Veterans Report - Week of November 26, 2012

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Veterans Report - Week of November 26, 2012

Applying for VA Benefits
You may be eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits if you are a: (1) veteran, veteran's dependent; (2) surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased Veteran; (3) uniformed servicemember; or (4) present or former reservist or National Guard member. VA has several ways to apply for your benefits: (1) the (http://www.vba.va.gov/predischarge/index.htm) Pre-Discharge Program enables servicemembers the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation up to 180 days prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full time National Guard or Reserve duty (Titles 10 and 32); (2) VA's (http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp) VONAPP website enables servicemembers, veterans and their beneficiaries, and other designated individuals to apply for benefits using the Internet; (3) Local VA (http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp) regional offices and VSO's (http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm) (Veteran Service Organizations) can assist you as well.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Most Veterans Still Unaware of Benefits
More than half of America's veterans say they have little or no understanding of the benefits due them, despite efforts over recent years to match returning soldiers with the help and services they need. One major change came last week when a new law will mandate all departing servicemembers go through a series of detailed benefits sessions. For more information, read the full article on (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... efits.html) Military.com and visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Services webpage at (http://www.va.gov/landing2_vetsrv.htm) www.va.gov/landing2_vetsrv.htm.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New Vet Jobs Website in Georgia
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and the Governor's Office of Workforce Development recently launched the (http://www.operationworkforce.com/) Operation: Workforce website at (http://www.operationworkforce.com/) www.operationworkforce.com to help returning veterans find jobs. Job listings from companies across Georgia looking to fill positions with veterans are posted on the website. The website also includes information on resources and services available to veterans. For more information, visit the Operation: Workforce website.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Marijuana Use Still Illegal
The state of Colorado voted to legalize marijuana Nov. 6, but its use is still against federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, even for servicemembers stationed in or visiting the state. For the military, the use of narcotics, in or out of uniform, is illegal. For family members and civilians with access to the base, they need to remember one crucial fact if they do participate in recreational marijuana use -- marijuana is not allowed on any military base. Colorado's new amendment has no effect on the Drug Demand Reduction Program and random drug testing will continue as scheduled to ensure individuals comply with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


$500k Coverage Starting at $1.50 a Day
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Army Docs Reevaluate More PTSD Cases
Stars and Stripes reports that a wide-ranging review of behavioral health diagnoses at (http://www.mamc.amedd.army.mil/) Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington closed in September with Army doctors changing more than half of the cases they evaluated, giving 150 servicemembers new diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review followed complaints early this year about a team of Madigan forensic psychiatrists who sometimes adjusted PTSD diagnoses. Dozens of re-evaluations are still outstanding. Former patients can still have their diagnoses reviewed by contacting Madigan. They would be referred to the hospital's Integrated Disability Evaluation System. They also can call an Army Medical Command hotline at 800-984-8523.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Find more PTSD Resources on Military.com.


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.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1126.nl) Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


Featured Job: Parker Hannifin Is Hiring
Engineering YOUR Success: You were serious about your career in the Military and now we are serious about engineering your success as the nation's most valued talent. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Explore working for a company who is the leader in motion and control technologies.


GM Wall of Service Sweeps: Win a Chevy Camaro
GM is grateful for our nation's support through the years, and we're dedicated to designing, building and selling the world's best vehicles. General Motors is the largest commercial provider of military vehicles in history and we remain dedicated to supporting America's heroes. In addition to our signature national programs, we encourage our employees to support the military on a local basis and in ways meaningful to them. In many instances, our employees have a family member, relative, friend in the military. (http://www.military.com/general-motors/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Sign the GM Wall of Service for a chance to win a 2013 Chevy Camaro.


VA Celebrates Rural Health Day
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Rural Health (ORH) joined the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating the second annual National Rural Health Day, which spotlights the health care needs of those living in rural communities. Additional information on Rural Health Day can be found at (http://www.celebratepowerofrural.org/) www.celebratepowerofrural.org. For additional information about the VHA Office of Rural Health (ORH), visit the ORH website at (http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov) www.ruralhealth.va.gov.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Get a List of Your Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. Get a list of 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.


Deal of the Week: Veterans Save Up to 50%
All Vets get up to 50% off on Gifts, Outdoor, Lifestyle, Golf, Watches, Knives, Sunglasses, Hunting and Apparel on GovX.com! (https://www.govx.com/milcom?utm_source= ... rtsepoct12) For Active, Reserve and U.S. Vets/Retired & Government.


Grants to End Veteran Homelessness
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program helps to end homelessness. Up to $300 million is available for community and nonprofit organizations that support veterans who are homeless or facing imminent homelessness. For more information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families website at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp) www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Texas Study Seeks Returning Veterans
Researchers at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas are currently looking for returning combat Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who are interested in participating in a study testing a new medication in conjunction with exposure therapy. The study focuses on the use of an anti-hypertension medication to determine if it reduces the effects of PTSD-related symptoms. Researchers are currently looking for returning combat veterans who served between 1990 and 2011. If you are between the ages of 18 and 55 years, have experienced PTSD symptoms in the past month, and do not have any current substance abuse, you may be eligible for the study. The study lasts two weeks. For more information including how to enroll, call toll-free 1-877-228-5777.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Toys for Tots Kicks Off Season
Toys for Tots is kicking off its Christmas season at in cities around the country. Toys for tots Began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign. Since beginning the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in 1947, Marines have distributed more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children. For more information, and to find a toy drop location in your area, visit the Toys for Tots Foundation website at (http://www.toysfortots.org/) www.toysfortots.org.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Navy Moves Forward with Transition GPS
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. Navy has unveiled a program for sailors transitioning from active-duty. Called Transition GPS - which stands for Goals, Plans, Succeed - the program is mandatory for all Sailors separating, demobilizing or deactivating from an active-duty status of more than 180 days, according to a Navy Personnel Command statement. It replaces the popular Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Transitioning sailors should talk with their chain of command and command career counselor to receive pre-separation counseling and learn more about the new program and requirements. For more information, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/C ... S/TAP.ASPX) Naval Personnel Command Transition Assistance Program webpage. General policy questions may be addressed to Mr. Perry Christiansen at (901) 874-4372/DSN 882-4732 or to Mr. Tom Albert at (901) 874-4254.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Pitney Bowes Vet Jobs Website
Pitney Bowes Inc. announced today that it has set up a special website targeted at military veterans and their families so that they can more easily find work at the company. The new website at (http://www.pb.com/careers) www.pb.com/careers allows military veterans to map their training and skills to a roster of actual job openings listed on the Pitney Bowes site. Simply selecting one's military job title on the site will call up every Pitney Bowes job opening with a skills requirement similar to that of the selected military title, according to the company.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


TRICARE Rx Fee Hike Decision Looming
Congress is set to decide how much military pharmacy fees will be raised in 2013 when the final language of the fiscal 2013 Defense Authorization Act in the next few weeks. Their decision will have an impact on the out-of-pocket costs for military families and retirees who rely on TRICARE network of retail pharmacies to have prescriptions filled. Under the House version of the plan, co-pays for formulary drugs would increase to $17 and non-formulary drugs would increase to $44.
Read the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,252578,00.html) Military Update by Tom Philpott to learn more.


Fed Warns Mortgage Lenders
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau recently put mortgage lenders on watch for potentially misleading advertising directed toward veterans. For more information, read the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/8375/ag ... -it-clean/) VAntage Point Blog.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Tinnitus Affecting Veterans
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs revealed more than 10 percent of all veteran disability claims in fiscal year of 2011 were due to tinnitus, an early sign of hearing loss. In the military community, the most common cause of tinnitus is noise exposure. Second to tinnitus, actual hearing loss is the next most claimed disability, with 60,229 veterans - or 7.5 percent of all disability claims - citing hearing loss in FY 2011. A similar study in 2011 is available in VA's (http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/1 ... er485.html) Journal of Rehabilitative Research and Development.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


House Holds Vet Jobs Hearing
The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing on finding opportunities, and reviewing existing programs, to help unemployed veterans find meaningful employment. The hearing examined how the federal government can better connect resources for unemployed veterans at the state level, reaching veterans in communities across the nation. Testimony and a transcript of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/revie ... h-congress) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


New Navy Lodge Breaks Ground
Navy Lodge Little Creek - Fort Story, Va., recently held a ground-breaking ceremony Nov. 19 for its 11,000 square foot, 26-room expansion. Currently, the Navy Lodge has 100 rooms available for guests. The expansion project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Once completed, the Navy Lodge will feature one and two bedroom suites with amenities such as free Internet access, flat screen televisions, a concierge style front desk, large social meeting space, exercise room, self-service laundry and a playground. To make reservations at any Navy lodging facilities or to receive a Navy Lodge directory, call 1-800-NAVY-INN, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or go online at (http://www.navy-lodge.com) www.navy-lodge.com. Reservations are accepted on an as-received basis without regard to rank.
For more on military travel, visit the (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.htm) Military.com Travel section.