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VETERAN BENEFITS

VA PENSIONS FOR VETERANS

     Veteran Pensions are not to be confused with compensation.  Compensation is received due to a service connected disability or illness.  A Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled.  Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits.  These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.  Who is eligible to receive a pension?
►1.  You were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable, AND
►2.  You served at least 90 days of active military service 1 day of which was during a war time period.  If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty.  (There are exceptions to this rule), AND
►3.  Your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law (The yearly limit on income is set by Congress), AND
►4.  You are age 65 or older, OR, you are permanently and totally disabled, not due to your own willful misconduct.
     Countable income includes income received by the veterans and his or her dependents, if any,  from most sources.  It includes earning, disability and retirement payments, interest and dividends, and net income from farming or business.  There is a presumption that all of a child's income is available to or for the veteran.  VA may grant an exception in hardship cases.  Net worth is also considered.  There is no set limit on net worth, but it cannot be excessive.  The VA's needs-based programs are not intended to protect substantial assets or build up an estate for the benefit of heirs.  There are exclusions to income or deductions that may be made to reduce countable income.  They are as follows:
►1.  Public assistance such as Supplemental Security Income is not considered income.
►2.  A portion of unreimbursed medical expenses paid by the claimant after VA receives the claimant's pension claim may be deducted.  (These are expenses you have paid for medical services or products for which you will not be reimbursed by Medicare or private medical insurance.)
►3.  Certain other expenses, such as a veteran's education expenses, and in some cases, a portion of the educational expenses of a child over 18 are deductible.
    It is likely that if you qualify for a pension, you may also qualify for VA Health Care.  Pension benefits may also be received by widows/widowers/children of the deceased veteran that qualified for the pension.   If you are in need and think you may qualify for this benefit, it is best to see a Veterans Service Officer for help.  You can also read more about it on the VA website at www.va.gov, under the benefits section.  You could also be eligible for "Air and Attendance" or "Housebound" benefits.  See more about these benefits on Page Nine. 

LEGISLATION, RULES, LAWS, ETC.

REPRESENTATION FOR VVA

     We are pleased to announce that VVA500 member Pete Conaty has been retained by the California State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America as a lobbyist for veterans issues.  He will represent CSC/VVA before our state legislature.  Pete has been a lobbyist for various veteran organizations for several years.  We look forward to having a voice for veterans and VVA.  Pete will keep us up to date on veteran legislation and advise us of bills that we either need to support or oppose.

WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

     Starting over again, since President Bush did not sign the resolution unanimously passed by both the Senate and House that declared March 30 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, we can report that House Resolution #234 passed the House on March 24.  A resolution has been introduced in CA for the same. 

MAILING TO ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL

     Military rules strictly enforced......A recent increase in mail addressed to "Any Servicemember" prompted the Military Postal Service Agency to remind the general public not to send mail or care packages addressed in such a manner.  Mail to "Any Servicemember/Any Wounded-Recovering Warrior," will not be delivered. This restriction applies to all classes and types of mail.  If you don't know of a particular person to mail to check out some of the groups that mail packages.  If you want to write letters, visit the Defense Dept. Community Relations site at:  www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSuppotsYou/index.aspx , and then click on the "Citizen Support" link to find groups that support the troops with letters.

VETERANS CORPS

     Legislation that would create a Veterans' Corps as a new element of the AmeriCorps national service plan has passed Congress and is on its way to the White House for President Obama's signature.  It is expected that the President will sign the bill as the details are modeled after an expansion of national service that Obama called for last year during the presidential campaign.  Rep. Phil Hare (D-IL), one of the chief sponsors of the Veterans' Corp portion of the national service expansion, said he has high hopes for the new program that will give veterans a way to help other veterans make the transition to civilian life.  The Veterans' Corps will help us recruit and mobilize veterans into service projects providing educational and economic opportunities,  job training,  mentoring and outreach to other veterans".  Details are unknown yet.  But this sounds like an excellent opportunity for retired veterans or other veterans that are able, to help other veterans

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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

"A Continuing Tradition"

   Rebecca Lee                  916-501-8788
  Call Rebecca for the Special Discounts available for Veterans
Many East Lawn locations in the Sacramento area
Pre-Arrangement Plans are also available.

43rd & Folsom Blvd., P.O. Box 19334, Sacramento, CA 95819
East Lawn Insurance Services, Inc. License #0747585
www.eastlawn.com

        HELP YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT THE VVA
     Advertise in the Capitol Veteran.  Reasonable Rates!!!
One issue, business card size is $5.00.  Get one month free by advertising for 6 months at $25.00.  Call the office for more information or submit your copy with a check to VVA by mail.

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HELP FOR CARETAKERS

►Do you care for someone with traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder, dementia, or doctor-diagnosed memory impairment?
►Are you or the person you care for a U.S. veteran?
►Do the problems caused by caregiving frustrate you?
►Do you want to learn to better manage your own stress and health?
     Stanford School of Medicine and the Department of Veterans Affairs, CA Offices on Caregiving, are conducting a study testing a new online workshop for caregivers of people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dementia (Alzheimer's or other dementia) or doctor-diagnosed memory impairment.  The free six week, highly-interactive, online small-group workshop is called "Building Better Caregivers".
     If you are feeling any physical or emotional stress related to assisting a veteran with his/her healthcare needs, you may benefit from participation in the "Building Better Caregivers workshop.  Focus will be on stress reduction, learning bout VA and community resources, and skills to increase effective communication with the veteran and with the health care team.  Learn about better self care and dealing with difficult emotions.
     15-25 caregivers take the online workshop together.  The workshop is facilitated by to trained moderators, one or both of whom also are caregivers.  Participation may be at 2-3 times during each week, for a total of 2 hours a week for 6 weeks.  The workshop will also serve as a study to evaluate its effectiveness.
          WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:
►Adults (18 and over) who provide caregiving services for at least 10 hours per week to someone with TBI, PTSD, Dementia or doctor diagnosed memory impairment.
►Lives in California, Hawaii or Southern Nevada
►Either the caregiver or the person receiving care must be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces.
►Must have access to the internet and an e-mail account.
          BENEFITS OF JOINING
►Learn to manage your stress better.
►Learn to take care of your own health.
►Learn ways to manage difficult emotions.
►Learn tips to manage difficult behaviors.
►Set goals and work toward them.
►Get support from other caregivers.
►Share your experiences and help others.

     To enroll and for information you can  e-mail: caregivers@med.stanford.edu or caregiver.support@va.gov or call the CA Offices on Caregiving at 1-877-820-8820.  Stanford would like to have enrollment completed by May 1, but depending on responses, may extend that date.  Two hours a week can be a valuable investment in a caretakers own well-being as well a beneficial for the person they are caring for.  A caretaker may not realize the build up of stress that can damage physical and mental health and perhaps also the relationship between the caretaker and the person they are caring for.

WELCOME HOME, 2009

     The Director and staff of the VA Northern California HealthCare System cordially invite you and your family to attend the 2nd Annual OEF/OIF Welcome Home at the Martinez Outpatient Clinic.

Date:  Saturday, May 9, 2009
Time:  10AM to 1PM

     Activities will include VA Health Care & Benefits Information, Entertainment - US Air Force Band - Mobility, Children's Activities, Community & Educational Resources, Employment Opportunities.
     Pass the word to all active and discharged Iraq and Afghanistan Vets.  While all are invited to attend, this event is produced to do outreach for them.  Last year the event was held at the Mather VA.

FOR VETERAN BUSINESS OWNERS

WHAT:  2009 Labor Law Update
DATE:  Monday, May 11, 2009
TIME:  8:15AM - 4:30PM
WHERE:  Holiday Inn - Capitol Plaza - 300 "J" St., Sacramento
     Presented by the Sacramento Employer Advisory Council and the Employment Development Department.  Guest speaker will discuss the "must know," legal developments coming your way this year and provide practical strategies that companies can use to reduce the risk of litigation.  Topics will include:  New Laws and Statutes, Wage and Hour Law Update, Employment Discrimination, Wrongful Discharge, and Reductions in Force.
Cost for the daylong seminar for members of SEAC is $125, for non-members, $180.  A picnic/box lunch is included. 
     For information on how to register call: Melissa Ford at
916-484-4647.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CA VETERANS
FROM THE CA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
AS OF 2008

Total Estimated CA Veteran Population             2,078,000
Total Estimated National Veteran Population  23,442,000
CA Veterans Percent of National Population         8.8%
     Veteran Population of some Sac Valley Counties
Amador                   5000
Butte                    20,000
El Dorado             16,000
Nevada                  11,000
Placer                   33,000
Sacramento       103,000
Sutter                     7,000
Yolo                         9,000
Yuba                        6,000

  SUPERBUG RISK TO WAR WOUNDED
AND POSSIBLY MORE

     From www.scienceblog.com  - Soldiers who survive severe injuries on battlefields such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan can be at risk from developing infections of their wounds with multidrug resistant bacteria.  The potentially lethal microbes include superbugs such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella specie and Escherichia coli.
     Dr. Clinton K. Murray, from Brooke Army Medical Center, USA, told the Society for General Microbiology Meeting at the International Centre, Harrogate, that at the beginning of the 20th century improved military hygiene and disease control led to a steady decline in the number of wartime deaths attributable to infections classically known as "war pestilence," which included cholera, dysentery, plague, smallpox, typhoid, and typhus fever.
     "The development of more effective personal protective equipment, as well as training medics to provide life-saving procedures on the battlefield, has greatly improved survival rates," said Dr. Murray.  "Positioning surgical and advanced medical care nearer to the point of injury has also enabled casualties to survive near-catastrophic wounds.  But even though combat causalities are surviving these severe injuries, they risk developing wound infections.  Microbes on the casualty's skin can be introduced into the wound at the time of injury or during subsequent medical care."
     Although most of the infections can be treated with standard antibiotics, some of them may be caused by pathogens resistant to many if not all of these drugs.  This requires clinicians to prescribe less commonly used antibiotics such as colistin.  Modern microbiology and antimicrobial agents can do a lot but hospital infection control even in a war zone is of essential importance.
►Note:  We came across some information on the "Acinetobacter baumannii" bacteria a few months ago in regard to a veteran that keeps having recurring bacterial infections.  Upon a culture taken, it was found that the AB bacteria was still residing in his system after antibiotics would clear up other infections.  It is a very antibiotic resistant bacteria, which can be spread by contact.  The healthy individual may not ever have a problem with it, but individuals whose health is compromised for other reasons are susceptible.
     There are theories of course of where the bacteria comes from, such as the dirt in Iraq, etc.  Bottom line at this point is prevention is essential in controlling hospital infection and  attention to personal hygiene.  If you want to know more, just google "Acinetobacter baumannii" on the internet.  There are several sites with information including those from respected medical facilities and information sites.  Research is being done on antibiotics that will effectively kill the bacteria. Whether it applies in this case or not, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to strains of bacteria becoming resistant to the normal antibiotics.  Many receive antibiotics for viral infections which won't help take care of the problem.  In many cases, viral infections must just run their course as in a cold.  

VVA500 ELECTION TIME

     At the General Meeting, April 21, the chapter will hold our annual election for officers, board members, state delegates and AVVA representative.  The nominations received and accepted thus far are as follows:
     President:  Karen Winnett
     Vice-President:  Ted Adams, Gregory McNeill
     Secretary:  Ted Adams
     Treasurer:  Jerry Quint
     Board Members:  Ted Adams, Alan Hayashi, Don Harper,
                                      Dale Kehoe,  Monty Montoya
     State Delegate:  No Nominations yet.
     Alternate State Delegate:  Jerry Quint
     Nominating Committee:  No Nominations yet.
     AVVA Representative:  Eddie Getz

     Any additional nominations can be accepted from the floor.  Voting is done by secret ballot and counted by the Nominating Committee.   But, all nominees must be paid up VVA500 members.  New officers take their positions at the May General Meeting.  The terms are one year from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.
     The Board consists of all officers and three Board Members.
Board Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month.
     The State Delegate and Alternate Delegate are required unless with an accepted excuse to attend quarterly California State Council Meetings held in Fresno.  Expenses for these meetings are paid for by the chapter.
     Committee descriptions will be passed out at the meeting.  Anyone desiring to be on a committee/s please call the office.  The President appoints chairs for the various committees.

BENEFICIARY TRAVEL BENEFITS FROM THE VA

     As you may have heard the mileage rates for visits to the VA have gone up, but criteria does exist for the Veteran in order to take advantage of reimbursement for mileage.
     General Travel, 41.5 cents per mile. Scheduled appointments qualify for round-trip mileage.  Unscheduled visits may be limited to return mileage only.
     Deductible is $3. one-way, $6.00 round trip.  Deductible requirement is subject to a monthly cap of $18.00.  Upon reaching $18. in deductibles or 6 one-way (3 round trips, whichever comes first, travel payment me for the balance of that particular month will be free of deductible charges.  Waivers for the deductibles can be provided.  Check with the VA.
     In order to qualify for Travel Benefits, you must have a service-connected rating of 30% or more, or you are traveling for treatment of a service connected condition, or you receive a VA pension, or your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate, or you are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination.  More qualification is required for special mode transportation such as ambulance, special equipped van, etc.  Travel benefits are a complicated matter and we've heard that for the amount reimbursed, sometimes is not worth it.  So consult with the VA to see if it works for you and your eligibility.

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS:  President:  Karen Anne Winnett
Vice President:  Gregory McNeill
Secretary:  Ted Adams
Treasurer:  Jerry Quint
BOARD MEMBERS:  Hank Davis, Don Harper, Monty Montoya
ADDRESS:  Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 500
                                            P.O. Box 255484
                                           Sacramento, CA 95865
TELEPHONE:                 916-481-6020
E-MAIL:                          vva500@sbcglobal.net
CHAPTER WEBSITE: www.norcaltrav.com/vva500.htm
FOR INFORMATION:  Call or e-mail, Executive Director,
                                           Mary Lou McNeill
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS:  Mail to Chapter address or e-mail information.  Please send pictures in jpeg form.
VVA Chapter 500 is a non-profit organization, #68-0208305, CT#75945, United Way #12583.  All donations to support our projects such as our Scholarship Fund, Helping Hands Fund, Events for Veterans, and Honor Guard will be gratefully appreciated.  You may earmark your donation to the project you wish to support.
DIRECTIONS  to the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall.  From I-80.  Take the Douglas West exit.  Go to the third light which is Folsom Rd.  Turn right, go to the second stop sign, which is Sutter, turn left, follow the curve, you will see a sign on the right and left that says "Royer Park", turn left there.  You will immediately see the hall to the right and the parking lot.  That's it.  Meeting room is downstairs.  When you leave, the street is one way, so you will go to the right.  You will come up to Douglas Blvd. again and a left will go back to the freeway and whichever direction you need to go from there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 
APRIL  BIRTHDAYS           
     ♫♫♫Jesus Ramps - Air Force♫♫♫John Madri - Army♫♫♫Alfred Trejo - Army♫♫♫Stanley Tucker - Army♫♫♫♫♫♫William Schlotz - Air Force♫♫♫Joe Feirl - Navy♫♫♫J.C.Terry - Army♫♫♫Monty Montoya - Army♫♫♫Bill Lloyd - Army♫♫♫Oscar Uvalle - Army♫♫♫Alan Hayashi - Army♫♫♫Jack Mott - Army♫♫♫Allen Hansen - Air Force♫♫♫Whitley Varney - Army♫♫♫Reynaldo Mendoza - Army♫♫♫

     If your birthday is this month and not listed, we may not have your DD214 on file, or maybe just inadvertently missed it.  Let us know and we'll check it out.

WELCOME HOME NEW MEMBERS!
Roy Lloyd, David Bunker

HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND
CALL TOLL FREE FOR PICK UP OF YOUR USED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:  1-866-241-8387    

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