Veterans Report - Week of October 08, 2012

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Veterans Report - Week of October 08, 2012

Stop Loss Pay Deadline Nears
Former servicemembers eligible for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program have until Oct. 21, 2012 to apply. The program benefits retired and former servicemembers who were involuntarily held on active duty beyond their enlistment period or their approved retirement or separation date. The inclusive periods are Oct. 2, 2001 - Jan. 31, 2003 and May 2 - Dec. 31, 2003. Servicemembers who qualify may be eligible for up to $500 per month compensation for each month they were affected. For more information or to file a claim, visit the Department of Defense (http://www.defense.gov/stoploss) Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay website.


Veterans Stymied by VA Backlog
A national analysis by the Center for Investigative Reporting has found that nearly 825,000 veterans nationwide are stymied by a bureaucratic backlog that has delayed payments for war-related disabilities. President Barack Obama pledged in August 2009 to cut the backlog, and his administration has increased spending on staff and operations. Still, the wait times lengthen. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays veterans $123 to $2,673 a month, tax-free, for injuries and illnesses sustained in military service. A map of where in the country the backlogs are greatest is on the (http://cironline.org/reports/map-where- ... worst-3792) Center for Investigative Reporting website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Deal of the Week: Lowes Discount
Active duty, Active reserve, retired military and immediate family members can get a 10% discount year-round at Lowe's. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View all Military Deals and Discounts


VA Committed to Ending Homelessness
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to end veteran homelessness. If you or someone you know is homeless or about to become homeless, you can call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838). Learn more about resources for homeless veterans at VA's Homeless Veterans website at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/) www.va.gov/homeless/.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Legal Services Program for Vets
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) has launched a new program through its Lawyers Serving Warriors? project to provide free representation to veterans applying for a new federal disability benefit ? Combat‐Related Special Compensation (CRSC). CRSC is available to veterans who are medically retired for disability (either because they are on permanent disability retirement or the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL). CRSC can provide a veteran with hundreds of dollars per month in additional tax‐free compensation in Addition to whatever compensation the veteran is receiving from the VA or the military department. For more information and to request assistance with a CRSC application, visit the National Veterans Legal Services Program website at (http://www.nvlsp.org/) www.nvlsp.org/.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Veterans Crisis Line
The (http://www.va.gov/ext_redirect.asp?url= ... sline.net/) Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to veterans in crisis, as well as their family and friends. Save the Veterans Crisis Line number on your phone: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1 for Veterans). You can also chat online or text professional responders at 838255. For more information, visit the Veterans (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) Crisis Line website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


$300,000 Financial Security for $1 a Day
Is your family protected? Tomorrow is never guaranteed -- (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?mrvr1008.nl) get $300,000 financial security for your family starting at $1 a day.


Say Thank You To our Troops
A $10 contribution provides a $50 gift card good at over 18,000 restaurants nationwide to an American Hero. The gift is tax-deductible too. (http://www.thanksabunch.org/milcom/?oid ... RC=mrvr.nl) Say "thanks a bunch" today.


New Grants for VA Cemeteries
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of 18 grants totaling $47,462,135 to 15 states and one tribal government to establish new veterans cemeteries and to expand or improve others. A list of the grantees is available on the (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressre ... fm?id=2396) VA website. Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, who die while on active duty or who serve a period of active duty service as required by law, their spouses, and eligible dependent children may be buried in a state Veterans cemetery. States, territories or tribal governments may impose additional limitations. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000 or from VA's Burial and Memorial Benefits website at (http://www.cem.va.gov) www.cem.va.gov.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Veteran Talent Wanted: Hertz
Hertz is Committed to Hiring Hundreds of Veterans. At Hertz we share the military's values of discipline, hard work, and dedication. Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. Whether you are looking for an entry level position or a management role, Hertz can provide the opportunities to grow, learn, and be challenged as well as provide you with the tools to succeed. Come back and join a team that appreciates all that you have done for your country and is ready to (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) help you use your skills to better your life.


New Veteran Licenses in Kentucky
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has announced that military veterans in Kentucky can now be issued a driver's license with a new "Veteran" designation thanks to a new state law. The word "VETERAN" will be printed vertically and in capital letters along the right border of the license holder's photo. To obtain a license with the designation, a veteran must present a DD214 ? the Department of Defense form that verifies service ? at the office of the local circuit court clerk, where driver's licenses are issued. The new driver's license can be used to confirm veteran status for businesses in Kentucky that want to offer discounts to veterans.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


View 2013 Proposed Military Pay Charts
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay increase for 2013. The Senate has yet to present a National Defense budget proposal. If passed the military pay increase will go into effect on January 1, 2013 and will be reflected by the mid-January pay date. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Take a look at the 2013 military pay charts to see what you may be getting next year.


VA Improves Programs for Women Vets
VA's commitment to improve women health services and to close a "gender gap" in preventive health services is making women veterans feel more welcome at Department of Veteran Affairs hospitals and clinics after years of making them feel as if they weren't really veterans. Since 2008 VA has put over 1500 primary care providers through a 40-hour program to help them gain a better understanding of issues like birth control, maternity care, and PTSD in women.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,250699,00.html) Read Tom's latest Military Report to learn more about the strides taken by the VA to help women veterans.


New Women's Clinic in Virginia
The Hampton VA Medical Center recently opened a new standalone women's clinic. The $3.5 million, 11,500-square-foot facility will be a "one-stop shop" that will offer comprehensive care to women. More than 10,000 women veterans are enrolled to receive care at the Hampton center, which serves southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The new clinic includes examining rooms for primary and gynecological care, a pharmacy, and a mental health wing that will be staffed by psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses and social workers. For more information on the medical center, visit the Hampton VA Medical Center website at (http://www.hampton.va.gov/) www.hampton.va.gov/.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Benefits of a VA Loan in Today's Market
One of the unique benefits afforded to military personnel is access to the Veterans Affairs Home Mortgage Loan program. This program offers tremendous mortgage benefits to active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and some surviving spouses. A VA home loan can be used for a number of purposes, including purchasing or building a new home, refinancing a current mortgage, repairing or improving your existing home, or installing home efficiency measures. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See more benefits of a VA Loan in today's market.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA Loan.


5 Recession Proof Industries
Job searching has become a bit of a challenge in today's uncertain economic climate. If a lucky job seeker finds a job in this recession, he may have to ask himself if he'll still be employed in six months to a year. Here are the 5 recession proof industries: Health Care, Education, Security, Environmental Sciences and Government. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more on Military.com.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Search For Jobs with employers hiring veterans.


Help for Depression
October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. Depression is a very common condition affecting more than 20 million adults in the United States each year. Depression is treatable and beatable! If you or someone you know is in a crisis, seek help immediately: (1) call 911; (2) visit the emergency room or speak to a healthcare provider; or (3) call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to speak with a trained counselor-- this is a 24-hour toll-free hotline provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Screening tools, tips and more information about depression can be found at the following websites: (1) Militarymentalhealth at (http://www.militarymentalhealth.org) www.militarymentalhealth.org, (2) Help Yourself.Help Others at (http://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org) www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org, (3) Screening for Mental Health at (http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org) www.mentalhealthscreening.org, (4) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at
(http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Depression/) www.cdc.gov/Features/Depression/ and (5) the Helpguide at (http://www.helpguide.org) www.helpguide.org.
For more support resources for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


New Vet Clinic in Georgia
The Trinka Davis Veterans Village recently opened in Carrollton, Georgia. The new 25,000-square-foot outpatient clinic and community living center will serve about 3,000 local veterans. Services will include primary care, home based primary care, mental health, physical and occupational therapy, vision, dental, podiatry (foot medicine), audiology and other specialties from visiting medical specialists and tele-medicine through the latest technology in video teleconferencing. And adjacent 42-bed, 48,000-square-foot community living center Isis due to open in the near future. Patients wanting to sign up for VA services or needing information can visit the clinic on weekdays, from 8 a.m. To 4 p.m. The phone number at the Carrollton center to call for information is 404-321-6111, extension 2656 or 2657.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


West Virginia Launches Vet Survey
West Virginia lawmakers have launched a comprehensive survey to learn more about the state's legions of military veterans and their needs before the next legislative session. The survey is mailing more than 8,000 postcards to veterans this week, inviting them to take part. Veterans also can call a toll-free number to schedule a phone interview, or take the survey online. To encourage participation, those completing the survey may enter a drawing for $500 worth of Visa cash gift cards. The survey is available at (http://www.wvmilitarysurvey.com/) www.wvmilitarysurvey.com/. If you need assistance with the online survey, have questions, or would like to schedule a time to complete the survey by phone, call the toll-free number 1-855-299-6605.


Top 10 Sequestration FAQs
Check out House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller's and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon's answers to Military.com's member's 10 most frequently asked questions on sequestration. The FAQs were taken from a live Q&A event which was featured on the Military Advantage Blog on September 20, 2012.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... tion-faqs/) Visit the Military Advantage blog to view the Top 10 Sequestration FAQs.


VA Loan 101 Advantages for First-Time Homebuyers
Provided they meet the qualifying guidelines set by the Department of Veterans Affairs, all veterans can take advantage of VA home loans. But (http://valoan.military.com/3365/va-loan ... ESRC=vr.nl) first-time homebuyers might find some of the benefits of these loans particularly helpful.


VA Offers Mental Health Toolkit
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed a new online Community Provider Toolkit at (http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/communityproviders) www.mentalhealth.va.gov/communityproviders aimed at delivering support, therapeutic tools, and resources to community providers treating Veterans for mental health concerns. The goal of the Community Provider Toolkit not only provides information about accessing, communicating with, and, if needed, making referrals to VA, but also provides effective tools to assist Veterans who are dealing with a variety of mental health challenges. For more information, visit VA's Mental Health website at (http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/) www.mentalhealth.va.gov or VA's National Center for PTSD website at (http://www.ptsd.va.gov) www.ptsd.va.gov to find educational materials.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


USAA Military Transition Open House
USAA Financial Centers in the San Diego area will be hosting Military Transition Open House events for service members who are preparing to deploy, PCS, or separate from the military. Participants will be able to meet the author of The Military Advantage and get a free signed copy of his book, in addition to getting face-to-face personalized financial guidance from a USAA Certified Financial Planner. The events will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the following San Diego area locations:

October 11 ? The San Diego USAA Financial Center located at the Fenton Market, 2431 Fenton Parkway, San Diego.
October 12 ? The Oceanside USAA Financial Center located at the Pacific Coast Plaza, 2178 Vista Way, Suite E-5, Oceanside.
Future Military Transition Open House events will be held at the following locations:

October 23 ?The Fort Campbell USAA Financial Center located at 2965 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Suite 600 Clarksville, TN. Fenton Market, 2431 Fenton Parkway, San Diego.
October 24 and 25 ? The Fort Bragg USAA Financial Centers located on Skibo Road in Fayetteville, NC.
October 26 ? The Camp Lejeune USAA Financial Center located at 1447 Western Boulevard, Suite 100 Jacksonville, NC.