Special
Notice: If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT
NOW, call the VA crisis line at 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran.
All calls are confidential.
2013 VVA National Convention August 13 - 18, 2013
Jacksonville, FL
Proposed Convention Resolution Form click here to submit a proposal online Note: Resolutions must be received or postmarked no later than
March 25, 2013
VVA Press ReleasES
VVA Supports Nomination of Hagel
as Secretary of Defense; Calls for Quick Confirmation
(Washington, D.C.) --"Vietnam Veterans of America fully and unequivocally stands in support of the nomination of Senator Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense," said John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America, in a letter to Senators Carl Levin and John McCain, Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"We have known Chuck Hagel for more than thirty years. We know him to be a man of the highest character and integrity who will take care of the troops while accomplishing the mission. He has the range and depth of knowledge in foreign affairs as well as defense policy to have sufficient gravitas to be an excellent Secretary of Defense. He is an inspired choice.
The VVA Veteran's Books in Brief on the Web Posts 250th Book Review
(Washington, D.C.)--The VVA Veteran's Books in Brief on the web page, which was launched in May in 2011, just ran its 250th book review. Books in Brief is an online feature that complements the long-running 'Books in Review' column, which has appeared in The VVA Veteran, the national magazine of Vietnam Veterans of America, since 1986. Books in Brief on the web page can be found at: http://vvabooks.wordpress.com.
"Our goal is to review every newly published book of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that deals with the Vietnam War and Vietnam veterans," said VVA Veteran Arts Editor Marc Leepson, who edits both "Books in Review" and "Books in Brief."
VA/DoD Continue to Improve Online Access to Benefits Information
According to a VA press release on January 28, the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense (DoD) have released improvements to the functionality of eBenefits, a joint self-service web portal that provides registered users with secure online information and access to a variety of military and Veterans benefits resources. “eBenefits is clearly becoming the platform of choice for Veterans seeking access to the numerous benefits they have earned,” said Undersecretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “The increasing capabilities of eBenefits give Veterans and servicemembers greater flexibility in securing the information they are looking for.” The latest release, eBenefits 4.3, allows for easy navigation of the online disability compensation claim submission process using interview-style questions and drop-down menus similar to tax-preparation software, instead of a traditional fill-in-the-blank form. The latest release also pre-populates the application with information from a Veteran’s record in VA’s secure database. Veterans can view processing times for each phase of their claim.
To access eBenefits, Veterans and Servicemembers must obtain a DoD Self-Service Logon (DS Logon), which provides access to several Veterans and military benefits resources using a single username and password. The service is free and may be obtained in person at a VA Regional Office, DoD ID Card station or online at www.ebenefits.va.gov. There are currently 2.2 million users with access to eBenefits, and VA is on track to meet the 2013 agency priority goal of 2.5 million users, as outlined for VA on www.Performance.gov. With the most-recent release, eBenefits has successfully completed 13 consecutive quarterly releases since October 2009, with 47 self-service features enabling Servicemembers and Veterans the ability to download copies of their official VA and military correspondence—to include Veterans civil service preference, service verification, and benefits verification letters; military records; and VA home loan certificates of eligibility, just to name a few.
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) Update
According to Curtis L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the VRAP program has received over 94,000 applications and has approved 77,000 Certificates of Eligibility for the program. However, just over 27,000 of those eligible have begun using their benefit. VBA does not want any of the 99,000 slots to go unused. The program is only two years long. By law, VRAP can only accept applications until September 30, 2013, and the last payment can be made through March 31, 2014.
VRAP participants who do not enroll in school by March of this year will not be able to receive a full 12 months of training. So the message is: Apply, use the benefit as soon as feasible, or notify VRAP to cancel the certificate of eligibility so that another veteran may use the benefit.
HVAC Chairman Miller Looks to Expand Veterans' Mental Health Care Options
According to an AP report in the January 29 edition of the NY Times, veterans who have trouble getting timely mental health care from VA hospitals and clinics should also have access to thousands of health care providers who care for military personnel and their families by tapping into the military's Tricare network of doctors, says the Republican chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. "We can double, overnight, the number of providers for those who are in need," Miller said in an interview. "Eighteen veterans a day commit suicide in this country.
Nobody thinks that is acceptable." Miller says tapping into Tricare's network of psychologists and psychiatrists would allow many veterans to get care closer to home, particularly those who live in rural communities. He doesn't have an estimated price tag yet, but says that whatever it is, that's part of the cost of war. His proposed expansion would only apply to mental health care. Still, even a modest increase in spending could make Miller's proposal a tough sell at a time when Congress is focused on cutting the federal debt and dealing with the threat of across-the-board spending cuts to defense and discretionary programs.
According to a press release from The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) on January 28, new copayments for prescription drugs covered by TRICARE will go into effect February 1, 2013. The Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act requires TRICARE to increase copays on brand name and on non-formulary medications that are not filled at military clinics or hospitals. There is no increase to copays for generic medications. Increases will be effective sometime in February, depending on when system changes can be made and the publication of a required Federal Notice. TRICARE Pharmacy copays vary, based on the class of drug and where beneficiaries choose to fill their prescriptions. The copay for generic medications stays at $5 when a prescription is filled at a network pharmacy. There is no co-pay when generic prescriptions are filled through TRICARE Home Delivery. The new copay for a 30-day supply of a brand name medication purchased at a retail network pharmacy will be $17, up from the current $12. Beneficiaries using TRICARE Home Delivery will pay $13 for brand name drugs, up from $9. However, the Home Delivery price is for a 90-day supply.
The greatest change in copays applies to non-formulary medications. The $25 copay for these drugs increases to $44 at retail pharmacies and $43 through Home Delivery. The TRICARE Uniform Formulary is a list of all the medications TRICARE covers. For Fiscal 2014 and beyond, the new law directs that copays increase annually by the same percentage as retiree cost-of-living adjustments. In years when a COLA increase would total less than a dollar, it will be delayed a year and combined with the next adjustment, so increases will always be $1 or more. Pharmacies at military hospitals and clinics will continue to provide medications with no copays. Visit www.TRICARE.mil/pharmacycosts for more details.
Women In The Workplace: The Challenge Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
In partnership with the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) is implementing a new health program entitled the “(Working) Women’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Project 2013” (WRAP2013).Through this effort, they will be addressing the challenges of working women living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid Arthritis is a discriminatory disease, attacking women at a rate three times more than men. It comes at a cost that goes way beyond physical pain. With women making up about 50% of the workforce, the impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on workplace productivity is enormous—to the tune of billions of dollars. Many lose their jobs, retire early, or reduce their hours. It can also be difficult for employers trying to balance business goals and provide adequate medical coverage for employees. January 31 is the scheduled date for the programs’ launch.
Our United States Veterans were there when we needed them the most. Now they need your support. Please donate your car to the Vietnam Veterans of America. You get a tax deduction and your car donation will be helping those who have given us so much, our veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America is chartered by Congress and has been supporting our dedicated Veterans and their families for over 30 years.
The donation process is simple, fast and secure, and your car donation will help us to provide critical support services for our defenders of freedom in their time of need. Call toll free today at 1-800-Help-Vets or use our easy online donation form to schedule your free towing and join the thousands of other satisfied car donors who have already helped our veterans.
"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another."
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