Veterans Report - Week of November 10, 2014

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Veterans Report - Week of November 10, 2014

Whistleblower Rights and Protections
Whistleblower disclosures can save lives as well as billions of taxpayer dollars. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking whistleblower complaints seriously. Learn more in VA's Whistleblower rights and protections webpage at (http://www.diversity.va.gov/whistleblower.aspx) www.diversity.va.gov/whistleblower.aspx.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Veterans Benefits by State
In many cases, a veteran's respective state of residence offers veterans assistance and rehabilitation programs and benefits. Many eligible veterans never realize that these programs exist and many do not have an idea of how to apply for the state-level benefits. Veterans can find their State Veteran's Benefits information on the Military.com website at (http://www.military.com/benefits) www.military.com/benefits. When applying for state benefits, it is important that the eligible veteran utilizes an accredited veterans service officer. Find an American Legion service officer on the American Legion website at (http://www.legion.org/serviceofficers) www.legion.org/serviceofficers. An Internet search for state veterans service administration will also yield a list of representatives or a point of contact.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Happy 239rd Birthday, Marine Corps
On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. (http://www.military.com/marine-corps-bi ... rvr1110.nl) Read more about the Marine Corps' birthday.
(http://www.military.com/marine-corps-bi ... rvr1110.nl)


USAA Salutes All Those Who Dared
(http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/ ... d=60134497) USAA Salutes all those who dared to take the oath of military service. (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThoseWhoDared) #ThoseWhoDared


Release Schedule for Tax Forms Set
The IRS Forms 1099-R for the 2014 tax year will become available online in mid-December when retirees and annuitants will be able to access their forms on myPay. Retirees and annuitants who have not created a myPay account, or rely on hard-copy versions of the 1099-R, may not receive their forms until mid-January. The 1099-R's are not automatically issued for deceased retirees and annuitants and must be requested. To make this request, or for more information regarding a 1099-R for a deceased retiree or annuitant, contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) using one of the methods described on the (http://www.dfas.mil/dfas/retiredmilitar ... rvice.html) DFAS website, or call 800-321-1080.
For more tax tips for the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes) Military.com Tax Center.


VA Sponsors Arts Festival
The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee hosted more than 100 Veterans from across the country for the 2014 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Oct. 27 through Nov. 2. The Festival, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Legion Auxiliary showcased the artistic achievements of Veterans from across the country that placed first in national art, music, dance, drama and creative writing division competitions. More than 3,500 Veterans participate nationally in regional competitions which culminate in the annual national event. Among many other therapeutic benefits, the Festival encouraged artistic expression to help Veterans dealing with PTSD and other psychological issues. For more information, visit the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival website at (http://www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov/) www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Veterans Day: Discounts and Freebies
The following is a list of Veterans Day discounts on restaurants, goods, services and events for 2014. (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/ve ... rvr1110.nl) Click here for a list of discounts.
(http://www.military.com/veterans-day/?ESRC=mrvr1110.nl) Click here to visit our Veterans Day Center.


VA Health Care "Choice Cards" Mailed Out
The Department of Veterans Affairs has mailed its first medical "Choice Cards," with letters explaining how to use them, to 320,000 VA-enrolled veterans who reside more than 40 miles from any type of VA medical facility. By late November, another 370,000 vets, those facing waits longer than 30 days for VA appointments, will be the second group to get the cards.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... m-va-care/) Read the full Military Update post on the Military Advantage Blog.


Comcast Is Hiring
Comcast knows what it means to serve -- thousands of veterans from all walks of former military life have transitioned to the corporate world by joining their diverse team of talented, passionate and driven professionals. Comcast provides smart tools and supportive resources from our careers site to help navigate this transition. Join their Talent Network to find career opportunities at both Comcast and NBCUniversal. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =vr1110.nl) Learn more.


Interview With VA Secretary
Since his confirmation, Sec. Bob McDonald has traveled the country to speak with Veterans and VA employees. He took the time for a recent Question and Answer interview. Watch the interview and read more on VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/15647/m ... nd-i-care/) Vantage Point blog, and in the latest edition of (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/vanguard.asp) VAnguard Magazine.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Don't Over-spend: Get $100k Coverage Only $7 a Month
Protection for less. Get $100,000 Coverage from only $7 a Day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr1110.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


Rates Have Dipped, Use Your VA Loan Now
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1110.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr1110.nl) Want more information about this great benefit?


Veterans Day Slideshow Tribute
"This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis. Learn about the history of Veterans Day through our Veterans Day slideshow.
(http://www.military.com/slideshows/vete ... rvr1110.nl) View the Veterans Day Slideshow


TAMP Health Care for Some Air Force Vets
The U.S. Air Force has announced adjustments to benefits for Airmen separated under the fiscal year 2014 Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP) program. A review of the law (10 USC 1175a) has determined that the Air Force is authorized to pay the transition assistance management program (TAMP) benefits to Airmen separated under VSP. TAMP provides Airmen with medical transition benefits for 180 days from an Airman's date of separation. In addition to the monetary incentive for those who elected the VSP option, permissive TDY, commissary, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation privileges are extended with an agreement to serve in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). Specific instructions on implementation of the benefits will be provided soon to those affected.
For a customized military transition plan and more transition tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.


Explore VA Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits that can improve the lives of veterans and their families. Some benefits may also be available to active-duty service members. Learn more on the Department of Veterans Affairs (http://explore.va.gov/) ExploreVA website.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Native American Veterans
November is Native American Heritage Month. According to Defense Department statistics, Native Americans have the highest per-capita commitment of any ethnic population to serve in the armed forces. For more information on Native American Veterans, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Native American Veterans (http://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-tribal.asp) webpage and read (http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war- ... icans.html) Stories from the Veterans History Project.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Federal Benefits Book Updated
The Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents & Survivors handbook was recently updated -- adding 18 pages of new information. The book is available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp) Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) website.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Ohio Veterans Should Apply for Bonus
An end-of-year deadline is looming for some Ohio veterans to claim a state bonus. The Dec. 31 cutoff applies specifically to those who served on active duty in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. The amount of the bonus can be up to $1,500, depending on factors including the location of service. Family members of military members who were killed in action are eligible for a $5,000 payment in addition to the bonus earned by the soldier. For more information, visit the Ohio Veterans Bonus Program website at (http://veteransbonus.ohio.gov/) veteransbonus.Ohio.gov; call the toll-free number, 877-644-6838 (select Option 2); or visit a county veterans service office in Ohio.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


GAO Report Looks at 'Triple Dippers'
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, notes that over 59,000 military veterans were "triple dippers" last year. These individuals received benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, military retirement pay and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The total cost of the individuals receiving money from these three programs was approximately $3.5 billion. There were about 1.9 million Department of Defense (DOD) non-disability and disability retirees at the time the data was analyzed by GAO. The GAO report is available in .PDF format on the (http://gao.gov/assets/670/666267.pdf) U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) website.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Wounded Warrior Project Survey Results
The Wounded Warrior Project has released the latest results of its annual survey. More than 21,000 wounded veterans were surveyed. The two most common problems veterans reported in accessing physical and mental health care were difficulty in scheduling appointments and lapsed or inconsistent treatment because of canceled appointments and switches in providers, the survey found. The answers did not apply solely to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care. The results of the survey are available in .PDF format on the (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/me ... report.pdf) Wounded Warrior Project website.
For more wounded warrior news, see (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) this Military.com section.