Dwight Winkler's VA/Veterans Benefits News Page:
[page updated on: 1-6-2020]

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.

VA/Veterans News Selection Menu

Dwight Winkler, our Chapter's Service Officer, periodically sends us News stories related to the VA (Veterans Affairs) administration or related to various Veterans Benefits. The News stories are posted to this website. The menu below lists the subject titles for each news story. You may quickly Find & Select the Specific VA/Veterans News story you wish to read about. After clicking on the desired title, you will then be taken to that News section, which resides further down on this same page.

* More Information About Applying for a VA VIC Card Online - June 2018
[posted on: 6-25-2018]

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* Navy Blue Water Bill Appears to be Getting Needed Funding - June 2018
[posted on: 6-7-2018]

Some information regarding Navy Veterans appeared in a recent article in the Houston Chronicle. Navy veterans who served offshore during the Vietnam War appear close to winning a final battle as Congress prepares to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to restore benefits to thousands of sailors who claim exposure to Agent Orange. With little fanfare, the House Veterans Affairs Committee last month advanced legislation that restores disability pay and care for Blue Water Navy veterans that the VA stripped 16 years ago.

Note: The article appears to have run at two different times in the Chronicle, and under different titles, and a bit different format, however, the link below will take you to the Chronicle's online webpage where the actual entire article may be read.

The Agent Orange Act, signed into law by George H.W. Bush in 1991, directed the VA to award benefits to Vietnam-era veterans, including those from the Navy, who had begun suffering from cancers, heart disease or any of the 14 ailments presumed to be associated with exposure to the toxic herbicide. Use the link below to visit the VA webpage, to see the complete list of Veterans' Diseases Associated with Agent Orange exposure. If you are a Navy veteran of Wharton County, or a nearby County, and have any of any of the specified diseases, and were stationed off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, you may soon again be eligible for VA benefits related to Agent Orange exposure.

For those of you living in Wharton County or nearby Counties, you may want to soon contact or visit Mike Harbough, the Veterans Service Officer for Wharton County, regarding this matter. Mike is also a member our chapter. Use the link below to visit his webpage to see his office hours, office location, and other contact information.

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* President Signs Massive VA Bill Nicknamed the "Mission Act" - June 2018
[posted on: 6-7-2018]

Congress has passed a massive bill on 6/6/2018, nicknamed the VA Mission Act, to streamline veterans’ access to non-VA community care when clinically appropriate, create a new VA benefit of commercial walk-in clinics, and end an indefensible inequity by opening the VA comprehensive caregiver program, on a phased schedule, to older generations of veterans severely injured while in service.

The bill, nicknamed "MISSION" ACT, features many initiatives and is officially titled;

"The John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act(S 2372)".

It cleared the Senate on 92-5 vote Wednesday and the House a week earlier by a 347-70 margin.

Use the link below to read more details about the bill, on the Military.com website. Of course, there are plenty more websites that explain the pros & cons of the massive VA bill, and what it means to Vietnam Veterans like us.

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* What is the Vets.gov Website and How to Log into it
[posted on: 3-29-2018]

What is Vets.gov? The Department of Veterans Affairs has created a website - Vets.gov, that consolidates the department’s thousands of websites and services into one central portal! It was developed by a U.S. Digital Service team on detail at VA. The site will be continuously updated with new tools and expanded functionality. It is a hub for basic information on disability and education benefits for Veterans and active military personel. The website marks the start of VA’s "MyVA" plan to be more customer focused and improve veterans’ experiences with the agency. The ultimate goal for Vets.gov is to become the single, one-stop shop for information and self-service for Veterans and those that care for them.

NOTE that in order to access/use the any of the tools or to access any of your personal VA/military records or to use any of the VA services available on "Vets.gov" website, you will first need to Sign/Log into the "Vets.gov" website, which means you must already have an account on file, or you will need to attempt to create one! The information below should help you acquire the proper Login credentials and to create an account on Vets.gov.

Below are the list of Services available only to those who are able to log into the Vets.gov website:

• Apply for health care
• Apply for Education Benefits
• Refill your prescription
• Message your health care team
• Get your VA health records
• Check your claim and appeal status
• Get your Post-9/11 GI Bill statement of benefits
• Apply for a Veteran ID Card
• Download Your VA Letters
• Apply for discharge upgrade (if you have a less than honorable discharge)

Please note: When you sign in to Vets.gov, you're accessing a United States Federal Government information system! This is why the requirements for logging into the Vets.gov website are so stringent.

Use the link below to read the "Vets.gov" FAQ sheet. It contains lots of information on how to obtain any of the above 3 mentioned Login Accounts for accessing your personal VA & military records and other Benefits services online through the "Vets.gov" website. We recommend that the best login account to get would be the "DS Logon Level 2 Premium" account, and the best method to aquire the DS Logon account would be to visit your local VA regional office and perform the request IN PERSON. If you attempt to try and get any of these Logon accounts, using some online request application method (Remote Proofing), most likely you will be unsuccessful, as the online application method will be unable to verify all of the requested background information that you provide in order to verify your identity, and your application will fail.

You can verify your identity in person at your nearest VA regional office. If you’re a VA patient, you can also verify your identity in person at your local VA health care facility. Use the link below to read the details on how you would go to your local VA regional office to start the application process for getting yourself a Level 2 Premium DS Logon account, so that you can then sign into Vets.gov and have access to ALL information and services available to you. When you use the link below, look for the the FAQ question "Can I verify my identity in person?". It will describe what identification documents you will need to bring with you to the VA regional center. Once they verify your identity at the VA office, the DS Logon application process will be started, and hopefully within a few weeks, you will receive instructions in the mail (or email) on how to activiate your DS Logon Premium account.

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* 3/23/18 - VA launches new web tool to help Veterans with their Benefits Appeals
[posted on: 3-25-2018]

New VA Benefits Appeals web tool is part of focus on Veterans’ experience to build trust. Veterans struggling through the Veterans Affairs Administration’s claims appeals process will soon have one less reason for frustration. The VA just launched a new online tool called the "Appeals Status Tracker" that will allow veterans with a disability compensation appeal to track what stage of the process their appeal is in. Use the link below to read more about the new tool on the Federal News Radio website.

To access the new tool, use the following link to get to the "Vets.gov" website (where the tool resides). Once there, go to the bottom of the page and select the "Track your claims and appeals" item from under the "Popular on Vets.gov" category.

Or, you may attempt to go directly to the new tool's webpage by using the link below.

DO NOTE that in order to access/use the new tool or any other tools or to access any of your personal VA/military records or to use any of the VA services available on "Vets.gov", you will first need to sign into the "Vets.gov" website, which means you must already have an account on file, or you will need to attempt to create one! Use the link below for more information as to how you can Log into the Vets.gov website.

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* VA News Release January 12, 2018
VA Facilities Now Offer Same-day Care for Urgent Primary and Mental Health-care Needs
[posted on: 1-12-2018]

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a major milestone, that 100 percent of its more than 1,000 medical facilities across the country now offer same-day services for urgent primary and mental health-care needs. Same-day services means a Veteran with an urgent need for primary care and mental health-care receives services that may include: a face-to-face visit with a clinician; advice provided during a call with a nurse; a telehealth or video care visit; an appointment made with a specialist; or a prescription filled the same day, depending upon what best meets the needs of the Veteran.

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* VA News Release - List of VA Accomplishments In 2017
[posted on: 12-22-2017]

On December 21, 2017, VA Secretary David Shulkin delivered a message that provided a year-end statement focused on VA accomplishments for 2017. The message was delivered as a News Release on the VA website and on Youtube as a short video message.

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* New Online VA Charts Show Many Eligibilty Options for VA and Federal Benefits
[posted on: 12-12-2017]

Chapter member and Chapter Service Officer, Dwight Winkler, wants to pass on the following information he has recently received from the VA. Just click on the links embedded within the message below to visit the associated VA webpage for the described information.

"Dear VA Beneficiary, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your service, and to share with you something we've been working on. Your service to our country makes you eligible for many VA and other federal benefits. To help you find them, we created a few charts to show you which benefits you may be able to claim based on your eligibility situation. Do you have a service connected disability rating from 0-100%? If yes, then use the SERVICE CONNECTED MATRIX to find VA benefits that you may be eligible to receive. Search options are also available for Veterans who are NON-SERVICE CONNECTED , and/or have a SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE . As for other Federal Benefits for you and your dependents, we created the BENEFITS FROM OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES chart. This chart links to other benefit information in one convenient place! Whether you're looking to expedite a Social Security disability claim, contracting information from the Small Business Administration, or a Department of Energy training program, we believe there's something for everyone. Sincerely, Veterans Benefits Administration."

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* VA Announces Application Process for New Veterans ID Card - Nov 2017
[posted on: 11-30-2017]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BY VA - November 29, 2017

VA Announces a Rollout and Application Process for New Veterans ID Card! The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) is now available online for all Veterans. This offering has been mandated through legislation since 2015 to honor Veterans, and this recent rollout of the ID card fulfills that overdue promise.

Only those Veterans with honorable service will be able to apply for the ID card, which will provide proof of military service, and may be accepted by retailers in lieu of the standard DD-214 form to obtain promotional discounts and other services where offered to Veterans.

"The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service," said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. "With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services."

The new "VIC" provides a more portable and secure alternative for those who served the minimum obligated time in service, but did not meet the retirement or medical discharge threshold. Veterans who served in the armed forces, including the reserve components, and who have a discharge of honorable or general (under honorable conditions) can request a VIC. To request a VIC, Veterans must visit the "vets.gov" website, click on "Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card" on the bottom of the page and sign in or create an account via "ID.me", an online identity verification company. Veterans who apply for a card should receive it within 60 days and can check delivery status of their cards at vets.gov. Note that a digital version of the VIC will be available online by mid-December.

NOTE that the "vets.gov" website utilizes another online company called "ID.me" (formerly Troop ID), which is an online identity network that enables end users to prove their legal identity and attributes of their identity via a single login in exchange for discounts from brands and access to sensitive personal information from the Federal Government. "ID.me" is one of three companies, along with Verizon and Symantec, certified by the Federal Government to Federal Identity and Credential Access Management (FICAM) Level of Assurance 3, a classification that enables end users to access sensitive personal information, including medical records, from Federal agencies through the company's digital credentials.

Use the link below to read the complete VA Press Release, along with a link to the online Veterans ID application form.

Please note that this is a brand new VA application process and there may be some initial bugs in the system. For our Chapter members who may have some problems or issues when applying online for the new VA ID Card, please contact our local Veterans Case Worker, Vanessa Hicks-Callaway. She works in Congressman Blake Farenthold's office in Victoria, Texas, and may be able to help resolve any issues you may have. We would also appreciate it if you do have some issues, contact our chapter Service Officer, Dwight Winkler, to let him know - he can then pass on the information to our membership at the next Chapter meeting. His contact information can be found at the top of this page.

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* ALERT - VA Study Shows Parasite from Vietnam May Be Killing Vets - Nov 2017
[posted on: 11-29-2017]

Veterans returned to the U.S. after fighting in the jungles of Vietnam a half century ago, but hundreds of them may be dying from a silent bullet, a slow-killing parasite living in the men decades after the war, a new VA study revealed. Liver flukes, parasites that infect a human when raw or undercooked fish is eaten, are being investigated as the cause of a rare bile duct cancer among veterans who served in the Vietnam War. It could take years for symptoms to show up, but when they do, the host is left with tremendous pain and given just a few months to live. The Department of Veterans Affairs this spring (2017) commissioned a small pilot study to look into the link between liver flukes and the cancer. More than 20 percent of the 50 blood samples submitted to the study came back positive or bordering positive for liver fluke antibodies! The source for this story is The Associated Press.

Use the two links below to read the full story.

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* ALERT - VA Is Updating All Disability Ratings Criteria for Each of the 15 Body Systems - 2017
[posted on: 9-19-2017]

It appears that the VA is currently in the process of updating/changing/modifying the disablility ratings criteria for each of the 15 body systems! This is the criteria that is then used to either approve or disaprove a veterans disability claim. The VA's various reasons/explainations for the updating process is "VA’s continued commitment to improving the delivery of disability compensation benefits to Veterans and modernizing our systems" and "VA is updating the entire rating schedule to more accurately reflect modern medicine". Note that the first body system for which they have completed the update process, is the ratings criteria for Dental and Oral Disability claims.

However VETERAN BEWARE - The resultant ratings criteria changes may or may not be of benefit to the Veteran. As one VA official ( DONNA STRATFORD ) stated, "Veterans with a current rating will not see the ratings change unless they file for an increase. As the new rating standards go into place, it is important for Veterans to know what the new criteria is for their condition. If it will not work out to their advantage, they should NOT request an increase. Your Veteran Service Organization or Service Officer can review your current condition and provide advice on whether to file a new benfits claim or not."

Use the link below to read the original story on the VA's "VAntage Point" webpage. The original story is titled: "VA updates rating criteria for dental disabilities". Note that there are also many viewer Questions & Answers posted at the bottom of this webpage! You will also find Donna Stratford's comments here.

Use the link below to see the VA's schedule for updating all Disability Ratings. You will not only be able to see the terminology/names used for all 15 Body Systems defined by the VA, but more... This is a very interesting webpage, as you can actually open and read the detailed criteria document for each Body System. Just click on the link to the far left of each document title.

Use the link below view the entier "Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Dental and Oral Conditions, webpage.

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* Veterans Crisis Line to Open Third Call Center in Topeka, Kansas, 2017
[posted on: 9-19-2017]

WASHINGTON - Today (9/13/2017), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is opening a Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) call center in Topeka, Kansas, the third such center nationwide, and expects to hire 100 employees to staff the center, located on the campus of VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System.

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* VA Unveils Claims Submission Option That Promises to Complete Claims within 30 Days
[posted on: 9-12-2017]

WASHINGTON - Today (Sept 7, 2017), as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) continued efforts to improve timeliness of services for Veterans and their families, VA unveiled the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) initiative, a disability claims submission option with accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) that promises to deliver faster claims decisions to Veterans and their families.

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* VVA CHAPTER 1069 HOSTS AGENT ORANGE TOWN HALL - VICTORIA TX - MAR 18, 2017
[posted on: 4-7-2017]

Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex Click image to visit Complex website

An Agent Orange/Hepatitis-C Town Hall meeting was held on Saturday, March 18, 2017, in Victoria, Texas, 10:00 AM to 3 PM. The event was held at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex, located in Victoria, Texas, 7403 Lone Tree Road. VVA Chapter 1069 of El Campo, along with several other VVA Chapters in the area planned and organized the event. The event was a huge success and lots of information regarding Agent Orange exposure was given out. Chapter 1069 Service Officer, Dwight Winkler, gave a special presentation on how to file a VA claim for Agent Orange exposure. Click on the link below to read a full report, along with many photos taken at the event and lots of AO information.

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* VETERANS SUMMIT - VICTORIA TX - THUR, AUG 31, 2017
[posted on: 8-7-2017]

Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex Click image to visit Complex website

Blake Farenthold, Congressman for the 27th District of Texas, will be hosting his annual Veterans Summit in Victoria, Texas, on Thursday, August 31, 2017, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. There will be a series of breakout sessions to discuss how to access veteran education benefits, an update on the VA choice program, how to file a disability claim with the VA, and an overview of local services and events for veterans. Many vendors will also be in attendance. The event will be held at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex, 7403 Lone Tree Road, Victoria, Texas 77905.

The Emcee for the event will be our chapter President, Leonard Sternadel. Our chapter Service Officer, Dwight Winkler, will give a presentation called "VA Claim Filing Made Easy", in which he will explain the basic 4 steps in filing a VA claim. Use the link below to either View or Print his presentation handout.

Again, Blake Farenthold is the U.S. Congressman for the 27th district in Texas, which includes a large part of South Texas encompassing San Marcos to Victoria to Corpus Christi to Wharton. Farenthold provides many services for the Veterans living in this part of Texas.

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* VA SEC TO DECIDE BY 11/1/2017 ON POSSIBLE ADDITIONS
TO THE AGENT ORANGE PRESUMPTIVE DISEASES LIST
[posted on: 8-7-2017]

Dwight wanted to pass on this story that he found in the August 4, 2017, online issue of the VVA Web Weekly publication. As reported August 3 by Tom Philpott for Stars and Stripes, VA Secretary Shulkin has announced he will decide "on or before" Nov. 1, 2017 whether to add to the Agent Orange presumptive list bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson-like symptoms, without diagnosis of that particular disease. But hypertension (high blood pressure) and stroke also might be embraced, or ignored, as part of the current review. Use the link below to read the entire story.

Of interest is the discussion from those VA officials who feel that maybe Vietnam Veterans should not be eligible for compensation for certain diseases after having left Vietnam longer than say, 30 or more years.

EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE:
"Principi (VA secretary in President George W. Bush’s first term) said it doesn’t seem fair that an elderly Vietnam veteran can begin receiving more disability compensation for heart disease at age 75 or 80, than a young Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran receives, who loses a leg in battle. Principi said he wants “common sense” changes to the Agent Orange law so that, for example, diseases on the presumptive list are deemed service connected only if diagnosed within 30 years of a Veteran exiting Vietnam."

CLICK HERE to read the entire story on the Stars & Stripes Website,

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* JOHN MITERKO - 85TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE - SUMMARY REPORT
[posted on: 4-2-2017]

John Miterko, our Texas Veterans Advocate, has released his 85th Texas Legislature Excutive Summary report for distribution to all Texas VVA chapters. This same report will be presented at the April 15, 2017 VVA Texas State Council (TSC) meeting. John does a great job of keeping all Texas Veterans up to date on what's happining in the Texas Legislature with respect to Texas House & Senate Bills that are related to Veterans benefits and other Veteran-related issues.

In this particular report, some of the topics includes the following items:

RELATED WEBLINKS:

The Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations (TCVO) purpose is to present a unified position to governmental entities for the benefit of veterans - past, present and future. The Coalition does not act as a body politic unto itself, but rather concerns itself with matters relating to veterans that are shared with its member organizations for the benefit of knowledge. Member organizations share their experience and backgrounds for the betterment of all veterans.

VVA Chapter 915 is located in the Austin area. John Miterko is the Membership Chairperson for the chapter. This is an interesting website that you should visit. There are lots of interesting topics that appear when you click on the "TOPICS & HELP" link that's located at the top of the homepage.

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. There is lots of information regarding the Hazlewood Act on VVA chapter 915's website. Use the link below to visit their webpage that's specific to the Hazlewood Act.

VVA Texas State Council (TSC) is comprised of 37 member chapters in the State of Texas. Organized in the early 1980's as a non-profit veterans service organization under Vietnam Veterans of America and Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(19) as a result any donations to the State Council are tax exempt.

The Lone Star Veterans Association is a non-for-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting returning veterans and their families in making a successful transition from the military to civilan world. Founded by veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, they provide career transition, social programs, peer mentoring, PTSD support, family events, community service projects, and advocacy on behalf of the Post 9/11 military generation. The Lone Star Veterans Association operates in the Greater Houston Area and is the largest Iraq and Afghanistan veteran organization in the state of Texas. Lone Star Veterans Association strengthens the post 9/11 veteran community in Houston, Texas by connecting veterans to resources, opportunities, and other veterans.

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* VA COSTS COULD BALLOON WITH 'CHOICE' REFORM AND NEW 'AGENT ORANGE' AILMENTS
[posted on: 3-13-2017]

VA Secretary David J. Shulkin announced this week that his priorities for improving services to veterans include expanding their access to private sector health care in part by asking Congress to remove two irksome cost controls.

Shulkin is said to be weeks away from deciding if hundreds of thousands more Vietnam War veterans will be eligible for VA compensation and health care for new illnesses linked Agent Orange and other herbicides used in the war.

"It doesn't take much imagination to realize how broad it would be and the costs involved" if Shulkin, backed by staff work, decides high blood pressure is a service-connected condition for Vietnam veterans, said Rep. Tim Walz (Minn.), ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

"I trust the secretary. I know he'll do what's best for veterans," said Walz. "But I think we put him in a very difficult position" where a decision to add high blood pressure to the list of presumptive conditions would also force him to ask for billions of dollars more to process claims, award compensation and provide care for a condition common in any adult population, or else cut back on other VA services.

The Defense Department estimates that 3.4 million service members deployed to Southeast Asia from 1964 through 1975. If 75 percent are still alive and, based on age, two thirds have high blood pressure, that's almost 1.7 million more veterans potentially filing new compensation claims.

Click on the link below to read the full article on the Military.com website

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* VA Secretary Nominee, David Shulkin says... "VA Will Not Be Privatized"
[posted on: 2-6-2017]

David Shulkin, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, said at his confirmation hearing Wednesday that he would seek “major reform and a transformation of VA”, but "would not privatize the federal health care system for veterans". Use the link below to read the complete story.

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* TEXAS VETERAN BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR 2017 IN TEXAS
[posted on: 1-20-2017]

Texas State Veteran's Benefits & Discounts for 2017:
Use the link below to visit the Military-Dot-Com Webpage for a compiled list of all the various Veteran's Benefits & Discounts available in the State of Texas for 2017.

The Veterans Land Board (VLB) Texas State Cemetary Program:
The VLB Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are hallowed grounds that are an expression of our respect for the Texas men and women who have served our nation with distinction, and are special resting places, close to home, where friends, family and fellow Texans can honor Texas Veterans. Use the link below to visit the VLB webpage that describes the program.

There are 8 VLB Texas State Veterans Cemetery Locations:
The Texas state cemeteries are built through a partnership between the State of Texas and the federal VA, and are managed by the Veterans Land Board. Use the link below to visit the VLB webpage that shows the location and description of each cemetery.

The Veterans Land Board (VLB) Veterans Homes Program:
The VLB Texas State Veterans Homes provide affordable, long-term nursing care for Texas Veterans. Use the link below to visit the VLB website that describes the program.

The Texas Veterans Commission
The Texas Veterans Commission was created in 1927 as the State Service Office to assist veterans of the Indian wars, Spanish-American War and World War I. The TVC purpose has always been to act as the state appointed advocate of Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation's armed forces. Use the link below to visit the Texas Veterans Commission website for more information on any of the above mentioned Veteran programs.

Military and Veterans Discount Center (MDVC) Website
MVDC has close to 20,000 business locations in Texas that have discounts for military personnel and veterans. In addition to businesses providing discounts, the state of Texas also provides discounts for those that have served. To find business discounts in your area, go to the website and enter your zip code & category in the search box provided.

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* VA TO PROVIDE DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR CAMP LEJEUNE SERVICEMEN
[posted on: 1-15-2017]

WASHINGTON - January 13, 2017, 11:28:00 AM – VA PRESS RELEASE - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Use the link below to read the entire Press Release, which includes a list of the eight presumptive diseases.

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* Veterans Crisis Line Improves Service with New Call Center Opening in Atlanta
[posted on: 12-20-2016]

WASHINGTON - VA News Release - The Department of Veteran Affairs cut the ribbon today (12-20-2016) for its new Veteran Crisis Line (VCL) satellite office in Atlanta allowing the life-saving hotline to expand capacity by nearly 600 Veterans each day essentially doubling VA's ability to help Veterans in need. As a part of the MyVA initiative, the largest restructuring in the Department's history, improvements of the VCL are a key priority, with the goal of providing 24/7, world-class suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to Veterans, service members and their family members across the globe.

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* New Regulation Decreases Cost of Outpatient Medication Copay for Most Veterans
[posted on: 12-12-2016]

Washington - VA News Release - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulation on copayments for Veterans' outpatient medications for non-service connected conditions. VA currently charges non-exempt Veterans either $8 or $9 for each 30-day or less supply of outpatient medication, and under current regulations, a calculation based on the medication of the Medical Consumer Price Index (CPI-P) would be used to determine the copayment amount in future years. Click on the link below to View the complete News Release on the VA website.

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* VA National Cemeteries Now Offering Pre-Need Eligibility Determinations
[posted on: 12-10-2016]

Dwight has just alerted us of a Dec 8, VA News Release that states that all VA National Cemeteries are Now Offering Pre-Need Eligibility Determinations for Veterans. That is, a Veteran can now find out before dying, if he/she is eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery.

WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced it now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery.

Use the link below to read the full News Release on the VA website. Note that the News Release includes a link to the Application Form.

Use the link below to either VIEW or PRINT the VA application form. It is titled: "APPLICATION FOR PRE-NEED DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL IN A VA NATIONAL CEMETERY"

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* MyVA311: One number to call to reach VA
[posted on: 12-10-2016]

Dwight has alerted us of a recent VA improvement to their customer service program by introducing a new single phone number to call to get you quickly connected with the right VA department. And as Dwight stated in his email - WE HOPE IT WORKS! Dwight would also like to hear from those members who will or have already used this new phone number, and let him know how well, or not so well, the new system worked.

When VA Secretary Bob McDonald first started evaluating business and customer service practices across VA to improve the Veteran experience, the need for a revamped phone system was clear. Instead of navigating dozens of automated phone trees with no guarantee of success, Veterans needed one place to call to get connected to the right place quickly. VA is introducing 1-844-MyVA311 (1-844-698-2311) as a go-to source for Veterans and their families who don’t know what number to call. This new national toll-free number will help eliminate the feeling of frustration and confusion that Veterans and their families have expressed when navigating the 1000-plus phone numbers that currently exist.

Use the link below to read the full report on the VA website.

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* VA Blood Pressure Study on Vietnam Era Veterans - Nov 2016
[posted on: 12-10-2016]

Dwight has alerted us of a recent November 2016 VA Blood Pressure Study on Vietnam Era Veterans. Dwight pointed out that the extracted text below shows that there may be a possible presumptive link for Vietnam Veterans Benefits availability.

VA researchers found a link between service-related occupational exposure to herbicides and high blood pressure (hypertension) risk among U.S. Army Chemical Corps (ACC) Veterans, a group of Veterans assigned to do chemical operations during the Vietnam War. Researchers also found an association between military service in Vietnam and hypertension risk among these Veterans.

VA will review the results from this research, along with findings from other similar studies and recommendations from the recent National Academies of Science report on Veterans and Agent Orange, when considering whether to add hypertension as a presumptive service condition for Vietnam Veterans.

Use the link below to read the full report on the VA GOV website.

CLICK HERE to read the complete VA story

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* VA Partners with Prostrate Cancer Foundation to Expand Clinical Research
[posted on: 12-10-2016]

Dwight has sent us an email regarding this latest VA News Release and says that this announcement is very important because prostate cancer is one of the 38 presumptive cancers! He also says that Approximately 12,000 Veterans Are Diagnosed Annually with Prostate Cancer!

WASHINGTON - As a national leader in oncology advancement and as the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced an important and substantial partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to prevent, screen and promote research to speed the development of treatments and cures for prostate cancer among Veterans. Announcement of the partnership was made during Launch Pad: Pathways to Cancer InnoVAtion, a joint VA/PCF summit held today that brings together world-class oncology experts, corporate and nonprofit partners to discuss research, big data, technology and clinical solutions to advance screening, diagnostics and care coordination for cancer and to promote the implementation of best practices across the VA healthcare system. Use the link below to read the entier VA News Release.

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* VA Could Expand Agent Orange (AO) Benefits to Vietnam Veterans
[posted on: 11-18-2016]

A new study could pressure VA to expand Agent Orange benefits. More than four decades after the end of the Vietnam War, research is still showing the effects of the herbicide Agent Orange. Trump's new VA secretary will decide if thousands more Vietnam War veterans ... those with bladder cancer, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism or Parkinson's-like symptoms should be eligible for VA health care and disability pay because of research associating the ailments with possible exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides used in the war. Use the links below to read two different articles on this subject - both are worth reading.

Article Title: Trump’s VA Chief to Decide on New Agent Orange Ailments
Read an Article on the Military.com Website

Article Title: New Study Could Pressure VA to Expand Agent Orange Benefits
Read an Article on the Propublica Website

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* WIRELESS CELL PHONE CARRIERS OFFER DISCOUNTS TO VETERANS!
[posted on: 9-22-2016]
[updated on: 10-20-2016]

Various wireless cell phone carriers have started offering plan discounts to Veterans. We have listed below those carriers and the associated stores who have given our membership the discount. We hope this will help others to apply for their discount. You may also CLICK HERE to visit a webpage on the Military Benefits website that has a list of wireless cell phone carriers that are offering discounts to Veterans.

(AT&T WIRELESS CELL PHONE CARRIER)

Qualified active duty military, reserves, national guard, VETERANS, and spouses of active duty and deceased service personnel can receive a 15% discount on your monthly AT&T wireless service. Spouses, VETERANS, national guard, and reserves can enroll at a local AT&T store or participating dealer. (1) Bring one of the identification options listed below and (2) Show the representative your appropriate Military discount code, also listed below.

REQUIRED VETERAN ID OPTIONS:

MILITARY DISCOUNT CODES:

Use the link below to VIEW or PRINT the AT&T webpage that describes the discount. It might be a good idea to take a printed copy of the page with you when you go visit your local AT&T store when asking for your 15% VETERANS discount.

THE SMALL PRINT:

The additional disclaimer information below was taken off the AT&T website and does apply to this discount program.

15% Service Discount: Available to (a) qualified government employees providing valid government employee ID card or current paystub; (b) qualified military veterans providing either a Department of Defense Form DD214 indicating an honorable discharge, or a valid retired military ID or current AMVETS membership card; and (c) qualified spouses of active duty or deceased military service personnel providing a valid Department of Defense sponsorship card. Eligible individual must take personal liability for his or her account. Eligibility for discount ceases when individual is no longer qualified. Discount applies only to the monthly service charge of qualified voice and data plans. Not available with unlimited voice plans. For FamilyTalk, it applies only to the primary line. For all Mobile Share Advantage plans, applies only to the monthly plan charge for the data allotment of qualified plans, not to additional monthly device access charges. Additional restrictions apply. May take up to 2 bill cycles after eligibility is confirmed and will not apply to prior charges. Applied after application of any available credit. May not be combined with other service discounts. Offer available only in AT&T and authorized dealer retail stores and is subject to change. Visit a store or contact AT&T at 800.331.0500 with questions.

BELOW - AT&T STORE LOCATIONS WHERE OUR MEMBERSHIP HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING THE DISCOUNT:

Above photo shows the location of the AT&T store in Ganado, Tx. Bob S. and Jimmy N. have gotten their discounts at this store. The ladies in the store were very friendly and glad to help. They said that other members from the chapter should come by to get their discount. Valid Veteran IDs used at this store were either (1) a DD-214 or (2) a cell phone picture of a valid VA card.

AT&T Store in Ganado
202 S. Third St.
Ganado, Tx 77962

Above photo shows the location of the AT&T store in El Campo, Tx. Rusty B. and Frank K. have gotten their discounts at this store. Valid Veteran IDs used at this store were either (1) Drivers license with the VETERAN stamp, (2) VVA membership ID card.

AT&T Store in El Campo
3604 W Loop Suite D
El Campo, Tx 77437

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* THE VA IS NOW TAKING HEALTH BENEFITS APPLICATIONS BY PHONE!
[posted on: 9-20-2016]

Veterans can now apply for Veterans Affairs health benefits over the phone. The VA published a final regulation on Monday (Sept 12, 2016) that allows former service members to complete VA health care applications by calling 877-222-8387. The line is manned by VA employees who walk the veterans through the process, including providing them information on copayment requirements and third party insurance. Use the first link below to read the article on the 'Military.com' website. Use the second link to read the benefits application details on the VA website.

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* ONLINE EXCHANGE SHOPPING FOR 19 MILLION VETS EYED IN 2017
[posted on: 8-24-2016]

The Defense Department’s Executive Resale Board voted unanimously last week to recommend that military exchange services (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) open online discount shopping to 19 million honorably discharged veterans starting in late 2017. The plan to extend shopping discounts to include most American veterans has two purposes; The 1st purpose is to reward them for their service with product savings that, on average, should be 20 percent over commercial department stores, when military exemption from state and local sales tax part of the discount. The 2nd purpose is to increase exchange revenues to offset worrisome declines recently due to the sharp drawdown in active duty forces, base closures particularly overseas, elimination of on-base tobacco product discounts and reduced margins from selling cheaper gasoline on base. Use the link below to read the full story on the 'Military.com' website:

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* DISABLED VETERANS COMPENSATION BENEFITS TO INCREASE NEXT YEAR
[posted on: 8-15-2016]

Disabled veterans are eligible to receive an increase in their benefits next year. The Veterans' Compensation COLA Act of 2016 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of Dec. 1, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses. The amount of the increase will be equivalent to the increase provided under Title II of the Social Security Act (more information is shown below). The precise amount of the adjustment will not be known until the end of the calendar year. Click on the link below to read the full article on the Military.com website.

For Your Information ... The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two programs that provide benefits based on disability: the Social Security disability insurance program (title II of the Social Security Act (the Act)) and the supplemental security income (SSI) program (title XVI of the Act). If you're interested, you may read more about the "TITLE II — FEDERAL OLD–AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS" Act, which sets the government guidelines for the amount of the Benefits increase. Use the link below to view/read the document on the '.GOV' website.

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* DAV MOBILE UNIT IS COMING TO EL CAMPO ON 8-22-2016
[posted on: 8-5-2016]

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Mobile Unit (Mobile Service Office - MSO) will be in El Campo on 8/22/2016 at the El Campo Fire Department, 220 Merchant Street, El Campo, Texas (see map link below), from 9AM until 5PM, to help veterans and their families obtain the services and benefits they have earned. DAV membership is NOT required to obtain these services. Bring your identification information, social security number, and all other pertinent documentation regarding your military service. Use the link below to learn more about the DAV and DAV's Mobile Service Offices (MSOs) and the mobile services they offer to veterans.

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* VFW 2016 CONTEST - WIN FREE TRIP TO VIETNAM
[posted on: 8-5-2016]

Here's an opportunity for any Purple Heart recipient in our chapter to win a free trip to Vietnam! In the August 2016 issue of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) magazine, there was an advertisment for a VFW contest being held in 2016, whereby you could win a free trip to Vietnam on April 20-May 3, 2017. Eligibility requires the applicant be a Purple Heart recipient in the Vietnam War. Note that the veteran applicant does not need to be a VFW member. Use the link below to View or Print the contest entry form.

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* DELL COMPUTERS OFFERS DISCOUNT TO ACTIVE MILITARY
[posted on: 6-22-2016]

Dell has a program called "Military + Dell" that offers a 10% discount on select PCs, to active service members. Use the link below to access the "Military + Dell" webpage to read the details about the program.

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Senate Rejects/Defeats a Program to Privatize Military Commissaries
[posted on: 6-14-2016]

Dwight wanted chapter members to be aware that there is an ongoing effort to privatize military commissaries, similar to the current effort to privatize the entire VA health system. It appears that for now, a program to test the viability of the privatization of the commissaries has been stopped. Most likely there are varying views by veterans on these privatization of these various government programs. Your best bet is to be well informed on these issues and to make sure you read about both the pros and cons of the issues at hand for these privatization efforts.

The latest news is that Senators moved Tuesday (6/14/2016) to stall an effort to privatize commissaries. In a 70-28 vote, senators voted to defeat a proposal by the Senate Armed Services Committee to conduct privatization pilot programs at commissaries at five major installations, similar to what that committee proposed last year. Use the link below to read the full article regarding this move. Several other links are provided so that you can become more informed regarding both the pros & cons of these privatization movements.

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Combat Veterans Get Telephonic Health Care Application Option
[posted on: 3-17-2016]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it has amended its enrollment regulations to allow Veterans to complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. The change is effective immediately for Combat Veterans and will be effective July 5, 2016, for all Veterans.

If you're also interested in what other News Releases have recently been published by the VA, click on the link below. It will take you to the VA's webpage that lists all the latest VA News Releases.

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Veterans with Incomplete Health Care Applications Receive Additional Year to Enroll
[posted on: 3-8-2016]

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on March 7, 2016, it will extend the healthcare enrollment application period for one year to approximately 545,000 living Veterans that have pending incomplete enrollment applications. “Fixing the Veterans enrollment system is a top priority for VA. This is an important step forward to regain Veterans’ trust and improve access to care as we continue the MyVA Transformation,” said VA Deputy Secretary Sloan D. Gibson. “We’ve got a lot of work left to do, but this is a big step in the right direction to restore the data integrity of our enrollment system,”

Much thanks to chapter member and TSC (VVA Texas State Council) Secretary, Stephen Brady, for sending this information to our chapter. Click on the link below to VIEW or PRINT the actual VA Press Release.

If you're also interested in what other News Releases have recently been published by the VA, click on the link below. It will take you to the VA's webpage that lists all the latest VA News Releases.

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* VA MAKES CHANGES TO VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM.
[posted on: 12-7-2015]

VA has again made changes to the Veterans Choice Program and they say these changes Remove Barriers and Expands Access to Care. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today (News Release December 1, 2015) announced a number of changes to make participation in the Veterans Choice Program easier and more convenient for Veterans who need to use it. The move, which streamlines eligibility requirements, follows feedback from Veterans along with organizations working on their behalf. “As we implement the Veterans Choice Program, we are learning from our stakeholders what works and what needs to be refined,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “It is our goal to do all that we can to remove barriers that separate Veterans from the care they deserve.” To date, more than 400,000 medical appointments have been scheduled since the Veterans Choice Program went into effect on November 5, 2014.

Under the old policy, a Veteran was eligible for the Veterans Choice Program if he or she met the following criteria:

Under the updated eligibility requirements, a Veteran is eligible for the Veterans Choice Program if he or she is enrolled in the VA health care system and meets at least one of the following criteria:

Veterans seeking to use the Veterans Choice Program or wanting to know more about it, can call1-866-606-8198 to confirm their eligibility and to schedule an appointment. For more details about the Veterans Choice Program and VA’s progress, visit the link below for more information.

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VA Expands Disability Benefits for Air Force Personnel
Exposed to Contaminated C-123 Aircraft
[posted on: 6-19-2015]

The VA has announced that Air Force personnel that were exposed to Agent Orange on C-123 aircraft are now eligible to file for compensation claims. They should contact a Veteran Service Officer to file the proper paperwork. Regards, Dwight Winkler

WASHINGTON - VA NEWS RELEASE - 06/18/2015 10:35 AM EDT - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today published a new regulation that expands eligibility for some benefits for a select group of Air Force Veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange through regular and repeated contact with contaminated C-123 aircraft that had been used in Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand (ORH).

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VETERANS CHOICE PROGRAM CHANGES 40-MILE RULE
[posted on: 4-24-2015]
MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM UNDER SECRETARY FOR HEALTH
April 24, 2015

One of the biggest lessons we've learned over the past year is the importance of listening to the Veterans we are here to serve. The feedback we received from Veterans and our partners on how we were calculating the distance between a Veteran's residence and the nearest VA medical facility to determine eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program has led to a change that could potentially double the number of Veterans who are eligible to receive care through this new program.

We will change the calculation from straight line distance to driving distance. This change means that Veterans who live less than 40 miles by straight line distance from the nearest VA medical facility, but must drive more than 40 miles to get there, will now be eligible for the Veterans Choice Program. Under the previous straight line distance calculation, these Veterans would not be eligible for the program unless they had been waiting for a VA appointment longer than 30 days from their preferred date or the date determined to be medically necessary by their physician.

The policy change will be made through regulatory action that will be published in the Federal Register today, April 24, 2015. VA will send letters notifying the Veterans who will now be eligible for the Veterans Choice Program under the revised mileage calculation beginning Saturday, April 25, 2015. The mapping tool used to calculate the 40 miles will be a commercial product that is consistent with VA's beneficiary travel program.

We moved swiftly to implement the Veterans Choice Program, which is truly an asset, after it was authorized by the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. Changing the distance calculation will ensure that more Veterans have access to the care they need when and where they want it. We will continue to make improvements to the Veterans Choice Program as needed. Since it went into effect on November 5, 2014, more than 45,000 appointments for care have been scheduled.

The value of feedback from Veterans and our partners on how we are doing is immeasurable. In this case, it allowed us to make a change that will be in the spirit of the law signed by President Obama last August and improve access for Veterans. We must continue to listen to Veterans and use their feedback as a source of guidance as we work to expand timely access to high-quality health care.

Thank you for all you do every day to honor and care for Veterans.
CAROLYN M. CLANCY, MD

Click on the link below to View or Print the official VA Fact Sheet that explains in more detail eligibility changes that have just been made to the VA Veterans Choice Program. The Fact Sheet contains background and summary information, along with a Frequently Asked Questions section that answers questions about the Choice Program and the changes to the 40-mile rule.

CLICK HERE to View or Print VA Fact Sheet

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VA ELIMINATES NET WORTH ELIGIBILITY FACTOR
[posted on: 3-19-2015]
The VA has eliminated Net Worth as a Health Care Eligibility factor. It used to be if a veteran had assets of over $80,000 (excluding certain personal assets, like your homestead) the veteran was not eligible to access the health care benefits. Now the VA will only consider a Veteran's gross household income and deductible expenses from the previous year. The VA has estimated an additional 180,000 Veterans will become eligible for reduced costs of their health care services over the next five years. This will not affect Vietnam veterans who served in Vietnam between 1/9/1962 and 5/7/1975 as they were already exempt from the Net Worth factor.

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

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