Veteran’s Review

Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Airport in Belleville will host its 10th anniversary air show, the 2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstore ‘Thunder Over Michigan,

August 9th and 10th

There will be a special segment dedicated to the World War II heavy bombers.

Special guest Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey is scheduled to attend and will be signing autographs.

Something new for visitors this year is called ‘Flight-Line Chalet,’ which provides a tented area with tables and chairs for spectators.

Air show admission, parking and upgrade packages are sold separately.

Tickets available at www.starticketsplus.com,
Charge by phone at (800) 585-3737 or purchase at any Meijer store’s StarTicketsPlus.

Proceeds from the air show will be used to rebuild a new museum complex.

For information and for times of events, visit Yankee Air Museum web site.

Becoming involved in veterans’ issues, different topic always come up. Usually in when I’m around about veterans who either have a Service Connected injury/illness. I try to keep up with what is going on with VA benefits and I try to have something on file in my head in case someone may ask about a certain benefit. I have some information that I received when I attended a recent Service Officer training course. The information is quite long but the information contained may answer some questions that you may have about VA Issued Hearing Aids. The information is what is currently the policy from the VA in regards to veterans’ that may need hearing aids. I hope you find the information helpful and informative.

Veteran Eligibility - Audiology Services:
Veterans are categorized for services through the VA based on a few different criteria. These criteria essentially come out to three primary categories:
 1) Combat Vet Status: Veterans recently released from military duty under a 2 year grace period to qualify for VA care.
 2) Service Connected Veterans (S/C): Veterans with documented and rated for medical disabilities/injuries related to military service.
 3) Non-Service Connected Veterans (NSC): Veterans eligible for VA car without documented and rated medical disabilities/injuries related to military service.

Exam Eligibility:
All veterans are eligible for an audiology exam or evaluation when coordinated with their assigned VA primary care provider and sent as a consultation request to the audiology clinic. The purpose of the examination is diagnoses and/or treatment of medical hearing conditions or follow-up from previous hearing examinations.

Hearing Aids Eligibility:
Some veterans are eligible for hearing aids provided from the VA, but not all. Veterans can contact the VA to determine their eligibility status. As a general rule, veterans falling in the service connected category are most likely eligible for VA issued hearing aids if medically necessary; however, other complex criteria exist.

How your VA Audiologist know’s if they can order VA issued hearing aids?
The consultation request will state whether the veteran is known to be eligible at the time of the appointment. There will be 1 of 3 statements on the request:

1) If eligible: “request for general audiology exam with hearing aid selection of if medically necessary”.
Note: Medical necessity is a professional judgment to determine the difference between patient desire and patient need. The VA will only furnish hearing aids if the patient needs them. For example, a patient may have a private sector issued from the VA for back-up. This is not a desire and not a need. A patient may request a new style, if the style will not change the quality of the patient’s life or hearing, this is a desire and not a need. If a patient requires a new style and would enhance their medical lifestyle (i.e. communication with primary car provider) this is then a need and not a desire and would be eligible. Hearing aids should not be replaced solely for cosmetic purposed.

2) If not eligible or requires review: “requests for general audiology only- patient not eligible for hearing aids unless the average pure-tone loss of sensitivity is greater than 40 dB hearing level at 500, 1000, and 2000Hz in the better ear”.

Note: If the veteran meets the average pure-tone loss of sensitivity is greater than 40dB hearing level at 500, 1000, and 2000Hz in the better ear then the veteran is eligible for VA issued hearing aids and the Audiologist is authorized to make the selection of the device at the time of the original examination. Then the Audiologist, will order the hearing aid(s). If they do not meet the above criteria, and they are not eligible for hearing aids and the VA will not pay for any hearing aids that are ordered.

3) Generally, VA policy states that hearing aids are expected to have a lifespan of 4 years. A patient will not be eligible for new hearing aids if have received VA issued hearing aids within the last 4 years unless they are no longer functioning properly. This consult request will state “request for general audiology exam only. Recently issued VA hearing aids not eligible for replacement unless not functioning properly”.

Hearing Aid Orders:
The VA has official government contracts with hearing aid vendors to provide high quality assistive hearing devices to our veterans at a reasonable cost to the government. All hearing aids provided to the veterans must be ordered through the VA and within the government contract. There are very few exceptions to this rule unless true documented medical need exists for an off-contract device as a special circumstance. A VA Audiologist will review these exceptions to offer approval.

Each care site will coordinate the ordering of the hearing aids. The most efficient and best method to the facility (i.e. call in orders, fax order, etc.) will be determined upon initial clinic set-up.

If a patient is not able to adapt to a hearing aid style, the warranty period will allow a change in the aid at no charge to the VA if performed within 3 months of issuing the aid. a 2 month follow-up is required to determine if the aid is properly meeting the needs of the veteran. If the aid needs to be changed, your Audiology clinic or primary health provider, to request a consult with the Audiology Clinic as soon as possible to facilitate this change at no additional charge to you, the veteran or the government.

Hearing Aid Repairs/Adjustments:
The VA has a centralized hearing aid service program to assist veterans in their hearing aid needs.

If a veteran requires an aid to be repaired, contact your Audiology Clinic for information for repair information.

Most hearing aids are under a one year warranty period. During this warranty period, repairs are covered by the VA through this process. Hearing aids older than 5 years are not recommended to be for service unless in very good condition as when aids are not deemed repairable they are not always sent back to the veteran.

Veterans are responsible for obtaining their replacement hearing aids batteries and filters for over-the-ear filters for VA issued hearing aids also through the VA Denver Acquisition & Logistics Center (905A). A special card for hearing aid batteries is included in the box when veteran receives hearing aid(s).

ENT Referrals:
Patient requiring ENT referral due to suspicious finding during your examination will be examined by a VA ENT specialist. The patient will need to communicate this requirement with their appointed VA primary care provider to facilitate the consultation. They will require your case history. Private sector ENT will not be paid for by the VA unless special authorization is pre-approved.

Patient Education Information Regarding Hearing Aids:
Enclosed in your packet is a handout that is given to veteran patients to assist in educating about the VA issued hearing aids

In a recent comment I received about a mistake on DD-214, I thought I would post what is recommeded. Since I don’t know if anyone reads the comments.
Beside’s, this is something that I am sure that some veterans may find useful in knowing if it is realized that there is a mistake on their DD-214.

The form that is needed is the DD-149. (Application for Correction of Military Record).
This is a two page form. The first form is the request to have the mistake(s) changed and the second page is where to send the form once completed.

It is recommend that if you are a member of a Veteran’s Organization, contact your Post Service Officer in filing and sending in the form. If you are not a member of a Veterans’ Organization… Then it is recommend that you contact then your local Veterans’ Bureau and set-up an appointment with the Veterans’ Service Representative.
This is recommended if your are not familiar with filling out the paperwork, have any questions or concerns. Beside’s, if you decide to file the request yourself and you have forgotten something or missed a step in the procedure, your request will more than likely be denied.

The form is available on-line. The form is in pdf format and you need Adobe to open and print; DD-419.

Military.com is hosting the Detroit Military Career Fair.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

At the Holiday Inn, (Detroit, South).    

17201 Northline Road.

Southgate, MI 48195.

Get direction or call 734.283.4400.

You must Register to attend and receive updates about this event.

This is to let you know that I will be participating in the Monroe Evening News “Meet the Bloggers”.
I will be at the Monroe County Fair. Thursday, July 31, 2008, 6-8 p.m. At the Monroe Evening News booth. Located inside the MB&T Building.

If you have any suggestions, comments, post ideas… Please, stop on by and share them with me.

I look forward to meeting everyone that reads Veteran’s Review. As well as hear what you have to say about it.

Thank you.

Information & How to get to the Monroe County Fair.

The Matt Urban Memorial Committee are now selling bricks to raise funds for the building and placement of the future Memorial to Lt. Col. Matt Urban. The bricks will be placed around the Memorial site.

The bricks available measure 4″ X 5″. 3 lines available, 14 characters per line. Up to 42 letters. Each punctuation mark and space counts for their own box.

The price for each brick is $100.00

Committee reserves the right of review for text approval.

Proof will be furnished for approval before final production.

At the writing of this, there are 72 bricks avalilable.
To obtain a order form or have any questions. Contact Wayne Blank at 734.241.9131

Also, you can request an order form by emailing me at veteransreview@hotmail.com
Forms are in pdf format and you need Adobe to open.

I would like to add that I attempted to post a link to have the order form available on-line. Unfortunately, the service’s used for Veteran’s Review do not support pdf format.

Monday, July 28, 2008 is VETERAN’S DAY at the 2008 Monroe County Fair.

Any veteran with proper I.D. will be admitted
FREE until 5:00 p.m.

Proper I.D. Includes;

1. Membership Card from a National Veterans Organization
2. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Identification Card
3. Current Serving, Military Identification Card
4. Discharge Papers (DD-214)

The Monroe County Fair runs from
July 27 - August 2, 2008
Gates opens at 9:00 am

The Monroe County Fair Grounds are located at
3775 S. Custer Rd. Monroe, MI 48161
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Telephone: (734) 241-5775
Web Site: http://www.monroecountyfair.com/

Have you ever looked for greeting cards just for our veterans and not had any luck finding any? Well look no further. Visit cards4heroes.com for a great selection of Veteran Appreciation Cards.

Cards4heroes.com has a wide selection of patriotic and military greeting cards and gifts, with many specifically for veterans. The online store has cards for virtually every holiday and special occasion. And, there are cards especially for each service branch – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and even a few just for Reservists and Merchant Marines.

This unique store also has plenty of cards for active-duty servicemembers. So you can support our troops with special cards of encouragement and thanks. And, there are plenty of cards and gifts for those special military moments, such as graduations, enlistments, and promotions. There are even touching military sympathy cards suitable for the families of veterans who have passed on. The company designs and manufactures their own line of greeting cards and stationery, selling them exclusively on their website. So you won’t find these anywhere else.

With a product line of over 700 items to choose from, with new products added frequently, you could spend hours browsing at cards4heroes.com. They also have a wish list feature that lets save your favorite products for future purchase or to share with others. Their shopping pages are secure and they accept all major credit cards. You can even order by phone, fax or mail.

This Michigan company also donates 10% of profits to military-related charities. So, not only do you get nice cards and gifts to give to your favorite veterans and troops, but your gifts keep on giving through the donations the company makes.

Visit http://www.cards4heroes.com/ today to find that special card for your special veteran and save 15% on your first order. To receive your 15% discount, just enter VetReview15 in the coupon code box during online checkout or mention it when placing an order by phone. (One use per customer.)

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I personally would like to add that Cards4heroes link will be available for future reference in “Veteran’s Related Sites”.

Also, Thank you to Cards4heroes.com for their contribution to on Veteran’s Review. As well as providing a special discount to the readers of this site. A special thank you to Donna N. for her efforts in making this post possiable.
 

H.R. 634: The American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act has pass all legislative branches and the Bill became law on July 17, 2008.
American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act.
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Complete details of the bill can be read at OpenCongress.com

My opinion on this:
So the law is passed and now we just have to wait until these coins become available.
Since these are Commemorative Coins, I don’t think that they will be in circulation to the public.
More then likely, they will be offered on TV and retail markets that specialize in coins.

There are certain groups and organizations that have been trying to get the recognition for Congress to issue a Official Medal for those who served during the Cold War. And repeatedly, it has always failed. Why? Because of the estimated costs that it will be to produce and distribute the Medal to the individual’s who are entitled to them.

Wasn’t there a recent new story saying that it costs more to make a single penny then the actual value of the penny itself?

A Bill to Commemorate Veterans who are Disabled for Life????

I think the time and money should have went for something other for veterans besides a coin.
Perhaps… Issue an Official Cold War Medal. Funding to aid veterans and their families that are going through a difficult time. I’m sure that there are more, I just can’t think of them all.

Hey!, I just had a thought. “Will all the veterans that are disabled for life receive a FREE coin?
If so, then I’ll get one too.

I would be really surprised if that happened but, I really doubt it

VA and Courts Ignore Promises Made to Veterans: CONGRESS MUST ACT

Washington, D.C. – Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, will hold a press conference today at noon to announce the introduction of the Agent Orange Equity Act. The bill restores equity to all Vietnam veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange.

“We owe it to our veterans to fulfill the promises made to them as a result of their service,” said Chairman Filner (D-CA). “If, as a result of service, a veteran was exposed to Agent Orange and it has resulted in failing health, this country has a moral obligation to care for each veteran the way we promised we would. And as a country at war, we must prove that we will be there for all of our veterans, no matter when they serve. The courts have turned their backs on our veterans, but I believe this Congress will not allow our veterans to be cheated of their earned benefits.”

The Agent Orange Equity Act of 2008 would clarify the laws related to VA benefits provided to Vietnam War veterans suffering from the ravages of Agent Orange exposure. In order to try to gain a better military vantage point, Agent Orange, which we now know is a highly toxic cocktail of herbicide agents, was widely sprayed for defoliation and crop destruction purposes all over the Vietnam War Battlefield, as well as nearby nations. It was also stored on U.S. vessels and used for vegetation clearing purposes around U.S. bases, landing zones and lines of communication.

Currently, VA requires Vietnam veterans to prove “foot on land” in order to qualify for the presumptions of service-connection for herbicide-exposure related illnesses afforded under current law. This issue has been the subject of much litigation and on May 8, 2008, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals upheld VA’s overly narrow interpretation. Congress clearly did not intend to exclude these veterans from compensation based on arbitrary geographic line drawing by VA.

The Agent Orange Equity Act of 2008 is intended to clarify the law so that every service member awarded the Vietnam Service medal, or who otherwise deployed to land, sea or air, in the Republic of Vietnam is fully covered by the comprehensive Agent Orange laws Congress passed in 1991. If enacted, this bill will make it easier for VA to process Vietnam War veterans’ claims for service-connected conditions that scientists have conclusively linked to toxic exposures during the Vietnam War and that are identified in current law.

With this legislation, Congress will leave no doubt that the “Blue Water Navy” and all combat veterans of Vietnam are intended to be covered and compensated; thus ensuring that these veterans will receive the disability benefits they earned and deserve for exposure to Agent Orange.

** From the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs.

Note: I will post an update as soon as the results are made available.