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Veterans
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- Written by: Department of Veterans Affairs
“It is essential that we get this right,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This affects one of our most vulnerable veteran populations and we need to make sure we have consistency on how we process and evaluate benefit applications across VA.”
The suspension does not impact the current application process. VA medical centers are continuing to accept and approve applications to the family caregivers program based on current eligibility criteria along with processing appeals and monitoring eligible veterans’ well-being at least every 90 days, unless otherwise clinically indicated.
Termination of benefits exempted from the suspension include those made at the request of the veteran or caregiver, by the local Caregiver Support Program for cause or noncompliance or due to death, permanent institutionalization or long-term hospitalization of a veteran or caregiver.
In addition to initiating an internal review, VA will continue to solicit feedback from external stakeholders. VA is reviewing policy changes as well as pursuing long-term legislative and regulatory changes.
The VA Caregiver Support Program has aided more than 38,000 family caregivers since 2011. Participating families receive an average monthly stipend ranging from $660 to $2,600, based on the level of assistance required by the veteran and the geographic location of the veteran and caregiver.
Participating caregivers also receive access to health care if the caregiver does not have insurance, assistance with travel related to care of the veterans, mental health care and additional service and support.
For more information about the VA caregiver program, visit www.caregiver.va.gov.
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- Written by: Department of Veterans Affairs
“Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Congress, VA is fully funded for fiscal year 2019, and in the event of a partial government shutdown, all VA operations will continue unimpeded,” Wilkie said.
“We thank the president and Congress for their commitment to our nation’s heroes in funding VA, and stand ready to provide all of the VA benefits and services our veterans have earned,” he added.
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- Written by: Department of Veterans Affairs
“The ceremonial wreaths pay tribute to our armed services and demonstrate the gratitude the country feels for those who have served,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Also, this December, as in the past, thousands and thousands of volunteers contribute their time and resources visiting our national cemeteries to beautify gravesites ensuring all who wore the uniform are remembered.”
The Worcester Wreath Co., through a campaign called Wreaths Across America, began providing holiday wreaths in 2006.
Since then, the program has grown to include volunteer fundraising and wreath donation for placement at veterans’ graves at VA, state veteran and private cemeteries.
Ceremonies were held at cemeteries in Lake County, Calif., over the weekend to honor veterans.
All 136 VA national cemeteries received at least seven wreaths from the Worcester Wreath Company, one for each service branch. In addition, wreaths were provided for Merchant Marines, Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.
Community and veterans service organization volunteers coordinated ceremonies and activities at more than 120 VA national cemeteries.
The mission of the National Cemetery Administration is to honor veterans and their eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines, with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to the nation.
For more information on VA national cemeteries, follow NCA on Twitter @https://twitter.com/VANatCemeteries or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NationalCemeteries .
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- Written by: Department of Veterans Affairs
Announced Dec. 13, Lisa Pape, the deputy chief patient care services officer for Care Management and Social Work for the Veterans Health Administration, or VHA, was awarded the Meritorious Rank for her outstanding work in leading VA’s efforts to prevent and end homelessness among veterans.
“Lisa has played a key role in the establishment and implementation of policies, practices, management and operational activities in veterans care,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Lisa has earned this recognition through her leadership and dedication to the department’s mission.”
In her current role, Pape is the principal clinical adviser to VA officials on policies and procedures pertaining to the development and oversight of programs; delivery and evaluation of services and clinical practices of VA's social work; transition care management; caregiver and chaplain workforce.
Pape provides executive leadership for VA's continuum of homelessness programs including Fisher House Programs, Temporary Lodging Programs, Caregiver Assistance Programs, VA Transition and Care Management Programs, Chaplain Services, and social work university and college affiliations.
Her breadth of oversight and influence supports over 15,000 social workers and chaplains in VA medical centers and outpatient clinics nationwide.
Before her current position, Pape served as VHA’s acting chief of staff and the chief officer for Policy and Services for VHA’s Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for health for Policy and Services. In these roles, she served as the senior adviser to VHA’s executive in charge and the deputy under secretary for health for Policy and Services.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Vet Connect Committee hosted the final Vet Connect for the year on Dec. 12.
Thirteen veterans attended the event. Providers on site were able to answer questions and assist veterans with VA health benefits, food, housing and even child support issues.
Sonoma County Vet Connect provided warm clothing, hygiene items, blankets and even towels to those in need.
Veterans enjoyed a holiday dinner of ham, homemade scalloped potatoes and green bean made and served by volunteers, Kathy, Tom and John.
The winner was picked for the beautiful handmade quilt the committee was holding a raffle for and winner Judy Mitchell quickly claimed her prize.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital ER nurses and friends made 36 boxes of two dozen homemade cookies each for veterans to take home with them.
During 2018, Lake County Vet Connect held four outreach events, three Vet Connects, and the September Stand Down, a two-day resource fair, reaching almost 200 veterans.
The Lake County Vet Connect Committee Committee also provided tents, sleeping bags, clothing and hygiene items and food to those displaced by the Ranch and River fires and the Camp fire in Butte County.
The next Vet Connect event will be March 20, at the American Legion Hall.
If anyone knows of a veteran in need of assistance or would like to volunteer please contact Chairman Frank Parker at 707-274-9512.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Alakszay is the former ward of James and Tammy Alakszay and sister of Craig Alakszay of Upper Lake, Calif.
She is a 2018 graduate of Clear Lake High School, Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 14770 Austin Drive in Clearlake.
It will offer numerous veterans’ resources in one place – benefits, health care, veteran organizations, community services and social networking.
Lunch will be provided. Participants must have their DD214 or Veteran ID card.
No knives, guns or weapons are allowed.
All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.
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- Written by: Department of Veterans Affairs’ Affairs
Tele-counseling, which is accessible on any device with a webcam and microphone, increases VA’s responsiveness to veterans’ needs, reduces travel costs and time for both veterans and VRCs, and improves veterans’ access to necessary Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or VR&E, services.
“We strive to provide Veterans with access to personalized, interactive face-to-face care and services regardless of where they live,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VR&E’s Tele-counseling service is another example of how VA continually modernizes in support of veterans’ needs.”
Tele-counseling allows veterans to meet with VRCs virtually through VA Video Connect without having to download specialized software or obtain unique usernames and passwords. Access to a scheduled counseling session is obtained through a unique link sent directly to the veteran and is valid for that counseling session only.
Veterans participating in most VR&E rehabilitation plans of service may use tele-counseling and are encouraged to speak with their VRCs about it. Participation is voluntary and not required.
VR&E’s updated tele-counseling application was developed through a partnership with Veterans Health Administration’s VA Telehealth Services.
VR&E recently tested the ability to use tele-counseling during initial evaluation appointments at six regional benefits offices.
This test was conducted to identify how using tele-counseling can reduce time veterans wait for an appointment. Best practices were identified and incorporated into the rollout of the updated tele-counseling application.
Since 2014, more than 56,000 veterans have either completed a rehabilitation plan, are employed, or have achieved a greater independence in living through VR&E assistance. The VR&E Program currently has more than 122,000 participants.
For more information about VR&E, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/.
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- Written by: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Through PCAFC, VA provides family caregivers of eligible veterans certain benefits, such as training; respite care; counseling; technical support; beneficiary travel (to attend required caregiver training and for an eligible veteran’s medical appointments); a monthly stipend payment; and access to health care (if qualified) through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs).
“VA values the knowledge, skill, and perspectives of all caregivers,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This public comment period demonstrates our desire to create a program that best serves the participating caregivers and Veterans.”
The VA MISSION Act of 2018 expands eligibility for PCAFC to family caregivers of eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty before Sept. 11, 2001 using a phased approach, establishes new benefits for designated primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans and makes other changes affecting program eligibility and VA’s evaluation of PCAFC applications.
Submitted responses will be used to guide future regulatory modifications and implementation of the expanded PCAFC.
More information about the VA Caregiver Support Program and a link to submit comments is available at www.caregiver.va.gov.