December 2010

VETERAN BENEFITS, NEWS

     This month we will continue our series on entering the VA Health System. Last month we detailed what the VA calls Priority Groups. You may have already figured out what group you qualify for. If you are qualified to receive health care from the VA and are enrolled, following is the standard benefits package of health services that you can receive:
►►PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES
     1. Immunizations
     2. Physical Examinations
     3. Health Care Assessments
     4. Screening Tests
     5. Health Education Programs
►►AMBULATORY (OUTPATIENT) DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT SERVICES
     1. Emergency outpatient care in VA facilities
     2. Medical
     3. Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a
           result of disease or trauma)
     4. Chiropractic Care
     5. Mental Health
     6. Bereavement Counseling
     7. Substance Abuse
►►HOSPITAL (INPATIENT) DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT
     1. Emergency inpatient care in VA facilities
     2. Medical
     3. Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma)
     4. Mental Health
     5. Substance Abuse
►►MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLIES
     1. Prescription medications
     2. Over-the-counter medications
     3. Medical and surgical supplies
Generally, they must be prescribed by a VA provider and be available under VA's national formulary system. Generally only veterans with special eligibility, such as veterans receiving Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, or who are approved by a VA health facility for Fee Basis are eligible to receive medications at VA expense.
     The above are the benefits included in the standard benefits package. The following are Special and Limited Benefits. These health care benefits are offered only to certain veterans under special conditions. We are going to list them here, but the explanations for each are far to lengthy to include in one newsletter issue. If it looks like something you may need or want to know if you are eligible for, you can to to the website....
www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/coveredservices/SpecialBenefits.asp. or call/e-mail the office and we can explain it to you. Otherwise we will be explaining each in future issues of the newsletter.
1. Agent Orange Exposure Treatment and Registry Examination
2. Automobile Assistance
3. Beneficiary Travel (Including Ambulance)
                     Continued on Page eight..........................

VETERAN LEGISLATION/NEWS

CA LEGISLATION
MORE BILLS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR

► AB 1829 - Cook - Military Decorations fraud. Existing law provides that any person who, orally, in writing, or by wearing any military decoration, falsely represents himself or herself to have been awarded any military decoration, as specified, with the intent to defraud, is guilty of an infraction. This bill would instead provide that the offense is a misdemeanor, or in the case where the person committing the offense is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, an infraction or a misdemeanor, as specified, and would exempt face-to-face solicitations involving less than $10. By increasing the penalty for an existing offense, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
►AB 2087 - Torres - Veterans' farm and home purchases: definition: home. Existing law provides for farm and home purchase benefits for qualifying veterans under the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Aft of 1974, and subsequent acts, which are collectively referred to as the CalVet Home Loan program. Existing law defines "home" for purposes of this program to mean a parcel of real estate upon which there is a dwelling house and other buildings that will suit the needs of the purchaser and the purchaser's dependents as a place of abode, which includes a condominium, as defined, and a mobile home, as defined. This bill would expand the definition of home to include residences with 2-4 units, inclusive, that satisfy specified requirements and that are only occupied by veterans and their families.
►SB 950 - Wiggins - Veterans' homes: accounting for charges: written notification. Existing law provides for the establishment and operation of the Veterans' Home of California at various sites, and that there shall be an administrator for each home or home site. Existing law requires the administrator of the home to provide each member of the home upon admission, with a written notice, as specified, of the costs of care that may be incurred in excess of the member contribution fee. This bill would require the written notice to also include the terms and conditions upon which the member fees and costs can be changed, and to require a signature of the veteran to acknowledge that he or she has read and understands the notice. This bill would also require the notice to be written in plain, straightforward language and to be posted in each veterans' home, as specified.
►►WARNING!!! - Veterans Affairs Services: An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization which can be found at www.vaservices.org/us/index.html is not affiliated with the VA in any way.
Continued on Page seven............................

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.

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East Lawn Insurance Services, Inc. License #0747585
www.eastlawn.com

Navy League of the United States
“Citizens in Support of the Sea Services”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year All
Please join us for dinner & speaker in 2011
Sacramento Council Dinners 1730 1st Tuesdays
Plaza Hof Brau, 2500 Watt Ave. (at El Camino)

Contact: Phelps Hobart, NLSAC@cwo.com
Website: http://www.navyleaguesacramento.org

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.

THE CAPITAL VETERAN..........DECEMBER, 2010........Page 4

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS/REQUESTS, ETC.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDED

VVA400, a chapter in the Bay area has adopted the KIPP Summit Academy, a charter school located in San Lorenzo. This school is one of the few schools in the area that maintains a full music program. Learning to play an instrument and participating in an orchestra or band can be a life changing process for young people. The problem here is that there are more students that want to participate than there are instruments to go around. Chapter 400 is not requesting money for this important program, but they are requesting any instruments you may have laying around the house that are no longer being used. So if you can help, please call Susan Hodges at 510-534-2783 to make arrangements for getting the instruments to the school or Chapter 400. Don't forget, donating the instrument/s could also be a charitable tax write-off for you.

DID YOU KNOW???

There is a Paralympic sport Sacramento Club offered by the City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department. Camping, Outdoor Education, social, day trips, fitness programs and sports for children, teens and adults with disabilities programs are offered through Paralympic sport Sacramento. Some of these programs tie in with the Paralympic Military Program. So, if you or you know of someone with disabilities that would like to participate in sports and the Paralympic Military Program, call: Annie Desalernos at 916-808-3809. You can also e-mail her at: adesaler@cityofsacramento.org. Check out the website at: www.accessleisuresac.org.

NEW PTSD EDUCATION CLASS

     If you have a spouse, family member, friend that has PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, this class is for you. We will be starting a new 12 week course studying what PTSD is. This is an education class. It is not particularly counseling on how to interact with those who have PTSD, but will educate everyone on what PTSD actually is.
     This class takes place at the VVA500 Hall and will begin Wednesday, January 12. Time is 4:00PM until 5:30PM. The class will continue each Wednesday until the 12 weeks are completed. Participants will be expected to commit to completing the course and must attend the first class on the 12th. No one will be able to participate in the balance of the classes unless they commit to attending the first class. It is too difficult to complete a class when instructors have to repeat sections and start over.
     You must register for this class. Only 12 will be able to take the class. Please register by: January 10.

                           VVA500 HALL SCHEDULE
►►Office hours are: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 10-4PM.
                                           Wednesdays - Noon - 5:30+
►►Wednesdays - 4:00PM - Group for those spouses or significant others, relatives of those who have PTSD. Call to confirm. Check out the previous column for a new class beginning January 12.
►►Thursdays 1-4PM - File Claims or develop your claim for filing. Days are every other Thursday, call for an appointment.

        Of course you are always open to come into the Hall on the days that we are open to work on puzzles, play games, watch TV, movies, do some volunteer work, etc. You don't have to make an appointment or have any special activity. Grab your friends and just come on in. Evenings can be open for movies, games upon request at this time.
        We are gathering all of the information, items, etc . needed to begin offering Bingo, on some evenings, hopefully beginning in January or February. This will be a fund-raising source for the Chapter and fun for all attending.

MOVIES IN THE AFTERNOON

     Beginning for the balance of December and onward, we will be running movies everyday in the member room beginning at 2PM. We'll be developing a list of what's playing when and let you know.

     Any questions about any activities, or to make a request for particular activities, office number to call is 916-481-6020.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Wreaths Across America started a few years ago with the intent to provide a wreath for every Veteran in Arlington. The cause has expanded to the VA National Cemeteries and a number of private cemeteries. Every year donations are solicited to purchase the wreaths. You can go to the website to donate money for a wreath or more: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. The ceremony and laying of the wreaths will take place at 9AM, December 11, 2010 at the VA Sacramento National Ceremony in Dixon. This is the National Cemetery closest to this area.

SAM's CLUB

Don't forget you have until January 31, 2011 to take advantage of the $10. Gift Card coupon when you join or renew your membership with Sam's Club. If you need a copy of the coupon, contact the office.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

The VVA500 office and hall will be closed for the holidays on Friday, December 24, 2010 and Friday, December 31, 2010. The next General Meeting will take place on January 17, 2011.

                                 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
     Chapter 500 awarded four scholarships this year. One for $1,000. for the Sarah Bonnifield Memorial Scholarship and three $500. scholarships in memory of all of the fallen brothers and sisters lost in the Vietnam War. One of the requirements to be awarded $500. was that the student must complete a substantial paragraph on his or her educational goals. We are publishing those paragraphs in our newsletters.
     This month we are publishing the third of our $500. scholarship winners educational goals. Megan Alysse Gilbert attended Center High School and is now attending the University of CA Davis.
     "Goals, everyone has them. Some people are astonished at my goal to become a doctor. However, to me it's a logical continuation of my accomplishments so far in life, and my fascination for the human body. My family has supported me tremendously with my choices in life. In return, when my older brother, Aaron went into treatment for alcohol and substance abuse, I stepped up to help support my family.
     Previous to rehab, my brother had coerced my family into loaning him money for his job. However, that money was wasted on drugs. Adding that loss of money to the considerable amount of money needed to pay for rehab, my family accumulated debt in-ordinarily quickly. In order to keep our house I started working at a part time job. Any money I earned I gave straight to my mother, and she used it to help pay for bills, gas, food, anything we needed. I've helped support my family all throughout high school. I have learned to be responsible and work the hardest I can because of my family's reliance on me.
     I am thoroughly sure I will accomplish my goal of becoming a doctor because I can apply all of the experiences I have had because of my brother towards my goal. I first realized I wanted to become a doctor my junior year in because of a four day health program at UC Davis Medical Center. Every weekend for a month I had the rewarding opportunity to take classes about the human body taught by medical students. This program was an eye opener for me because until then I didn't think anyone could become a doctor. However, talking-to the medical students showed me that anyone can become a doctor if they try hard enough. Some of the students were from severely disadvantaged backgrounds, and all he/she wanted to do was help people. Their passion helped me discover that being a doctor was something I wanted to do in life. Similarly, learning about the human body was fascinating to me. In class we examined human and pig organs to learn firsthand how they work. As one of the only girls who were brave enough to put on gloves and get elbow deep in organs, I realized this was something I could actually accomplish
     Even though I have learned enough from my experiences to be successful in life, I still have a plan for my future. After I graduate from high school I plan on attending the University of California Davis, and majoring in Biological Sciences. In my free time I plan on continuing my volunteer activities, especially at hospitals. Four years hence when I have received my B.A. I will apply to UC Davis Medical School. There I will continue pursuing my goal of becoming a doctor for four more years.
       Continued in the next column.......................

GILBERT, SCHOLARSHIP ENTRY, CONT.

     I know that a lot of difficult times lie ahead of me, for becoming a doctor is no easy task. However, I have learned a lot throughout my life, and I know that I will let nothing stand in the way of my goal to become a doctor, not even a lack of money.
     Congratulations Megan! We wish you success in achieving your very worthy goals.
     Thanks again to our judges, Paul Copsey, Jurita Kilborn, and Marty Snezek for reviewing and choosing our scholarship winners.
                                    WARNING, continued
VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. VA's Legal Counsel has requested that VA coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by the VA to provide any services. In addition, General Council requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, that you contact your local VA office and request that they pass the information to Michael G. Daugherty, Staff Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel.
►►Chapter Note: With this article we are reminded again of making sure that you seek the services of a certified Veterans Service Officer, whether through a Veteran Organization or County Service Officers. In our own area, we have quite the interesting scenario happening. A certain individual claiming to be certified through the DAV is soliciting veteran business through a company formed with a doctor supposedly to help veterans with claims. So, what is the problem with this? Other than claiming to be certified, the problem is that the veterans is told to go to the doctor for the diagnosis that will "definitely" get his claim through, and charged an exorbitant fee for the paperwork. If the claim goes through, the supposedly "certified" service officer then attempts to collect money from the veteran, which is illegal. If the claim does does not go through, since the "service officer" is not certified, there is no one to assist the veteran during the appeals process, because the claim was signed by the veteran and no power of attorney exists with a legitimate veterans organization.
     So, as we have advised before, do not trust anyone that is not a certified service officer when you file your claim. You can check the VA website www4.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index/asp by putting the name in under "VSO Representative". It will tell you what organization they are accredited with. If the search fails, there is an e-mail address to use to make an inquiry re: the name. Another hint to be careful of, is if they ask for money or ask you to sign a contract for money after the claim is adjudicated. It is against the law. A doctor asking for exorbitant amounts of money for write up of a diagnosis without previous treatment is bordering on fraud. It won't help you get your claim favorably adjudicated.

THE CAPITOL VETERAN................NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 2010........Page 8

VA HEALTH BENEFITS, CONTINUED

4.   Bereavement Counseling
5.   Blind Veterans Services
6.   CHAMPAVA
7.   Combat Veteran Eligibility
8.   Dental Care
9.   Domiciliary Care
10. Emergency Care in Non-VA Facilities
11. Eyeglasses
12. Foreign Medical Program
13. Geriatrics and Long Term Care
14. Gulf War Illness
15. Hearing Aids
16. Home Health Care
17. Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
18. Homeless Programs
19. Hospice and Palliative Care
20. Ionizing Radiation Exposure Treatment and Registry
        Examinations
21. Long Term Care
22. Maternity Care
23. Military Sexual Trauma Counseling
24. Non-VA Health Care Services (Fee Based Programs)
25. Nose or Throat Radium Treatment
26. Nursing Home Care
27. Project 112/SHAD Participants
28. Prosthetic (Medical Equipment and Sensory Aids)
29. Readjustment Counseling
30. Women Veterans Services
     This month we will explain the Dental Section because we receive many questions regarding eligibility for these services.
►►DENTAL - Dental benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs according to law. In some instances, VA is authorized to provide extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment may be limited.
►If you: Have a service connected compensable dental disability or condition. ■You are eligible for: Any needed dental care.
►If you: Are a former prisoner of war. ■You are eligible for: Any needed dental care.
►If you: Have service-connected disabilities rated 100% disabling, or are unemployable and paid at the 100% rate due to service-connected conditions. ■You are eligible for: Any needed dental care. (Please note: Veterans paid at the 100% rate based on a temporary rating, such as extended hospitalization for a service-connected disability, convalescence or pre-stabilization are not eligible for comprehensive outpatient dental services based on this temporary rating)
►If you: apply for dental care within 180 days of discharge or release (under conditions other than dishonorable) from a period of active duty of 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War era. ■You are eligible for a One-time dental care if your DD214 certificate of discharge does not indicate that a complete dental examination and all appropriate dental treatment had been rendered prior to discharge.

VA HEALTH BENEFITS, CONTINUED

►If you have a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability resulting from combat wounds or service trauma. ■You are eligible for: Needed care for the service-connected condition(s). A Dental Trauma Rating (VA Form 10-564-D) or VA Regional Office Rating Decision letter (VA Form 10-7131) identifies the tooth/teeth eligible for care.
►If you have a dental condition clinically determined by VA to be associated with and aggravating a service-connected medical condition. ■You are eligible for: Dental care to treat the oral conditions that are determined by a VA dental professional to have a direct and material detrimental effect to your service connected medical condition.
►If you are actively engaged in a 38USC Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation program. ■You are eligible for dental care to the extent necessary as determined by a VA dental professional to:
     1. Make possible your entrance into a rehabilitation program.
     2. Achieve the goals of your vocational rehabilitation program.
     3. Prevent interruption of your rehabilitation program.
     4. Hasten the return to a rehabilitation program if you are in interrupted or leave status.
     5. Hasten the return to a rehabilitation program of a Veteran placed in discontinued status because of illness, injury or a dental condition, or
     6. Secure and adjust to employment during the period of employment assistance, or enable you to achieve maximum independence in daily living.
►If you are receiving VA care or are scheduled for inpatient care and require dental care for a condition complicating a medical condition currently under treatment. ■You are eligible for dental care to treat the oral conditions that are determined by a VA dental professional to complicate your medical condition currently under treatment.
►If you are an enrolled Veteran who may be homeless and receiving care under VHA Directive 2007-039. ■You are eligible for a one-time course of dental care that is determined medically necessary to relieve pain, assist you to gain employment, or treat moderate, severe, or complicated and severe gingival and periodontal conditions.
►INPATIENT DENTAL PROGRAM - Veterans receiving hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care will be provided dental services that are professionally determined by a VA dentist, in consultation with the referring physician to be essential to the management of the patient's medical condition under active treatment.
     As you can see, Dental Benefits can be one of the hardest health benefits to receive from the VA. But for those with a 100% disability rating, no problem. Make sure that if you already have a rating that is close to 100%, if your condition declines, based on a professional diagnosis, be sure to file for an increase in rating that might put you in the 100% range.
     In the next newsletter issue, we will address enrollment into the VA Health Care System and see if you are eligible for eyeglasses.

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BACK TO VVA500

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS, ONE CARE PACKAGE AT A TIME. THE DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM, CALIFORNIA CHAPTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION (501c 3)FORMED SOLELY TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS ACTIVELY SERVING OUR COUNTRY TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE.

ACTION BUYS MILITARY ITEMS!

NOTE REGARDING: THE PENGUIN PADDLERS. Steve Keller tells us that the Rocklin Store has closed and all inventory has been moved up to the Redding store. But the Penguin Paddlers club is still active. So, if you are interested in this great activity, you can give Steve a call and find out how to get involved.

Sea Kayaking is a great, low-stress, outdoor recreation. After kayaking on the East Coast for many years, Steve Keller, Chapter 500 member, and wife Mary, discovered Penguin Paddlers, right in their town of Rocklin. The owner of Penguin Paddlers is a USAF Pararescue Veteran. Penguin Paddlers has an active, friendly club, with the average age in the 60's. They have local and road trips, with clinics and demonstrations. So it's an ideal recreation for VVA members. You can ask Steve at a meeting, or contact him at 916-919-3991, or e-mail: doublekayak@yahoo.com. The Penguin website is: www.penguinpaddlers.com.

                                    CHAPTER INFORMATION
OFFICERS: President: Gregory C. McNeill
Vice President: Jim Singleton
Secretary: Ted Adams
Treasurer: Jerry Quint - is also Alternate State Delegate
BOARD MEMBERS: Monty Montoya, Marty Snezek, Karen Winnett                 STATE DELEGATE: Gregory McNeill
AVVA REPRESENTATIVE: Vacant at this time.
ADDRESS: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 500
                                            P.O. Box 255484
                                           Sacramento, CA 95865
TELEPHONE:                 916-481-6020 FAX: 916-481-2609
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.
VVA500 HALL PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 4441 Auburn Blvd., Suite J
Hall is located at the corner of Auburn Blvd. and Orange Grove Ave. There are several ways of reaching the hall, Auburn Blvd. exits off I-80, Madison exit to Auburn Blvd., Watt Ave. to Auburn Blvd. When you get to the complex, the Hall is on the far end off Auburn Blvd.. Just look for the flag pole in the back corner.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
♫♫♫Bud Lee - Army♫♫♫Hank Davis - Marines♫♫♫Ted Puntillo - Army♫♫♫Jim Armstrong - Air Force♫♫♫Stan Atkinson - Army♫♫♫J. Kent Garman - Navy♫♫♫Tina Haas - AVVA♫♫♫Michael Kunda - Air Force♫♫♫Robert Kinzel - Marines♫♫♫Pete Conaty - Army♫♫♫Eugene
Cirillo - Air Force♫♫♫Gary Fox - Army♫♫♫Clarence Pruitt - Air Force♫♫♫Fran Kehoe - AVVA♫♫♫Roger Sharrer - Navy♫♫♫Patricia Terry - AVVA♫♫♫Jimmie Walker - Army♫♫♫Jack Lunsford - Air Force♫♫♫DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS♫♫♫Steve Burman - Army♫♫♫Phillip Ray Varner - Navy♫♫♫Aaron Fulzham - AVVA♫♫♫Charles Brown - Air Force♫♫♫Benjamin Salter - Navy - AVVA ♫♫♫Jenny Jones - Army♫♫♫William Holt - Army♫♫♫Roger Brautigan - Army♫♫♫Leland Marvin Duke - Navy♫♫♫Bruce Council - Navy♫♫♫Grace Calles - AVVA♫♫♫Steven Fleck - Army♫♫♫Mark Hite - Marines♫♫♫Ron Waterbury - Army♫♫♫Michael Binns - Army♫♫♫Dr. Manual Roman - Army♫♫♫Shirley Darling - AVVA♫♫♫
If your birthday is not here, data is incorrect, submit the correction and/or addition to the office. Contact information is in column on the left. We are not required to list birthday information, but do it as an extra service for our members. Again, National may have your DD214, we may not have received it, it could be misfiled. Resubmit!

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
Sacramento Valley's Chapter 500
P.O. Box 255484
Sacramento, CA 95865
916-481-6020 - vva500@sbcglobal.net

         ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED