proud to have taken the lead on this issue on behalf of all of America's veterans, servicemembers and their families," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr.  "It's a prime example of what we do as advocates here in the Nation's Capitol."  To read the VFW press release, go to http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5498.
 
2. VA Creates Homeless Vet Hotline: VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced the creation of a new telephone hotline to provide emergency support and resources to homeless veterans.  The number is 1-877-4AID VET.  "It is unacceptable for a single veteran to spend the night on the streets of America," said Shinseki, who added that the new National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline will be staffed by experts 24/7, and complement the services already provided by the VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
 
3. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant: You are urged to vote daily during June to help the VFW Foundation receive a $250,000 grant through the "Return the Favor" contest by Pepsi Refresh Grants.  Your vote will help VFW provide financial assistance to military families in need.  For example, since 2004, the VFW has provided more than $3.4 million to help thousands of military families through emergency financial situations, as well as funded military unit "homecoming" and "sendoff" events, plus provided free calls for troops in the field to their loved ones at home.  The $250,000 grant will go a long ways towards helping the Foundation continue providing these free programs for our service personnel and their families, plus you don't have to be a VFW or Auxiliary member to vote.  Please "Return the Favor" by going to http://www.refresheverything.com/ReturnTheFavor and vote for the VFW every day this month, and please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do so, too!
 
4. Afghanistan Now America's Longest War: It's a distinction no one could have foreseen, but Operation Enduring Freedom officially becomes America's longest war ... and with no end in sight.  Today marks the end of 104 months of military operations, which began Oct. 7, 2001.  By comparison, Vietnam lasted 103 months, the ongoing operation in Iraq is at 86 months, the Revolutionary War took 81 months, and the Civil War and World War II lasted 48 and 44 months, respectively.  To further put the length of the war in perspective, the high school graduating class of 2010 was in 3rd Grade when 9/11 happened.
 
5. Defense Budget Update: Before recessing, the House approved H.R. 5136, the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, which would authorize $760 billion in funding for the Department of Defense, to include $33.7 billion for additional troops being sent to Afghanistan and $159.3 billion to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Other provisions include:
  • A 1.9% military pay raise.
  • Prohibiting Tricare pharmacy fee increases for FY 2011.
  • Expanding Tricare coverage for dependent children up to age 26.
  • Increasing in imminent danger pay and family separation allowances.
  • Payments to assist in the relocation of caregivers of severely wounded warriors.
  • Reviewing military specialties available to female soldiers.
  • Programs to assist military spouses with education and employment.
  • Extending Tricare eligibility to Reservists who receive retired pay before age 60.
  • Standardizing pre- and post-deployment PTSD and TBI assessments.
The House and Senate versions contain differences which will have to be worked out in conference.
For more information on the House version, go to http://armedservices.house.gov/.
 
6. Vietnam MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of Air Force Col. Elton L. Perrine of Pittsford, NY.  On May 22, 1967, the F-4C Phantom aircraft carrying Perrine and Capt. Kenneth F. Backus crashed after completing a nighttime strike against a North Vietnamese railroad yard.  Search and rescue attempts were not initiated due to heavy anti-aircraft fire in the area.  Analysts from DPMO developed case leads with information spanning more than 28 years.  Subsequent site surveys and excavations resulted in the recovery of aircraft wreckage, human remains, personal effects and life-support equipment to identify Perrine.  No remains connected to Backus were recovered.  For the full DOD press release, go to http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13576. 

 
 
 
 
 

 VA News

Veterans' Medallion Available for Order
New Option for Marking Veterans' Graves in Private Cemeteries



WASHINGTON (June 29, 2010) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased's status as a Veteran. 

"For Veterans not buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery, or those without a government grave marker, VA is pleased to offer this option that highlights their service and sacrifices for our country," said Secretary Shinseki.

The new item can be furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for Veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. 

Under federal law, eligible Veterans buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion, but not both.  Veterans buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery will receive a government headstone or marker of the standard design authorized at that cemetery.

The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches, 3 inches and 1 ½ inches in width.  Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word "Veteran" at the top and the branch of service at the bottom. 

Next of kin will receive the medallion, along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.

More information about VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp. 

VA is currently developing an application form for ordering the medallion.  Until it is available, applicants may use the form for ordering government headstones and markers, VA Form 40-1330.  Instructions on how to apply for a medallion are found on the VA Web site at www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery.  Other burial benefits available for all eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or grave marker. 

The new medallions will be available only to Veterans buried in private cemeteries without a government headstone or marker.  Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites.  More than 3 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are buried in VA's national cemeteries on more than 19,000 acres. 


Secretary Shinseki Breaks Ground for Replacement Medical Center in New Orleans
Project to Bring 2,000 Construction Jobs



NEW ORLEANS (June 25, 2010) - Fulfilling President Obama's commitment to rebuild New Orleans, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki
joined state and local officials for a ground-breaking ceremony for a new 1.5 million-square-foot medical center for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"This is a historic day for all of Louisiana," Secretary Shinseki said. "With this ground breaking, we begin rebuilding a new legacy, a new chapter in the history of this proud city."

VA's new full-service medical center campus in New Orleans is at a site bounded by Canal Street, S. Galvez Street, Tulane Avenue and S. Rocheblave Street.

"This facility will become a cornerstone in New Orleans' medical research community, which will ensure the best care is available for our Louisiana Veterans," Shinseki added.  "VA is proud to bring this state-of-the-art facility to New Orleans."

When opened in 2013, the facility will have 120 inpatient beds in addition to 60 transitional care beds that provide rehabilitation, hospice and palliative care and mental illness research.  The hospital will accommodate a half-million outpatient visits annually.

The new medical center will also be ideally suited to serve Veterans and the citizens of southern Louisiana in the case of an emergency.  Once construction is complete, the new medical center will be able to operate independently for seven days without resupply.  All mission-critical services will be 20 feet above ground level, and the facility will have
a heliport and boat dock for evacuations.

As part of VA's preservation efforts, the Pan-American Life Insurance Company Building will be rehabilitated and integrated into the design of the new medical center.  VA will also conduct a structural appraisal of the Dixie Brewery.  VA is working with the city and state to ensure all other historically significant buildings are either preserved and moved
from the site or that architecturally significant pieces will be salvaged before any necessary demolition.

VA Makes Filing Claims Easier and Faster for Veterans
Simpler Forms and New Program Reduce Paperwork and Speed Process



WASHINGTON (June 15, 2010) - As part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki's effort to break the back of the backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reducing the paperwork and expediting the process for Veterans seeking compensation for disabilities related to their military service. 

"These reductions in paperwork, along with other improvements to simplify and speed the claims process, symbolize changes underway to make VA more responsive to Veterans and their families," said Secretary Shinseki.

VA has shortened application forms to reduce paperwork for Veterans. The new forms, which are being made available on VA's Web site at www.va.gov/vaforms <http://www.va.gov/vaforms/> , include:

* A shortened VA Form 21-526 for Veterans applying for the first-time to VA for disability compensation or pension benefits.  This form has been cut in half - from 23 to 10 pages.  It is immediately available to Veterans via Web download, and will be available through VA's online claim-filing process later this summer at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

* VA Form 21-526b for Veterans seeking increased benefits for conditions already determined by VA to be service-connected.  This new form more clearly describes the information needed to support claims for increased benefits.

In order to make the claims process faster, VA has also introduced two new forms for Veterans participating in the Department's new fully developed claim (FDC) program, which is one of the fastest means to receive a claims decision.

Gathering the information and evidence needed to support a Veteran's disability claim often takes the largest portion of the processing time. If VA receives all of the available evidence when the claim is submitted, the remaining steps in the claims-decision process can be expedited without compromising quality.

To participate in the FDC program, Veterans should complete and submit an FDC Certification and VA Form 21-526EZ, "Fully Developed Claim (Compensation)," for a compensation claim, or a VA Form 21-527EZ, "Fully Developed Claim (Pension)," for a pension claim. 

The forms were designed specifically for the FDC program. These six-page application forms include notification to applicants of all information and evidence necessary to "fully develop" and substantiate their claims. With this notification, Veterans and their representatives can "fully develop" their claims before submission to VA for processing. 

Along with the application and certification, Veterans must also submit all relevant and pertinent evidence to "fully develop" their claims.  A claim submitted as "fully developed" may still require some additional evidence to be obtained by VA, to include certain federal records and a VA medical examination.

VA provides compensation, pension, education, loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, employment, and insurance benefits to Veterans and their families through 57 VA regional offices.

Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a Veteran for disabilities that are a result of -- or made worse by -- injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training.  Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.

For additional information, go to www.va.gov <http://www.va.gov/>  or call VA's toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.



 

Celebrate Independence Day with Disabled Veterans Heroes Who Sacrificed for America's Freedom

 

WASHINGTON (June 9, 2010) - The Fourth of July celebration in Denver takes on special importance this year when more than 500 wheelchair athletes who are all military Veterans begin competition at the 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The event, presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, runs July 4 through July 9. "Honoring those who have given so much to this Nation is appropriate on the day we celebrate America's independence," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The National Veterans Wheelchair Games exemplify America's commitment to its disabled Veterans and the continuing heroism of these men and women." The games provide an annual multi-event sports rehabilitation program that is open to Veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or certain neurological problems and who receive care at any VA medical facility. Athletes attending can be first-time wheelchair athletes or experienced Paralympians. Six of this year's participants have previously competed at the world-class Paralympic level. "Independence Day is the perfect day to kick off this year's National Veterans Wheelchair Games," said Gene A. Crayton, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "For 30 years, the Wheelchair Games have helped to empower thousands of paralyzed Veterans to get back into life after serious injury, and to eventually lead full and independent lives." At the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Veterans will compete in 17 different sports, including air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field events, handcycling, nine-ball, a motorized wheelchair relay, power soccer, quad rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting, weightlifting and wheelchair slalom. This year, an exhibition event will also be held in kayaking. The 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin on Sunday, July 4, with a quad rugby demonstration in Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. Kids Day at the games takes place Thursday, July 8, at City Park, where local children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about wheelchair sports. Other events will be held at Brunswick Zone, Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium, Family Shooting Center, Fishback Park, the Colorado Convention Center and other area venues. Admission is free to the public and local attendance is encouraged. The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Denver and the Mountain States Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the 2010 Games. For many injured Veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics. For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games or to volunteer during the week, visit the Games Web site at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies, and operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 153 medical centers (www.va.gov). Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded 63 years ago. For more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans of America and its 34 chapters have been working to create an America where all Veterans and people with disabilities and their families have everything they need to thrive (www.pva.org).

 

 
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