[Sarge]

Originally Posted by eggplant43

http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/n...comes-Shinseki

An interesting article, especially the discussion of the suggestion of General Shinseki that all returning vets enroll with the VA.

I think this a pretty good idea. I would even go further as to say when you first become eligible for VA benefits a file goes straight to the VA. I like this though...

It’s an intriguing idea – one that should be given serious consideration. There should be absolutely no reason for records to be lost, misplaced, etc. Nor could the VA tell a veteran more information is needed, causing potential delays in adjudicating claims for disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, etc.

But frankly, giving the VA custodianship of files that important is a scary thought. Some of the VA’s past issues include document shredding, losing the personal data of 25 million veterans and New York VA employees changing dates on veterans’ paperwork.

If enrollment does become mandatory, every serviceman and woman should receive a complete copy of their personnel and medical records. No one has a better reason to maintain the security of these records than veterans, who already understand the importance of a DD-214.
http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/n...comes-Shinseki

They do that now (at least they suggest to make copies, especially of your medical records!) Ive had two surgeries and my med recs is going to be detrimental in recieving my benefits when I retire, God willing.

Good Article

[bill.aam]

I would encourage anyone in the military to copy at a minimum all of your medical records before you get out, whether you're retiring or just regular ETS. I was luckly enough to not just copy my medical records but also was able to get a hold of and copy my dental records and all my personnal records...

Originally Posted by Sarge

I think this a pretty good idea. I would even go further as to say when you first become eligible for VA benefits a file goes straight to the VA. I like this though...


They do that now (at least they suggest to make copies, especially of your medical records!) Ive had two surgeries and my med recs is going to be detrimental in recieving my benefits when I retire, God willing.

Good Article

[eggplant43]

Yes, I believe that the system needs to be modernized, and at least providing certified copies of all of one's record would be a good start. The military would be making a 'statement' that one's service was valued.

I think enrollment in the VA at discharge requires more study. It would be a huge step, and one with lot's of consequences. Perhaps an opt in choice at discharge might be a better solution.

[poochee]

updated 3 hours, 29 minutes ago
Former addict gives homeless veterans a second chance

Story Highlights
Roy Foster's program helps veterans facing addiction and homelessness
Foster, an Army vet, struggled with alcoholism and drug abuse
Since 2000, about 900 vets have found life-changing help at Foster's facility
Nominate your hero at CNN.com/Heroes

PALM BEACH, Florida (CNN) -- Following a faint trail through a dense patch of woods in Florida's Palm Beach County, Roy Foster is a man on a mission.

Foster, 53, is searching for homeless veterans -- and he knows where to look.

Whether in a vacant lot behind a supermarket or a small clearing off the highway, homeless vets aren't that hard to find: One in three homeless adults has served in the military, and more than 150,000 veterans nationwide are homeless on any given night, according to the Veterans Administration.

Working with the sheriff's homeless outreach unit, Foster finds vets camped in tents or makeshift lean-tos, where he delivers a message: There's help for you if you want it.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/19/her...ef=mpstoryview

[eggplant43]

Thanks for the story. For some reason the video wouldn't load, but I clicked on 'read' and was able to read the story. I'd be interested in knowing how this program was able to get most of it's funding from the VA. I'm so glad they could see the merit of a program like this.

[poochee]

Woodworkers Lend Skills to Injured Soldiers
Program Brings Personalized Canes to Wounded
By Michael Laris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, February 22, 2009; Page C04

C.A. Savoy has gotten too good at making canes.

"There's a need. If there wasn't, we wouldn't be turning them," said Savoy, a master woodworker from Fairfax County. "When the kids stop coming home wounded, we're out of business. And that can't come soon enough."

Woodworkers from across the country carve and personalize canes with soldiers' names, descriptions of combat tours, dates of wounds and, sometimes, the names of fellow soldiers who died, burned into the wood. Carved eagles top them off.


Excerpts from: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=artslot

[eggplant43]

I watched "Taking Chance" on HBO last night. An HBO movie starring Kevin Bacon. It is a true story about the return of Marine PFC Chance Phelps body to his home in Wyoming, following his death in Iraq. I highly recommend it for those of you who have access to HBO.

[eggplant43]

http://apnews.myway.com//article/200...D96GT6A80.html

[poochee]

Originally Posted by eggplant43

http://apnews.myway.com//article/200...D96GT6A80.html

This site will interest you. I check all charities on it. I have removed/added charities I contribute to by info obtained from AIP (American Institute of Philantrophy). They have a lot to say about AER and others.

http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/veterans.html

[katonca]

I have a page on my web site dedicated to veteran benefits. It started as a veteran's disability page (sort of a culmination of benefits) but more info has been added. It's just getting going. I'd like to add State benefits soon.

http://www.disabilityhelpsite.com/ve...disability.htm

[poochee]

Originally Posted by katonca

I have a page on my web site dedicated to veteran benefits. It started as a veteran's disability page (sort of a culmination of benefits) but more info has been added. It's just getting going. I'd like to add State benefits soon.

http://www.disabilityhelpsite.com/ve...disability.htm

[eggplant43]

Originally Posted by poochee

This site will interest you. I check all charities on it. I have removed/added charities I contribute to by info obtained from AIP (American Institute of Philantrophy). They have a lot to say about AER and others.

http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/veterans.html

Thanks for the link, and thanks Dave, for what you do.

[katonca]

You're welcome. I have a feeling I've only scratched the surface. You have dig (which is a real shame) I've talked to a few vets about some available programs. I was told a number of times, that they were not aware of some of the programs.

[eggplant43]

For many, it's a best kept secret. You've got to be a real advocate for yourself, or you just won't know.

I will give the VA credit for sending me a package of what I could do to appeal, and what I was entitled to in benefits beyond pay if I wanted to pursue them when I received the findings in my disability claim.

This is from the federal government, there is no info from the state on what benefits you are eligible for, unless you pursue that knowledge. I just placed my new Disabled Vet plates on my vehicle today. They were free, in addition to that, I am entitled to $3,000.00 per year in property tax reduction, and can get education for free at the local community college. Each state will have it's own program for vets.

I will be traveling to the VA Clinic in Billings next week, a 183 mile trip one way, and I'm entitled to reimbursement for that travel, but I don't know what to do to get it, so I will have to inquire upon my arrival.

[katonca]

If any segment of society, besides the disabled and the elderly, that shouldn't have to dig up info, would be the vets.

You're right about State programs. They're there but finding them is difficult. I have a State resource page started on my site. I think I'll incorporate the State VA benefit info onto those pages. It's slow going though.

Good luck at the VA clinic.

According to govbenefits.gov:

Program Contact Information
For more information on travel for health care or compensation / pension exams, you can call:

877-222-VETS (8387)

You can also talk with your local VA medical facility.

http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefi...14&mode=report