Veterans Report - Week of October 01, 2012

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Veterans Report - Week of October 01, 2012

Senator Comments on Dead Vet Jobs Bill
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, recently released a following statement after Senate Republicans killed her Veterans Jobs Corps Act which would have provided a $1 billion investment to help veterans find work as police officers, firefighters, and in other jobs serving their communities. Despite the fact that Veterans Jobs Corps Act was fully paid for, Senate Republicans raised a procedural point of order in order to kill the bill which would have required 60 votes to waive. The final vote on the point of order was 58-40. Senator Murray's statement is available on the (http://veterans.senate.gov/press-releas ... d5d56bce7d) U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


VA Offers Help for Smokers
If you smoke, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to help you quit. VA offers a variety of resources, including individual counseling, smoking cessation programs and prescriptions for nicotine replacement therapy. To learn more, visit VA's (http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/smoking.asp) Women Veterans Health Care webpage.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Subcommittee Addresses Backlog
The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing entitled, "Breaking Through the Backlog: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the New State Strike Force Team." With the disability claims backlog over 850,000 pending claims, the Subcommittee has been in the process of reviewing alternate models in order to assist VA in alleviating this continuing problem. Testimony and a webcast of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/break ... force-team) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Approves Homeless Vet Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved $28.4 million in grants to fund 38 projects in 25 states and the District of Columbia that will provide transitional housing to homeless Veterans. Among these 38 projects, 31 will provide temporary housing to homeless Veterans with the goal that they will retain the residence as their own. A list of the grant recipients can be found on VA's (http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp) Homeless Program Grant and Per Diem Program webpage. To help a homeless veteran or veteran at risk of homelessness, refer them to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID-VET, or direct them to (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless. The hotline connects homeless veterans, veterans at risk of becoming homeless and their families with the VA services and benefits they have earned.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Hearing on Claims Backlog
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently questioned officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on vital programs including the perennially growing disability claims backlog, mental health care, and oversight and stewardship of VA funding over the past two years. Questions remain regarding VA's announcement earlier this year regarding the hiring of 1,600 additional mental health care professionals, following the release of the VA Office of Inspector General's report at (http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-12-00900-168.pdf) www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-12-00900-168.pdf that indicated VA was not treating veterans in a timely manner. Testimony and a webcast of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/veter ... untability) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


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VA Mental Health Resources
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several resources designed to help Veterans who seek mental health care assistance. The (http://maketheconnection.net/) Make the Connection website is a new, online tool to help Veterans and their friends and family members find resources for overcoming life's challenges and living well. Also, Make the Connection recently launched a Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/VeteransMTC) www.facebook.com/VeteransMTC. VA recently launched a new national public service announcement " (http://youtu.be/3MiTS_4aafw) Side by Side" that focuses on the important role family and community play in supporting Veterans in crisis. Meanwhile, the Veterans Crisis Line is available at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, through online chat at the Veterans Crisis Line website at (http://www.VeteransCrisisLine.net) www.VeteransCrisisLine.net and via text messaging service (838255).
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


VA Reaches 1 Million Claim Milestone
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which oversees the delivery of disability compensation and other benefits to the nation's Veterans, processed over one million disability claims during fiscal year 2012, marking the third year in row VBA claims processors have exceeded the one million mark. While claims production is at historic highs, incoming disability claims have increased nearly 50 percent since 2008, outpacing VA's current claims processing capacity. VA's goal is to process all disability claims within 125 days, at a 98 percent accuracy level, and eliminate the claims backlog in 2015. For more information disability compensation, visit VA's Disability Compensation webpage at (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/compensation/) www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/compensation/.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


What's Next After the Military?
Explore your options. Start early and get ahead with the Transition Center. The Transition Center works simply, but effectively. Designed to be the first place you go to plan your transition. Simply enter in your estimated separation date and you'll receive monthly email notifications with checklists and tips to help prepare for your exit from the military -- benefits and options after transition, civilian careers that match your military experience, resume keywords, interview tips, financial changes, relocation advice and more. (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military Transition Center.


Vet Benefit Calculator: Quickly Connect to Your Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefits information based on service and status. Find Federal Benefits, State Benefits, National Guard State Benefits, Special Military Discounts and More. (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Your Benefits Now.
(http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl)
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefit Channel to access Pay Charts, TRICARE information, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Vet Benefits and More.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl)


National Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it is a reminder that mental health does not have to be a battle waged on your own. Visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs' (VA's) new public service announcements (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... MiTS_4aafw) Side by Side and bookmark the (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) Veterans Crisis Line webpage for valuable information and resources. If you know a veteran in immediate crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. You can also text professional responders at 838255.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Cost-of-Living Adjustment Bill Delayed
Military.com reported that the annual bill to approve the cost-of-living increase for veterans compensation and pension programs has been taken off the " (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... -bill.html) secret hold" and that the Senate will vote on it when they reconvene. The bill is generally considered a formality and was virtually "automatic" in past years. The fact that the bill was secretly put on hold may cause some concern among veterans. But, according an official spokesman, "the bill is now cleared for Senate action by both sides."
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... cret-hold/) Read more about the 2013 COLA forecast on the Military Advantage Blog.


CCME Symposium Update
The theme for the 2013 Council of College and Military Educators Symposium is "Building Bridges to Success Through Education for the Military Community." In keeping with that theme CCME has announced that the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) will be conducting a professional development institute (PDI) for counselors involved in military and veterans education counseling. There will be no extra cost to counselors who register for CCME. Additionally, the option of obtaining continuing education units (CEU) for the PDI is being explored. The 2013 event will be held at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront Hotel on February 25-28.
To learn more about CCME, the 2013 Symposium, or the PDI, visit (http://www.ccmeonline.org) www.ccmeonline.org.


VA Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA loan but limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2012. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full chart to determine the VA's maximum guaranty in your county.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl)
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1001.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


VA Health Care Eligibility
Eligibility for VA health care is dependent upon a number of variables, which may influence the final determination of the services for which you qualify. These factors include the nature of a veteran's discharge from military service (e.g., honorable, other than honorable, dishonorable), length of service, VA adjudicated disabilities (commonly referred to as service-connected disabilities), income level, and available VA resources among others. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full summary of eligibility on Military.com.


Ohio Gets VA Grant
The Department of Veterans Affairs is awarding more than $300,000 for the state of Ohio to renovate the fire alarm system at the Veterans home in Sandusky. VA's grant will cover approximately 65 percent of the estimated $500,000 cost of the project. VA operates five major medical centers in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton, 31 outpatient clinics, eight Vet Centers, and two national cemeteries across the state of Ohio. For more information on Ohio's programs for Veterans, visit the (http://dvs.ohio.gov/) Ohio Department of Veterans Services website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Fills Vet Retraining Slots
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved applications for all 45,000 slots available in fiscal year (FY) 2012 under the successful Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and is in the process of approving applications for a total of 54,000 slots available in FY 2013. VRAP is a new training and education program for unemployed Veterans who want to upgrade their skills for high-demand jobs. To learn more about VRAP and apply online, visit VA's VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 webpage at (http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW) www.benefits.va.gov/VOW or call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about the Department of Labor's programs for Veterans is available at the Department of Labor VETS website at (http://www.dol.gov/vets) www.dol.gov/vets. Veterans can also visit the nearly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers across the nation, listed at America's Service Locator at (http://www.servicelocator.org/) www.servicelocator.org, for in-person employment assistance.
For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Big Changes In-Store for Commissaries
Commissary patrons may soon see a huge change in how they shop for groceries. According to an article by Tom Philpott, military families might be ordering groceries online with curbside pickup by this time next year. In addition, a new smart phone app will enable military shoppers to instantly compare commissary and commercial supermarket prices. There is also big news for those stationed near large military installations in area like San Diego, San Antonio and Virginia's Tidewater area, where DeCA will be testing Costco like "warehouse" style commissaries.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,250458,00.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


VA Grant for Minnesota
The Department of Veterans Affairs is awarding nearly $1.3 million for the state of Minnesota to construct a new generator building at the state Veterans home in Minneapolis. VA's grant will cover approximately 65 percent of the estimated $2 million cost of the project. Across the state of Minnesota, VA runs major medical centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, 11 outpatient clinics, three Vet Centers, and one national cemetery. For more information on Minnesota veterans' assistance, visit the Minneapolis VA Health Care System website at (http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/) www.minneapolis.va.gov/ and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at (http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/) www.mdva.state.mn.us/.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Vets Warned About More Scams
The (http://www.salisburypost.com/) Salisbury Post is reporting that Veterans need to be aware of scams involving companies that require payments for processing pension and benefits forms. According to the report, the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs has become aware of 'pension poachers' targeting veterans through seminars and other veteran outreach events. It is important for all veterans to know that there is no reason for a qualified veteran to pay anyone to process their benefit claims. The VA and several Veterans Service Organizations, like the American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS offer these services at no cost to the veteran through accredited district service officers. DSOs are available nationwide to assist veterans with necessary paperwork.
(http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp) The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a website listing the accredited services available to veterans.


Subcommittee Hearing on Transition
The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held an oversight hearing entitled, "Examining the Re-Design of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)." TAP has been a primary focus of the Committee's efforts this Congress to lower the veteran unemployment rate. Last November, the (http://veterans.house.gov/vow) VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 was signed into law, which made TAP mandatory for all transitioning servicemembers. While the Subcommittee remains optimistic about the future of TAP and its potential impact on servicemembers returning to civilian life, some are troubled by the Department of Defense's (DoD) reservations regarding Congressional oversight. Testimony and a webcast of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/exami ... rogram-tap) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Veterans Wanted: Chevron is Hiring
U.S. veteran talent wanted: You've met important challenges in your military career. Are you ready to apply your skills to new challenges in a career with Chevron? At Chevron, we recognize the value of your commitment to teamwork and service, and we invite you to join us where you can turn your experience and ideas into solutions. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Search jobs and learn more on Military.com's Veterans Talent Portal.


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Absentee Voting Week
Federal Voting Assistance Program officials have declared the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 4 as Absentee Voting Week (AVW) to ensure servicemembers and their families are aware of upcoming voting absentee deadlines before the Nov. 6 general election. During AVW, installation and unit voting assistance officers will set up booths outside the commissary and base exchange and brief Airmen about the Air Force Voting Assistance Program at commanders' calls. They will also help Airmen register to vote and fill out Federal Write-in Absentee Ballots (FWAB), if necessary. This form is used by local election officials if state ballots do not arrive on time to be counted. Absentee voters should contact their installation or unit voting assistance officers if they need assistance. For more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program, go to (http://www.fvap.gov) www.fvap.gov.
To keep up with political issues and legislation that affects military benefits, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


VA Grant for Massachusetts
The Department of Veterans Affairs is awarding more than $300,000 for the state of Massachusetts to install a new fire pump at the Veterans home in Holyoke. The grant will cover approximately 65 percent of the estimated $500,000 cost of the project. VA operates five major medical centers in Bedford, Brockton, Jamaica Plain, Leeds and West Roxbury, 17 outpatient clinics, seven Vet Centers, and one national cemetery across the state of Massachusetts. For more information about the Massachusetts' programs for Veterans, visit the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services website at (http://www.mass.gov/veterans/) www.mass.gov/veterans/.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Releases Mental Health Guide
A new tool is available with the release of Picture This: Veteran Mental Health Challenges and Solutions, a comprehensive guide to assist members of the creative arts community in accurately portraying mental health issues veterans may experience. Picture This was written to help writers, actors, producers, and others create authentic depictions of Veterans facing and overcoming mental health challenges. Firsthand accounts from Veterans and their families are referenced in Picture This and featured in VA's (http://maketheconnection.net/) Make the Connection public outreach campaign. The new guide is available at (http://www.eiconline.org/eic-resources/ ... this/VA-MH) www.eiconline.org/eic-resources/publica ... this/VA-MH. To learn more about the Make the Connection campaign, visit the Make the Connection website at (http://www.MakeTheConnection.net) www.MakeTheConnection.net.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Study on PTSD and Brain Injuries
The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense (DoD) are investing more than $100 million in research to improve diagnosis and treatment of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). More than 15 percent of Servicemembers and Veterans suffer impaired functioning as a result of PTSD. The Consortium to Alleviate PTSD (CAP) will study potential indicators of the trauma, as well as prevention strategies, possible interventions, and improved treatments. Specific information on the consortia, including the full description of each award, eligibility, and submission deadlines, and General Application Instructions, are posted on the Grants.gov website at (http://www.grants.gov) www.grants.gov and the (http://cdmrp.army.mil) CDMRP website.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Deal of the Week: Hotel Discounts for Military
(http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Holiday Inn and (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Best Western are offering government and military traveler's discounts. Make sure to take advantage of these deals before you book your next trip.
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