Dwight Winkler's Meeting Handouts Page:
[page updated on: 1-6-2020]

NOTE: CLICK HERE or on BACK button to return to Dwight's homepage

Please note that Dwight Winkler has retired from serving as Wharton County VSO and VVA Chapter 1069 VSO in July of 2018. However, we have retained his webpages of documents and reports for future reference, that they may still help Veterans with Veteran and VA related issues. Please disreguard any office hours schedules or contact information that may still be listed on this webpage. VVA Chapter 1069 would like to thank Dwight for the fine job he did while serving his fellow veterans.

Meeting Handouts Selection Menu

Dwight Winkler, our Chapter's Service Officer, gives a Veterans Benefits Presentation at every monthly Chapter meeting, along with an accompanying handout. The menu list below shows the monthly meeting dates for all of Chapter 1069 meetings, from 2014 to 2018. Under each meeting date item are listed the various topics discussed in the Presentation and that also reside in the Handout. Quickly find a specific meeting for which you wish to view either the Presentation Details (section further below on this page), or view/print the Presentation Handout (a PDF file). Note that the Presentation Details may include additional related information or additional related website links, but will also include a link to the Handout.

  • Meeting - June 13, 2018 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Contact information for VA claims and other needs
    • Contents of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) 2018 Edition of the State Veterans Benefits Booklet
    • AARP News - Many Confused Over New Medicare Cards
  • Meeting - May 9, 2018 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Contact information for VA claims and other needs
    • Wharton County Veteran Service Officer (WCVSO)
    • Free Legal Aid
    • VA Compensation Payment Dates for 2018
    • New Medicare Cards on the Way
    • Veterans Can Help
    • Notice of Appraised Property Values for 2018
    • Dwight's Final Handout!
  • Meeting - April 11, 2018 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Contact information for VA claims and other needs
    • Wharton County Youth Fair Veteran's Day Event
    • Free Legal Aid available at Wharton County Library
    • VA Compensation Payment Dates for 2018
    • New Medicare Card Receipt
    • Some Interesting information in latest VVA Veteran publication
    • Free Lifetime National Parks Passes for Veterans with VA Rating
    • Court rules Chronic Pain is a VA disability
    • Profiles of Vietnam Veterans
  • Meeting - March 14, 2018 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Contact information for VA claims and other needs
    • Wharton County Youth Fair Veteran's Day
    • Free Legal Aid - Wharton County Library
    • VA Compensation Payment Dates for 2018
    • Paperwork, Patience & Perserverance
  • Meeting - Feb 14, 2018 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Contact information for VA claims and other needs
    • Receipt of Your IRS Form 1095-B
    • Summary of VA Benefits Letter
    • Free Flu Shots
    • Payment Dates Schedule for your Compensation Benefits
  • Meeting - Jan 10, 2018 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VVA 1069 Website New Site-Map page
    • Why does the VVA ask Veterans for their private health insurance
    • VA Proposing new initiatives to expand its telehealth services
    • Veterans online shopping benefit
    • Agent Orange newsletter
    • VA benefits reform
    • Four new presumptive diseases follow up
    • Parasites from Vietnam may be killing Veterans
    • New Veterans ID card
  • Meeting - Nov 8, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA benefits payment schedule
    • New VA "RAMP" pilot program
    • New presumptive diseases associated with ao exposure in Vietnam
    • Cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2018
    • VA "CARE" program to replace VA "CHOICE" program
    • IRS will still require health insurance proof for tax year 2107
  • Meeting - Oct 11, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA benefit payment schedule
    • Military records
    • VA updates rating criteria for dental disabilities
    • Free flu shots
    • Replacing vital documents
    • Camp Lejeune presumptive diseases
  • Meeting - Sept 13, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • PBS series on Vietnam
    • Disaster steps
    • VA unveils claims submission option that promises to complete claims within 30 days
  • Meeting - Aug 16, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Moe Berg
    • New senior citizens travel program
    • New book - brutal battles of Vietnam
    • New upcoming PBS series on the vietnam war
    • VA secretary to decide on new presumptive diseases
    • Veterans summit presentation - VA file claiming made easy
  • Meeting - July 12, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Your input worked!
    • Free legal advice
    • Rules for saluting the US flag
    • VA caregiver support
    • Appraisal appeal
    • Veterans exchange online shopping
    • Positive Marine Corps quotes
  • Meeting - June 14, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Disability compensation
    • Medicare card update
    • VA hotline
    • VA budget cuts
    • Fraudulent VA CHOICE program phone number
    • VA launches physician ambassador program
    • Other benefits
    • Sources
    • How to contact U.S. Senators, including Congressman Farenthold
  • Meeting - May 10, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Exemptions information regarding everyone's 2017 appraisal notice
    • Dwight's 2017 appraisal notice data (with markups)
    • Exemptions chart for various Wharton County tax jurisdictions (with markups)
  • Meeting - April 12, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Payment of benefits
    • Senators introduce legislation to overhaul appeals process
    • Four new tests for elevaged PSA levels
  • Meeting - March 8, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • New VA Secretary sworn in
    • Your voice does count & the toxic exposure act of 2015
    • Presumption established for Marines at Camp Lejeune
    • More businesses offering veteran's discounts
    • Explaination of distribution of VA benefits and services for Wharton County
    • Chart showing distribution of VA benefits and services for 2005-2015 fiscal years for Wharton County
  • Meeting - Feb 8, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details
    • Special presentation for Agent Orange Town Hall meeting in Victoria
  • Meeting - Jan 11, 2017 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA partners with prostate cancer foundation
    • Blood pressure study and Vietnam era veterans
    • One number to call to reach the VA (1-844-698-2311)
    • VA National cemeteries offering pre-need eligibility determinations
    • New regulation decreases cost of outpatient medication
    • New veterans crisis call center opening in Atlanta
    • VA insurance policies
    • No call list
    • Free tax services
    • Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obama Care) form 1095
    • Electrical providers
  • Meeting - Nov 9, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Wireless carriers salute your service
    • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) improper testing by the VA
    • Cost of living adjustment (COLA) 2017
    • Power of attorney (POS)
    • Agent Orange newsletter
    • Veterans day freebies
  • Meeting - Oct 12, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • AT&T salutes your service
    • National Audiology awareness month and tinnitus claims
    • Flu shots and walgreens pharmacies
    • Tax statements and exemptions
    • In-home health services
    • Increased Social Security Admin (SSA) benefits for veterans
  • Meeting - Sept 14, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Medically related travel, lodging, and per diem
    • Veteran ID card
    • Car rental discounts
    • Vietnam special edition #3 - Medals of America catalog
    • Free trip through VFW's "return to VN" drawing
    • Potpourri of information
  • Meeting - July 13, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details
    View Handout Page-1 (PDF) View Handout Page-2 (PDF)
      Page-1
    • VA health care system priorities groups
    • Potpourri of information
    • Distribution of VA expenditures for 2005-2015 years

    • Page-2
    • VA expenditure distribution comparison chart for Wharton, Jackson & Colorado Counties
  • Meeting - June 8, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details
    View Handout Page-1 (PDF) View Handout Page-2 (PDF)
      Page-1
    • VA inquiry routing & information system (IRIS)
    • 24/7 veterans crisis line (VCL)
    • VA health care system priorities groups
    • Potpourri of information

    • Page-2
    • Other discounts for senior citizens
    • Notice of appraised value not tax statement
    • Your voice counts
  • Meeting - May 11, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details
    View Handout Page-1 (PDF) View Handout Page-2 (PDF) View Handout Page-3 (PDF)
      Page-1
    • IOM upgrades parkinson's disease symptoms and hypertension
    • VA health care system priorities groups
    • Potpourri of information

    • Page-2
    • Priority one benefits
    • Priority two benefits
    • Other discounts for senior citizens
    • Tax statements are out or going out

    • Page-3
    • Having fun by contacting the department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • Meeting - April 13, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • IOM upgrades bladder cancer and hypothroidism
    • Veterans get telephonic health care application option
    • Backlog of VA claims is down
    • New/updated veterans health benefits handbook is now available
    • The various VA health care system priorities groups
  • Meeting - March 9, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • You should have received - your summary of benefits
    • You should have received - your affordable care act (ACA) Form 1095
    • VA drops Net Worth as eligibility factor to join VA health care system
  • Meeting - Feb 10, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA definition of veteran
    • Tax services for veterans
    • Beware of IRS impersonators
    • Reforming the veteran's appeals process
  • Meeting - Jan 13, 2016 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • No cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2016
    • Bill introduced for emergency COLA for 2016
    • No increase in pharmacy co-pays
    • VA plans expanded disability benefits for Camp Lejeune veterans
    • Disability compensation is non-taxable
  • Meeting - Nov 11, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Summary of benefits
    • Walgreens flu shot
    • VVA life membership
    • Driver's license "veteran" designator
    • Presumtive diseases
    • Local amendments results
    • List of money saving discounts for American Legion members
    • Tax exemptions
  • Meeting - Oct 11, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details
    View Handout Page-1 (PDF) View Handout Page-2 (PDF)
      Page-1
    • VA has added more ships that are eligible for Agent Orange compensation
    • New constitutional ammendments will increase veteran benefits
    • More information regarding "percentages of compensation"
    • More information regarding "amounts of compensation"

    • Page-2
    • Nursing home
    • Provider services
    • Community residential care home program
    • Respite care
    • Adult day care services
    • Helpful websites and phone numbers
  • Meeting - Sept 9, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Secondary-service connected disabilites
    • Can any veteran shop at a commissary?
    • Does a spouse of a veteran receive the veteran's disability compensation upon the death of the veteran?
    • Request for your Military records
  • Meeting - July 8, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA expands eligibility for C-123 veterans
    • Resolution from chapter 1069 to reduce 40 mile criteria for CHOICE card program
    • 100% disability for compensation purposes versus individual unemployability
  • Meeting - June 10, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • List of businesses that will be offering 10% discounts to veterans on veterans day 2015
    • Information about various birth defects that are recognized by the va as connected to agent orange exposure
    • Information about the Honor Flight Houston, an organization that flies veterans to Washington, DC to see their memorial
    • Resolutions for the toxic exposure act of 2015 and the blue water navy vietnam veterans act of 2015
  • Meeting - May 13, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA life insurance
    • Specially adapted housing (SHA) grants
    • Special housing adaptation (SHA) grant
    • Temorary residence adaptations grant (TRA)
    • Clothing allowance
  • Meeting - April 8, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Home improvements and structural alterations (hisa)
    • Automobile assistance program
  • Meeting - March 11, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA disability compensation with smc - special monthly compensation
  • Meeting - Feb 11, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • VA's individual unemployability (IU) benefit
  • Meeting - Jan 14, 2015 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • New VSO for Wharton County
    • New veteran's support group
    • New counseling service
    • VA compensation and pension services
  • Meeting - Nov 12, 2014 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • Requesting replacement medals or ribbons
    • Travel reimbursements
    • Helping veterans with their taxes
    • Everyday Heroes would provide funding for ramps for wheelchairs and scooters
    • Service connected disabled veterans regarding benefits based on the percentage of disability
  • Meeting - Oct 8, 2014 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (PDF)
    • A veteran's burial benefits - VA Form 21P-530
    • A veteran's pension - VA form 21-534EZ
    • Application for applying for a va veteran's burial benefits
    • Application for applying for a veteran's pension benefits
  • Meeting - Sept 10, 2014 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (HTML)
    • Accrued benefits
    • Death compensation and dependency indemnity compensation (DIC)
  • Meeting - April 9, 2014 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (HTML)
    • Increased social security benefits for veterans (jan 1957 to dec 2001)
  • Meeting - Jan 8, 2014 (↑) Presentation Details View Handout (HTML)
    • Veteran loans
    • Local taxes
    • Vehicle license plates
    • Memorial certificates
    • Military records
    • Medical claims
    • Agent Orange exams
    • COLA
    • Lots of website links related to veteran's help and benefits


June 13, 2018 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) Contact information for VA claims and other needs
(2) Contents of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) 2018 State Veterans Benefits Booklet
Page 2
(3) AARP News - Many Confused Over New Medicare Cards

Handout: View or Print the June 2018 Benefits Handout

You may use the link below to View or Print the Texas Veterans Commission 2018 Edition of the State Veterans Benefits Booklet.

View or Print the TVC 2018 Edition of the State Veterans Benefits Booklet

You may use the link below to visit the Medicare.Gov webpage where you can get more information as to when your new Medicare card will arrive and to submit your email address so they can notify you when your card will be on its way to you in the mail.

CLICK HERE to visit the Medicare "New Card" Webpage


May 9, 2018 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(0) Contact information for VA claims and other needs
(1) Wharton County Veteran Service Officer (WCVSO)

Page 2
(2) Free Legal Aid
(3) VA Compensation Payment Dates for 2018
(4) New Medicare Cards on the Way
(5) Veterans Can Help

Page 3
(6) Notice of Appraised Property Values for 2018
(7) Dwight's Final Handout!

Handout: View or Print the May 2018 Benefits Handout


April 11, 2018 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) Contact information

Page 2
(2) Wharton County Youth Fair Veteran's Day Event
(3) Free Legal Aid available at Wharton County Library
(4) VA Compensation Payment Dates for 2018
(5) New Medicare Card Receipt
(6) Some Interesting information in latest VVA Veteran publication

Page 3
(7) Free Lifetime National Parks Passes for Veterans with VA Rating
(8) Court rules Chronic Pain is a VA disability

Page 4
(9) Profiles of Vietnam Veterans

The Youth Fair Veteran’s Day will be held Tuesday, April 24th and all veterans and their immediate family will be allowed free entrance to the grounds. We ask that they present military identification at the main gate and sign their name on the sign-in sheet. We encourage them to come enjoy the day at the Fair and then join us during Opening Ceremonies, prior to the start of bull riding, in the Johnson Arena for special recognition.

Tricia Potts
Assistant Fair Coordinator
Wharton County Youth Fair
979-677-3350

Handout: View or Print the April 2018 Benefits Handout


March 14, 2018 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) Benefits Contact Information

Page 2
(2) Wharton County Youth Fair Veteran's Day
(3) Free Legal Aid - Wharton County Library
(4) VA Compensation Payment Dates for 2018
(5) Paperwork, Patience & Perserverance

The Youth Fair Veteran’s Day will be held Tuesday, April 24th and all veterans and their immediate family will be allowed free entrance to the grounds. We ask that they present military identification at the main gate and sign their name on the sign-in sheet. We encourage them to come enjoy the day at the Fair and then join us during Opening Ceremonies, prior to the start of bull riding, in the Johnson Arena for special recognition.

Tricia Potts
Assistant Fair Coordinator
Wharton County Youth Fair
979-677-3350

Handout: View or Print the March 2018 Benefits Handout


February 14, 2018 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(*) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
(1) Receipt of Your IRS Form 1095-B

Page 2
(2) Summary of VA Benefits Letter
(3) Free Flu Shots
(4) Payment Dates Schedule for your Compensation Benefits

Handout: View or Print the February 2018 Benefits Handout


January 10, 2018 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION

Page 2
(1) VVA 1069 Website New Site-Map page.
(2) Why does the VVA ask Veterans for their private health insurance?
(3) VA Proposing new initiatives to expand its telehealth services.
(4) Veterans online shopping benefit.
(5) Agent Orange newsletter.

Page 3
(6) VA benefits reform.
(7) Four new presumptive diseases follow up. more Presumptive Deseases information on this page
(8) Parasites from Vietnam may be killing Veterans. more Parasite information on this page
(9) New Veterans ID card. more ID Card information on this page

Handout: View or Print the January 2018 Benefits Handout


November 8, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
Page 2
(2) VA BENEFITS PAYMENT SCHEDULE
(3) NEW VA "RAMP" PILOT PROGRAM
(4) NEW PRESUMPTIVE DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH AO EXPOSURE IN VIETNAM
(5) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR 2018
(6) VA "CARE" PROGRAM TO REPLACE VA "CHOICE" PROGRAM
(7) IRS WILL STILL REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE PROOF FOR TAX YEAR 2107

View or Print the November 2017 Benefits Handout


October 11, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
Page 2
(2) VA BENEFIT PAYMENT SCHEDULE
(3) MILITARY RECORDS
CLICK HERE To View/Print Standard-Form 180 (Request for Military Records)
(4) VA UPDATES RATING CRITERIA FOR DENTAL DISABILITIES
(5) FREE FLU SHOTS
(6) REPLACING VITAL DOCUMENTS
(7) CAMP LEJEUNE PRESUMPTIVE DISEASES

View or Print the October 2017 Benefits Handout


September 13, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
Page 2
(2) PBS SERIES ON VIETNAM
(3) DISASTER STEPS
(4) VA UNVEILS CLAIMS SUBMISSION OPTION THAT PROMISES TO COMPLETE CLAIMS WITHIN 30 DAYS

View or Print the September 2017 Benefits Handout


August 16, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
Page 2
(3) BABE RUTH, LOU GEHRIG AND MOE BERG
(4) NEW SENIOR CITIZENS TRAVEL PROGRAM
(5) NEW BOOK - BRUTAL BATTLES OF VIETNAM
(6) NEW UPCOMING PBS SERIES ON THE VIETNAM WAR
(7) VA SECRETARY TO DECIDE ON NEW PRESUMPTIVE DISEASES
Page 3
(8) VETERANS SUMMIT PRESENTATION - VA FILE CLAIMING MADE EASY

View or Print the August 2017 Benefits Handout


July 12, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
Page 2
(3) YOUR INPUT WORKED!
(4) FREE LEGAL ADVICE
(5) RULES FOR SALUTING THE US FLAG
(6) VA CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Page 3
(7) APPRAISAL APPEAL
(8) VETERANS EXCHANGE ONLINE SHOPPING
(9) POSITIVE MARINE CORPS QUOTES

View or Print the July 2017 Benefits Handout


June 14, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
(3) DISABILITY COMPENSATION
Page 2
(4) MEDICARE CARD UPDATE
(5) VA HOTLINE
(6) VA BUDGET CUTS
Page 3
(7) FRAUDULENT VA CHOICE PROGRAM PHONE NUMBER
(8) VA LAUNCHES PHYSICIAN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
(9) OTHER BENEFITS
(10) SOURCES
Page 4
(11) HOW TO CONTACT U.S. SENATORS AND CONGRESSMAN FARENTHOLD

View or Print the June 2017 Benefits Handout


May 10, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Pages 1,2
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
(2) EXEMPTIONS INFORMATION REGARDING EVERYONE'S 2017 APPRAISAL NOTICE
Page 3
(3) DWIGHT'S 2017 APPRAISAL NOTICE DATA (with markups)
Page 4
(4) EXEMPTIONS CHART for VARIOUS WHARTON COUNTY TAX JURISDICTIONS (with markups). PAGE ALSO INCLUDES LINKS TO VARIOUS WHARTON COUNTY CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT (CAD) WEBPAGES.

View or Print the May 2017 Handout

The links below will take you to various Wharton County Central Appraisal District (CAD) webpages.

Wharton CAD (Central Appraisal District) Homepage

Wharton CAD Interactive Map

Wharton CAD Property Search

Wharton CAD Exemptions Chart

Wharton CAD Online Protests page


April 12, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
Page-2
(3) SENATORS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO OVERHAUL APPEALS PROCESS
(4) FOUR NEW TESTS FOR ELEVATED PSA LEVELS

View or Print the April 2017 Handout


March 8, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) NEW VA SECRETARY SWORN IN
Page-2
(3) YOUR VOICE DOES COUNT & THE TOXIC EXPOSURE ACT OF 2015
(4) PRESUMPTION ESTABLISHED FOR MARINES AT CAMP LEJEUNE
(5) MORE BUSINESSES OFFERING VETERAN's DISCOUNTS
Page-3
(6) EXPLAINATION OF DISTRIBUTION OF VA BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR WHARTON COUNTY
Page-4
(7) CHART SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF VA BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR 2005-2015 FISCAL YEARS FOR WHARTON COUNTY

View or Print the March 2017 Handout


February 8, 2017 Meeting Presentation:

NOTICE: For the Feb 8 meeting, a special presentation was given to the membership. Winkler had been working on and had prepared a dedicated Agent Orange Town Hall presentation, and used this particular meeting to have the chapter membership critique it. The AO presentation/handout will be given at an upcoming Agent Orange Town Hall meeting, scheduled for March 18, 2017, in Victoria, Tx. VVA Chapter 1069 is one of the main sponsors and organizers for the event.

You can view the promotional webpage that our chapter has created for the event, using the link below. You can also view or print the both the AO presentation/handout and the promotional flyer for the event, using the two additional links shown below.

Visit the AO Town Hall promo page

View or Print the AO Town Hall Presentation/Handout

View or Print the AO Town Hall promo Flyer


Jan 11, 2017 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) VA PARTNERS WITH PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION
Page-2
(3) BLOOD PRESSURE STUDY AND VIETNAM ERA VETERANS
(4) ONE NUMBER TO CALL TO REACH THE VA (1-844-698-2311)
(5) VA NATIONAL CEMETERIES OFFERING PRE-NEED ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS
(6) NEW REGULATION DECREASES COST OF OUTPATIENT MEDICATION
Page-3
(7) NEW VETERANS CRISIS CALL CENTER OPENING IN ATLANTA
(8) VA INSURANCE POLICIES
(9) NO CALL LIST
(10) FREE TAX SERVICES
(11) AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) FORM 1095
(12) ELECTRICAL PROVIDERS

View or Print the January 2017 Handout


Nov 9, 2016 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) WIRELESS CARRIERS SALUTE YOUR SERVICE
(3) TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) IMPROPER TESTING BY THE VA
Page-2
(4) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) 2017
(5) POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA)
(6) AGENT ORANGE NEWSLETTER
Page-3
(7) VETERANS DAY FREEBIES

View or Print the Nov 2016 Handout


Oct 12, 2016 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) AT&T SALUTES YOUR SERVICE
(3) NATIONAL AUDIOLOGY AWARENESS MONTH AND TINNITUS CLAIMS
Page-2
(4) FLU SHOTS AND WALGREENS PHARMACIES
(5) TAX STATEMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS
(6) IN-HOME HEALTH SERVICES
Page-3
(7) INCREASED SOCIAL SECURITY ADMIN (SSA) BENEFITS FOR VETERANS

View or Print the Oct 2016 Handout


Sept 14, 2016 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) MEDICALLY RELATED TRAVEL, LODGING, AND PER DIEM
(3) VETERAN ID CARD
(4) CAR RENTAL DISCOUNTS
(5) VIETNAM SPECIAL EDITION #3-MEDALS OF AMERICA CATALOG
(6) FREE TRIP THROUGH VFW'S "RETURN TO VN" DRAWING
(7) POTPOURRI OF INFORMATION

View or Print the Sept 2016 Handout


July 13, 2016 Meeting Handout (2 pages): (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM PRIORITIES GROUPS
(3) POTPOURRI OF INFORMATION
(4) DISTRIBUTION OF VA EXPENDITURES FOR 2005-2015 YEARS
Page-2
(5) VA EXPENDITURE DISTRIBUTION COMPARISON CHART FOR WHARTON, JACKSON & COLORADO COUNTIES

View or Print Page-1 of the July 2016 Handout

View or Print Page-2 of the July 2016 Handout


June 8, 2016 Meeting Handout (2 pages): (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) VA INQUIRY ROUTING & INFORMATION SYSTEM (IRIS)
(3) 24/7 VETERANS CRISIS LINE (VCL)
(4) VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM PRIORITIES GROUPS
(5) POTPOURRI OF INFORMATION
Page-2
(6) OTHER DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
(7) NOTICE OF APPRAISED VALUE NOT TAX STATEMENT
(8) YOUR VOICE COUNTS

View or Print Page-1 of the June 2016 Handout

View or Print Page-2 of the June 2016 Handout


May 11, 2016 Meeting Handout (3 pages): (Handout topics listed below)

Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
- Contact Info: Dwight Winkler
- Contact Info: Wharton County Veterans Service Officer
- Contact Info: Vanessa Hicks-Callaway, New Veterans Advocate in Congressman Blake Farenthold's office, Victoria, Texas.
(2) IOM UPGRADES PARKINSON'S DISEASE SYMPTOMS AND HYPERTENSION
(3) VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM PRIORITIES GROUPS
(4) POTPOURRI OF INFORMATION
Page-2
(5) PRIORITY ONE BENEFITS
(6) PRIORITY TWO BENEFITS
(7) OTHER DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
(8) TAX STATEMENTS ARE OUT OR GOING OUT
Page-3
(9) HAVING FUN BY CONTACTING THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) - A brief tutorial by Dwight that describes the actual audible menu options that you will hear on the phone when you call the VA for help.

View or Print Page-1 of the May 2016 Handout

View or Print Page-2 of the May 2016 Handout

View or Print Page-3 of the May 2016 Handout


April 13, 2016 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)

- Contact Info: Dwight Winkler
- Contact Info: Wharton County Veterans Service Officer
- Contact Info: Vanessa Hicks-Callaway, New Veterans Advocate in Congressman Blake Farenthold's office, Victoria, Texas.

(1) IOM Upgrades Bladder Cancer and Hypothroidism
(2) Veterans get Telephonic Health Care Application Option
(3) Backlog of VA Claims is Down
(4) New/Updated Veterans Health Benefits Handbook is now Available
(5) The Various; VA Health Care System Priorities Groups

View or Print the April 2016 Handout


March 9, 2016 meeting handout: (Handout topics listed below)

- Contact Info: Dwight Winkler
- Contact Info: Wharton County Veterans Service Officer
- Contact Info: Vanessa Hicks-Callaway, New Veterans Advocate in Congressman Blake Farenthold's office, Victoria, Texas. To see photos of Vanessa at our chapter's last meeting held in February, CLICK HERE

(1) You Should Have Received - Your Summary of Benefits
(2) You Should Have Received - Your Affordable Care Act (ACA) Form 1095
(3) VA Drops Net Worth as Eligibility Factor to Join VA Health Care System

View or Print the March 2016 Handout


February 10, 2016 meeting handout:

(1) VA Definition of Veteran
(2) Tax Services for Veterans
(3) Beware of IRS Impersonators
(4) Reforming The Veteran's Appeals Process

View or Print the February 2016 Handout


January 13, 2016 meeting handout:

(1) No Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) For 2016
(2) Bill Introduced For Emergency COLA For 2016
(3) No Increase In Pharmacy Co-Pays
(4) VA Plans Expanded Disability Benefits For Camp LeJeune Veterans
(5) Disability Compensation Is Non-Taxable

View or Print the January 2016 Handout


November 11, 2015 meeting handout:

(1) Summary of Benefits
(2) Walgreens Flu Shot
(3) VVA Life Membership
(4) Driver's License "Veteran" Designator
(5) Presumtive Diseases
(6) Local Amendments results
(7) List of Money saving discounts for American Legion members
(8) Tax exemptions

View or Print the November 2015 Handout


October 11, 2015 meeting handout:

1st Handout - Compensation for Veterans

(1) VA has added more ships that are eligible for Agent Orange compensation
(2) New Constitutional Ammendments will increase veteran benefits
(3) More information regarding "Percentages of Compensation"
(4) More information regarding "Amounts of Compensation"

View or Print the 1st October 2015 Handout

2nd Handout - Senior Living & Services for Veterans

(1) Nursing Home
(2) Provider Services
(3) Community Residential Care Home Program
(4) Respite Care
(5) Adult Day Care Services
(6) Helpful Websites & Phone Numbers

View or Print the 2nd October 2015 Handout


September 9, 2015 meeting handout:

(1) Secondary-Service Connected Disabilites
(2) Can any veteran shop at a Commissary?
(3) Does a spouse of a veteran receive the veteran's disability compensation upon the death of the veteran?
(4) Request for Records

View or Print the September 2015 Handout


July 8, 2015 meeting handout:

(1) VA Expands Eligibility for C-123 Veterans
(2) Resolution from Chapter 1069 to Reduce 40 Mile Criteria for Choice Card Program
(3) 100% Disability for Compensation Purposes Versus Individual Unemployability

View or Print the July 2015 Handout


June 10, 2015 meeting handout:

(1) List of businesses that will be offering 10% discounts to Veterans on Veterans Day 2015
(2) Information about various birth defects that are recognized by the VA as connected to Agent Orange exposure
(3) Information about the " Honor Flight Houston" organization that flies veterans to Washington, DC to see their memorial
(4) Resolutions for the Toxic Exposure Act of 2015 and the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015

View or Print the June 2015 Handout


May 13, 2015 meeting handout:

(1) VA Life Insurance
(2) Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants
(3) Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
(4) Temorary Residence Adaptations Grant (TRA), (5) Clothing Allowance.

View or Print the May 2015 Handout


April 8, 2015 meeting handout:

(1) Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
(2) Automobile Assistance Program.

View or Print the April 2015 Handout


March 11, 2015 meeting handout:

Dwight's handout for the March 2015 meeting includes information regarding VA disability compensation, specifically something called SMC - Special Monthly Compensation.

View or Print the March 2015 Handout


February 11, 2015 meeting handout:

Dwight's handout for the February 2015 meeting includes information regarding VA's INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY (IU). IU is a benefit administered by the VA that is payable under certain conditions when a veteran has one or more SERVICE CONNECTED disabilities rated less than 100%. Read Dwight's handout using the link below for more details.

View or Print the February 2015 Handout


January 14, 2015 meeting handout:

Dwight's handout for the January 2015 meeting includes information regarding the new VSO for Wharton County, a new Veteran's Support Group, a new counseling service, the VA Compensation and Pension service, and more.

View or Print the January 2015 Handout


November 12, 2014 meeting handout:

At the November chapter meeting, Dwight gave a short presentation to the membership regarding VA benefits. He reminded the chapter to be sure and see him first regarding replacement medals or ribbons. He also stated that guidelines for the 40 mile travel reimbursement were forthcoming; that Liberty Tax Service would be helping veterans with their taxes; that Everyday Heroes would provide funding for ramps for wheelchairs and scooters (contractors for the construction are needed); he concluded with an overview of a handout sheet for Service Connected Disabled Veterans regarding benefits based on the percentage of disability. Click on link below to view or print the handout.

View or Print the November 2014 Handout

Visit the Texas Veterans Commission home page


October 8, 2014 meeting handout:

Dwight's October 2014 meeting presentation includes (1) A Veteran's Burial Benefits - VA Form 21P-530, and (2) A Veteran's Pension - VA Form 21-534EZ. A general handout was provided to all members, along with two VA forms. One form was an application for applying for a VA Veteran's Burial benefits, the other form was an application for applying for a Veteran's Pension benefits. Use the links below to View or Print Dwight's meeting handouts or VA forms.

View or Print the October 2014 Handout

View or Print the VA Burial Benefits Form 21P-530 (PDF file)

View or Print the VA Pension Benefits Form 21-534EZ (PDF file)


September 10, 2014 meeting handout:

Dwight's handout for the September 2014 meeting includes information regarding Accrued Benefits, Death Compensation and Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

View or Print the September 2014 Handout


April 9, 2014 meeting handout:

Dwight's handout for the April 2014 meeting includes information regarding increased Social Security Benefits for those Veterans who were on active military duty between January 1957 to December 2001.

View or Print the April 2014 Handout


January 8, 2014 meeting handout:

Dwight's handout for the January 2014 meeting includes information regarding Veteran Loans, Local taxes, Vehicle License Plates, Memorial Certificates, Military records, Medical claims, Agent Orange exams, COLA, and a whole slew of other veterans benefits topics. The handout also includes bunches of website links related to veteran's help and benefits. Click on the link below to view the handout information.

View or Print the January 2014 Handout


Dwight's Contact Information:
Dwight Winkler
2254 CR291
East Bernard, TX 77435
ph: (979) 335-4464
email: lerwinkdd@aol.com

.