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Veterans
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- Written by: Editor
WASHINGTON, DC – The Social Security Administration has announced that no cost-of-living adjustments will be made to Social Security benefits in 2011 because the consumer price index has not risen since 2008 when the last Social Security increase occurred.
Like recipients of Social Security and other federal benefits, veterans, their families and survivors will also not see a cost-of-living adjustment in 2011 to their compensation and pension benefits from the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Under federal law, the cost-of-living adjustments to VA's compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as for Social Security benefits.
VA provides compensation and pension benefits to about four million veterans and beneficiaries.
For more information about VA benefits, go to www.va.gov.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County recently gathered for the annual Christmas Party, this year at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro.
The festivities began with each lady in attendance receiving a holiday corsage. David Neft played Christmas Carols on the keyboard while toasts were made and friendships renewed.
The team members will tell you the event is actually disguised as a Christmas party, but is truly a “thank you” to the team spouses.
Usually, the Honors Team assembles for what is a formal and precise ritual when they honor a fellow veteran. The Christmas party provides a great opportunity for families and spouses to become acquainted.
The group has rendered honors at more than 700 veteran funerals. Of course, there is no predicting or scheduling control for these matters. Often, family plans and personal schedules change to accommodate the team’s needs.
No one considers this an inconvenience. It is simply a fact of being part of something bigger than individuals alone. The Honors Team is truly what the name implies. The cohesive group depends upon each other to accomplish what they consider a distinct privilege in performing their duties.
Team members Larry Mick and Milt Hodgkinson were honored. Mick recently accepted duties as the Sergeant of the Guard and Hodgkinson participated in every team funeral during 2010. Both received custom pens enclosed in cases bearing plaques denoting their accomplishments.
Much to everyone’s delight, team bugler Boyd Green and David Neft paired for a special rendition of “O Holy Night.” The room fell silent as the beautiful notes were played and the duo received great applause for the performance.
The group ranging in veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom to World War II and all eras between had a great meal and shared precious friendship. Before departing, all wished each other Merry Christmas, knowing they would next come together for a much more solemn occasion.
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“With new technology and ongoing improvements, we are quickly removing roadblocks to processing benefits,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are also conducting significant outreach to Vietnam veterans to encourage them to submit their completed application for this long-awaited benefit.”
VA published a final regulation on Aug. 31 that makes veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam and who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease, or a B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia eligible for health care and disability compensation benefits.
With the expiration of the required 60-day congressional review on Oct. 30, VA is now able to process these claims.
Vietnam veterans covered under the new policy are encouraged to file their claims through a new VA Web portal at www.fasttrack.va.gov . Vietnam veterans are the first users of this convenient automated claims processing system.
If treated for these diseases outside of VA's health system, it is important for veterans to gather medical evidence from their non-VA physicians.
VA has made it easy for physicians to supply the clinical findings needed to approve the claim through the new Web portal. These medical forms are also available at www.vba.va.gov/disabilityexams.
The portal guides veterans through Web-based menus to capture information and medical evidence required for faster claims decisions.
While the new system currently is limited to these three disabilities, usage will expand soon to include claims for other conditions.
VA has begun collecting data that recaps its progress in processing claims for new Agent Orange benefits at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/agentorange/reportcard/index.html.
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The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution signed by President Obama today, providing funding for federal government operations through March 4, 2011.
“There was a surge of applicants as we approached our earlier deadline, but there may still be more out there who have yet to apply,” said Lernes Hebert, director, Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management. “We are pleased that this extension was included in the continuing resolution which will give those remaining the opportunity to apply as we continue to work through the current applications.”
The RSLSP was established to compensate for the hardships military members encountered when their service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss Authority between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009.
Eligible members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status.
When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible for this benefit. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts over the past 14 months.
Outreach efforts including direct mail, engaging military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets, will continue through March 4, 2011.
To apply for more information, or to gather more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to www.defense.gov/stoploss.
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- Written by: Editor
While the holiday season is often experienced as a season for celebration and giving thanks, for many, the holidays may bring loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.
As the holidays approach, Veterans Affairs encourages veterans to think about how to take care of themselves during this time.
As a veteran or a family member or caregiver for a veteran, you are never alone; our caring professional counselors are just a phone call away at 1-800-273-8255.
Below are some tips to help cope with the stress, anxiety and depression that can be brought on by the holiday season.
Pace yourself: This time of year can be a joyful occasion but also hard on relationships and the pocketbook. Be aware of your financial situation, so you know what you can afford when it comes to gift-giving and travel. Plan ahead to avoid surprises.
Plan it out: Write lists to prioritize and schedule. Writing things down often helps you to keep everything organized during a stressful and busy time.
Take care of yourself: The holidays are for gathering with loved ones, but keep in mind it is a time for rest as well. Watch your diet and limit alcohol use whenever possible. Prioritize holiday activities and
avoid those that have caused stress in the past. Most of all, stay healthy and active. For an exercise strategy, see VA's MOVE program, www.move.va.gov.
Be of service to others: Instead of buying something, you can provide a service for someone or volunteer your efforts as a gift. Visit a veteran who may not have family. Help those in need by volunteering at a homeless shelter or food pantry. Do something for someone else who needs it. Focusing on others for a time and doing some good can help fight the “holiday blues.” For opportunities to give back to veterans for their service, see www.volunteer.va.gov.
Ask for help: If you continue to feel depressed, anxious or stressed, do not be afraid to seek help. Remember, our caring professional counselors are always just a phone call away at 1-800-273-8255. VA also has online chat capabilities at http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/Default.aspx.
You can also call your local VA medical center to speak with your health care team. You can also contact the main social work office of the medical center to get assistance.
Find your local VA medical center at www.va.gov/directory.
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“This regulation will have no impact on the veterans we care for,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Robert A. Petzel. “VA will now have the ability to better plan budgets and place more money into access to health care for the veterans that VA is honored to serve.”
The new adjustment was made in federal regulations and will affect the following treatments VA provides to Veterans through contracted care: ambulatory surgical center care, anesthesia, clinical laboratory, hospital outpatient perspective payment systems and end stage renal disease (ESRD).
Veterans who are eligible for care will continue to receive the uninterrupted care they need and have earned.
Non-VA doctors and facilities will still get paid for services they provide to eligible veterans but at rates set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Prospective Payment Systems (PPS) and Fee Schedules.
Existing contracts will not be affected and the rule allows for new contracts using the new rates.
Savings of approximately $1.8 billion over five years will allow VA to continue to invest in such innovative programs as a wearable artificial kidney, home dialysis and expanding access through stand-alone clinics.
“Adopting CMS pricing methodology for these schedules and services will allow VA medical centers to use their resources more efficiently to meet veterans' needs,” said Gary Baker, VA's health administration chief business officer. “The adoption of Medicare rates will help ensure consistent, predictable medical costs, while also helping to control costs and expenditures.”
The pricing methodology changes are a result of a rule change to 38 CFR 17.56, the federal regulation that governs VA when paying medical claims for veterans treated in community facilities.
The proposed rule was published on Feb. 18, 2010 and was opened for public comment April 19, 2010. The congressional review period for the final rule begins Dec. 17 and lasts 60 days.
VA is providing written notifications to veterans and non-VA providers.
As additional information becomes available, it will be posted to the VA's “Non-VA Purchased Care” Web site, www.nonvacare.va.gov.
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The program marks the first time that VA will fund services for the spouses and children of veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
“The problems that lead to homelessness begin long before veterans and their families are on the streets,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “By putting more resources into intervention programs for people at risk of becoming homeless, we can reduce suffering and increase the opportunities for turning around these lives.”
Shinseki's comments came as VA formally announced that it is taking applications from private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives interested in providing needed services to at-risk veterans and their families.
With funding from VA for the program, called Supportive Services for Veterans Families, community organizations will be better able to provide counseling, training, education assistance, direct time-limited financial assistance, transportation, child care, rent, utilities, and other services to participating veterans and family members.
In January, VA is sponsoring free grant-writing workshops for community organizations interested in applying for funds under this program. The workshops will be held in Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston and New York City.
When the “Notice of Funds Availability” applications are available, they will be posted on the VA Web site at http://www1.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.
Details about the workshops and other information about the program are available on the Internet at http://www1.va.gov/homeless.
Community organizations can also contact VA at 1-877-737-0111 or at
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LAKE COUNTY – The spirit of giving is alive and well in our community.
Volunteers gather at the monthly Operation Tango Mike packing parties at Umpqua Bank to fill boxes with necessities and niceties for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many of those preparing care packages have a loved one deployed in a combat zone. Others are veterans and others simply appreciate the service and sacrifice of our military.
No matter the connection to the care package, a simple fact remains. Every person present is giving freely of his or her time to do something very meaningful and special. The troops receiving the packages express their gratitude via e-mail, letters, telephone calls and Internet messages.
Andrew Hurd, a Middletown High School graduate, recently wrote, “The last couple boxes were truly touching with the x-mas cards and I actually plan on writing back a couple of them. I will be back in Oklahoma City on January 3rd, so you can go ahead and scratch my name off the list before x-mas time. I'm sure my unused package can certainly help those in more isolated areas. I've been very fortunate with my amenities here, but these packages have been a definite morale booster. I can't thank you enough!"
Jason Buzzard wrote, “We received your box!!!!!! Tell everyone we appreciate the box and the support! The Soldiers really feel appreciated!!!!!! God bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Alicia Cyr wrote, “I and the guys in my shop greatly appreciate it, the effect you have on other peoples’ lives is phenomenal! Please spread the word that operation tango mike is a real blessing out here!!”
Though these messages are merely a sampling of the troop response, the sincerity and gratitude of these messages appear obvious.
In celebrating the abundance in Lake County, Twin Pine Casino recently hosted the Harvest Grape Stomp. Silent auction items were donated by many businesses throughout Lake County, with the proceeds generously donated to Operation Tango Mike.
The Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation has contributed the troops’ happiness by donating to Operation Tango Mike as well. Wilda Shock recently attended a packing party, where she announced the generous donation to the delighted packers.
Every month, no matter how challenging the economy, there are somehow enough supplies, enough funding and enough willing hands to pack the requested care packages.
Through donations from businesses, community groups and individuals the monthly needs are met and the troops are grateful.
On Dec. 4, members of the California Army National Guard 649th Engineer Company departed Lake County. They have said their goodbyes to friends and families and begun the next phase of yet another deployment.
Lake and Mendocino Counties will be asked to support more of our own deployed troops and their families. Support comes in many forms, including cards and letters of appreciation and encouragement.
It is prudent to remember that while our troops serve in far away combat zones; families remain behind, trying to hold together some sense of normalcy. Spouses and children are left to wonder about their loved one’s well being. Families serve too.
It costs nothing to give a military family a friendly phone call, offer to do a small chore or simply let them know their sacrifice is also appreciated.
If you would like to become involved in supporting Operation Tango Mike there are many ways to easily do so. Items may be donated at any “Drop Zone Barrel” at businesses throughout Lake County. Donations may be sent to 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451, dropped off at Umpqua Bank or on the web at www.operationtangomike.com.
Packing parties are held the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th Street, Lakeport. Everyone is welcome.
For further information please call 707-349-2838 or e-mail
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- Written by: Claire Grieve
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club wanted to honor and remember our Lake County veterans by placing wreaths on the Blue Star Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial, which are located on either side of the Veterans Building located next to the Lake County Museum in Lakeport.
This is the garden clubs honor to remember those veterans and also to remember our active service men and woman.
Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club meets at on the third Tuesday of the month at noon at the Scotts Valley Women’s Clubhouse, 2298 Hendricks Road in Lakeport. Annual dues are $20.
CLTTGC is a member of Mendo-Lake District, California Garden Club Inc., Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.
For more information visit www.clttgc.org.
