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Veterans
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Currently, VA is asking for $590 million in major construction and $550 million in minor construction. The amount falls far short of the $2 billion recommended to Congress last September by American Legion National Commander Jimmie Foster.
Tim Tetz, the Legion's legislative director, advised the committee, "Cutting money from construction creates only illusory savings."
Noting that VA's fiscal 2012 request for construction funding is about $800 million less than its fiscal 2011 numbers, Tetz said the department's infrastructure "is one of those things you can pay for either now or later – and if you choose to pay later, you always pay more.
"How can we complete the new projects in Las Vegas, Denver, New Orleans, and upgrades needed nationwide without adequate funding?" Tetz asked the committee, chaired by Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla.
The American Legion strongly supports VA's request for a 10-percent increase in discretionary funding, which includes $6 billion for the care of warriors who suffer from TBI, PTS and other mental-health issues.
"But is it enough?" Tetz asked the committee. "This money seems to be directed at the immediate medical needs of these veterans - perhaps not the long-term needs of these veterans.
Tetz said the VA budget request falls short on research funding. "There is no reason, given the intellectual and technological might of this nation, that VA should not be the world's leading authority in research on PTSD, TBI, and amputation and prosthetic medicine. The VA needs to be out in the front, not playing catch-up with the rest of the world."
The American Legion wants VA to ensure "seamless" health care for veterans after they are discharged from active duty.
"Does (the budget) address the chasm between advances in treatment in DoD, and those available once the servicemember separates and returns to their home in upstate New York or rural Indiana?" Tetz asked.
"The great treatment they get when they put on the uniform needs to be the same treatment they get when they put on a suit."
Toward the end of his testimony, Tetz said "We realize there's only so much money. We realize The American Legion, as well as every other veterans organization, comes here with expanded visions of what we need, what our veterans need, (and) what the VA must deliver.
"We remain committed to help you find savings with the existing budget, chances for (the) shifting of resources to serve the needs of the veteran sitting in the clinic in Florida, and the future veteran sitting in the forward observation base in Afghanistan."
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is against both plans.
VFW National Commander Richard L. Eubank, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore., believes tying future increases to medical inflation is an escalator clause that will raise Tricare premiums so high that retirees will disenroll and look elsewhere for coverage.
“Asking someone to voluntarily give up 20 or more years of their youth on the simple promise of a pension and lifelong medical care for themselves and their spouses is a cost this nation and our government should be more than willing to bear,” he said.
“Any changes to how military retirees are treated will send an ominous signal to hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women who may be contemplating military careers,” Eubank said.
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"We will continue to wisely use the funds that Congress appropriates for us to further improve the quality of life for veterans and their families through the efficiency of our operations," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki
"In the current constrained fiscal environment, every dollar counts," Shinseki added. "We have put into place management systems and initiatives to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and to eliminate waste."
The budget request for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 must be approved by Congress before taking effect.
Health care
The budget request seeks nearly $51 billion for medical care. It would provide care to more than 6.2 million patients, including nearly 540,000 Veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The budget request also includes almost $1 billion for a contingency fund and $1.2 billion of operational improvements to manage the appropriated funds in a fiscally responsible manner.
Major health care provisions include:
$6.2 billion for mental health programs, including $68 million directly for suicide prevention;
$344 million to activate newly constructed medical facilities;
$208 million to implement new benefits for veterans' caregivers;
Nearly $509 million for research; and
Shinseki noted the department has created "a portfolio of initiatives" to improve the quality of VA care while making it easier for patients to access services. Primary care providers will put more emphasis upon disease prevention and healthy living. New technology – securing e-mails, social networking and telehealth – will be harnessed to meet the evolving needs of patients.
For example, in 2010, a daily average of more than 31,000 patients took advantage of VA's telehome health care. The budget proposal will allow more than 50,000 people daily to use this innovative, at-home care.
Among the department's operational improvements is a provision that calls for VA to implement Medicare's standard payment rates, a measure that will free $315 million for other health care needs.
Benefits
The proposed budget for the new fiscal year includes more than $70 billion in "mandatory" benefits programs, a category consisting mostly of VA disability compensation and pension payments.
Shinseki reaffirmed his commitment to "break the back of the backlog" of claims from veterans for disability compensation and pensions. VA's goal is to provide veterans with decisions on their claims within 125 days at a 98 percent accuracy rate by 2015.
Various initiatives support continued redesign of VA's business processes and development of a paperless claims system to improve the efficiency of VA's handling of applications for compensation and pensions. Among the major projects is one to provide veterans with streamlined forms to present to non-VA physicians who are evaluating veterans for disability benefits, while another new program allows online application for claims related to exposure to Agent Orange.
Homelessness prevention
The funding request includes nearly $940 million for specific programs to prevent and reduce homelessness among veterans and their families. This funding is a 17 percent increase over the current budget of nearly $800 million.
"Homelessness is both a housing and a health care issue," Shinseki said. "Our 2012 budget plan supports a comprehensive approach to eliminating veterans' homelessness by making key investments in homeless and mental health programs."
Education and training
The requested budget for "mandatory" benefits programs includes nearly $11.5 billion for VA education, training, vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, including educational benefit programs VA administers for the Department of Defense. Approximately 925,000 people will receive benefits under these programs. Nearly three-quarters of the funds will go to recipients of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The budget proposal continues development of an automated Post-9/11 GI Bill claims processing system that will speed tuition and housing payments to eligible veterans.
Information technology
VA will seek nearly $3.2 billion for the new fiscal year to operate and maintain its information technology (IT).
"IT is the key to bringing VA into the 21st century," Shinseki said. "It allows for the efficient delivery of health care and benefits."
A recent independent study found that VA invested $4 billion in medical IT from 1997 to 2007, which generated $7 billion in savings, mostly from the elimination of duplicate medical tests and the reduction of medical errors.
VA has a major role in the development of the "virtual lifetime electronic record" as part of an inter-agency federal initiative to provide complete and portable electronic health records for service members, veterans, other family members and, eventually, all Americans.
Through a disciplined approach to IT projects, VA transformed its software development processes, meeting product delivery schedules over 80 percent of the time.
VA is consolidating its IT requirements into 15 major contracts, which will lower costs and increase oversight and accountability. Seven of the 15 contracts are set-aside for veteran-owned businesses, and four of those seven are reserved for small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.
Construction
Nearly $590 million in major construction is included within next year's budget request.
"This reflects the department's continued commitment to provide quality health care and benefits through improving its facilities to be modern, safe and secure for veterans," Shinseki said.
The funding proposal provides for the continuation of seven ongoing construction projects at health care facilities – New Orleans; Denver; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis; Palo Alto, Calif.; Bay Pines, Fla., and Seattle – plus new projects in Reno, Nev.; Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Also in the budget request is $550 million for minor construction for such purposes as seismic corrections, improvements for patient safety, and enhancements for access and patient privacy.
Additionally, the spending proposal includes funds for a gravesite expansion project at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.
National cemeteries
VA is seeking more than $250 million next year for the operation and maintenance of its 131 national cemeteries.
The department expects to inter about 115,000 people next year at its national cemeteries. Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population is within 75 miles of a VA-run national cemetery or a state-run veterans cemetery.
For the fourth consecutive time in 10 years, VA's system of national cemeteries has bested the nation's top corporations and other federal agencies in a prestigious, independent survey of customer satisfaction.
The fiscal year 2012 budget plan includes $46 million to fund creation and improvement of state Veterans cemeteries and tribal government veterans cemeteries.
Further information about VA's budget proposal for fiscal year 2012 is available on the Internet at www.va.gov/budget/products.asp.
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Gen. Brautigan, a 33-year Army veteran and resident of Stockton, recently retired as the secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
The text of Congressman McNerney’s remarks is below.
“Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly great American, Major General Roger Brautigan. He’s a 33-year Army veteran who has earned the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.
“Following his military service, Roger Brautigan joined the California Department of Veterans Affairs and was appointed its Secretary in 2009. Under his leadership, the Department implemented California’s Operation Welcome Home, a groundbreaking program that matches the veterans with the services and assistance they’ve earned and need.
“General Brautigan, who recently retired from California Department of Veterans Affairs, envisions Operation Welcome Home expanding nationwide so that all veterans may benefit from this important and effective program.
“Throughout both his military service and civilian career, General Brautigan proved himself to be an exemplary leader. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major General Roger Brautigan for his tireless service to our veterans, the State of California, and our great nation.”
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In May 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of eligible Post 9/11 veterans.
“Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every day to help veterans of all eras who served this nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “They are critical partners with VA in the recovery and comfort of ill and injured veterans, and they deserve our continued training, support and gratitude.”
“DAV is happy to hear that caregivers of veterans are getting additional support and services to care for our Nation's heroes and unprecedented new services for our most recent severely ill and injured,” said David W. Gorman, executive director of the Washington headquarters of the Disabled American Veterans. “We understand there are challenges to implementing the new law; including ensuring that critically ill and injured veterans of all eras are similarly supported.”
In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible veterans whowere disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001 (Post 9/11 veterans), VA will also begin providing enhanced benefits and services
to caregivers of veterans of all eras who are already enrolled in VA care, including:
Access to VA's toll-free Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274;
Expanded education and training on caring for veterans at home;
Other support services such as counseling and support groups and referral services; and
An enhanced Web site for caregivers.
Some of the new benefits of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by law to the caregivers of the most seriously ill and injured post 9/11 veterans. Those additional benefits include:
A monthly stipend;
Health care coverage;
Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem while accompanying veterans undergoing care;
Respite care; and
Mental health services and counseling.
VA will take the opportunity to report to Congress in the future on the feasibility of expanding the enhanced services to family caregivers of veterans of all eras.
While some of these enhanced benefits are available now, many of the other significant newly-enacted benefits will require the issuance of regulations.
These additional benefits include monthly stipends, pay for travel costs, medical coverage, training, counseling and respite care designed to prevent institutionalization of veterans whenever possible. The law requires detailed regulations for determining eligibility, designating and approving caregivers, and providing stipends and health care coverage to primary family caregivers.
The complex process required to implement these regulations will provide veterans, caregivers and the general public the opportunity to provide comments before those regulations are finalized.
“VA has supported caregivers of veterans of all eras for almost eight decades,” said Deborah Amdur of VA's Care Management and Social Work Service, “and we know from our experience and research that veterans are best served when they can live their lives as independently as possible surrounded by caring family and friends.”
Each VA medical center has designated caregiver support coordinators who will assist eligible veterans and caregivers in understanding and applying for the new benefits. VA also has a Caregiver Support Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov, which will provide general information once final regulations are published.
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COLUMBUS, Ga. – Army Pvt. Aaron J. Marshall has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.
Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
He is the brother of David Marshall of Lakeport, Calif.
Marshall graduated in 2009 from Clear Lake High School, Lakeport.
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WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasing its support to caregivers with a new, toll-free telephone line for the caregivers of Veterans of all eras.
“The families and loved ones who care for severely injured veterans deserve the highest level of support," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “At VA, we consider them important partners in our efforts to care for and rehabilitate our nation's heroes.”
The National Caregiver Support Line – 1-855-260-3274 – will serve as the primary resource and referral center to assist caregivers, veterans and others seeking caregiver information.
The line unofficially started Feb. 1, and in its first week logged nearly 600 calls, including 134 referrals to local VA caregiver support coordinators and 233 calls from caregivers themselves.
“VA has been providing support for the caregivers of veterans for more than seven decades,” Shinseki added. “We already have more than two dozen successful programs, policies and services that support the caregivers of veterans of all ages.”
The support line will provide information regarding new caregiver benefits, referrals to local caregiver support coordinators as well as emotional support to those concerned with their ability to provide care to loved ones who are veterans.
The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time. Licensed VA social workers and health technicians will staff the support line.
Local caregiver support coordinators are available to assist veterans and their caregivers to understand and apply for VA's many caregiver benefits.
VA also features a Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov , with general information on the caregiver support programs available through VA and the community.
Access to the National Caregiver Support Line was also identified as a significant need in a November 2010 study on caregivers of veterans published by the National Alliance for Caregiving.
For an opportunity to get to know a few of today's remarkable caregivers of veterans, go to
http://www.youtube.com/user/veteranshealthadmin#p/u/0/XRmAwZHYRFE.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Blood Bank of the Redwoods will have a blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The coach will be in the parking area at the Clearlake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2337 at 3980 Veterans Lane, Clearlake.
Sign up at the post (707-994-4748), online at www.bbr.org or call 545-1222, Extension 163.
Drop-ins are welcome. Be a lifesaving bridge – be a blood donor.
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WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the creation of a new Office of Tribal Government Relations to ensure the more than 200,000 veterans who are American Indians, Alaska Natives, Hawaiian Naatives or are part of the Alaska Native corporations receive the VA benefits they have earned.
“There is a long, distinguished tradition of military service among tribal peoples,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is committed to providing these veterans with the full range of VA programs, as befits their service to our nation.”
About 200,000 veterans are represented by the 800 tribal governments officially recognized by the United States.
Although VA has long provided benefits to veterans in tribal lands, the new office will further strengthen and expand that relationship.
Stephanie Elaine Birdwell, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation from Oklahoma, has been selected as the office's first director.
A former social worker, she has spent nearly 15 years working on tribal issues with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and, most recently, the Bureau of Indian Education.
She will oversee a six-person office responsible for “establishing, maintaining and coordinating a nation-to-nation, federal-tribal relationship,” according to a VA briefing.
The office has a charter that officially extends to veterans who are American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Alaska Native corporations.