Veterans Report - Week of February 11, 2013
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 4:14 pm
Veterans Report - Week of February 11, 2013
$300k Coverage as Low as $20 a Month
Protect your family for less. Get $300k life insurance protection for as little as $20 a month. Need more coverage? (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =vr0211.nl) Find personalized coverage today.
VA Seeks to Reduce Claims Process Time
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a new initiative that could eliminate the requirement for an in-person medical examination for some Veterans and shorten the time it takes to process veterans' disability compensation claims. Under the initiative called Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE), a VA medical provider completes a (http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION ... pandable=1) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) by reviewing existing medical evidence. This evidence may then alleviate the need for some veterans to report for an in-person examination. The ACE initiative is a part of the VBA's agency-wide Transformation Plan. To learn more about VBA Transformation Initiatives, visit VA's Claims Transformation Plan webpage at (http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/) benefits.va.gov/transformation.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Get Your Deployment Financial Checklist
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that they're well taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this, but they can also become a source of friction. (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more and get your financial checklist.
New Surcharges on VISA Purchases
As of January 27, merchants in the United States and U.S. Territories are permitted to impose a surcharge on any credit card transaction that uses a MasterCard or Visa branded card, which includes the Government Travel Charge Card, both Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs). This surcharge is permitted to be charged in all states except ten states. This new surcharge has been authorized reimbursable expense while on official travel. The Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) have been updated accordingly, effective 27 January 2013. If a traveler is charged this surcharge, they should add it as a separate expense under the Non-Mileage Expense section of their voucher, ensuring that the additional surcharge is not also included in the total of the related expense. For additional information, visit the (http://usa.visa.com/personal/using_visa ... index.html) VISA website.
For more credit and debt tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.
5 VA Loan Myths Busted
VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get answers to 5 common VA Loan myths on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0211.nl) Next Step: Connect with lenders who are ready to help you buy or refi with your VA Loan benefit.
2013 Tax Changes: Should You Be Worried?
Here's a look at the laws that could wage a multipronged attack on your wallet and what you can do to prepare. Over the last few years, Americans have observed a series of tense Capitol Hill confrontations over what to do about expiring tax code provisions. While each was significant, their scale is dwarfed by what looms at the end of this year: Without action by Congress, Americans face a half-trillion-dollar tax hike in 2013, according to the Tax Foundation -- a scenario so ominous that pundits have nicknamed it "taxmageddon." (http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;266811177 ... ance/taxes) Read the Full Article.
VA Disability Compensation Increases
VA disability compensation along with VA pensions, retired pay and annuities have increased for 2013. Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment. The increase is due to an annual (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... d-pay.html) cost of living adjustment (COLA) that ensures compensation benefits for Veterans and survivors keep pace with inflation.
For more on disability compensation, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ation.html) Military.com Benefits Center.
AF Renews NASCAR Sponsorship
The Air Force renewed its NASCAR partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 43 car driven by Aric Almirola, a 28-year-old driver who was born on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and whose father served in the Air Force. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in two of 36 NASCAR points races this season. For more information, visit the Aric Almirola website at (http://www.aricalmirola.com/) www.aricalmirola.com and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series website at (http://www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html) www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html.
For more on military-related sports events, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
Women Veterans and Heart Disease
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently joined the nation in celebrating National Wear Red Day today to educate women Veterans about the risks of heart disease--the leading cause of death in American women and women Veterans. Cardiovascular disease frequently affects the fastest-growing demographic in VA's female patient population--those who served in the Vietnam, post-Vietnam, and Gulf War I eras. Nearly one-third of women Veterans under VA care have high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure. A VA cardiovascular workgroup is examining ways to improve women Veterans' heart health. To learn more about VA programs and services for women Veterans, visit VA's Center for Women Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/womenvet) www.va.gov/womenvet and VA's Women Veterans Healthcare webpage at (http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/) www.womenshealth.va.gov
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
National African-American History Month
February is National African-American History Month. This year's theme is "At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington." The Emancipation Proclamation is 150 years old, and the March on Washington is 50 years old. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... e=BH_Index) Military.com Black History Month page, the National African-American History Month website at (http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/) www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov, the National Register of Historic Places website at (http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/afam/) www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/afam/, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website at (http://www.asalh.org/) www.asalh.org and the History.com website at (http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-month) www.history.com/topics/black-history-month.
VA Veteran Suicide Report
The Department of Veterans Affairs has released a comprehensive report on veterans who die by suicide. The report indicates the estimated total number of veterans who have died by suicide has increased. VA has implemented comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives, including a toll-free Veterans Crisis Line, placement of suicide prevention coordinators at all VA medical centers and large outpatient facilities, and improvements in case management and reporting. Information from the report is expected to strengthen these activities. Immediate help is available at (http://www.VeteransCrisisLine.net) www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or by calling the Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (push 1) or texting 838255. The full report can be found on VA's website at (http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Suicide-Data ... -final.pdf) www.va.gov/opa/docs/Suicide-Data-Report-2012-final.pdf long with a (http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Response-and ... -final.pdf) summary response from VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Robert A. Petzel.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Returning Home? Meet Your New Uniform
As you join the rank and file of civilian life, one of your first moves will be to refresh those suits you mothballed when you enlisted. Or, if you joined the services out of high school, you'll start building a business wardrobe for the first time. The modern suit flatters almost every body type, but before you run out and buy one, read this guide to determine what to look for in a suit. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... ESRC=vr.nl) Full Story.
DoD, VA Scrap Shared Records Program
The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are scrapping their joint effort to create an Integrated Electronic Health Record (iEHR) system by 2017, after spending about $1 billion on the project. The iEHR was previously lauded by VA and DoD as a solution to the ongoing problem of incompatibility between the two departments' electronic health record systems (VA's VISTA and DoD's ALTA). James E. Koutz, national commander of The American Legion, said, "... our veterans are the real losers in this decision. Without a joint DoD-VA record that is easy to access, veterans have to ask for copies, and those requests often take months to process."
For more on military records, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a great time to begin your journey to healthy living. Your VA health team will work with you on your eating habits, weight control, and exercise program. Learn your risks for heart disease and more on Department of Veterans' Affairs' (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... -Heart.asp) How to Have a Healthy Heart webpage.
For more fitness guides, tips and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.
Register for the March 29 Spouse Experience
Calling all military spouses: Military.com will be hosting the March 29th Spouse Experience in Aviano, Italy. This is a free event for all past, present and future military spouses! Military.com's Spouse Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive event presented by military spouses for military spouses. Every year Military.com's Spouse Experience brings together thousands of military spouses to extend support to the women and men on the homefront. The event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. In a fast-paced, on-your-feet, NO-Power-Point, win-a-prize workshop, the SpouseBuzz experts bring their best insider tips on the top four concerns of military spouses. (http://aviano.eventbrite.com/#?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Learn more and register here.
Retiree IDs Now Have Expiration Date
Blue retiree identification cards issued prior to December, 2012 had the word "indef" instead of an expiration date. Since December, retiree cards issued have an expiration date effective the day before the retiree's 65th birthday. Although benefits will not automatically expire, some changes will take effect based on Medicare eligibility. Retirees who have the new card showing the expiration date will get a replacement card showing the indefinite status once they turn 65. Retirees who need to renew their retiree ID card can go to the nearest Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System office (military personnel section), or call their nearest RAPIDS facility for assistance and guidance.
For more on military IDs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Hertz Committed to Hiring 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 help you use your skills to better your life. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find out more.
New Registry Coming
A new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) registry, mandated by Congress, will be used to try to determine if there is a link between the burn pits that dotted Iraq and Afghanistan during two wars and long-term health problems in some American veterans. Military personnel who were stationed near an open burn pit will be able to sign up. Researchers will use the database to monitor health trends in participants, and the VA will alert them to major problems detected. VA will announce how to sign up once the registry is available. For more information, visit VA's Burn Pits webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... /index.asp) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
$300k Coverage as Low as $20 a Month
Protect your family for less. Get $300k life insurance protection for as little as $20 a month. Need more coverage? (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =vr0211.nl) Find personalized coverage today.
VA Seeks to Reduce Claims Process Time
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a new initiative that could eliminate the requirement for an in-person medical examination for some Veterans and shorten the time it takes to process veterans' disability compensation claims. Under the initiative called Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE), a VA medical provider completes a (http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION ... pandable=1) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) by reviewing existing medical evidence. This evidence may then alleviate the need for some veterans to report for an in-person examination. The ACE initiative is a part of the VBA's agency-wide Transformation Plan. To learn more about VBA Transformation Initiatives, visit VA's Claims Transformation Plan webpage at (http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/) benefits.va.gov/transformation.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Get Your Deployment Financial Checklist
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that they're well taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this, but they can also become a source of friction. (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more and get your financial checklist.
New Surcharges on VISA Purchases
As of January 27, merchants in the United States and U.S. Territories are permitted to impose a surcharge on any credit card transaction that uses a MasterCard or Visa branded card, which includes the Government Travel Charge Card, both Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs). This surcharge is permitted to be charged in all states except ten states. This new surcharge has been authorized reimbursable expense while on official travel. The Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) have been updated accordingly, effective 27 January 2013. If a traveler is charged this surcharge, they should add it as a separate expense under the Non-Mileage Expense section of their voucher, ensuring that the additional surcharge is not also included in the total of the related expense. For additional information, visit the (http://usa.visa.com/personal/using_visa ... index.html) VISA website.
For more credit and debt tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.
5 VA Loan Myths Busted
VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get answers to 5 common VA Loan myths on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0211.nl) Next Step: Connect with lenders who are ready to help you buy or refi with your VA Loan benefit.
2013 Tax Changes: Should You Be Worried?
Here's a look at the laws that could wage a multipronged attack on your wallet and what you can do to prepare. Over the last few years, Americans have observed a series of tense Capitol Hill confrontations over what to do about expiring tax code provisions. While each was significant, their scale is dwarfed by what looms at the end of this year: Without action by Congress, Americans face a half-trillion-dollar tax hike in 2013, according to the Tax Foundation -- a scenario so ominous that pundits have nicknamed it "taxmageddon." (http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;266811177 ... ance/taxes) Read the Full Article.
VA Disability Compensation Increases
VA disability compensation along with VA pensions, retired pay and annuities have increased for 2013. Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment. The increase is due to an annual (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... d-pay.html) cost of living adjustment (COLA) that ensures compensation benefits for Veterans and survivors keep pace with inflation.
For more on disability compensation, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ation.html) Military.com Benefits Center.
AF Renews NASCAR Sponsorship
The Air Force renewed its NASCAR partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 43 car driven by Aric Almirola, a 28-year-old driver who was born on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and whose father served in the Air Force. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in two of 36 NASCAR points races this season. For more information, visit the Aric Almirola website at (http://www.aricalmirola.com/) www.aricalmirola.com and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series website at (http://www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html) www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html.
For more on military-related sports events, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
Women Veterans and Heart Disease
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently joined the nation in celebrating National Wear Red Day today to educate women Veterans about the risks of heart disease--the leading cause of death in American women and women Veterans. Cardiovascular disease frequently affects the fastest-growing demographic in VA's female patient population--those who served in the Vietnam, post-Vietnam, and Gulf War I eras. Nearly one-third of women Veterans under VA care have high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure. A VA cardiovascular workgroup is examining ways to improve women Veterans' heart health. To learn more about VA programs and services for women Veterans, visit VA's Center for Women Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/womenvet) www.va.gov/womenvet and VA's Women Veterans Healthcare webpage at (http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/) www.womenshealth.va.gov
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
National African-American History Month
February is National African-American History Month. This year's theme is "At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington." The Emancipation Proclamation is 150 years old, and the March on Washington is 50 years old. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... e=BH_Index) Military.com Black History Month page, the National African-American History Month website at (http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/) www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov, the National Register of Historic Places website at (http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/afam/) www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/afam/, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website at (http://www.asalh.org/) www.asalh.org and the History.com website at (http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-month) www.history.com/topics/black-history-month.
VA Veteran Suicide Report
The Department of Veterans Affairs has released a comprehensive report on veterans who die by suicide. The report indicates the estimated total number of veterans who have died by suicide has increased. VA has implemented comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives, including a toll-free Veterans Crisis Line, placement of suicide prevention coordinators at all VA medical centers and large outpatient facilities, and improvements in case management and reporting. Information from the report is expected to strengthen these activities. Immediate help is available at (http://www.VeteransCrisisLine.net) www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or by calling the Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (push 1) or texting 838255. The full report can be found on VA's website at (http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Suicide-Data ... -final.pdf) www.va.gov/opa/docs/Suicide-Data-Report-2012-final.pdf long with a (http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Response-and ... -final.pdf) summary response from VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Robert A. Petzel.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Returning Home? Meet Your New Uniform
As you join the rank and file of civilian life, one of your first moves will be to refresh those suits you mothballed when you enlisted. Or, if you joined the services out of high school, you'll start building a business wardrobe for the first time. The modern suit flatters almost every body type, but before you run out and buy one, read this guide to determine what to look for in a suit. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... ESRC=vr.nl) Full Story.
DoD, VA Scrap Shared Records Program
The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are scrapping their joint effort to create an Integrated Electronic Health Record (iEHR) system by 2017, after spending about $1 billion on the project. The iEHR was previously lauded by VA and DoD as a solution to the ongoing problem of incompatibility between the two departments' electronic health record systems (VA's VISTA and DoD's ALTA). James E. Koutz, national commander of The American Legion, said, "... our veterans are the real losers in this decision. Without a joint DoD-VA record that is easy to access, veterans have to ask for copies, and those requests often take months to process."
For more on military records, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a great time to begin your journey to healthy living. Your VA health team will work with you on your eating habits, weight control, and exercise program. Learn your risks for heart disease and more on Department of Veterans' Affairs' (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... -Heart.asp) How to Have a Healthy Heart webpage.
For more fitness guides, tips and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.
Register for the March 29 Spouse Experience
Calling all military spouses: Military.com will be hosting the March 29th Spouse Experience in Aviano, Italy. This is a free event for all past, present and future military spouses! Military.com's Spouse Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive event presented by military spouses for military spouses. Every year Military.com's Spouse Experience brings together thousands of military spouses to extend support to the women and men on the homefront. The event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. In a fast-paced, on-your-feet, NO-Power-Point, win-a-prize workshop, the SpouseBuzz experts bring their best insider tips on the top four concerns of military spouses. (http://aviano.eventbrite.com/#?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Learn more and register here.
Retiree IDs Now Have Expiration Date
Blue retiree identification cards issued prior to December, 2012 had the word "indef" instead of an expiration date. Since December, retiree cards issued have an expiration date effective the day before the retiree's 65th birthday. Although benefits will not automatically expire, some changes will take effect based on Medicare eligibility. Retirees who have the new card showing the expiration date will get a replacement card showing the indefinite status once they turn 65. Retirees who need to renew their retiree ID card can go to the nearest Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System office (military personnel section), or call their nearest RAPIDS facility for assistance and guidance.
For more on military IDs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Hertz Committed to Hiring 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 help you use your skills to better your life. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find out more.
New Registry Coming
A new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) registry, mandated by Congress, will be used to try to determine if there is a link between the burn pits that dotted Iraq and Afghanistan during two wars and long-term health problems in some American veterans. Military personnel who were stationed near an open burn pit will be able to sign up. Researchers will use the database to monitor health trends in participants, and the VA will alert them to major problems detected. VA will announce how to sign up once the registry is available. For more information, visit VA's Burn Pits webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... /index.asp) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.