VA-Jobs and Health Care

“Innovation Initiative” Underway for Health Records Improvements

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki launched the “Veterans Health IT Innovation Initiative,” an employee-based Health Information Technology (HIT) competition to spur VA’s transformation into a 21st Century organization that is Veteran-centric, results-oriented, and forward-looking.

“This competition is rooted in the simple belief that the people who work on the front lines of VA know best how to improve health care and quality, access, and transparency in service to our Nation’s Veterans,” said Secretary Shinseki. “At VA, we always want to look for new ways to improve the care we deliver.”

From now until Feb. 28, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Office of Information & Technology (OI&T) government and contract employees can submit their innovative ideas, comment on ideas, and vote on ideas. One hundred of the ideas will be selected and employees will be invited to submit full proposals.

"We’re looking to bring innovation back to our Health IT systems," said Roger Baker, VA’s Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology. “This initiative will tap into the incredible talent across VHA and OI&T.”

The Innovation Initiative will allow employees to enter health information technology ideas in a variety of categories, such as engaging Veterans in their care, helping medical providers, increasing transparency, and improving workflow.

A series of screening panels will review the suggestions. Assistant Secretary Baker and Dr. Gerald Cross, VA’s Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health, will select the top 25 ideas.

"VA's health IT system has always been a collaboration among its community of health care users and a dedicated IT staff,” said Cross. “Many components of our electronic health records system originated in innovations from our health care workforce. This new competition offers employees the opportunity to make VA even more open and effective.”

Miramar National Cemetery Dedicated

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held a dedication ceremony today in San Diego for the Miramar National Cemetery.

“Offering more burial options for Veterans in southern California is a top priority,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “With this cemetery, we are keeping our commitment to provide a final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who sacrificed to protect our Nation.”

VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Steve L. Muro, gave the keynote address and was joined by elected officials as the dedication plaque was unveiled. Military honors included a firing salute and the ceremony ended with the playing of “Taps.”

The 313-acre Miramar National Cemetery will include both gravesite and columbarium development, providing a full range of burial alternatives to approximately 235,000 Veterans in the San Diego County area.

The nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery closed to first interment casketed burials in 1966, although it stays active with casketed interments of family members of those already interred and inurnments of cremated remains. Riverside National Cemetery, 90 miles from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, is currently the nearest national cemetery offering full burial options.

The design contract for $961,004 was awarded to Van Dyke Landscape Architects, a small business firm in San Diego.

The first phase of construction will include approximately 11,500 conventional gravesites; 4,500 in-ground cremation sites; 10,000 columbarium niches; an administration building and maintenance complex; two committal service shelters; and a public assembly area. The project will also include systems for water distribution, roads, utilities, signs and landscaping.

VA chose Kirk Leopard as director of the cemetery. He will continue as the director of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to that appointment, he was director of Baltimore National Cemetery and assistant to the director at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Alabama. In June 2006, he completed 12 months of training as a cemetery director intern at VA’s National Cemetery Administration training center in St. Louis. Leopard is a 21-year Navy Veteran, having served as a hospital corpsman, medical laboratory technician and medical research technician during his military career.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Burials are also open to military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents.

Other burial benefits for eligible Veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker – even if the burial is not in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.4 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000. Additional information about the Miramar National Cemetery is available by calling the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at 619-553-2084. To make burial arrangements at the time of need at any VA national cemetery, call the national cemetery scheduling office at 800-535-1117.

# # #

VA Opens Washington Crossing National Cemetery

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the opening of the 131st national cemetery with the first burials taking place Jan. 20 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pa.

“With the opening of this new national shrine, many thousands of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Veterans and their families will have interment options available nearby, in a setting that is worthy of their service,” said Secretary Shinseki. “Providing lasting tributes to their sacrifices is one of VA’s most honorable missions, and one we are proud to fulfill.”

Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the new 205-acre national cemetery in the Philadelphia area will serve Veterans’ needs for at least the next 50 years. The cemetery, which will serve approximately 580,000 Veterans in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, is located in Bucks County, north of Philadelphia, about three miles northwest of Interstate 95 and less than three miles from Washington Crossing Historic Park.

In January 2008, VA awarded a design contract to Cairone & Kaupp Inc. of Philadelphia. VA has completed a 12-acre early burial area with temporary facilities, which will be followed by a second, larger construction stage of the project.

When that stage is completed, the 64-acre development will provide 15,500 full-casket gravesites, including 15,100 pre-placed crypts, 6,500 in-ground cremation sites and 4,100 columbarium niches.

The new cemetery will also include an administration and public information center complex and public restrooms, a maintenance facility, a cemetery entrance area, a flag assembly area and committal shelters for funeral services. Other infrastructure design elements include roadways, landscaping, utilities and irrigation.

The state’s other VA cemeteries are Philadelphia National Cemetery, Indiantown Gap National Cemetery and the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. The Philadelphia National Cemetery no longer has burial space.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Also eligible are military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents. Other burial benefits available for all eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three and a half million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on nearly 19,000 acres of land.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-1000.

For information on Washington Crossing National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (215) 504-5610. To make burial arrangements at the time of need, call the national cemetery scheduling office at (800) 535-1117.

# # #

VA Efforts To End Homelessness

WASHINGTON – At the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., (DCVAMC), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki joined hundreds of volunteers in support of homeless Veterans in our Nation’s capital.

“I am personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Secretary Shinseki. “No one who has served this Nation as Veterans have should ever be living on the streets.”

Secretary Shinseki, along with 600 other volunteers – many of them VA employees – attended the Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down, an event which brings VA services and 80 community agencies together to provide a full day of support for homeless Veterans. More than 400 Veterans attended the Stand Down seeking health care, employment, education and housing services in a welcoming and safe environment.

“Stand downs like this one, held across the country, provide the one-stop assistance homeless Veterans need,” said Shinseki. “They can access a wide variety of medical and community services in one location, and they are served by staff and volunteers who understand their needs and have the resources at hand to help them immediately.”

Veterans received medical screenings including flu shots, cholesterol, Hepatitis C, HIV, prostate and general physical exams. Consultative services offered include ophthalmology, podiatry, infectious diseases, oral health and women’s health. Psycho-social referrals for Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse were also offered.

Employment support was provided through the DC, MD and VA, Department of Labor Employment Offices, VA Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the DC Coalition for the Homeless. Staff from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) assisted with VA benefits claims. Veterans also enjoyed a generous hot meal, haircuts, comfort kits and plenty of warm clothing.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was a “Lease-up” station supported by the medical center, Housing and Urban Development and the DC Department of Housing. At this station, Veterans with subsidized housing vouchers and those seeking vouchers were screened for immediate placement in available rental units.

# # #

VA to Begin Recovery of Post-9/11 GI Bill Advance Payments

WASHINGTON –The Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to Veterans and servicemembers who applied for education benefits.

“The advance payments were a huge success and helped thousands of student Veterans during the first days of the historic Post-9/11 GI Bill focus on studies and not their finances,” said Keith Wilson, Director of Education Services at VA. “Now, we can get to the business of closing the books on advance payments and focus on supporting Veterans for the spring semester.”

VA will begin sending out notification letters this week explaining the repayment process.

In October VA instituted an advanced payment process for all eligible students who were currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning for the fall 2009 term to ensure that all Veterans and eligible students were able to focus on their academic studies and not be burdened with financial concerns. As part of that process, a web portal was established to allow electronic submission for advance payment. Advance payments were also made on-site at VA offices around the country. At that time student Veterans were told that advance payments would be deducted from future benefit payments.

In collaboration with the Department of Defense, VA will also notify active duty service members who may have mistakenly applied for the advance payment of their options for returning un-cashed checks or reimbursing deposited funds.

VA discontinued advance payments via the website portal following the conclusion of the fall 2009 semester. VA is currently processing approximately 7,000 education benefits daily, up from an average of 2,000 at the beginning of the fall 2009 term. As of January 22 the Department has processed more than 105,000 of the approximately 132,000 spring enrollments received. Since the inception of the historic new program last year, VA has paid out more than $1.3 billion in education benefits, and opened the door to higher education to more than 183,000 Veteran students.

# # #

VA Announces $53 Million for Cape Coral, Fla.

Contract Will Build New Outpatient Clinic

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the award of a $53 million contract to a Florida firm to construct a new clinic in Cape Coral. The new building will replace a Fort Myers facility and expand diagnostic and treatment capacity for southwest Florida’s Veterans.

“Providing 21st century care to Veterans requires constant investment,” said Secretary Shinseki. “This new facility will ensure Florida’s Veterans receive the top-notch care they have earned through their military service.”

The contract from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards more than $53.1 million to Kraft Construction Company Inc. of Naples to construct a 220,000-square-foot building. The multi-story structure will provide a surgery and outpatient support center to meet increased demand for diagnostic procedures, ambulatory surgery and specialty care. The contractor has two years to complete the work.

Last year, VA spent more than $6.3 billion in Florida on behalf of the state’s 1.7 million Veterans. VA operates seven major medical centers in the state, more than 35 outpatient clinics, 12 Vet Centers and seven national cemeteries.

# # #

Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente Share Electronic Health Information to Improve Care for Veterans

Safe and Convenient Exchange of Medical Data

Jan. 6, 2010 (SAN DIEGO) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente recently launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network. This innovative pilot enables clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient’s health using electronic health record information, including information about health issues, medications, and allergies.

“The Department of Veterans Affairs and the entire administration are encouraged by the opportunities that electronic health record interoperability provides for Veterans, Service Members and their dependents,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are proud to join in this effort with Kaiser Permanente and to achieve the benefits of health data exchange, including improved quality, patient safety, and efficiency.”

Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the NHIN provides a technology “gateway” to support interoperability standards and a legal framework for the secure exchange of health information between treating physicians, when authorized by a patient. Clinicians from the participating organizations can electronically, securely, and privately share authorized patient data, ensuring around-the-clock access to critical health information. This immediate electronic access supports increased accuracy, efficiency and safety. It also helps to avoid redundant care and testing.

The new pilot program connects VA’s VistA (Veterans Affairs Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture) and Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®. VA beneficiaries and Kaiser Permanente members in the San Diego area were the first to be offered the opportunity to sign up for the pilot, with the understanding that their information would not be shared without their consent. The program’s next phase will add authorized data from the U.S. Department of Defense’s health care system to this exchange in early 2010. Ultimately, this program is planned to be made available to all Veterans and Service Members.

“Instant access to critical health data can greatly improve not only the care and service for individual patients, but also reduce redundancy and waste in health care, saving precious resources for care delivery,” said John Mattison, MD, assistant medical director and chief medical information officer, Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Enhanced patient safety, efficiency, convenience and doctor-patient communication all can be facilitated by health care information technology, and we have developed a secure and private way to exchange the information caregivers need that we hope will become a model for interoperability in health care.”

Since more than half of America's Veterans and active duty Service Members receive some portion of their health care outside of VA or DOD facilities, interoperability between federal agencies and the private sector is essential to provide the best care for Veterans, Service Members, and their dependents.

With the new health data exchange capability, when a Veteran visits a clinician, prior history data will be available instantly to help guide the best possible treatment in any location that participates in this program. Prior to this project, patients frequently consented to sharing this information; however, it regularly took weeks or even months to receive paper health care documents. Now, this information can be transmitted electronically, within seconds.

A national effort is underway to promote the use of EHRs. Similar to financial institutions securely and seamlessly sharing customer information from different locations and systems, EHRs from different systems can safely, securely and privately provide access to health data from multiple sites of care.

About the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA’s goal is to provide excellence in patient care, Veterans' benefits and customer satisfaction. VA strives for high quality, prompt and seamless service to Veterans. VA’s employees continue to offer their dedication and commitment to help Veterans get the services they have earned. For more information, go to: www.va.gov.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.

# # #

VA’s Home Loan Program a “Continued Success”

Veterans More Likely to Avoid Foreclosure with VA-Backed Loan

WASHINGTON – Despite problems in the nation’s housing market, mortgage loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had a lower foreclosure rate than any other type of home loan in the industry, as of the end of the last fiscal year.

“The dedication of VA’s loan professionals, the support of our partners in the mortgage industry and most importantly, the hard work and sacrifice of our Veterans have made this possible,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is making good on its promise to help Veterans buy homes, and Veterans are achieving their dreams.”

Currently, about 1.3 million active home loans were obtained using VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Program. The program makes home ownership more affordable for Veterans, active-duty members, and some surviving spouses by protecting lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan.

More than 90 percent of VA-guaranteed loans are made without a downpayment. Despite this, VA has the lowest serious delinquency rate in the industry, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Furthermore, VA’s percentage of loans in foreclosure is the lowest of all measured loan types—lower even than prime loans, which require high credit scores and a 20 percent downpayment by the borrower.

Much of the program’s strength stems from the efforts of VA employees and loan servicers nationwide, whose primary mission is to help Veterans stay in their homes, avoid foreclosure and protect their credit lines from the consequences of a foreclosure, Shinseki said.

Depending on the situation, VA’s loan specialists can intervene on a Veteran’s behalf to help pursue home-retention options such as repayment plans, loan modifications and forbearance. Additionally, under certain circumstances, VA can refund a loan, which involves purchasing the loan from the mortgage company and modifying the terms so the Veteran can afford the new mortgage payment.

Since 1944, when home-loan guarantees were offered under the original GI Bill, through the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, VA has guaranteed more than 18.7 million home loans worth $1.04 trillion.

To obtain more information about the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, Veterans can call VA at 1-877-827-3702.

Information can also be obtained at http://www.homeloans.va.gov.

Five-Year Plan Unveiled at Homeless Summit

WASHINGTON – Today, at the “VA National Summit Ending Homelessness among Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector.

“President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Shinseki. “Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.”

Shinseki’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness includes preventive measures like discharge planning for incarcerated Veterans re-entering society, supportive services for low-income Veterans and their families and a national referral center to link Veterans to local service providers. Additionally, the plan calls for expanded efforts for education, jobs, health care and housing.

“Our plan enlarges the scope of VA’s efforts to combat homelessness,” said Shinseki. “In the past, VA focused largely on getting homeless Veterans off the streets. Our five-year plan aims also at preventing them from ever ending up homeless.”

Other features of the plan outlined by Shinseki include:

· The new Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a powerful option for qualified Veterans to pursue a fully funded degree program at a state college or university. It is a major component of the fight against Veteran homelessness.

· VA is collaborating with the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to certify Veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses for listing on the Federal Supply Register, which enhances their visibility and competitiveness – creating jobs for Veterans.

· VA will spend $3.2 billion next year to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans. That includes $2.7 billion on medical services and more than $500 million on specific homeless programs.

· VA aggressively diagnoses and treats the unseen wounds of war that often lead to homelessness – severe isolation, dysfunctional behaviors, depression and substance abuse. Last week, VA and the Defense Department cosponsored a national summit on mental health that will help both agencies better coordinate mental health efforts.

· VA partners with more than 600 community organizations to provide transitional housing to 20,000 Veterans. It also works with 240 public housing authorities to provide permanent housing to homeless Veterans and their families under a partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The VA/HUD partnership will provide permanent housing to more than 20,000 Veterans and their families.

Over the duration of the conference it is expected that over 1,200 homeless service providers from federal and state agencies, the business community, and faith-based and community providers will attend and participate in the summit.

“This is not a summit on homelessness among Veterans,” added Shinseki “It’s a summit on ending homelessness among Veterans.”

Secretary Shinseki Announces $7 Million Grant to Virginia

Commonwealth to Build Third State Veterans Cemetery

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that Veterans living in southwestern Virginia will soon have a final resting place that honors their service to the nation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded $7,218,366 to the Commonwealth of Virginia to establish the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin.

“VA and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services have a strong partnership and work together to provide Veterans the benefits they have earned,” Secretary Shinseki said. “This new state cemetery will forever commemorate their service and sacrifice.”

The grant funds the first phase of construction on approximately 24 acres. The cemetery was created after the transfer of an 80-acre parcel from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant to Virginia last year.

Construction plans include full-casket and cremation burial areas, columbaria for cremation remains, a memorial garden and scattering site, an assembly area, a committal service shelter, a maintenance building, roads, landscaping and supporting infrastructure. Burial areas will include 5,167 standard burial plots, 2,750 pre-placed crypts, 500 in-ground cremains and 625 columbarium niches.

The cemetery will provide burials for 60,000 Veterans and their families in Virginia. The nearest national cemetery is VA’s Mountain Home National Cemetery near Johnson City, Tenn., approximately 134 miles away. The nearest state cemetery is Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, approximately 178 miles away.

Virginia has one other state veterans cemetery, the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk.

VA's State Cemetery Grants Program is designed to complement the department’s 130 national cemeteries across the country. Since 1980, the program has awarded grants totaling more than $368 million to establish, expand or improve 74 Veterans cemeteries in 38 states or territories, including Guam and Saipan. VA-funded state Veterans cemeteries provided nearly 25,000 burials in 2008.

Residents of Virginia who are Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery. For more information about Virginia state Veterans cemeteries contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services by phone at 804-561-1475 or visit its Web site at www.dvs.virginia.gov/cemetery_services.htm.

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 the Internet at www.cem.va.gov.

# # #

Assistant Secretary Duckworth Honored with Women of Distinction Award

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs L. Tammy Duckworth was honored by AAUW/NASPA along with four other women at the University of Maryland, College Park. She accepted the Women of Distinction Award during the 2009 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders.

“Today, we have women serving in combat and being recognized for their valor and fierceness in battle. And when they return home, President Obama and Secretary Shinseki are committed to improving the care that our brave warriors receive,” Assistant Secretary L. Tammy Duckworth said. “I am honored to be here today in the company of such accomplished and talented women.”

Since 1985, the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders has provided a platform to help thousands of college and university women to develop leadership skills, network with other student leaders, and interact with women who hold leadership positions. The 2009 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, June 4-6, is expected to draw more than 300 campus leaders to the University of Maryland, College Park. The conference is hosted by the AAUW Leadership and Training Institute and the NASPA Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women. AAUW is among the world’s leaders in philanthropic support for women’s higher education and is committed to ending the underrepresentation of women and girls in leadership and key professional positions. NASPA, the leading voice for student affairs administration, policy, and practice, affirms the commitment of student affairs to educating the whole student and integrating student life and learning.

This year’s Women of Distinction awardees also include Diane Rehm, host of The Diane Rehm Show; Anucha Browne Sanders, senior associate athletic director of marketing at the University at Buffalo; Martine Rothblatt, founder of United Therapeutics; and Melissa Poe Hood, founder of Kids for a Clean Environment. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, will give Saturday’s keynote address.

People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe to the VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution List.

Over 25,000 Post-9/11 GI Bill Applications Received in First Two Weeks

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that VA has received more than 25,000 claims for education benefits during the first two weeks that Veterans and servicemembers could apply online for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.

“We are very pleased with the tremendous interest in the Post-9/11 GI Bill,” Patrick W. Dunne, VA’s under secretary for benefits, said. “The number of applications submitted in the first two weeks clearly shows the value and importance of this new benefit for Veterans.”

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible individuals with tuition payments to assist them in getting a college education.

Many participants will also receive a housing allowance while they’re studying and a stipend for books and supplies. Under the new GI Bill, certain members of the armed forces may transfer benefits to a spouse or dependent children.

With the large numbers of Veterans and servicemembers expected to apply for the new program, VA projects a 20 percent to 25 percent increase in the total number of participants in VA’s education programs.

Qualified people will receive a “Certificate of Eligibility” and information about their benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Applicants may expect to receive their certificate within 24 days of submission. Under federal law VA cannot pay benefits until Aug. 1, 2009. The new education benefit is for Veterans, servicemembers, reservists, and National Guard members who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001.

Veterans can also apply online through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov. Additionally, paper applications are accepted at VA regional processing offices located in Muskogee, Okla.; Atlanta; St. Louis; and Buffalo, N.Y. Veterans who apply online and provide a specific e-mail address will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of their claims.

The number of education benefits’ applications submitted in the first two weeks is more than three times the rate of benefit applications usually received through the Veterans Online Application system (VONAPP). VONAPP is used for all education benefit programs, as well as for submission of applications for VA disability compensation and pension benefits.

As a result of this unprecedented volume, some applicants experienced slow response times or error messages on Friday, May 1. VA immediately increased system capacity, and by Saturday morning, May 2, system performance was fully restored.

“Because of the large number of applications expected to be received, we encourage Veterans interested in attending school this fall to apply early online,” Dunne added.

Additional information about the new program and VA’s other educational benefit programs can be obtained by visiting VA’s Web site or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

"TSGLI was created to relieve some of the financial burdens on injured military personnel and their families,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “We believe these enhancements to the TSGLI program have made a good program even better.”

VA recently completed a comprehensive review to consider whether the program was meeting its intended purpose, whether new injuries or losses should be added, and whether improvements could be made in how the program is administered.

As a result of this review, VA has increased the number of injuries covered as well as liberalized the criteria of other injuries. New injuries covered include the partial amputation of a hand or foot and the degree of injuries based on severe burns.

Another important change to the TSGLI program is the payment of a $25,000 benefit to service members hospitalized for 15 consecutive days as a result of a traumatic injury. This allows payments to begin earlier and financial help to be provided more quickly.

Changes to benefits are retroactive to October 7, 2001, the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, consistent with the original legislation creating TSGLI.

The TSGLI program is designed to provide severely injured service members and their families with short-term financial assistance. Service members who sustained certain severe injuries are entitled to payments ranging between $25,000 and $100,000.

TSGLI was designed to offset the expenses a service member’s parents or spouse often incur when they move to be with their loved one during long and difficult treatment and rehabilitation periods, frequently causing family members to leave their jobs and homes for extended periods.

Since the program began in 2005, over $309 million in TSGLI benefits has been paid to injured members and their families.

Veterans whose claims for TSGLI benefits were previously disallowed are being contacted if it appears their loss is now eligible for payment due to these changes.

Service members or veterans who sustained severe traumatic injuries are encouraged to check the VA Insurance website at www.insurance.va.gov for eligibility criteria and contact information.

The Web site contains a link to the TSGLI application form, more information about the changes to the TSGLI benefit, and a complete copy of the latest review of the program. For additional information about VA benefits, contact VA’s toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000.

Statement on Nomination of Retired Gen. Eric Shinseki By VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake

WASHINGTON -- "I worked for General Shinseki when he was Army Chief of Staff and am proud to count him as a friend. He is a soldier who has dedicated his life to serving this nation. He knows service men and women, he knows large organizations, and he knows Washington.

“The more than 270,000 VA employees serve veterans of all generations with great dedication, and, with record funding over the past eight years, they deliver outstanding care. General Shinseki will be a great leader for them and a strong advocate for our veterans."

VA Opening 31 New Outpatient Clinics

World-Class Health Care Brought Closer to More Veterans

WASHINGTON – Veterans will have easier access to world-class health care under a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plan to open 31 new outpatient clinics in 16 states.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today announced VA will establish new clinics in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

“VA is committed to providing world-class health care to the men and women who have served this nation,” Peake said. “These new clinics will bring VA’s top-notch care closer to the veterans who have earned it.”

With 153 hospitals and about 745 community-based clinics, VA operates the largest integrated health care system in the country. VA’s medical care budget of more than $41 billion this year will provide health care to about 5.8 million people during nearly 600,000 hospitalizations and more than 62 million outpatient visits.

“Community-based medicine is better medicine,” said Dr. Michael Kussman, VA’s Under Secretary for Health. “It makes preventative care easier for patients, helps health care professionals have closer relationships with their patients and permits easier follow-ups for patients with chronic health problems.”

The community-based outpatient clinics, or CBOCs, will become operational by late 2010, with some opening in 2009. Local VA officials will keep communities and their veterans informed of milestones in the creation of the new CBOCs.

VA’s Proposed Sites for New Outpatient Clinics

Alabama – Monroe County (2010)

Arkansas – Faulkner County (2010), Pope County (2010)

California – Lake County (2010), Oakhurst (2010), Susanville (2010), Yuba County (2010)

Florida – Brandon (2010), Clermont (2010)

Georgia -- Blairsville (2010)

Hawaii – Leeward (Honolulu, 2010)

Illinois – Carbondale (2009), Harrisburg (2010), Sterling (2010)

Iowa -- Decorah (2010)

Maryland – Fort Meade (2010), Montgomery County (2010)

Michigan – Bad Axe (2010), Cadillac (2010), Cheboygan (2010), Grayling (2010)

Minnesota – Southern central border (2010), Southwest metro area(exact locations to be determined, 2010)

Mississippi – Pike County (2010)

Missouri – Excelsior Springs (2009), Sikeston (2009), Sedalia (2010)

North Carolina – Edenton-Elizabeth City (2010), Goldsboro (2010)

Pennsylvania – Cranberry Township (2009)

Vermont – Brattleboro (2010)

VA Sends Latest Gulf War Illness Report to IOM for Review

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has sent the October 2008 report from the VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses to the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) for review and recommendations.

The October report from the advisory committee identified potential causes for -- and asserted that research supports the existence of -- a multi-symptom condition resulting from service in the 1990 - 1991 Gulf War, which the committee identified as Gulf War Illness (GWI).

Because VA has traditionally and by law relied upon IOM for independent and credible reviews of the science behind these particular veterans’ health issues, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake has asked IOM to review the advisory committee’s report before VA officially responds to the report’s conclusions.

“I appreciate the committee’s work on this report, and I am eager to see the results of further independent study into their findings,” Peake said. “Of course, VA will continue to provide the care and benefits our Gulf War veterans have earned through their service, as we have for more than a decade.”

VA has long recognized conditions, granted benefits and provided health care to Gulf War veterans suffering from a broad range of symptoms, even though these conditions have not been scientifically recognized as a specific disease or injury or GWI.

These include chronic fatigue, persistent rashes, hair loss, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, neurologic symptoms, neuropsychological symptoms (such as memory loss), respiratory system symptoms, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, abnormal weight loss and menstrual disorders.

# # #

VA and Louisiana State University Announce Site Selections for New Orleans Medical Center Projects

WASHINGTON – In a public event held today in New Orleans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the State of Louisiana jointly announced the selection of adjacent downtown sites for construction of their replacement medical center projects.

The two projects, called the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Louisiana State University Academic Medical Center, restore greatly needed health care capability lost in New Orleans during flooding after Hurricane Katrina in late August 2005.

“Restoring a full capability medical center for our veterans in New Orleans and southeastern Louisiana is one of the Secretary’s highest priorities,” said Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “Site selection is a key milestone in the project delivery process.”

“VA selected the downtown site because it offers the best solution for our veterans, today and into the future,” Mansfield added.

“The site, located within a robust medical district with affiliate health care teaching universities, promotes long term operational synergy and efficiency. The selected site aligns with the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana Hurricane Katrina recovery and redevelopment plans.”

An agreement between VA and the City of New Orleans obligates the city to acquire the land for the new facility, prepare the site for construction and turn over the site to VA within one year.

“I understand this site selection creates near term impact on the directly affected and surrounding neighborhoods,” Mansfield continued. “We have been working cooperatively with federal, state, city and neighborhood partners to develop a robust package of treatment measures to mitigate the negative impacts and invest in new local opportunities.”

“Constructing this state-of-the-art medical complex near downtown New Orleans follows through on the Administration's commitment to fully support recovery efforts,” he said.

The announcement follows a nearly one-year process of extensive study of site alternatives, including analysis of the potential impacts on the environment and historically significant structures.

“Today is of great significance for the City of New Orleans and for the veterans of the Gulf Coast. The announcement by my colleagues at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs brings to closure a collaborative and inclusive process involving Federal, state and local government, as well as stakeholders who determined the location of the new veterans hospital,” said retired Maj. Gen. Douglas O’Dell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast rebuilding.

“The hospital is a key component of the city’s vision of a revitalized downtown area and a world class medical campus,” O’Dell added. “Further, this decision advances the goal President Bush and Secretary Peake established of better access to quality health care for the needs of current and future veterans,”

Dr. John Lombardi, LSU System President, said that building these hospitals in close proximity to each other assures the future of top quality health care, research, and medical education not only for the New Orleans area but for the entire state for many years to come. “This is a major milestone in constructing these joint academic medical centers that are destined to be models of health care reform for the nation in creating thousands of jobs while delivering cost-efficient medical treatment and disease management,” he said.

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who hosted today’s news conference where the announcement was made, said, “The new VA hospital in downtown New Orleans will provide needed medical care for veterans throughout the region and will serve as a key economic driver for our future. Along with the new LSU hospital, it will serve as the centerpiece of our biomedical district, generating thousands of jobs and enabling our city to compete with communities that are known for their medical services and research.”

More information on the VA and LSU medical center projects is available at* http://www.valsumedcenters.com. *

* By clicking on this link, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Website.VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.

# # #

Washington Crossing National Cemetery Dedicated

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dedicated its newest national cemetery in Bucks County, Pa., on Sunday.

“A new national shrine that will honor the veterans of Pennsylvania becomes a reality today with the dedication of this cemetery site,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “VA holds sacred our mission to provide veterans a beautiful final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who have defended our nation.”

VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, William F. Tuerk, gave the keynote address and was joined by local officials as the dedication plaque was unveiled and ground was ceremonially broken.

The new 205-acre national cemetery will serve veterans for decades. More than 580,000 veterans live in the region. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, the nearest open national cemetery in Pennsylvania, is 120 miles from the new site.

The first phase of construction, including an early burial area, is planned to begin early next year. Burials are expected to begin in the fall of 2009. When completed, the 64-acre first-phase development will provide 15,500 full-casket gravesites, including 15,100 pre-placed crypts, 6,500 in-ground cremation sites and 4,100 columbarium niches.

The new cemetery will also include an administration and public information center complex with an electronic gravesite locator and public restrooms, a maintenance facility, a cemetery entrance area, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway and committal shelters for funeral services. Other infrastructure includes roadways, landscaping, utilities and irrigation.

Veterans with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children may be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 17,000 acres of land.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-1000.

Information about the Washington Crossing National Cemetery is available by calling the VA Memorial Service Network in Philadelphia at (215) 381-3787. To make burial arrangements at the time of need, call the national cemetery scheduling office at (800) 535-1117.

Secretary Peake Announces Travel Reimbursement Increases for Eligible Veterans

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that eligible veterans will see an increase in the mileage reimbursement they receive for travel to VA facilities for medical care.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced today that he will use his authority to raise the mileage reimbursement from the 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile for all eligible veterans.

“We owe it to our veterans to give them the best care possible,” said Peake. “The increase will once again provide assistance to our veterans, especially in these difficult economic times, to help offset gasoline costs and to assist veterans with access to the VA’s world-class health system.”

Congress, which mandates such increases, recently provided funding to VA to increase the reimbursement rate, which goes into effect on November 17, 2008. Service connected veterans, veterans receiving VA pensions, and veterans with low incomes are eligible for the reimbursement.

“As I have travelled the country and spoken with many of our veterans, they have expressed the need for such an increase,” added Peake. “We are pleased to be able to provide them with the increase needed and we will continue to work with our veterans to ensure they receive the quality care they need.”

While increasing the payment, the current deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements will remain frozen at $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, and capped at a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. On January 9, 2009, these deductibles will decrease to $3 for a one way trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month. Deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.

# # #

VA Expands Protections for Veterans with Missing Paperwork

Benefit of Doubt for Vets, Accountability for VA Staff

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced special procedures for processing claims from veterans, family members, and survivors whose applications for financial benefits from VA may have been mishandled by VA personnel.

These special procedures come after an audit by VA’s Inspector General found documents waiting to be shredded at some of VA’s regional offices that, if disposed of, could have affected the financial benefits awarded to veterans and survivors.

“I am deeply concerned that improper actions by a few VA employees could have caused any veterans to receive less than their full entitlement to benefits earned by their service to our nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“In rectifying this unacceptable lapse, VA will be guided by two principles – full accountability for VA staff and ensuring veterans receive the benefit of the doubt if receipt of a document by VA is in question,” he added.

VA worked with the six largest veterans service organizations in developing these special new procedures. The procedures will assist veterans and survivors in establishing that an application or another document was previously submitted to VA, but was not properly acted upon by VA and was not retained in the veteran’s records.

The special procedures cover missing documents submitted by a veteran or other applicant for VA benefits during the 18-month period between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008.

VA will process any missing applications or evidence resubmitted under these special procedures as if the document had been originally submitted on the date identified by the claimant.

Veterans and other applicants have one year, or until November 17, 2009, to file previously submitted documents under these special procedures.

Veterans not covered by these special rules who believe relevant material is missing from their files can submit additional documentation at any time. An award of benefits earlier than April 14, 2007, may be established if there is credible corroborating evidence supporting an earlier date of document submission.

When this problem of mishandled documents was uncovered on October 14, 2008, VA immediately ceased all shredding activities while it established tighter controls over all claims documents and conducted special training for all employees who process veterans’ applications.

All regional office shredding equipment and operations are now under the strict control of the facility records management officer. Every employee has been given a separate receptacle for papers appropriate for shredding. These receptacles are subject to review by supervisors and other officials.

Before any claims document can be shredded now, it must now be reviewed by two people and the facility records management officer.

VA’s Inspector General is continuing to investigate a small number of cases where inappropriate shredding may be traceable to a specific employee. Legal and disciplinary action will be initiated to hold accountable any employee who has acted improperly.

Veterans and others who are concerned about missing documents and want more information on the special processing procedures may call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance or go to our website at http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/specialprocedures_qa.asp.

They may also send an e-mail inquiry through IRIS@va.gov or visit their local VA regional office.

VA representatives will review VA’s record systems to verify receipt of applications and supporting evidence and will assist anyone desiring to file a claim under the special processing procedures for missing documents.

VA Announces Expansion Of Disability Evaluation System Pilot

All Military Services Now Taking Part

WASHINGTON -- Wounded service members leaving the military will have easier, quicker access to their veterans benefits due to the expansion of a pilot program that will offer streamlined disability evaluations that will reach 19 military installations, representing all military departments.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the expansion of the Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot which started in the National Capitol Region in coordination with Departments of Defense (DoD). The pilot is a test of a new process that eliminates duplicative, time-consuming and often confusing elements of the two current disability processes of the departments.

“Providing Service members going through the disability process with comprehensive information about their benefits from both departments and delivering their VA benefits as fast as possible is our goal. This single evaluation will help us do just that,” Tom Pamperin, deputy director of VA’s Compensation and Pension Service, said. “The program expansion will allow wounded warriors a smoother and more efficient transition to getting services from the VA.”

The initial phase of the expansion started on Oct 1, with Fort Meade, Md. and Fort Belvoir, Va. The remaining 17 installations will begin upon completion of site preparations and personnel orientation and training, during an 8-month period from November 2008 to May 2009.

“The decision to expand the pilot was based upon a favorable review that focused on whether the pilot met its timeliness, effectiveness, transparency, and customer and stakeholder satisfaction objectives,” said Sam Retherford, director, officer and enlisted personnel management, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “This expansion extends beyond the national capital region, so that more diverse data from other geographic areas can be evaluated, prior to rendering a final decision on worldwide implementation.”

The remaining installations to begin the program are: Army: Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Drum, N.Y.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Richardson, Alaska; Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas; and Fort Polk, La. Navy: Naval Medical Center (NMC) San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Calif.; NMC Bremerton, Wash.; NMC Jacksonville, Fla.; and Camp Lejeune, N.C. Air Force: Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.; and Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

In November 2007 VA and DoD implemented the pilot test for disability cases originating at the three major military treatment facilities in the national capitol region. To date, over 700 service members have participated in the pilot over the last ten months.

The single disability examination pilot is focused on recommendations from the reports of the Task Force on Returning Global War on Terrorism Heroes, the Independent Review Group, the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (the Dole/Shalala Commission), and the Commission on Veterans’ Disability Benefits.

VA Honors Quality Achievement Award Winners

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected the Minneapolis VA Medical Center as this year’s recipient of the Robert W. Carey Quality Award – the department’s top honor for quality achievement.

The award recognizes the medical center’s commitment to the veterans it serves, and its focus on improvements in medical care, research, teaching and back-up support for the Department of Defense. The medical center has won national recognition for its initiatives in medical intensive care unit collaboration and for its Anxiety Interventions Clinic.

“The Minneapolis VA Medical Center is a model for health care, not just in the federal sector, but for practitioners and researchers everywhere. They are champions of excellence,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

A panel of judges, including officials from public and private-sector organizations who are recognized as leaders in customer service and quality, also selected five other VA facilities as top-quality achievers:

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in Florida, which consistently performed in the top five percent of VA health care facilities nationwide;

The Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, which met or exceeded national targets for customer satisfaction in service and cemetery appearance;

The Louisville VA Medical Center in Kentucky, for living up to its motto, “Organizational Success Stitched with Teamwork;”

The VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York, which was the VA leader last year in overall performance for clinical quality, access and patient satisfaction; and

The Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center, lauded for, among others, innovative programs to serve veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and joint programs with the Department of Defense.

Other VA facilities receiving special recognition as achievement winners are:

The Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Arkansas;

The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn.;The South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio; and

VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City, Ore.

Recipients of the awards will be honored in a ceremony Oct. 31 in Washington, D.C.

Two previous Carey Award-winning facilities, the Durham VA Medical Center in North Carolina, and the White River Junction VA Medical Center in Vermont, will be honored with a “Circle of Excellence” award during the ceremony.

The Robert W. Carey Quality Award, presented annually since 1992, is named for the director of the VA Regional Office and Insurance Center in Philadelphia who died in 1990. He led his office in initiating a total-quality management approach to serving veterans and their families. Today’s Carey Awards follows the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria, which provide a model for assessing quality transformation efforts.

# # #

New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem

WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

# # #

New South Carolina National Cemetery Dedicated

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dedicated its newest national cemetery, Fort Jackson National Cemetery, in Columbia, S.C., on Oct. 26.

“South Carolina veterans will be proud of this new national shrine,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “With the dedication of this hallowed ground, VA fulfills its mission to provide veterans a beautiful final resting place and lasting tribute to their service to our nation.”

VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, William F. Tuerk, gave the keynote address and was joined by local officials in unveiling the dedication plaque.

The new 585-acre cemetery is located in Richland County immediately east of the city of Columbia and south of Interstate Highway 20 on property donated by Fort Jackson.

When completed, the cemetery’s 92-acre initial construction area will contain 5,649 full-casket gravesites, including 4,224 pre-placed crypts, as well as 1,084 in-ground sites for cremated remains and approximately 2,000 columbarium niches. This construction will also include roadways, an administration and public information center, a maintenance complex, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, committal service shelters and interment areas. Other infrastructure improvements will include grading, drainage, fencing, landscaping, an irrigation system and utilities.

When it becomes fully operational in late 2008, Fort Jackson National Cemetery will provide burials for more than 170,000 veterans and their families who live in central South Carolina.

Veterans with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children may be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 17,000 acres of land.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-1000.

For information on the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (866) 577-5248. To make burial arrangements at the time of need, call the national cemetery scheduling office at (800) 535-1117.

VA Breaks Ground for New Orlando Medical Center

WASHINGTON – Fulfilling a commitment to Florida veterans, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today joined Governor Charlie Crist (R-Fla.), members of the Florida Congressional delegation and local officials to break ground for a $717 million, full-service medical center in Orlando, at a 65-acre site off State Route 417 and Lake Nona Boulevard.

“The groundbreaking for this new VA medical center today is the culmination of a lot of collaborative, hard work. It will result in the best services for our Florida veterans,” Secretary Peake said prior to the event. “Support from Florida’s governor and congressional delegation has been key and VA is proud to bring this state-of-the-art facility to Orlando.”

When opened in 2012, the one million-plus square-foot facility will have 134 inpatient beds in addition to a 120-bed community living center and 60-bed residential rehabilitation program. The hospital will have two linear accelerators for radiation oncology, eight operating rooms, two cardiac catheterization laboratories, two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and several computed tomography (CT) scanners.

An outpatient clinic and a veterans benefits office also are planned at the site.

The facility will be across the street from the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences campus, along with the Burnham Institute of Research and the Nemours Children’s Hospital, creating a “medical city” in southeast Orlando.

# # #

50 Motor Coaches to Bring Services Closer to Veterans

WASHINGTON – The first of a fleet of 50 new mobile counseling centers for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vet Center program was put into service today with the remainder scheduled to be activated over the next three months.

“Our widespread distribution of this fleet from coast to coast marks a new chapter in VA's innovation to reach rural and underserved veterans with high-quality readjustment counseling,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

Each vehicle will be assigned to one of VA's existing Vet Centers, enabling the center to improve access to counseling by bringing services closer to veterans.

The 38-foot motor coaches, which have spaces for confidential counseling, will carry Vet Center counselors and outreach workers to events and activities to reach veterans in broad geographic areas, supplementing VA's 232 current Vet Centers, which are scheduled to increase to 271 facilities by the end of 2009.

Vet Centers, operated by VA's Readjustment Counseling Service, provide non-medical readjustment counseling in easily accessible, consumer-oriented facilities, addressing the social and economic dimensions of post-war needs. This includes psychological counseling for traumatic military-related experiences and family counseling when needed for the veteran’s readjustment.

The team leader at each Vet Center will develop an outreach plan for use of the vehicle within that region, not being limited to the traditional catchment area of a particular Vet Center.

These vehicles will be used to provide outreach and direct readjustment counseling at active-duty, reserve and National Guard activities, including post-deployment health reassessments for returning combat service members.

The vehicles will also be used to visit events typically staffed by local Vet Center staff, including homeless "stand downs," veteran community events, county fairs, and unit reunions at sites ranging from Native American reservations to colleges.

While most of their use will be in Vet Centers' delivery of readjustment counseling services, the local manager may arrange with VA hospitals or clinics in the region to provide occasional support for health promotion activities such as health screenings.

The normal counseling layout can be converted to support emergency medical missions, such as hurricanes and other natural disasters.

The 50 vehicles are being manufactured for VA by Farber Specialty Vehicles of Columbus, Ohio.

# # #

Home Bases of Planned Vet Center Vehicles

Alabama

Birmingham

Arizona

Chinle Prescott

Arkansas

Fayetteville

California

Corona, Fresno, Santa Cruz, Eureka

Colorado

Colorado Springs

Florida

Pensacola

Georgia

Savannah Macon

Idaho

Boise

Kansas

Wichita

Kentucky

Lexington

Illinois

Springfield

Oregon

Eugene

Pennsylvania

Erie Scranton

South Carolina

Columbia

South Dakota

Rapid City

Tennessee

Johnson City Memphis

Texas

Amarillo Midland San Antonio

Louisiana

New Orleans

Maine

Caribou Lewiston

Massachusetts

Springfield

Michigan

Escanaba

Minnesota

St. Paul

Montana

Missoula

Billings

Nebraska

Lincoln

New Mexico

Sante Fe Las Cruces

New York

Watertown

North Carolina

Greenville

North Dakota Minot Fargo

Ohio

Dayton

Utah

Salt Lake

Vermont

White River Junction

Virginia

Richmond

Washington

Spokane Tacoma

West Virginia

Morgantown Beckley

Wyoming

Casper

# # #

VA Awards $20 Million to Expand Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded nearly $20 million to a Texas firm to develop a new 47-acre section of Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

“This expansion will ensure the veterans of the San Antonio area continue to have the option of burial in a national shrine that honors their military service,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is one of our most venerable national shrines and serves a large, rapidly growing community of veterans.”

The Emerson Construction Company of Temple was awarded a $19,975,000 construction contract to develop additional gravesites and infrastructure. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010.

With the expansion, burials for veterans and eligible family members are expected to continue at the cemetery until about 2020.

The newly developed acreage will provide 16,023 pre-placed crypt gravesites, 4,016 columbaria niches, 3,411 traditional gravesites and 1,475 in-ground cremation sites. The project will also include a vehicle storage building, a new administration building, an expansion of the existing maintenance building, an assembly area, an irrigation system, roads, utilities, signage and landscaping.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

# # #

VA To Further Develop Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

QGS Development Awarded $16 Million Construction Contract

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a contract worth more than $16 million to a Florida company to develop the next phase of the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

“By awarding this contract, VA demonstrates its determination to provide burial benefits to Texas veterans and their families in a national shrine worthy of their service,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Because most of the land at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery has yet to be developed, we expect to serve the large population of veterans in this region for many decades.”

VA awarded the $16.1 million construction contract to QGS Development, Inc., of Lithia, Fla., for gravesite expansion and additional infrastructure.

The project will develop 30 acres and include approximately 15,000 pre-placed crypt gravesites, 4,000 columbaria niches and 5,480 traditional gravesites. The project will also include a new loop road to the new burial sections and an additional funeral cortege lane next to the existing lanes.

Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2010. The project will provide burial space for veterans and eligible family members until about 2020, at which time another section of the 638-acre cemetery will be developed.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, on the Internet at www.cem.va.gov/, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

# # #

Design Contract Awarded for New Alabama National Cemetery

WASHINGTON – To complete design of the first major construction project of the Department of Veterans' Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, VA has awarded a $1.3 million contract for construction documents preparation to the small Birmingham firm Civil Consultants, Inc.

“Alabama veterans have been waiting a long time to have burial space available in such a national shrine within a reasonable distance of the Birmingham area,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This next step brings us closer to turning those wishes into reality, and we are proud to make that happen.”

The design project, scheduled for completion this winter, will lead to developing 60 acres and providing an estimated 10 years of burial services.

The development will include approximately 4,000 pre-placed double-depth concrete crypt gravesites, 2,300 standard gravesites, a 2,700-niche columbarium for cremated remains, a public information center, an administration building, a maintenance complex, two committal service shelters and a public assembly area. The project also encompasses systems for irrigation, utilities, roads, signage, landscaping and site furnishings.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker – even if they are not buried in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.4 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Information about the new national cemetery is available by calling the cemetery at (205) 665-9039 or toll-free at 1-866-547-5078.

# # #

VA Announces “In House” Option to Implement IT Aspects of New GI Bill

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it will rely upon its own workforce to set up the information technology programs needed to implement the educational benefits of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Department’s announcement came after VA officials did not receive enough proposals from qualified private-sector contractors to create an information technology program that implements the new benefit. At no time did VA consider contracting out responsibility for actually administering this educational assistance.

“Many private contractors were apparently reluctant to offer proposals because of external misconceptions as to the scope of the work involved. While it is unfortunate that we will not have the technical expertise from the private sector available to assist us in developing the information technology solution, the VA can and will deliver the benefits program on time,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is unusually complex, with payments being tailored to tuition costs and going to both students and educational institutions,” said Patrick W. Dunne, the Under Secretary for Benefits. “Some benefits are determined by a school’s zip code, and others by in-state rates for tuition.”

Dunne said the Department would have been remiss if it had failed to assess the ability of the private sector to assist VA to set up the technology aspects of the program’s implementation.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide educational assistance to veterans, military members, reservists and National Guard members who have served since Sept. 11, 2001. By law, the new benefits are scheduled to start on Aug. 1, 2009.

# # #

VA Establishes Waiting List for Washington Crossing National Cemetery

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting applications for interment of deceased military veterans and deceased eligible family members at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery being developed in Bucks County, Pa.

The first phase of construction for the 205-acre cemetery near Washington Crossing Historic Park is expected to start next spring, with burials expected to begin in late 2009.

Families who are temporarily keeping the remains of loved ones in cremation urns or in other cemeteries should call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office in St. Louis at (800) 535-1117 for more information. The office is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Central Time.

When complete, the first construction phase will consist of approximately 60 acres and include facilities needed to provide burials for approximately 10 years.

More than 580,000 veterans live in the region served by the new facility. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, the nearest open national cemetery in Pennsylvania, is 120 miles from the new cemetery site.

Veterans with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in any national cemetery with burial space. Other burial benefits for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker – even if they are not buried in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.4 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terror -- are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

VA Awards Contract for New Las Vegas Medical Center

Largest VA Contract Ever Honors Commitment to Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a $364.9 million contract to help bring to reality years of planning for a new world-class medical facility in Las Vegas by September 2011.

The project represents the largest construction contract ever awarded by VA.

“This 790,000 square-foot facility will support 90 inpatient hospital beds and state-of-the-art clinical services for a modern medical center that will proudly honor our nation's commitments to its veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The contract was awarded to the joint venture construction firm of Clark/Hunt (JV) of Las Vegas. Previous contracts have been awarded to construct a 120-bed nursing home, energy center and the foundations for the hospital.

The medical center, which will be part of VA's Southern Nevada Health Care System, will provide medical, surgical and mental health care, as well as ambulatory care facilities. It will meet the needs of a growing Las Vegas area veterans population with a full-service facility providing radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, pharmacy, laboratories, education, and diagnostic and treatment clinics.

The new hospital, separate nursing home and ancillary structures are being located on a 150-acre campus in North Las Vegas at Pecos Road and the Woodbury Beltway near Nellis Air Force Base on an undeveloped parcel of land transferred from the Bureau of Land Management.

Features of the new hospital include the capability to remain fully operational in the event of a loss of public utilities with full emergency power, reserve water supplies, and waste-water storage capacity for up to four days.

The project also involves environmentally friendly "sustainable design" elements in its planning, including the reuse of building materials and design elements for the building that will promote energy efficiency.

The new facility supplements existing inpatient services for Nevada's estimated 246,000 veterans in facilities at Reno and in shared space at Nellis Air Force base. VA also operates 10 outpatient clinics in Nevada, four of them in Las Vegas.

In fiscal year 2007, VA provided 5,467 inpatient admissions and 690,036 outpatient visits in these existing facilities.

# # #

VA Announces 10 National Sponsors for New Sports Clinic

New Event Milestone for Disabled VeteransWASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today 10 sponsors are supporting VA’s newest rehabilitative event for injured veterans, the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.

Custom Search

The top-level sponsors are Help Hospitalized Veterans, Veterans Canteen Service, American Optometric Association, Booz Allen Hamilton, Challenged America, Marchon, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Cisco, Invacare and Top End.

The event is open to 100 recently injured veterans who have spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations, other mobility impairments, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic began Sept. 28 and runs through Oct. 3 at several venues in the San Diego area. Events include sailing, cycling, surfing, kayaking and track and field events.

The sports clinic is the fifth national rehabilitation event offered by VA to promote the healing of body, mind and spirit. VA’s other rehabilitation events are the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the National Veterans Golden Age Games and the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

For more information about the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, visit the event’s Web site at www.summersportsclinic.va.gov.

# # #

National Veterans’ Art Festival Coming to Riverside in October

Performance, Displays by Award-Winning Veteran Artists

WASHINGTON – More than 120 veterans from across the country who are medal winners in national creative writing, music, dance, drama or visual arts competitions are preparing to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Riverside, Calif., from Oct. 20-26.

"Creative expression is an important component of healthy living,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “This annual Festival shows that real healing goes well beyond our patients’ physical needs. Creative arts therapy has a key role at VA in rehabilitation and recovery.”

The Creative Arts Festival, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), is the culmination of a year-long fine arts talent competition involving more than 3,000 participants nationwide. The Festival is open to all veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities. It is hosted this year by the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and takes place in Riverside, Calif.

“This Festival continues to give thousands of veterans the opportunity to express themselves creatively, as well as enabling them to experience life changing experiences to their health and overall mindset,” said HHV Executive Director Mike Lynch. “As a national co-sponsor of the Festival, HHV is really proud to bring well-deserved recognition to our outstanding veteran performers and artists.”

“The American Legion Auxiliary’s long tradition of supporting America’s veterans continues with its annual co-sponsorship of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival,” said National President Desi Stoy. “Rarely can one event accomplish so much, offering extensive recreational therapy and rehabilitation for veterans nationwide, while delighting audiences in both the visual and performing arts.”

At this year’s event, talented veterans will come to Riverside for a week of rehearsals and workshops, concluding on Sunday, Oct. 26, with a visual art exhibit and gala variety stage show at Ben Lewis Hall, located in the Riverside Convention Center.

The artists will exhibit their work from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Oct. 26 in the East Foyer of the Riverside Convention Center. At 2:00 p.m., performers in music, drama and dance will showcase their talent in a stage show, backed by a professional orchestra. Award winners in the creative writing division will also take part in the performance.

Actress Bo Derek, honorary chairperson of VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events, is expected to attend the Creative Arts Festival again this year.

For further information about the event, contact Kim Byers, public affairs director, at (734) 845-3377, or log on to the Festival’s Web site: http://www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov/.

# # #

VA Awards $1.3 Million for Wisconsin State Veterans Cemetery

VA Upholds Sacred Commit

Jacksonville National Cemetery Dedicated

WASHINGTON -- Continuing its mission of providing a final resting place for Wisconsin veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a $1.3 million grant to increase the capacity of the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.

“This grant will ensure that burial of cremated remains is an option for Wisconsin’s veterans,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “We are proud to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to provide memorial services.”

The grant will fund a second 1,792-niche columbarium for cremated remains and infrastructure such as landscaping and irrigation.

VA’s State Cemetery Grants Program complements VA’s 125 national cemeteries across the country. The program helps states establish new state veterans cemeteries and expand or improve existing cemeteries. To date, the VA program has helped establish 72 state veterans cemeteries in 38 states and U.S. territories that provided more than 23,000 burials in fiscal year 2007. Since the program began in 1980, VA has awarded 172 grants totaling $344 million.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA Web site on the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Information about Wisconsin’s state veterans cemeteries is available by calling the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs at (800) 947-8387 or on the Internet at www://dva.state.wi.us/Cemeteries.asp.

# # #

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today dedicated its newest national cemetery in Jacksonville, Fla. The cemetery, currently being constructed, is expected to begin burials in January 2009.

“A new national shrine to the veterans of Florida moves forward today with the dedication of this cemetery site,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “VA holds sacred our commitment to veterans by providing a beautiful final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who kept their commitment to protect and defend our nation.”

VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs William F. Tuerk, who gave the keynote address, was joined by local officials in unveiling the dedication plaque. Military honors were rendered and the ceremony ended with the playing of “Taps.”

The 526-acre national cemetery will serve veterans' needs into the next century. The cemetery is located north of the Jacksonville International Airport and approximately five miles from Interstate 295 along Lannie Road.

The initial phase of construction will consist of a 20-acre burial area with temporary facilities. When the second stage of construction is completed, the 52-acre development will provide 8,145 full-casket gravesites, including 7,300 pre-placed crypts, 5,100 in-ground cremation sites and 4,992 columbarium niches for cremated remains. Second-stage construction will also include roadways, an administration and public information center, a maintenance complex, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, committal service shelters and more interment areas. Other infrastructure improvements will include grading, drainage, fencing, landscaping, an irrigation system and utilities.

Veterans with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children may be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 17,000 acres of land.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-1000. For information on the Jacksonville National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (904) 358-3510. To make burial arrangements at the time of need, call the national cemetery scheduling office at (800) 535-1117.

# # #

VA Loans Remain a Strong Option for Veterans

Agency Sees Significant Increase in Loan Volume over Past Year

WASHINGTON – More servicemembers and veterans are using their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan guaranty benefit, as VA’s loan program remains a strong option in today’s housing market.

VA is experiencing a significant increase in home loan volume, with more than 162,000 home loan guaranties provided this year, an increase of more than 31 percent over the same period last year.

“VA attributes this increase to the favorable terms traditionally offered with VA loans and the elimination of many no-downpayment products in the conventional mortgage market,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

No-downpayment loans are increasingly difficult to obtain with conventional financing. Under recently enacted legislation, VA now uses a locality-based approach in determining ceilings on its no-downpayment home loans. VA no-downpayment loans are available for as much as $729,000. Larger VA loans may be obtained with relatively small down payments.

Not only is the VA program one of the few remaining no-downpayment programs in the market today, but lenders and veterans using the program are finding that it provides a timely and user-friendly product.

Focus in recent years on improvements in information technology has helped streamline the loan process and has made the program more accessible. Veterans no longer need to obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility prior to contacting a lender.

Lenders can access the program’s web portal to use VA’s online Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) system and obtain the certificate for the veteran. Many times, lenders can receive the certificate within seconds.

VA lenders have the authority to process and approve veterans’ loan applications. Lenders can order appraisals online, review and determine the appraised value of the property themselves, electronically submit the information VA needs to process a loan guaranty, and then receive the guaranty electronically within 24 hours.

VA’s is also revolutionizing its loan servicing activity through implementation of a new web-enabled and rules-based ‘smart’ system called VALERI (VA Loan Electronic Reporting Interface). Standardized servicing criteria on par or ahead of industry norms and instant access to acquisition and claim payment status make it easier for servicers to work and communicate with VA. It also allows servicers to help veterans who are experiencing financial difficulty avoid foreclosure.

VA-guaranteed home loans are made to eligible veterans, servicemembers, and surviving spouses through private mortgage lenders throughout the United States. Since 1944, when home loan guaranties were first offered with the original GI Bill, VA has guaranteed more than 18 million home loans worth over $965 billion.

Last year, about 135,000 veterans, servicemembers and surviving spouses received loans valued at nearly $24 billion. More than 90 percent of VA loans were made without any down payment.

To obtain more information about the VA Loan Guaranty Program, veterans can call VA at 1-877-827-3702. Information can also be obtained at www.homeloans.va.gov.

# # #

VA Teams with Nationals for Major League Salute

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Washington Nationals are teaming up for a major league salute to veterans Friday.

VA and the Nationals will honor veterans with “Veterans Appreciation Day,” when the Nationals host the San Diego Padres on Friday night at 7:35 p.m., at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

“Veterans Appreciation Day is a tribute to all who have served in this nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “A special thanks to the Washington Nationals for making this community event possible. I look forward to seeing everyone at the ballpark.”

The pre-game show begins at 6:45 p.m. and honors America’s heroes with a performance by the U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps, military honor guard, tributes to veterans, a ceremonial first pitch, and much more.

A special salute will be paid to prisoners of war and comrades missing in action in homage of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The team will also be displaying VA public service announcements highlighting the Department’s many services for veterans.

All veterans, VA employees and their families and friends are invited to attend this exciting event. The first 20,000 fans will receive a camouflage floppy hat with the Nationals’ logo.

Discounted tickets can be purchased online at http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/military.jsp. Discounts do not apply at the Nationals Park box office.

# # #

VA Awards Nearly $5.2 Million for Colorado Veterans Home

Grant Honors VA's Commitment to Veterans

WASHINGTON – To ensure high-quality health services for Colorado’s veterans at the state home at Homelake, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a grant of up to $5.2 million for an upgrade to the home’s resident support and activity areas.

“Our federal-state partnership helps to provide comfortable and safe housing in a caring community for Colorado veterans who have served their country,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.”

The estimated total cost of the project at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake is $7.9 million, with VA’s grant totaling 65 percent of the overall cost.

Colorado's Office of State and Veterans Nursing Homes will construct life safety improvements to the residential domiciliary cottages, implement energy-related improvements on the campus and complete foundation stabilization of the historic chapel building.

Last year, VA spent $1.8 billion in Colorado on behalf of the state’s 428,000 veterans. VA provided more than 640,000 outpatient visits and inpatient admissions in VA facilities in Colorado. The state-run veterans homes in Colorado supplement and extend these federal services.

For more information about the state's veterans homes and Colorado services for veterans, visit dmva.state.co.us/page/va.

# # #

VA Clarifies Voter Registration Regulations

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it has clarified its policy on assisting veterans’ voter registration activities, with particular focus on inpatients and residents of VA community living centers, domiciliaries and patients with limited access to community voter registration resources.

The Department will welcome state and local election officials and non-partisan groups to its hospitals and outpatient clinics to assist VA officials in registering voters at VA facilities. Such assistance, however, must be coordinated by those facilities in order to avoid disruptions to patient care.

“VA has always been committed to helping veterans exercise their constitutional right to vote, which they defended for all Americans while serving their nation,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “We’ve now established a uniform approach to helping those of our patients who need assistance to register and to vote.”

The policy requires that information about the right of VA patients to register and vote, and other patients’ rights, be posted in every VA hospital, and that all VA patients be provided a copy of these rights when they are admitted to a VA facility.

Every hospital is now also required to publish a written policy on voter assistance, allowing patients to leave the hospital to register and vote, subject to the opinions of their health care providers. Patients unable to leave the facility must be assisted to register and to vote by absentee ballot.

In their written policies, VA hospitals are required to establish the criteria they will use to evaluate requests from outside agencies to register voters, and to determine where, when, and how such registration activities will be conducted. They will also develop procedures to coordinate offers of assistance from state and local governments and from non-partisan organizations, and how to work with VA’s Regional Counsel offices to determine whether or not groups offering registration help are non-partisan, as required by law.

Voluntary Service Program Managers at each of VA’s 153 hospitals will be responsible for implementing the new policy, and for providing timely and accurate voting information to veterans cared for at their facilities. They will also obtain and maintain materials that are needed to assist veterans with voter registration requirements.

VA Awards $552,000 for Ohio Veterans Home

WASHINGTON – To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for Ohio veterans at the state veterans home in Sandusky, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a grant of up to $552,000 for roof improvements at the facility.

“By their service and their sacrifice, Ohio veterans have earned quality care, and this grant honors our commitment to provide for those who have served in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“Successful partnerships between federal and state governments are paramount to providing caring and comfortable environments for our veterans,” Peake added.

The estimated total cost of construction is $850,000, with VA's grant designed to fund up to 65 percent of the cost.

The State of Ohio has agreed to remove and replace the roof at Secrest Nursing Home and Veterans Hall Dormitory at the Sandusky facility within 90 days.

Last year, VA spent nearly $3 billion in Ohio on behalf of the state’s 958,000 veterans. VA provided about 2.5 million outpatient visits and inpatient admissions in VA medical centers and clinics in Ohio. The state-run veterans homes in Ohio supplement and extend these federal services.

For more information about the Sandusky veterans home and related Ohio services for veterans, visit www.dvs.ohio.gov.

# # #

VA Awards $32 Million for New American Lake Nursing Home

WASHINGTON – To make sure Washington state veterans continue to receive health care meeting the highest standards, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a contract worth $32.7 million for construction of a new nursing home on the grounds of the Department’s American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma.

“This contract honors our commitment to care for the men and women of Washington state who have served in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “The new facility will ensure veterans receive the health care they have earned by their service to our nation.”

The contract with PCL Construction Services of Bellevue, Wash., calls for construction of a new 83-bed nursing home, a dietetics kitchen and other infrastructure improvements, to include a parking lot and landscaping. Construction of the 79,000-square-foot nursing home is expected to take nearly two years.

Last year, VA spent more than $1.7 billion on behalf of the state’s 643,000 veterans. VA operates five major medical centers, eight outpatient clinics, and five Vet Centers across the state.

VA Awards $670,000 to Massachusetts Veterans Home

WASHINGTON – To make sure the Massachusetts state veterans home in Holyoke remains a safe and comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding grants grant totaling nearly $670,000 for improvements at the commonwealth-run facility.

“These grants honor our commitment to care for the men and women of Massachusetts who have served in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Our federal-state partnership helps to provide comfortable and safe housing for Massachusetts veterans who have served our country with pride and honor.”

VA’s grants will cover 65 percent of the total cost of two projects. The first grant of $325,000 is for window replacement including construction and equipment acquisition. The second grant of $344,500 is for masonry repairs. Total cost for both projects is $1 million.

Established in 1952, the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke is a multi-faceted health care facility available to eligible veterans of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1971, a major addition was completed providing limited hospital services and additional long-term care beds.

In fiscal year 2007, VA spent nearly $1.4 billion in Massachusetts to serve more than 441,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Bedford, Boston and Northampton, with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers across the commonwealth.

VA Awards $723,000 for Minnesota Veterans Home

WASHINGTON –To ensure high-quality health care for Minnesota veterans at the state veterans home in Luverne, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a grant of up to $723,000 for a dementia unit at the facility.

“By their service and their sacrifice, Minnesota veterans have earned quality care, and this grant honors our commitment to provide for those who have served in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“Successful partnerships between federal and state governments are paramount in providing caring and comfortable environments for our veterans,” Peake added.

The estimated total construction cost for the Luverne facility's Alzheimer's and Dementia Unit is $1.1 million, with VA's grant designed to fund up to 65 percent of the cost.

The State of Minnesota has agreed to complete construction of the renovations within 90 days.

Last year, VA spent about $1.3 billion in Minnesota on behalf of the state’s 408,000 veterans. VA provided about 840,000 outpatient visits and inpatient admissions in VA medical centers and clinics in Minnesota. The state-run veterans homes in Minnesota supplement and extend these federal services.

For more information about the Luverne veterans home and related Minnesota services for veterans, visit http://www.mdva.state.mn.us.

New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem

WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

# # #

VA Awards $976,000 to Wisconsin Veterans Home

WASHINGTON – To ensure the Wisconsin state veterans home in Union Grove remains a comfortable and safe residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a grant worth $976,702 for improvements at the state-run facility.

“These grants honor our commitment to care for the men and women of Wisconsin who have served in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Our federal-state partnership helps to provide comfortable and safe housing for Wisconsin veterans in a caring community.”

VA’s grants will cover 65 percent of the total cost of the project. Total cost for renovation to the Wisconsin State Veterans Home in Union Grove is expected to be about $1.5 million.

The Union Grove state veterans home is a nursing care facility meeting the long-term care needs of elderly and disabled veterans with assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.

Last year, VA spent nearly $1.2 billion in Wisconsin to serve more than 446,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Madison, Milwaukee and Tomah with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers across the state.

For more information on the Wisconsin state veterans home, please visit www.dva.state.wi.us or call (608) 266-1311 or toll free 1-800-WIS-VETS (1-800-947-8387).

# # #

VA Awards $2.2 Million to Georgia Veterans Home

Peake: Grants Honor VA’s Commitment to Veterans

WASHINGTON – To make sure the state veterans home in Augusta remains a comfortable and safe residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a grant worth $2.2 million for improvements at the Georgia state facility.

“These grants honor our commitment to care for the men and women of Georgia who have served in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Our federal-state partnership helps to provide comfortable and safe housing for Georgia veterans in a caring community.”

VA’s grants will cover 65 percent of the total cost of the projects. Total cost for the life patient and safety upgrades to the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta are expected to total nearly $3.5 million.

The Augusta state veterans home is a 192-bed skilled nursing care facility located adjacent to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Augusta Medical Center.

In fiscal year 2007, VA spent nearly $2.2 billion in Georgia to serve more than 760,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Atlanta, Dublin and Augusta (a two-division facility: downtown and uptown) with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers across the state.

For more information on the Augusta state veterans home, please visit www.sdvs.georgia.gov or call (706) 721-2531.

# # #

VA Offers Care, Support to Gulf Coast Vets in Advance of Gustav

Facilities Preparing for Post-Landfall Operations

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working closely with other federal and local agencies to protect patients, staff and operational capability as the Gulf Coast region prepares for Hurricane Gustav, which is expected to make landfall along the coast near the Texas-Louisiana border sometime Monday.

VA health care facilities throughout the region are moving hospitalized and special needs patients, stocking supplies and preparing to continue operations, whenever possible, during the storm and the recovery period, including the pre-positioning of staff, equipment and supplies in Baton Rouge.

“The health care needs of Gulf Coast veterans don’t disappear during the hurricane season,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “We’re resolved to continue providing veterans with services whenever possible, and reconstituting services as quickly as possible when they have had to be curtailed because of the storm.”

VA medical centers and clinics near the affected area are prepared to absorb any extra patients and will contact their regular patients to reschedule appointments if necessary.

Veterans who receive monthly compensation for disabilities, education, pension or other benefits will continue to receive regularly scheduled payments. VA national cemeteries in the affected areas have activated their emergency response plans and are standing by to reschedule burials if necessary.

VA health care officials in the region are advising patients to come in for urgent care. Veterans who need prescription refills are advised to call in their requests, rather than travel to a VA health care facility.

“Veterans in the affected area who need emergency medical care should considering going to the nearest civilian facility, if they would risk their health by traveling to a VA hospital or clinic,” Peake said.

To protect the safety of patients and staff, VA officials have announced the following clinic closure several high-risk facilities through Tuesday, Sept. 2:

Downtown New Orleans, La., clinic;

Slidell, La., clinic;

St. John Parish clinic;

Houma, La., clinic;

Mandeville dental clinic;

Lafayette, La., clinic (closed Tuesday and Wednesday);

Jennings clinic (closed Tuesday and Wednesday); and

Beaumont, Texas, clinic (closed until the city’s emergency evacuation order is lifted).

VA has moved New Orleans staff to the Baton Rouge area to ensure continued operations of enhanced capabilities at the Baton Rouge clinic.

Current information on the operation of Gulf Coast VA facilities is available at www.neworleans.va.gov.

VA employees are asked to use the VA Emergency Employee Assistance Call Center to provide their status and receive current information regarding evacuation pay and overtime. The call center number is 1-866-233-0152.

Secretary Peake strongly encouraged veterans and employees in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas to make emergency preparations in anticipation of Hurricane Gustav’s expected landfall. They should make an emergency kit, have an emergency plan in place, follow the instructions of local authorities and prepare for additional emergency measures that may be necessary. Tips on preparing for, surviving and recovering from a hurricane are listed at www.ready.gov, individual state emergency preparedness websites as well as the American Red Cross.

Beginning as early as Aug. 26, numerous VA and other federal agencies began placing resources and personnel in the region. VA has taken these precautionary steps:

Southern Louisiana Healthcare System has evacuated at-risk patients;

VA has begun staffing a Federal Medical Station at Rushton, La.;

Little Rock, Oklahoma City and Dallas VA Federal Coordinating Centers have been activated and are already receiving National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) patients;

Seven additional VA Federal Coordinating Centers remain on alert for NDMS activation;

Activated two toll-free, 1-800 numbers for patient and employee assistance;

Moving New Orleans staff to Baton Rouge; and

Moved 12 support vehicles to Baton Rouge, the back-up site for New Orleans.

VA will announce the reopening of the affected clinics plus any other closings or changes in operations.

In addition, VA is simultaneously monitoring Tropical Storm Hanna in anticipation of potential landfall along the southeastern seaboard.

VA Mobile Health Care Clinics Reach Rural Veterans

Service Coming to 24 Counties in Six States

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is rolling out four new mobile health clinics outfitted to bring primary care and mental health services closer to veterans in 24 predominately rural counties, where patients must travel long distances to visit their nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic.

“VA is committed to providing primary care and mental health care for veterans in rural areas,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Health care should be based upon the needs of patients, not their ability to travel to a clinic or medical center.”

The pilot project is called Rural Mobile Health Care Clinics. It features a recreational-type vehicle equipped to be a rolling primary care and mental health clinic.

VA is currently in the process of procuring and outfitting the vehicles, and officials expect the mobile clinics to be operational by early 2009. Rural areas in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming will share a single mobile van, while Maine, Washington state and West Virginia will each have a VA mobile van.

The clinics are planned to serve:

Colorado: Larimer, Jackson, Logan, and Weld counties;

Maine: Franklin, Somerset and Piscataquis counties;

Nebraska: Cheyenne, Kimball, and Scottsbluff counties;

Washington state: Greys Harbor, Mason, and Lewis;

West Virginia: Preston, Randolph, Upshur, Wetzel, Roane, and Taylor counties; and,

Wyoming: Albany, Carbon, Goshen, and Platte counties.

Factors considered in the selection of the participating sites included a need for improved access in the area, the degree to which clinics will expand services and collaborations with communities the clinics serve.

VA Raising Home Loan Ceilings in Many Areas

Improved Benefits Aid Disabled Veterans in Adapting Homes

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will use a locality-based approach in raising ceilings on its no-downpayment home loans from the current $417,000 to as much as $729,000.

The increases are effective immediately under legislation recently enacted with President Bush signing the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

That law also improved VA's Specially Adapted Housing Program. It raises primary grants from $50,000 to $60,000 toward constructing a new home or modifying an existing home to meet adaptive needs of veterans or active duty servicemembers with certain service-connected disabilities.

One new feature is a provision in the law that will assist burn victims. It will allow veterans with certain service-connected disabilities resulting from severe burns to receive the adaptive housing grants. The new law also makes future increases in ceilings on the Specially Adapted Housing Program automatic.

The increased limits in the general home loan program for all veterans' home purchases or construction will be based on local housing costs, tied to the similar locality adjustments of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Freddie Mac.

VA home loans are available for veterans to purchase or construct single-family homes, and to purchase condominiums or cooperative apartments. There are about 2.3 million existing VA home loans, more than 90 percent made with no down payment.

More information about VA home loans and adaptive grants is available from VA at 877-827-3702 or www.homeloans.va.gov.

# # #

VA Raising Home Loan Ceilings in Many Areas

Improved Benefits Aid Disabled Veterans in Adapting Homes

VA Delivering Care “Outside the Box”

VA Opening Rural Health Resource Centers

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will open three Veterans Rural Health Resource Centers on Oct. 1 to better understand rural health issues for veterans and develop special practices and products to implement across the country.

“For our veterans living in rural areas, the nearest medical center can be miles away,” said VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake. “VA’s commitment is to provide the best quality care to veterans regardless of their address. These centers are a major step toward ensuring that commitment is met.”

The centers will serve as satellite offices for VA’s Office of Rural Health. The eastern center will be located in Vermont at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, the central region in Iowa at the Iowa City VA Medical Center and the western region at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center.

Each resource center will be staffed with administrative, clinical and research staff who will identify disparities in health care for rural veterans and formulate practices or programs to enhance the delivery of care.

“VA has always been committed to providing quality care to rural veterans,” said Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s under secretary for health. “These centers will allow us to better identify and meet the unique needs of our rural veterans as their population continues to grow.”

# # #

“The American Veteran” Reports on
High Tech and Stimulating Surf

WASHINGTON – Using the latest high tech devices as well as the energy of wind and waves, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is helping veterans make health care and health maintenance parts of their everyday routine -- a story which is a highlight of the August edition of “The American Veteran,” the Department’s monthly half-hour news magazine.

“VA brings together the best minds and hearts in many professions to help veterans reclaim their place in the world,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These stories spotlight the deep reserve of healing within veterans and their desire to embrace life head on.”

The top story highlights VA’s home telehealth program, where over 30,000 veterans are able to check into their medical center daily without ever leaving home. By entering information into a home monitoring system, data is transmitted instantly to their medical center using standard phone lines.

A second feature takes viewers to the beaches of Malibu, where veterans experience sun and surf in a uniquely California form of physical and mental therapy -- on a surfboard. All of the participants in this surf workshop are disabled veterans.

There are still some things that can be done only in the hospital, but are being done more quickly and accurately than ever before. In Loma Linda, Calif., a cardiologist is using the latest Cardiac CT scan technology to diagnose potential heart disease. Using this sophisticated equipment, thousands of two-dimensional images are used to create an interactive 3-D model of the patient’s heart.

The series is designed to inform active-duty members, veterans, their families and communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University / Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to community cable outlets.

Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there, reminding veterans of the bond of service they share.

VA’s Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site, www.va.gov. Just click on the “American Veteran” icon at the bottom of the page.

“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.)

Additional stories on the August edition of “The American Veteran” include:

· The Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 is signed into law. Ohio makes all GI Bill participants eligible for in-state tuition.

· Thirty nine communities are selected to receive new Vet Centers.

· Women Veteran Program Managers are hired at every VA medical center.

· Major League Baseball sponsors reduced price tickets for veterans.

· The Tiger Woods AT&T National Golf event recognized the sacrifices of service members, both past and present, with 30,000 free tickets. “The American Veteran” traveled to the tournament over the Fourth of July weekend to capture the sights and sounds of the opening ceremony.

For information about “The American Veteran” program and how to obtain it for local programming, contact VA at 202-461-7502.

# # #

VA Delivering Care “Outside the Box”

“The American Veteran” Reports on High Tech and Stimulating Surf

WASHINGTON – Using the latest high tech devices as well as the energy of wind and waves, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is helping veterans make health care and health maintenance parts of their everyday routine -- a story which is a highlight of the August edition of “The American Veteran,” the Department’s monthly half-hour news magazine.

“VA brings together the best minds and hearts in many professions to help veterans reclaim their place in the world,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These stories spotlight the deep reserve of healing within veterans and their desire to embrace life head on.”

The top story highlights VA’s home telehealth program, where over 30,000 veterans are able to check into their medical center daily without ever leaving home. By entering information into a home monitoring system, data is transmitted instantly to their medical center using standard phone lines.

A second feature takes viewers to the beaches of Malibu, where veterans experience sun and surf in a uniquely California form of physical and mental therapy -- on a surfboard. All of the participants in this surf workshop are disabled veterans.

There are still some things that can be done only in the hospital, but are being done more quickly and accurately than ever before. In Loma Linda, Calif., a cardiologist is using the latest Cardiac CT scan technology to diagnose potential heart disease. Using this sophisticated equipment, thousands of two-dimensional images are used to create an interactive 3-D model of the patient’s heart.

The series is designed to inform active-duty members, veterans, their families and communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University / Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to community cable outlets.

Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there, reminding veterans of the bond of service they share.

VA’s Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site, www.va.gov. Just click on the “American Veteran” icon at the bottom of the page.

“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.)

Additional stories on the August edition of “The American Veteran” include:

· The Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 is signed into law. Ohio makes all GI Bill participants eligible for in-state tuition.

· Thirty nine communities are selected to receive new Vet Centers.

· Women Veteran Program Managers are hired at every VA medical center.

· Major League Baseball sponsors reduced price tickets for veterans.

· The Tiger Woods AT&T National Golf event recognized the sacrifices of service members, both past and present, with 30,000 free tickets. “The American Veteran” traveled to the tournament over the Fourth of July weekend to capture the sights and sounds of the opening ceremony.

For information about “The American Veteran” program and how to obtain it for local programming, contact VA at 202-461

VA Initiates New Business Improvement Program

Peake: Better Management through Standardized Business Processes

WASHINGTON – To upgrade its financial and asset management systems, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced two requests for proposals (RFPs) for the Financial and Logistics Integrated Technology Enterprise (FLITE) Program.

“FLITE makes good business sense because it will allow VA to do a better job of managing its resources,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “Strong business systems are vital to supporting delivery of our services to veterans, and we expect FLITE to be the cornerstone of this effort.”

The purpose of FLITE is to standardize business practices and modernize information technology that supports financial and asset management. The program has two components -- Strategic Asset Management (SAM) and Integrated Financial Accounting System (IFAS). Both components are Web-based and will automate many manual procedures.

The RFPs released are for the SAM component. One is for the SAM pilot implementation at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center; the other is for hardware to support the SAM application. The SAM project will use the VA-owned Maximo software application to manage all classes of physical assets, supply inventories and work management activities.

The release of the SAM RFPs moves the FLITE Program from the planning phase to the development phase and begins a multi-year process to consolidate asset management and improve access to data for decision making, evaluation and action.

VA expects to release RFPs for hosting and implementing the pilot for the IFAS project and program management support services in the near future.

# # #

VA Announces New Nursing Academy Sites

WASHINGTON -- To provide compassionate, highly-trained nurses to serve the health care needs of the nation’s veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing new partnerships with seven of the country’s finest nursing schools. The partnerships will bring to 10 the number of collaborations between the Department and nursing schools under the VA Nursing Academy.

“The expanded role of VA in the education of nurses will ensure the Department has the nurses needed to continue our world-class health care for veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “The VA Nursing Academy expands our teaching faculty, improves recruitment and retention, and creates new educational and research opportunities.”

The VA Nursing Academy is a virtual organization with central administration in Washington. It expands learning opportunities for nursing students at VA facilities, funds additional faculty positions so competitively selected nursing school partners will accept additional baccalaureate-level students, and increases recruitment and retention of VA nurses. The five-year, $40 million program began in 2007.

Seven nursing schools will form new partnerships with nine VA medical centers and join the VA Nursing Academy this year. They are:

VA Facility

School of Nursing

Charleston, S.C.

Medical University of South Carolina

Hines, Ill.

Loyola University of Chicago

Michigan Consortia(Detroit, Saginaw, Battle Creek, Ann Arbor)

University of Detroit Mercy, and Saginaw Valley State University

Oklahoma City, Okla.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Providence, R.I.

Rhode Island College

Tampa, Fla.

University of South Florida

Partnerships already in the VA Nursing Academy include the VA medical center in Gainesville, Fla., with the University of Florida; the VA medical center in San Diego with San Diego State University; the VA medical center in Salt Lake City with the University of Utah; and the VA medical center in West Haven, Conn., with Fairfield University in Connecticut.

VA expects to add several more nursing-school partnerships.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has reported that in 2006 more than 38,000 qualified applicants were turned away from entry-level baccalaureate degree programs in nursing schools because of insufficient numbers of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space and clinical mentors. VA currently provides clinical education for approximately 100,000 health professional trainees annually, including students from more than 600 schools of nursing.

VA’s “Enhancing Academic Partnerships” pilot program enables competitively selected VA-nursing school partnerships to expand the number of nursing faculty, enhance the professional and scholarly development of nurses, increase student enrollment by about 1,000 students and promote innovations in nursing education.

Further information about the pilot program can be obtained from VA’s Office of Academic Affiliations web site at www.va.gov/oaa.

# # #
VA Rolling Out Suicide Hotline Ads in DC

Peake: First-of-Its-Kind Test for VA

WASHINGTON – Veterans and other residents of metropolitan Washington, D.C., have begun seeing outreach information on buses and inside subway cars about the suicide prevention hotline of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The red-white-and-blue displays, the centerpiece of a new three-month outreach campaign, will highlight VA’s suicide prevention hotline -- 1-800-273-TALK. If the campaign is successful in raising awareness, VA officials plan to extend the promotional campaign to other parts of the country.

“It takes the courage and strength of a warrior to ask for help,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “That’s the message of this outreach.”

In D.C., 80 buses, 220 subway cars and 10 subway stations will carry the displays until mid October. VA officials will measure the effectiveness of the outreach campaign by tracking any increase in calls to its suicide prevention hotline from telephone numbers in the metro D.C. area. VA’s newest outreach to veterans and their families about suicide prevention includes soon-to-be-released public service ads featuring actor Gary Sinese.

The ads are the latest outreach tool in a suicide prevention program that includes creation of a toll-free, round-the-clock hotline, which began operation last summer; the expansion of hours at VA’s 153 medical facilities to care for veterans with mental health problems; the hiring of suicide prevention counselors at each VA medical center; and special training programs for all VA employees in medical centers and clinics to alert them to warning signs in veterans for suicide and other emotional problems.

VA operates one of the largest mental health programs in the country, with about 9,000 mental health professionals, a yearly mental health budget of about $3 billion and about 1 million patients who have a mental health diagnosis.

# # #

VA Names New South Carolina National Cemetery

Awards First Construction Contract, Appoints Director

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has named the national cemetery to be built near Columbia, S.C., as the “Fort Jackson National Cemetery.” VA also awarded a $2.53 million construction contract for the initial phase of development to International Public Works, LLC, of North Charleston.

The new 585-acre cemetery will be located in Richland County just east of the city of Columbia and south of Interstate Highway 20 on property donated by the Fort Jackson Army post.

“VA is keeping its promise to our nation’s veterans by building this new national shrine,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “The Columbia area deserves a magnificent, lasting tribute to the service of its military veterans.”

VA has selected Gene Linxwiler as the first director of Fort Jackson National Cemetery. After retiring from the Navy in 1999, Linxwiler joined VA’s National Cemetery Administration as a director intern at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore. Linxwiler was then assigned to Natchez National Cemetery in Mississippi. He was also director of Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Nebraska from October 2004 to September 2006.

Immediately before taking the new position at Fort Jackson, Linxwiler was the director of Fort Bliss National Cemetery in Texas and Fort Bayard National Cemetery in New Mexico.

VA expects construction of a 15-acre area to begin this summer and burials to begin there later this year. The cemetery staff will work initially from a temporary office, committal service shelter and equipment facility building until construction is completed. That area will include 1,400 full-casket gravesites and 1,100 in-ground cremation burial sites.

When the cemetery’s 50-acre first phase of development is finished, it will contain 5,000 full-casket gravesites, including 4,200 pre-placed crypts and approximately 2,000 columbarium niches. It will provide burials for more than 170,000 veterans and their families who live in central South Carolina.

The cemetery will include an administration/public information center, public restrooms, a maintenance building and two committal service shelters. Other infrastructure will include roadways, landscaping, utilities and irrigation.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker – even if they are not buried in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terror — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

VA also provides grants to states to build new or expand existing state veterans cemeteries to complement national cemeteries. VA burial benefits information can be obtained from national cemetery offices, a VA Web site on the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

For information about the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, call the cemetery staff at (866) 577-5248. To make burial arrangements, call the national scheduling office at (800) 535-1117.

# # #

Ladies Home Journal Cites Work with Women Veterans

VA’s National PTSD Center Deputy Honored

WASHINGTON -- Dr. Paula Schnurr, deputy executive director for VA’s National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), received the 3rd annual Ladies Home Journal “Health Breakthrough Award” for her work with PTSD and women veterans.

“Dr. Schnurr’s contribution to veterans is an exceptional example of the Department’s commitment to healing those who have borne the battle,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Her research was recognized for finding the best therapy among current treatment approaches for PTSD in women.”

The study led by Schnurr for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was the largest clinical trial of individual psychotherapy for PTSD ever conducted. The findings led to VA supporting a national training program in “prolonged-exposure therapy,” which had not previously been widely used.

Schnurr has been serving veterans at VA for 19 years and is responsible for program development, consultation on research projects, and strategic direction of the activities at the seven sites that make up the National Center for PTSD.

She is also a research professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth Medical School, as well as the editor of the Journal of Traumatic Stress.

Schnurr is one of four doctors and researchers who is featured in the August 2008 issue of the Ladies Home Journal, the fifth largest magazine in the country, with more than 13 million subscribers. They were chosen following a search of more than 80 medical organizations, medical schools, teaching hospitals, universities and government agencies.

VA is a world leader in the research, diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, providing specialized PTSD programs at its medical centers and clinics. More about the National Center for PTSD can be found at www.ncptsd.va.gov.

# # #

VA Announces New Sports Clinic for Newly Injured Veterans

WASHINGTON – One hundred recently injured veterans from around the country will participate in a unique rehabilitative sports experience this September in San Diego, the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“This new rehabilitative event is a therapeutic extension of the superior health care veterans receive in our medical centers each day,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “The sports clinic will strengthen veterans battling back from injury, improving their mental and physical well-being.”

The event is open to recently injured veterans who have spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations, other mobility impairments, or post-traumatic stress disorder. For many injured veterans, this event will provide their first exposure to recreational sports and other activities after being injured.

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic will take place Sept. 28 through Oct. 3 at several venues in the San Diego area. Events include sailing, cycling, surfing, kayaking and track and field events. Admission for the public is free.

Sea World and the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies along with some of the week’s events. Other events will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Kellogg Park in La Jolla Shores, the Embarcadero Marina Park and the Mission Bay Yacht Club.

Recreational sports can be an important part of the therapy for many disabilities. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapeutic programs available at VA health care facilities across the nation.

The event will become the fifth national rehabilitation event offered by VA to promote the healing of body, mind and spirit, joining the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the National Veterans Golden Age Games and the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

The VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting the 2008 Summer Sports Clinic. Specific event activities offered will change each year.

For more information about the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic or to volunteer during the week, visit the clinic Web site at www.summersportsclinic.va.gov.

# # #

VA Announces 55 Per Diem Awards for Homeless Assistance

WASHINGTON -- Homeless veterans and those who help them received a significant boost in their efforts when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) made 55 new awards to public and private nonprofit organizations that assist homeless veterans.

“It’s important that VA continue to help our nation’s homeless veterans, many of whom are still dealing with the effects of past conflicts,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These awards provide needed resources to hard working, caring and compassionate people who provide one-on-one care and services to our veterans every day in their own communities.”

Today’s announcement of awards to 55 community-based organizations in 24 states will add over 1,000 transitional housing beds to the 9,400 beds already available for homeless veterans because of VA grants for the homeless.

VA has the largest integrated network of homeless assistance programs in the country. It is the only federal agency that provides substantial one-on-one contact with the homeless. In many cities and rural areas, VA social workers and other clinicians conduct extensive outreach programs, clinical assessments, medical treatment, alcohol and drug abuse counseling and employment assistance.

Last year, VA committed more resources than at any time in its history for programs benefiting homeless veterans. The Department committed $26 million in new funding to support about 2,000 new transitional housing beds, $12 million for seriously mentally ill veterans, terminally ill veterans, frail elderly veterans and women veterans, to include women with children, and $2 million for other programs.

VA has provided more than $350 million in grants and per diem payments since it initiated the Grant and Per Diem Program in 1994.

Since 1988, VA has partnered with hundreds of communities to support more than 1,500 “Stand Downs” across the nation. Stand Downs give homeless veterans a temporary refuge where they can obtain food, shelter, clothing and a range of community and VA assistance. For more information on VA's homeless programs, see http://www.va.gov/homeless/.

VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system, with 153 hospitals, more than 800 clinics, 135 nursing homes and 47 domiciliaries, treating about 1 million patients each week.

For more information, visit the VA website at www.va.gov or contact VA’s Homeless Veterans Programs Office at (202) 461-7401, or e-mail VA at homelessvets@mail.va.gov.

# # #

Veterans Mourn the Passing of Dr. Michael DeBakey

Pioneer Improved Health Care for Military, Vets, All Americans

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake joined with national leaders in offering condolences to the family and colleagues of Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, an internationally acclaimed medical pioneer with long ties to the Department of Veterans Affairs. DeBakey, 99, died Friday in Houston.

“Dr. DeBakey’s skills as a surgeon and manager, along with his deep commitment to military personnel and veterans, has created a legacy of service that will never be equaled,” Peake said. “He has touched countless lives, and, more importantly, he has saved and enriched countless lives.”

A pioneer in the field of cardiac surgery, DeBakey is credited with developing mobile Army surgical hospitals during World War II, which became the foundation for bringing specialized medical care closer to troops on the battlefield and, thereby, dramatically reducing combat deaths.

In the late 1940s, he was instrumental in establishing the VA facility in his hometown of Houston as one of the premier medical facilities in the country. In December 2003, President Bush signed into law a measure naming VA’s Houston medical center after DeBakey.

This April, VA named a conference room in the Department’s headquarters after DeBakey and Congress awarded him the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest awards for civilian service.

“At VA, we are honored to count Dr. DeBakey as one of our own,” Peake said. “His medical skill and his boundless compassion will be missed by colleagues, patients, and veterans everywhere.”

# # #

Secretary Reinforces VA’s Commitment to Research Safety and Veteran Focus

Summit Brings Renewed VA Drive for Women Veterans

Reinventing to be “Women-Centric”

Research Has Set National Safety Standards, Benefits All Americans

WASHINGTON – An aggressive push to ensure women veterans receive the highest quality of care in VA medical facilities was pledged by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake at a recent VA National Summit on Women Veterans’ Issues.

Although VA already has services for women patients equal to those men receive, Peake told the audience of more than 400 women-veteran advocates, “We are reinventing ourselves by expanding our women-centric focus to initiate new programs that meet the needs of women veterans.”

Citing the demographic shift that brings increasing numbers of women to VA for care and the need for changes, Peake announced formation of a work group to focus on women’s needs in prosthetics and rehabilitation, hiring women’s advocates in VA medical centers, developing quality measurements specifically for women patients, purchasing more state-of-the-art, specialized women’s health care equipment, and expanding medical education in women’s health for VA care providers.

Summit attendees also learned that VA recently established a work group whose goal is to ensure every female veteran enrolled in VA care has a women’s health primary care provider, especially to meet gender-specific needs.

The June 20-22 conference in Washington focused on how to ensure VA meets women-specific health needs and how to inform more women veterans of their VA benefits. It was the fourth women’s summit, which VA holds every four years.

Summit co-sponsors included the American Legion Auxiliary, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Other assisting veterans groups included the Blinded Veterans Association, Military Officers Association of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and TriWest.

# # #

WASHINGTON – In a congressional hearing Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake, M.D., discussed the safety and importance of the research programs operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as an absolute commitment to its patients, while expressing regret that even a single veteran would feel improperly treated or misused.

“VA has an outstanding research program, and has been innovative in its protection of human research subjects,” Peake said before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. “I am determined that VA will remain a leader in the protection of human research subjects and in veteran-centric research.”

Peake pointed out VA researchers have played key roles in the development of breakthrough medical advancement such as the cardiac pacemaker, the CT scanner and improvements to artificial limbs. The first liver transplant was performed by a VA researcher. The Department’s researchers have also conducted important trials on medication for tuberculosis, schizophrenia, high blood pressure, shingles and many other diseases that affect not only veterans but all Americans.

The VA secretary’s remarks came in the wake of published reports in the Washington Times about a VA research program on smoking cessation involving veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Peake emphasized the research project was not a drug study, but an examination of the most effective site of care to treat heavy smokers who have PTSD, using medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Veterans with PTSD are more likely to be heavy smokers and are only half as likely to quit as are smokers without PTSD in the general population and smoking kills,” Peake said.

None of the medications used in this study are investigational or experimental, all are FDA approved, and the drug that made headlines, Chantix, is in fact considered to be the most effective medication available for smoking cessation with six million prescriptions written.

Peake noted any veterans receiving Chantix in the study or anywhere in the VA had been put on the drug by their doctors as an individual doctor-patient decision, with continued monitoring the health status. As information within the VA and by the FDA suggested potential psychological side effects were being seen in some patients taking Chantix, Clinical providers were notified promptly. Not only were letters sent by researchers to members of the study, but, additionally, a letter has been sent to every veteran prescribed Chantix by the VA discussing possible side-effects, encouraging them to contact their provider immediately if they experience side effects and assuring them that the VA will help them find another way to quit smoking if they are concerned about Chantix or are having side effects.

More than 60 FDA approved drugs could have adverse effects that may include “suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior,” Peake said. “If VA were to withhold these medications from our patients with mental health issues, we would have great difficulty treating them. Weighing the risk -- and all drugs have risks -- against the benefit with the best information available is what the doctor and patient do as a drug is prescribed.”

The Secretary also addressed allegations implying VA research is somehow compromised by outside entities such as drug companies and universities calling it ridiculous. The smoking cessation study was solely funded by the VA, with no outside funding. VA research is approved by VA’s Office of Research and Development and does not require approval from the Secretary, including this smoking cessation study. The scientific review and human subjects protection processes ensure that VA research addresses specifically and only the purpose of the study.

Peake has also directed four internal investigations:

* A comprehensive review of the smoking cessation study within 30 days; * A review of all PTSD drug protocols in the VA system within 45 days; * A full review of our adverse event reporting system for pharmaceuticals within 20 days; * A review of VA’s medication notification system to ensure the system’s policies support timely communications to our patients and providers within 20 days.

Peake said his intent is to ensure the best, the most ethical, and the safest scientific inquiries into the health care needs of our nation’s veterans.

VA Vet Centers Coming to 39 Communities

Provide Counseling for All Combat Veterans

WASHINGTON – Combat veterans will receive readjustment counseling and other assistance in 39 additional communities across the country where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will develop Vet Centers by fall 2009.

“Community-based Vet Centers -- already in all 50 states -- are a key component of VA’s mental health program,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “I’m pleased we can expand access to bring services closer to even more veterans, including screening and counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder.”

The existing 232 centers conduct community outreach to offer counseling on employment, family issues and education to combat veterans and family members, as well as bereavement counseling for families of service members killed on active duty and counseling for veterans who were sexually harassed on active duty.

Vet Center services are available at no cost to veterans who experienced combat during any war era. They are staffed by small teams of counselors, outreach workers and other specialists, many of whom are combat veterans. The Vet Center program was established in 1979 by Congress, recognizing that many Vietnam veterans were still having readjustment problems.

The centers have hired 100 combat veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as outreach specialists, often placing them near military processing stations, to brief servicemen and women leaving the military about VA benefits.

VA’s 2009 budget proposal seeks $20 million more than this year’s budget for Vet Centers, to include operating and leasing space for the new centers. Eighteen of the counties that will have new centers already have one or more; the other 21 do not.

Communities Receiving New VA Vet Centers

* Alabama – Madison * Arizona – Maricopa * California – Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego * Connecticut – Fairfield * Florida – Broward, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Volusia * Georgia – Cobb * Illinois – Cook, DuPage * Maryland – Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Prince George’s * Michigan – Macomb, Oakland * Minnesota – Hennepin * Missouri – Greene * North Carolina – Onslow * New Jersey – Ocean * Nevada – Clark * Oklahoma – Comanche * Pennsylvania – Bucks, Montgomery * Texas – Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Tarrant * Virginia – Virginia Beach * Washington – King * Wisconsin -- Brown

# # #

Issue Number: IR-2008-91

Inside This Issue

IRS Sending Stimulus Payment Information to Retirees, Veterans

Public Service Announcement: It's Not Too Late To Get Your Stimulus Payment

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded qualifying retirees and veterans that it is not too late to file for an economic stimulus payment and announced it will send a second set of information packets to 5.2 million people who may be eligible but who have not yet filed for their stimulus payment.

The packages will contain everything needed by a person who normally does not have a filing requirement but who must file this year in order to receive an economic stimulus payment. There will be instructions, an example Form 1040A return showing the few lines that need to be completed, and a blank Form 1040A. The packages will be mailed over a three-week period starting July 21.

“All it takes is a few simple steps, and the payment can be on its way. It’s not too late to file, but the sooner people file, the faster they’ll receive their money,” said Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner.

The mailing is part of an IRS summer campaign to reach out to those people who have no requirement to file a tax return but who may be eligible for a stimulus payment of up to $300 ($600 for married filing jointly). For those eligible for a payment for themselves, there also is a $300 per child payment for eligible children younger than 17.

The IRS has accounted for about 75 percent of the approximately 20 million Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries identified as being potential stimulus recipients. All but 5.2 million of those have either filed a return, filed a joint return or were not eligible for a stimulus payment (for example, they were claimed as a dependent on another’s return).

To reach the remaining recipients, the IRS is working with national partners, members of Congress and state and local officials to ensure that assistance to eligible people is available.

The agency also reminded people that it has more than 400 local Taxpayer Assistance Centers operating normal business hours Monday through Friday. These centers can provide assistance to retirees and veterans trying to receive their payments. A list of addresses and office hours can be found at Contact My Local Office.

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 provided for payments of up to $600 ($1,200 for married filing jointly) for taxpayers who normally file a tax return and have a tax liability. It provided that stimulus recipients could receive another $300 for each eligible child younger than 17.

The Act also created a special category for people who had certain types of income but may not file a tax return because their income is too low or their income is nontaxable.

People in this category must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income to be eligible for the minimum amount of $300 ($600 married filing jointly). Qualifying income is the total of Social Security, Veterans Affairs and/or Railroad Retirement benefits plus earned income, including nontaxable combat pay

People receiving only Supplemental Security Income are not eligible. Eligible people must have a Social Security number (unless their spouse is a member of the military) and be neither a dependent nor eligible to be a dependent on another’s tax return.

Receiving the stimulus payment should have no impact on other federal benefits currently being received. The stimulus payment is not taxable. Absent any other filing requirements, filing a tax return to receive a stimulus payment does not mean that retirees and others will have to start filing tax returns again.

As of July 11, the IRS had issued 112.4 million payments totaling $91.8 billion. Payments are based on 2007 tax returns being filed this year. People must file by Oct. 15 in order to receive a payment in 2008. Those who do not file a tax return to obtain their stimulus payment this year may still receive their stimulus payments by filing a 2008 tax return next spring, but then their stimulus payment would be based on their 2008 qualifying income.

Related Item:

Stimulus Payments — It's Not Too Late

VA Launches Expansion in Veterans Health Facilities

44 New Clinics Bring Care Closer to Home

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today announced plans to create 44 new community-based outpatient clinics to bring the world-class health care of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) closer to home for veterans in 21 states.

"VA continues to make access to care easier through an expanding outpatient system focused not only on primary treatment but also prevention of disease, early detection, and health promotion," Peake said.

The new clinics, scheduled to be activated over the next 15 months, will increase VA's network of independent and community-based clinics to 782, an increase of more than 100 in five years.

This growth in community clinics has helped VA meet veterans' expectations for prompt, quality service, with 98 percent of veterans seen within 30 days in all types of VA primary care facilities throughout the country.

In addition to on-site primary care staff, today's modern outpatient clinics frequently feature state-of-the-art telehealth systems permitting veterans to maintain regular contact with doctors in specialties from cardiac care to mental health at regional VA hospitals linked for video consultations, coupled with telemetry of health data or images.

A highly acclaimed national health records system allows practitioners at even remote clinics to review patient records stored at VA facilities anywhere in the country.

VA's 21 regional networks develop applications for new clinics in consideration of reducing the distance veterans travel to their nearest VA hospital or clinic, as well as local demand, existing hospital, clinic workload and other factors.

The planned sites for VA’s new outpatient clinics are:

* Alabama (2) -- Marshall County, Wiregrass * Alaska -- Matanuska-Susitna Borough area * Arkansas (2) -- Ozark, White County * California -- East Bay-Alameda County area * Florida -- Summerfield * Georgia (4) -- Baldwin County, Coweta County, Glynn County, Liberty County * Indiana (2) -- Miami County, Morgan County * Iowa -- Wapello County * Louisiana (5) -- Lake Charles, Leesville, Natchitoches, St. Mary Parish, Washington Parish * Maine -- Lewiston-Auburn area * Minnesota (2) -- Douglas County, Northwest Metro * Missouri -- Franklin County * New Mexico -- Rio Rancho * North Carolina (2) -- Robeson County, Rutherford County * North Dakota -- Grand Forks County * Ohio -- Gallia County * Oklahoma (4) -- Altus, Craig County, Enid, Jay * Tennessee (3) -- Giles County, Maury County, McMinn County * Texas (5) -- Katy, Lake Jackson, Richmond, Tomball, El Paso County * Virginia (3) -- Augusta County, Emporia, Wytheville * West Virginia -- Greenbrier County

VA Awards $1.1 Million for Indiana Veterans Home

Grant Honors VA’s Commitment to Veterans

WASHINGTON – To ensure the state veterans home in Indiana remains a comfortable, safe residence, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a construction grant totaling more than $1.1 million for the state veterans home in West Lafayette.

"This grant honors our commitment to care for the men and women of Indiana who have served in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Successful partnerships between federal and state governments are paramount to providing caring, comfortable and safe environments for our veterans.”

The grant will pay for renovations to the fire alarms, oxygen storage, sprinklers and electrical system. The VA grant equals 65 percent of the estimated $1.7 million cost of the project.

The facility is open to veterans who served in the military during wartime. To be eligible, veterans must have been a state resident for three years before applying.

This year, VA expects to spend over $1 billion in Indiana to serve the state’s 518,000 veterans. VA operates three major medical centers in Indiana, plus 10 community-based outpatient clinics, one nursing home and four Vet Centers.

For more information about the Indiana veterans home, call 765-497-8537 or visit the Internet at http://www.in.gov/dva.

# # #

Gulf War Veterans Given Added Voice at VA

New Committee to Air Veterans’ Concerns

WASHINGTON - - Veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War will gain additional access to the leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when the department’s Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans holds its first meeting today. The 14-member, independent panel will advise the Secretary and the department on the full range of health care and benefits needs of those who served in the conflict.

“I will ask them to take a ‘fresh-eyes’ approach in developing their recommendations and work expeditiously to produce a final report within 18-months,” said Secretary Peake.

Serving on the committee are Gulf War and other veterans, veterans service organizations’ representatives, medical experts, and the surviving spouse of a Gulf War veteran. Members were selected to provide a variety of perspectives, experiences, and expertise. Open to the public, the meeting is scheduled for June 17 – 19, 2008 at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza, 14th & K Streets, NW, Washington.

Secretary of Veteran Affairs Dr. James B. Peake will welcome the members and thank them for their service both on the committee and in their lives as citizens, veterans or veteran advocates. He will discuss the importance the department places on the unique issues and challenges faced by Gulf War veterans.

The first meeting is designed to give committee members an overview of VA as well as the benefits and services provided to Gulf War veterans. Members will receive briefings on education, home loan guaranty, disability compensation and other benefits.

Additional briefings will include health care and veterans’ legal and appeal rights. They will hear public comments June 18 at 2:15 p.m. and June 19 at 3:30 p.m.

Statement by the Department Of Veterans Affairs On Smoking Cessation Research Program

WASHINGTON -- Reports in the news media today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is testing drugs on war veterans are inaccurate and misleading. VA conducts extensive and often groundbreaking, evidence-based research nationwide to discover better health care methods for our veterans.

In our PTSD and smoking cessation study, our research is to learn if it is easier to stop smoking when smoking cessation treatment is combined with PTSD therapy, or whether the two therapies are more effective if they are provided separately.

In either case, patients are receiving treatment recommended by their own doctors using counseling with or without FDA approved medication that includes Varenicline (Chantix).

Participation in this program is voluntary, and all participants are closely monitored clinically by mental health professionals who provide smoking cessation methods patients agree to use.

More than six million prescriptions were written for Varenicline in the United States in 2007; it is an FDA-approved, widely used medication for smoking cessation.

In November, 2007, FDA issued an “early communication” to health care providers indicating concerns had arisen about the medication having a possible side effect involving mental health; VA immediately passed along that concern to practitioners at all of our medical centers.

On February 1, FDA issued a “Public Health Advisory,” to providers, providing more information on potential side effects of which clinicians and patients should be aware.

VA distributed this alert to pharmacists in its system on that same day, and to researchers on February 5. FDA has never asked that Varenicline be removed from the market, and it continues to be FDA approved as a safe and efficacious medication.

It is important to note that neither FDA nor the manufacturer has ever recalled Varenicline, and VA has never been asked to do so.

Had a recall been requested, VA would immediately have notified patients and stopped refilling prescriptions, standard procedure when such recalls occur.

VA’s letter to patients in the study using Varenicline was carefully written by a team of psychiatrists and psychologists, and clearly and specifically requested patients to come in and discuss possible side effects of which they should be aware; these professionals felt that the issue of suicide should be discussed in a clinical setting, not in a mailing to a group of patients.

The implication that a modest payment for volunteers in medical research programs is somehow wrong is a distortion. Such payments are a widely used practice, both in VA and in the private sector, to help volunteers pay for expenses. The characterization of the purpose of these payments was entirely incorrect.

Treating PTSD is very important to VA and to veterans, and smoking can kill. This research program, like all VA research, is approved by independent institutional review boards to ensure the safety of all participants.

The progress of the study is regularly scrutinized by a VA Data Safety Monitoring Board that closely tracks any and all reported side effects related to the study to ensure safety.

VA's use of Varenicline is consistent with guidelines on smoking cessation the U.S. Surgeon General's office has established. VA is committed to the ethical treatment of all who participate in our research studies, to the principle of informed consent, and to treating veterans participating in our research programs with the highest quality and most advanced health care available.

The VA cares about every veteran who suffers from PTSD, and that concern reinforces our obligation to quality research and providing the best treatments possible.

VA Awards $1.2 Million for Illinois Veterans Homes

Grant Honors VA’s Commitment to Veterans

WASHINGTON – To ensure state veterans homes in Illinois remain comfortable, safe residences, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding construction grants totaling more than $1.2 million for the state veterans home in Manteno and Quincy.

"These grants honor our commitment to care for the men and women of Illinois who have served in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Successful partnerships between federal and state governments are paramount to providing caring and comfortable environments for our veterans.”

The Manteno home grant of $570,545 will pay for the replacement of an emergency generator. At the Quincy home, the $690,533 grant will cover the cost of a mold remediation project. The two VA grants will pay 65 percent of the estimated $1.9 million cost of the projects.

The two facilities, along with state-run veterans homes in Anna and LaSalle are open to veterans who served in the military during wartime. To be eligible, veterans must have entered the military in Illinois or have been a state resident for a year before applying.

This year, VA expects to spend nearly $3 billion in Illinois to serve the state’s 840,000 veterans. VA operates five major medical centers in Illinois, plus more than 20 community-based outpatient clinics, five nursing homes and nine Vet Centers.

More information about Illinois veterans homes is available by contacting the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at (800) 437-9824.

# # #

Health Care “Report Card” Gives VA High Marks

Demonstrates VA’s Openness and Accountability

WASHINGTON – A new “hospital report card” by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives the Department’s health care system high marks, with VA facilities often outscoring private-sector health plans in standards commonly accepted by the health care industry.

“This report is a comprehensive snapshot of the quality of care VA provides to our veterans,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “From waiting times and staffing levels to hospital accreditation and patient satisfaction, this report demonstrates VA is providing high quality care to the veterans we serve.”

Among the report’s findings:

98 percent of veterans were seen within 30 days at primary care facilities, 97 percent at specialty clinics. (Veterans requiring emergency care are seen immediately.)

All of VA’s 153 medical centers are accredited by the independent Joint Commission which accredits all U.S. health care facilities.

The quality scores for older veterans are similar to those for younger veterans.

Although screening for breast and cervical cancer for women in VA facilities exceeds screening in private-sector facilities, women veterans lag behind their male counterparts in some quality measurements, the report noted.

VA has already launched an aggressive program to ensure women veterans receive the highest quality of care, including placement of women advocates in every outpatient clinic and medical center. Health care will be a major topic at VA’s National Summit on Women Veterans Issues scheduled for June 20-22 in Washington.

The report also found minority veterans are generally less satisfied with inpatient and outpatient care than white veterans. That disparity will be the focus of an in-depth study, based upon input from veterans, which will be completed this summer.

“Disparities in treatment and satisfaction based on gender or ethnic background are unacceptable,” Peake said. “VA has a robust program to look at disparities and to deal with the underlying causes.”

The report card is available on the Internet at:

http://www.va.gov/health/docs/Hospital_Quality_Report.pdf.

In February, Congress directed VA to complete the report card, highlighting measurements of quality, safety, timeliness, efficiency and “patient-centeredness.”

“This report demonstrates VA’s determination to be open and accountable for the quality and safety of the care we provide,” Peake said. “No other health care organization provides this much information about its ability to care for its patients.”

# # #

VA Reaching Out to Vets with Mortgage Problems

Peake: VA Has a “Solid Record of Success” in Helping

WASHINGTON – Many home owners have found it difficult recently to pay their mortgages, but quick intervention by loan counselors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has actually reduced the number of veterans defaulting on their home loans.

“VA is reaching out to veterans -- both those who use our home-loan guaranty program and those who don’t take advantage of our guaranties -- to keep people in their homes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “I’m proud of our solid record of success in helping veterans and active-duty personnel deal with financial crises.”

Accounting for much of this success are VA counselors at nine regional loan centers who assist people with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure through counseling and special financing arrangements. The counselors also can assist other veterans with financial problems. VA counselors have helped about 74,000 veterans, active-duty members and survivors keep their homes since 2000, a savings to the government of nearly $1.5 billion.

Depending on a veteran’s circumstances, VA can intercede with the borrower on the veteran’s behalf to pursue options -- such as repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications -- that would allow a veteran to keep a home.

To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702. Information about VA’s home loan guaranty program can be obtained at www.homeloans.va.gov.

Since 1944, when home-loan guaranties were offered with the original GI Bill, VA has guarantied more than 18 million home loans worth $911 billion. Last year, about 135,000 veterans, active-duty service members and survivors received loans valued at nearly $24 billion.

About 2.3 million home loans still in effect were purchased through VA’s home-loan guaranty program, which makes home loans more affordable for veterans, active-duty members and some surviving spouses by protecting lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. More than 90 percent of VA-backed home loans were given without a downpayment.

April data shows that foreclosures are down more than 50 percent from the same months in 2003. VA attributes this to prudent credit underwriting standards, its robust supplemental loan servicing program and VA financial loan counselors.

Indianapolis Set to Host National Veterans Golden Age Games

22nd Year of VA-Sponsored Sporting Competition

WASHINGTON – An estimated 600 “golden age” veterans from across the country will travel to Indianapolis to compete in the largest sports and recreational competition for senior veterans in the world August 20-24.

"Staying active and healthy through sports and fitness is important to all our nation’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "We are proud to offer the Golden Age Games as a premier sporting event for our senior veterans.”

Golden Age Games competitions are open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. The games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, bicycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot put.

The 22nd National Veterans Golden Age Games are co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS). This year’s event is hosted by the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors’ competition program for older veterans. It is designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. For a number of events, the games will serve as a qualifying competition for participating in the 2009 National Senior Games in San Francisco. The National Senior Games is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

“After HHV’s initial co-sponsorship of the games in 2007, we are extremely pleased to announce our continued support of this therapeutic program,” said Mike Lynch, Executive Director of HHV. “The games touch numerous lives, and we could not pass up the chance to be a part of this great event again.”

“An active lifestyle is vital to everyone’s health and well being, and is even more important as we enter our senior years,” said Marilyn Iverson, Director of the Veterans Canteen Service. “It is a great way to stay healthy and prevent illness.”

The majority of the Golden Age Games events, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at the Indiana Convention Center. The opening ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20. The competition begins with golf on Thursday, August 21, at 8:00 a.m., at Coffin Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, at the convention center.

For more information on the Golden Age Games, look online at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov, or call Jenny Tankersley Ballou, National Veterans Golden Age Games Public Affairs Coordinator, at (757) 728-3450 or (757) 254-6058.

# # #

VA Secretary, Elected Officials and Universities Discuss Veterans Health Care in Omaha

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake, Sen. Ben Nelson, Rep. Lee Terry, Mayor Mike Fahey, leaders from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Creighton Medical Center and key Omaha business partners met on Monday to discuss the future of veterans care at the Omaha VA Medical Center.

“VA’s outstanding relationships with the elected officials of Nebraska and the universities here in Omaha have resulted in productive discussions on how best to meet the needs of Nebraska’s veterans now and in the future,” said Secretary Peake.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the facility’s infrastructure needs and space requirements. According to Senator Nelson, "The Omaha VA has some of the best medical professionals in the country. It's important that we provide them with the most advanced technology, tools and facilities so they can keep America's commitment of quality health care for veterans."

“I welcome Secretary Peake to Omaha and I look forward to continuing our discussions on how best to support Nebraska and Western Iowa veterans,” said Representative Terry. UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., added, "UNMC is fully committed to assisting the VA in providing world-class health care to veterans in Nebraska and the region. We stand ready to help in any way deemed appropriate."

"Creighton University's collaboration with the Omaha VA Medical Center gives our students and faculty the opportunity to work with Americas' veterans and help them with their health care needs, which is a critical part of fulfilling our Jesuit university's mission to contribute to the betterment of society," said the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S. J., Creighton’s president.

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System serves more than 172,500 veterans in Nebraska, western Iowa and sections of Kansas and Missouri. The Omaha VA Medical Center offers both inpatient and outpatient primary and specialty care services. The system also operates a nursing home care facility in Grand Island, and community-based outpatient clinics in Lincoln, Grand Island, North Platte, Norfolk and Holdrege.

Sarasota VA National Cemetery Dedicated

Ground Broken for New Shrine Honoring America’s Veterans

WASHINGTON – Ground was broken today in Sarasota, Fla., in a ceremony dedicating the new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery.

“Serving veterans where they live is a top priority for VA,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “By building a national shrine in this part of Florida, we will provide a final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who have faithfully served our nation.”

The ceremony included remarks by VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs William F. Tuerk and local officials. The dedication plaque was unveiled and military honors were performed by a joint service firing detail. The ceremony ended with the playing of “Taps.”

Located on a 295-acre site in Sarasota County along State Route 72, the new cemetery will begin burials late this year. It will be available for nearly 400,000 veterans and their family members who live in southwestern Florida.

VA selected Sandra M. Beckley as the cemetery’s first director. Most recently, she served as director at VA’s Georgia National Cemetery near Atlanta.

VA will begin construction this summer on a 15-acre section. The section will be comprised of 2,000 pre-placed concrete vaults and 2,000 sites for in-ground cremated remains. The cemetery staff will work initially from a temporary office, a committal service shelter and an equipment facility until construction is completed.

The cemetery’s remaining 60-acre 10-year construction plan will contain 18,200 casket gravesites, including 15,200 pre-placed concrete vaults; a 7,000-unit columbarium for cremation remains; 7,500 graves for in-ground cremated remains; and a scattering garden.

When completed, the new cemetery will include an administration and public information complex with an electronic gravesite locator and public restrooms; a maintenance facility; entrance and flag assembly areas; a memorial walkway; and two committal shelters. Other infrastructure elements include roadways, landscaping, utilities and irrigation.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and eligible dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on nearly 17,000 acres of land.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-1000. For information on the Sarasota VA National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (941) 861-9840 or, toll-free, at (877) 861-9840. To make burial arrangements at the time of need, call the national cemetery scheduling office at (800) 535-1117.

Issue Number: IR-2008-082

Inside This Issue

IRS Increases Mileage Rates through Dec. 31, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2008. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2008. This is an increase of eight (8) cents from the 50.5 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008, as set forth in Rev. Proc. 2007-70.

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2008. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.

"Rising gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans. Given the increase in prices, the IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the real cost of operating an automobile," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "We want the reimbursement rate to be fair to taxpayers."

While gasoline is a significant factor in the mileage figure, other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.

The optional business standard mileage rate is used to compute the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use in lieu of tracking actual costs. This rate is also used as a benchmark by the federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for mileage.

The new six-month rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses will also increase by eight (8) cents to 27 cents a mile, up from 19 cents for the first six months of 2008. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by statute, not the IRS, and remains at 14 cents a mile.

The new rates are contained in Announcement 2008-63 on the optional standard mileage rates.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Mileage Rate Changes

Purpose

Rates 1/1 through 6/30/08

Rates 7/1 through 12/31/08

Business

50.5

58.5

Medical/Moving

19

27

Charitable

14

14

VA Begins Next Phase of Combat Vet Outreach

Calls to Ill or Injured Veterans Completed

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it has completed making calls to veterans potentially identified as being ill or injured from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF-OIF), and will immediately begin targeting over 500,000 OEF-OIF veterans who have been discharged from active duty but have not contacted VA for health care.

“We promised to reach out to every OEF and OIF veteran to let them know we are here for them—and we are making real progress in doing so,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

A contractor-operated “Combat Veteran Call Center” is making the initial calls on behalf of VA. All potentially sick or injured veterans on VA’s list received an offer to appoint a care manager to work with them if they do not have one already. VA care managers ensure veterans receive appropriate care and know about their VA benefits.

In the new phase, beginning today, veterans who have not accessed health care from VA will be called and informed of the benefits and services available to them. Additionally, military personnel received information about VA benefits when they left active duty, and the Department had sent every veteran a letter with this information after their discharge.

For five years after their discharge from the military, these combat veterans have special access to VA health care, including screening for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. VA personnel have been deployed to the military’s major medical centers to assist wounded service members and their families during the transition to civilian lives.

“VA is focused on getting these veterans the help they need and deserve,” said Secretary Peake. “I expect these calls to make a real difference in many veterans’ lives.”

Issue Number: TT-2008-Special Edition

Inside This Issue

IRS Launches Summer Push to Reach Retirees and Disabled Veterans Who Have Yet to File for Their Economic Stimulus Payments

Millions of retirees and disabled veterans qualify for the economic stimulus payment but have not filed to claim it. Statistics indicate about 74 percent in this group are accounted for in the stimulus payments currently being sent, leaving about 5.2 million potential recipients remaining.

For all taxpayers, the IRS has issued 76.5 million payments worth $63.8 billion based on 2007 tax returns processed so far. The agency expects to issue 124 million payments to Americans by year’s end. Eligible individuals are receiving up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns) plus $300 for eligible children younger than 17.

A special stimulus category includes recipients of certain benefits from Social Security and Veterans Affairs who do not normally have a requirement to file a tax return. However, these individuals must file a tax return before Oct. 15 this year to receive their economic stimulus payments. The IRS has accounted for 74 percent of Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries out of about 20 million initially identified as being potential stimulus recipients. All but 5.2 million of those have been accounted for as either having filed a return, having filed a joint return, or as not being eligible for a stimulus payment (for example, they were claimed as a dependent on another’s return).

Most people only need to file a tax return as they normally do. The IRS will calculate eligibility and the payment amount. However, many retirees and veterans do not normally file a tax return because their benefits are not taxable. This year, they must file in order to receive an economic stimulus payment.

Receiving a stimulus payment should have no impact on other federal benefits currently being received by retirees. The stimulus payment is not taxable. Absent any other filing requirements, filing a tax return to receive a stimulus payment does not mean that retirees will have to start filing tax returns again.

The IRS has identified 5.2 million retirees and veterans' beneficiaries who potentially are eligible for the stimulus payments. Later this summer, the agency will send them a special letter that explains stimulus payment eligibility and how to claim it. The letter will include a sample tax form and an actual tax form that people can complete and mail to the IRS. This will be the second special mailing to reach those individuals.

The IRS also is working with members of Congress, state and local officials and national partners such as AARP, the National Council on Aging, United Way of America, National Disability Institute and others to continue its extensive outreach efforts to the retiree and veterans’ communities through the summer. The IRS will take the lead in coordinating face-to-face free tax preparation sessions with the help of local community partners at locations where these individuals live, work and socialize such as senior housing, Veterans Affairs hospitals and assisted living facilities.

The agency also reminded people that it has more than 400 local Taxpayer Assistance Centers operating normal business hours Monday through Friday. These centers can provide assistance to retirees and veterans trying to receive their payments. To find an IRS office near you, go to IRS.gov and click on “Contact IRS,” then “Contact Your Local IRS Office.”

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 generally provided for payments of $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns or the amount equal to the 2007 net income tax liability, whichever is less, ), plus $300 for each qualifying child. Payments also begin to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $75,000 ($150,000 married couples filing jointly).

For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

People not otherwise required to file an income tax return should file Form 1040A with basic information to ensure they receive the economic stimulus payment. This information includes name; address; dependents, if any; amount of qualifying income (which must be $3,000 or more); direct deposit information and signatures. Forms 1040A and instructions are available on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Although, your payment can be made by check, the IRS urges people to use direct deposit to ensure a speedy delivery.

The types of Social Security benefits that are considered qualifying income include retirement, disability and survivor payments. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not qualifying income. The types of Veterans Affairs benefits that are considered qualifying income include disability compensation, disability pension and survivor payments. Qualifying Railroad Retirement payments include the social security equivalent portion of Tier 1 benefits.

Eligible individuals including their qualifying children, must have valid Social Security numbers. Also, people cannot be claimed or be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. People with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, except for the spouses and qualifying children of military personnel, are not eligible.

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is www.irs.gov.

Links:

VA Awards Nearly $65 Million for California Veterans Homes

Grants for West Los Angeles, Ventura, Lancaster and Yountville

WASHINGTON -- To continue construction of three major projects for veterans in California, while launching major renovations at a fourth facility, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded the state nearly $65 million.

“With these VA grants, the veterans of California can be assured that comfortable, state-of-the-art facilities are available to them in more locations,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These grants are another demonstration of VA’s commitment to California’s men and women who have served this nation in uniform.”

Grants totaling $55.3 million will help pay for ongoing construction in West Los Angeles for a 396-bed state veterans nursing home, a 60-bed state veterans domiciliary and adult health care facility in Ventura, and a 60-bed state veterans domiciliary and adult health care facility in Lancaster.

Another grant of $9.4 million will pay for improvements to the California veterans home in Yountville.

In addition to the Yountville facility, the California Department of Veterans Affairs currently operates veterans homes in Barstow and Chula Vista. The homes are open to state residents who are veterans at least 62 years old with honorable discharges. The age-limit can be lowered for disabled veterans.

In July 2007, when VA awarded the state $124.5 million for the West Los Angeles facility, senior VA officials joined Gov. Arnold Schwarzennegger at a ground-breaking ceremony.

This year, VA expects to spend more than $7.6 billion in California on behalf of the state’s 2.1 million veterans. VA operates 10 major medical centers in the state, along with nearly 50 outpatient clinics, 11 nursing homes and 21 Vet Centers.

VA Secretary Appoints Panel of National Suicide Experts

Goal Is Reducing Veterans’ Suicides

WASHINGTON –Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today announced the names of members appointed to two special panels that will make recommendations on ways the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can improve its programs in suicide prevention, suicide research and suicide education.

“There is nothing more tragic than the death by suicide of even one of the great men or women who have served this nation,” Peake said. “VA is committed to doing all we can to improve our understanding of a complicated issue that is also a national concern.”

Membership in the first group, the “Blue Ribbon Work Group on Suicide Prevention in the Veterans Population,” will be comprised of government experts in various suicide prevention and education programs. Those experts will come from agencies including the Department of Defense, the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The five-member work group is expected to meet from June 11-13, and will develop a report with recommendations for the Secretary within 15 days of meeting.

The second group is a nine-member expert panel, made up of nationally renowned experts in public health suicide programs, suicide research and clinical treatment programs, that will provide professional opinion, interpretation, and conclusions on information and data to the work group. It will also make recommendations to the work group on opportunities for improvement in VA’s programs.

Secretary Peake initially announced the formation of the work group during testimony to the House Veterans Affairs Committee on May 6.

Members of the “Blue Ribbon Work Group on Suicide Prevention in the Veterans Population” include:

Cmdr. Alex E. Crosby, M.D., medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Colonel Charles W. Hoge, M.D., director of the division of psychiatry and behavior services at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Colonel Robert Roy Ireland, M.D., program director for mental health policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs; Richard McKeon, Ph.D., special advisor for suicide prevention with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and

Jane Pearson, Ph.D., associate director for preventive interventions, National Institute of Mental Health.

Appointees to the expert panel include:

Dr. Dan Blazer II, professor of psychology at Catholic University of America; Greg Brown, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; Martha Livingston Bruce, Ph.D., professor in clinical epidemiology and health services research at Weill Medical College of Cornell University; Dr. Eric D. Caine, chair of the department of psychiatry at the University of Rochester; Dr. Jan Fawcett, professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine; Robert D. Gibbons, director of the Center for Health Statistics, University of Illinois at Chicago; David Alan Jobes, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Catholic University of America; Mark S. Kaplan, Ph.D., from Portland State University. Member of the Suicide Prevention Action Network-USA National Scientific Advisory Council; and Thomas R. Ten Have, director of the Biostatistics Analysis Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

VA “Best of the Best” in Providing Clear Information

WASHINGTON – Continuing its commitment to give veterans clear, valuable information on how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is performing, for the ninth year in a row, VA has been rated by an independent research center as having one of the best annual performance reports in the federal sector.

“Veterans have the right to know whether this Department is meeting its obligations to them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This prestigious, independent group has found -- once again -- that VA is among the best of the best in the federal sector for providing meaningful information to the American public about our operations and performance.”

Since 2000, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University has examined the performance and accountability reports issued annually by federal agencies. This year, VA’s report was third among 24 federal departments and agencies. VA also tied for having the highest score in both transparency and leadership, an example of the Department’s commitment to provide information that is useful and easy to understand and that clearly describes VA’s contribution to America.

Called Ninth Annual Performance Report Scorecard: Which Federal Agencies Best Inform the Public?, the new Mercatus study found VA’s report is “a user-friendly and informative document.”

“The Department [of Veterans Affairs] continues to be an innovator in performance accountability and reporting,” the study’s authors said in a press statement.

“These findings show that VA has developed a management culture that sets high standards, measurable goals, and encourages accountability to the American public,” Peake said.

VA published its latest performance and accountability report in November 2007. It documents the Department’s progress toward ensuring America’s veterans and their families receive timely, compassionate, high-quality care and benefits.

The Department’s report can be found on the Internet at: http://www.va.gov/budget/report.

Peake: VA Nurses Are “the Compassionate Heart” of System

WASHINGTON –The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the nation’s largest single employer of nurses, marked National Nurses Week by honoring six of its top professionals.

“VA nurses are the compassionate heart of VA’s world-class health care system,” stated Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “A great deal of our reputation comes from the personal, one-on-one interaction between these health care givers and our veteran-patients.”

With more than 64,000 nursing professionals, VA has one of the largest nursing staffs of any health care system in the world. The Department’s 43,000 registered nurses, 12,000 licensed practical nurses and vocational nurses, and 9,000 nursing assistants provide comprehensive, complex and compassionate care to the nation’s veterans.

Five nursing staff members recognized by Peake with the “Secretary’s Award for Excellence” include:

Nursing assistant Shirley Cutler from East Orange, N.J.; Nurse administrator Tina Lund from Minneapolis; Registered nurse Joy Edvalson from Los Angeles; Licensed professional nurse Lenora Scroggins from Topeka, Kan.; and Registered nurse Natalie Russell from Columbia, Mo.

Michael M. Lawson, director of VA’s Boston Healthcare System, was cited for his support for nurses, including their professional development, recruiting and retention.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. For more information about VA’s nursing program, go to http://www.va.gov/nursing.

# # #

VA Helps Vets Convert Military Experience to Work Place Success

“The American Veteran” Focuses on Opportunities

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and corporate America are working together to provide veterans with the skills they’ll need to rejoin the civilian workforce, enhancing the Department’s traditional programs that help transitioning service members.

Two important programs available from VA and partnering organizations are the focus of the May edition of “The American Veteran,” VA’s monthly half-hour news magazine.

“With their skills, work ethic and ability to deal with people, veterans have been a powerhouse in the work-place,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These stories spotlight the determination of veterans to succeed in the business world and the tools offered by VA and our partners in the business world.”

The top story highlights the partnership between VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise and Little Caesar’s Pizza, which provides money and the training to help veterans own and operate a franchise.

A second feature looks at a program that helps veterans who qualify for vocational rehabilitation to gain valuable work skills through non-paid work experience.

In another story, “The American Veteran” visits the Miami VA Prosthetic center where technology and teamwork combine to create prosthetics and a lifetime of support to our veterans.

The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University/ Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to community cable outlets.

Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there, reminding veterans of the bond of service they share.

The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site, www.va.gov. Just click on “Public Affairs” and then “Featured Items.”

“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at ** http://www.pentagonchannel.mil **. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.)

Additional stories on the May edition of “The American Veteran” include:

* Cheerios Box Champion -- Meet David Fowler, an athlete, gold medal winner, Cheerios Box Champion and a paralyzed veteran who runs the Texas chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. Updated edition of the ‘Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” handbook provides information on health care services, education benefits, the home loan guaranty program, life insurance, disability compensation and more. New, non-invasive technology looks at brain cell communication patterns that may provide clues to Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and other neurological diseases. VA announces plans to open 23 new Vet Centers in the next two years. VA’s mobile pharmacies are prepared for emergencies across the country.

For information about “The American Veteran” program and how to obtain it for local programming, contact VA at 202-461-7502.

VA-DoD Program Serves Severely Disabled Combat Veterans

WASHINGTON – Bolstering its commitment to improve services to those seriously injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its federal partners have marked a milestone with establishment of a promised new office and deployment of workers to key military treatment facilities.

“The President vowed action on this key recommendation from his advisory commission on war veterans' needs, and today our new Federal Recovery Coordinator Program office is actively at work with dozens of severely injured patients around the country,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

In coordination with the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services, the joint Federal Recovery Coordinator Program is designed to cut across bureaucratic lines and reach into the private sector as necessary to identify services needed for seriously wounded and ill service members, veterans and their families.

A key recommendation of a presidential commission chaired by former Sen. Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, the recovery coordinators do not directly provide care, but coordinates federal health care teams and private community resources to achieve the personal and professional goals of an individualized "life map" or recovery plan developed with the service members or veterans who qualify for the federal recovery coordinator program.

At VA, which is coordinating the recovery coordinators’ office, a director has been appointed, Ginnean Quisenberry, and six field staff members are actively working with 85 patients at three major military treatment facilities, with four additional coordinators expected to be appointed soon.

Currently the federal recovery coordinators are based at three military hospitals most likely to receive severely wounded service members evacuated from the combat theater: Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

A fourth site, Naval Medical Center San Diego, will receive two of the additional four field staff expected to be appointed soon.

Though initially based in military facilities, their work seamlessly extends into the patient's civilian life after discharge. Heeding President Bush's charge to ensure these severely injured persons do not get lost in the system, the coordinators actively link the veteran with public and private resources that will meet their rehabilitation needs.

Participating patients will include those with seriously debilitating burns, spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments, traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

While initially focused in early stages for current military hospital inpatients, the FRCP involvement is expected to be a lifetime commitment to veterans and their families. The coordinators will maintain contacts by phone, visits and e-mail.

When a veteran settles in a remote area, VA will be able to use multimedia systems that integrate video and audio teleconferencing so that veterans may visit a federal clinic or private center near their homes to link up with their case coordinator for a meeting.

The federal agencies are actively discussing ideas for ongoing improvements to the process, including monitoring demand patterns for possible adjustments to staffing as well as improved Web-based information for the service member adjusting to civilian life, such as links to a comprehensive guide to governmental and private-sector services integrated with their individual recovery plan and their own health records.

# # #

VA Awards $12.7 Million to Oklahoma Veterans Home

Peake: Grant Honors VA’s Commitment to Veterans

WASHINGTON – To make sure the state veterans home in Sulphur remains a comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a grant of $12,675,000 for improvements at the Oklahoma state facility.

"This grant honors our commitment to care for the men and women of Oklahoma who have served in uniform," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Our federal-state partnership helps to provide housing and care for veterans in a compassionate community."

The VA grant, for safety renovations, covers 65 percent of the cost of the project, which includes construction and purchase of equipment. Total cost of the upgrades is $19.5 million. Most residents receive nursing care.

Oklahoma has seven veterans centers providing intermediate to skilled nursing care and domiciliary care for wartime veterans and their spouses. The centers are located in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulphur and Talihina. The Sulphur Veterans Center is located on 17 acres in Southern Oklahoma, overlooking the scenic Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Last year, VA spent nearly $1.4 billion in Oklahoma to serve more than 338,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Muskogee and Oklahoma City and five outpatient clinics across the state.

For more information on the Sulphur Veterans Center, visit* http://www.ok.gov/ODVA/ * or call (580) 622-2144.

VA Retains Facilities at Four Boston Campuses

Peake: VA Prepared for Future Needs of Veterans

WASHINGTON -- After a detailed three-year study, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has decided it will continue to provide services at its four Boston-area campuses -- Bedford, Brockton, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury.

“The potential benefits to be gained from any consolidation do not justify the disruption to veterans or to our first-class health care system in Boston,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “For the future, VA is prepared to provide health care for Boston veterans at its current four campuses.”

In 2006, former VA Secretary James Nicholson rejected consolidation of all Boston health care services at one location, but selected for further study the possibility that Bedford’s services could be moved to the Brockton campus, and that VA’s Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury might be consolidated.

These options were investigated thoroughly, along with another more limited transfer of Bedford’s services to Brockton that would have retained nursing home and outpatient services at the Bedford campus. VA’s review of these options found there was no convincing data that consolidations would significantly improve quality of care, access, or achieve significant financial savings at this time.

“The process ensured veterans and other stakeholders’ issues were fully reviewed in great detail,” Peake added.

In announcing his decision, the VA secretary said there may be opportunities at the existing campuses for reuse of vacant land and buildings to provide benefits to veterans.

“Opportunities may be available for housing homeless veterans, assisted living facilities, geriatric continuing care communities and affordable housing for veterans through VA’s Enhanced-Use Leasing program,” Peake said.

VA will continue to strategically plan for the needs of veterans in the Boston area, taking into account veteran population trends, enrollment projections and changes in demographics of veteran health care needs and utilization.

“I want to thank the Local Advisory Panel, veterans groups and the Boston congressional delegation for their input into this extensive study process,” Peake said.

VA, UCH, UC Denver Partner for New Bed Tower, Expanded Services

Partnership Brings Quality Care Closer to Veterans

WASHINGTON -- A new bed tower and a research tower for Denver-area residents and veterans may result from an expanded partnership involving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH).

The two structures, to be built on University property at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center campus, will accompany a state-of-the-art VA Ambulatory Health Care Center, which will also be constructed at that location.

“I’m pleased to move forward with the University of Colorado Denver and University of Colorado Hospital to provide world-class care for veterans,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “This exciting new plan will bring health care closer to many of the region’s veterans.”

The new VA Medical Center will provide primary and specialty care for Rocky Mountain-area veterans; outpatient surgical services; and a nursing home care unit.

VA doctors, nurses and other clinical personnel will serve veterans at the bed tower in what has been called “a hospital within a hospital,” while non-veteran patients will be served by UCH staff. VA and University of Colorado - Denver researchers will work side by side in the new research tower.

This partnership will allow the two organizations to share resources, such as laboratory and imaging services. It will further strengthen the long-standing partnership among the two organizations.

“We are excited about this unique partnership, which will provide expanded opportunity for extraordinary clinical care and advanced research, not only for residents of Colorado, but for veterans in the Rocky Mountain area,” said Bruce Benson, President of the University of Colorado.

VA also announced it will improve services for Colorado veterans in two additional ways. The Department’s Colorado Springs community-based outpatient clinic will expand, adding specialty services and same-day surgeries to the primary care already provided to veterans.

In addition, the surgical program at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center will expand, reducing the need for many Colorado veterans to travel to Denver for surgery. Joint meetings will be held soon to better describe this relationship.

The partnership called for in this announcement will be undertaken through the normal planning process.

VA Calling All Recent Combat Vets

Nearly 570,000 to be Reached by New Call Center

WASHINGTON – On May 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will begin contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans to ensure they know about VA’s medical services and other benefits.

“We will reach out and touch every veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to let them know we are here for them,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “VA is committed to getting these veterans the help they need and deserve.”

A contractor-operated “Combat Veteran Call Center” will telephone two distinct populations of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the first phase, calls will go to an estimated 17,000 veterans who were sick or injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. VA will offer to appoint a care manager to work with them if they don’t have one already. Care managers ensure veterans receive appropriate care and know about their VA benefits.

For five years after their discharge from the military, these combat veterans have special access to VA health care. The Department screens combat veterans for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. VA personnel have been deployed to the military’s major medical centers to assist wounded service members and their families during the transition to civilian lives.

For the new call center, the second phase will target 550,000 OIF-OEF veterans who have been discharged from active duty but have not contacted VA for services.

Once contacted, veterans will be informed about VA’s benefits and services. The initial calls will be made by a private contractor, EDS, which specializes in technology “We will leave no stone unturned to reach these veterans,” said Dr. Edward Huycke, chief of the Veterans Affairs - Department of Defense coordination office.

Disabled Counseling Center Comes to Twin Cities

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Dr. James B. Peake, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to open a unique vocational counseling center for disabled veterans.

“Working with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, this center is yet another partnership that recognizes the importance of our veterans,” Peake said. “Providing timely benefits and access to resources to veterans sets the stage for their future success.”

The new facility at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building will help active-duty military personnel and veterans with severe disabilities obtain productive employment. Operated by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and staffed by a PVA counselor, it will serve about 100 veterans this year.

The St. Paul facility is only the second of its kind in the nation. The first PVA counseling center opened last July in Richmond, Va. Similar centers are planned for California and Texas.

“PVA works 24/7 to ensure that our veterans with disabilities have access to everything they need to thrive -- and a good job is an essential part of being able to thrive,” said PVA National President Randy L. Pleva, Sr. “Thank you VA for your partnership in this exciting project to help empower our paralyzed veterans.”

The counseling center will work closely with VA’s new Spinal Cord Injury Center, under construction at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. That $21 million facility, scheduled to open in early 2009, will provide life-long comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care to veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

VA, which manages the nation’s largest integrated health care system, expects to treat patients in about 800,000 hospitalizations and 60 million outpatient visits this year.

In Minnesota, the Department expects to spend more than $1.5 billion this year on behalf of the state’s 408,000 veterans. VA operates major medical centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, eight community-based outpatient clinics and two Vet Centers.

HUD Deputy Secretary Bernardi, VA Secretary Peake and Mayor Bloomberg Announce HUD and VA to Provide Permanent Housing for an Estimated 10,000 Homeless Veterans

$75 million program to reduce the number of homeless vets nationwide

$9.4 million awarded to New York City to permanently house more than 1,000 homeless veterans and fulfill recommendations of joint NYC/VA Task Force on ending veteran homelessness

NEW YORK – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today announced $75 million to provide permanent supportive housing for an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans nationwide.

Bernardi and Peake made the announcement with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a newly renovated housing program for homeless veterans in Queens, and emphasized the Federal and local government’s partnership to house and support America’s homeless veteran population.

New York City will receive approximately $9.4 million to permanently house more than 1,000 homeless veterans. Their program will be administered by the New York City Housing Authority and the Department of Homeless Services.

“We are deeply grateful for the service and sacrifice by our nation’s veterans and we must make every effort to help them as they struggle to avoid a life on the streets,” said Bernardi. “This program is one opportunity to say, ‘Thank You’ and to make certain that we serve them as they once served us.”

“Today, VA, HUD and New York City are strengthening our long-standing partnership on homelessness to achieve a simple vision -- that no one who has served and fought for their country should have to live on the streets,” said Peake. “We hope to build upon this effort soon with another step providing more case managers to support a marked increase in permanent housing units.”

“Ending veteran homelessness is an ambitious goal that is more in reach thanks to this historic federal commitment to provide housing for veterans,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

“Our partnership with the VA has already provided homes for hundreds of veterans over the past year and the housing slots being allocated to New York City today will bring new hope to more than 1,000 homeless veterans in our City. It sends a powerful message to the men and women currently fighting for our country overseas – that we do not take their service for granted.”

HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) will provide local public housing agencies with approximately 10,000 rental assistance vouchers specifically targeted to assist homeless veterans in their area (see attached chart for a local breakdown of homeless veterans to be assisted).

In addition, the VA and HUD will link local public housing agencies with VA Medical Centers to provide supportive services and case management to eligible homeless veterans.

HUD will allocate the housing vouchers to local public housing agencies (PHAs) across the country that are specifically targeted to homeless veterans based on a variety of factors, including the number of reported homeless veterans and the proximity of a local VA Medical Center with the capacity to provide case management. New York City and the greater Los Angeles area received the greatest number of vouchers using this criterion.

HUD will provide housing assistance through its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program which allows participants to rent privately owned housing. The VA will offer eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical centers across the U.S and Puerto Rico.

Last year, the VA provided health care to more than 100,000 homeless veterans and other services to over 60,000 veterans in its specialized homeless programs. The Bush Administration’s proposed FY 2009 Budget seeks to double the amount of funding announced today to provide an additional $75 million to support the housing and service needs of an additional 10,000 homeless veterans across America.

Local communities or “Continuums of Care” that receive HUD homeless assistance will work with local VA Medical Centers to identify eligible participants. The VA will then screen homeless veterans to determine their eligibility.

Those eligible vets will receive treatment and regular case management to retain the voucher. VA Medical Center case managers will also work closely with local housing agencies to help participants find suitable housing. Participating PHAs will also determine income eligibility in accordance to HUD regulations for the HCV program.

New York City’s Department of Homeless Services will use the 1,000 vouchers, supplemental veterans treatment and case management services announced today to help achieve permanent and sustained housing status for all homeless veterans.

In December 2006, the VA and the City of New York reached an historic agreement to address ending veteran homelessness in New York City. Under the agreement, the City vowed to place 100 veterans into permanent housing in 100 days, surpassing the goal with 135 veterans moving during that period, and subsequently succeeded in placing more than 400 veterans into homes of their own in 2007.

The VA and the City also convened a joint Task Force that created a strategic plan to end veteran homelessness in New York City. Among the Task Force recommendations were the creation of a jointly operated VA/NYC multi-service center to serve as a one-stop site to access services for homeless veterans, scheduled to open in the Summer of 2008; the creation of a veteran-only SAFE HAVEN as an alternative to the shelter system to open in the Summer/Fall 2008 and veteran-specific, short-term housing site for those working towards permanent housing.

Heroism and Athletics Converge in Omaha this Summer

Veterans Prepare for Largest Annual Wheelchair Sports Event

WASHINGTON – The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, scheduled to take place July 25–29 in Omaha, Neb., will attract more than 500 veterans with disabilities.

It has become the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. Veterans from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will again join their fellow veterans in 17 competitive events being offered in Omaha.

“We are proud to present this outstanding rehabilitation event, a therapeutic extension of the superior heath care veterans receive in our medical centers each day,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

“Rehabilitation is crucial to living a full life following an injury. I applaud all of the veterans participating as they strive to achieve their goals during this week of athletic competition.”

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments.

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Great Plains Chapter are hosting the 2008 Games. Veterans competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games come from nearly every state as well as Puerto Rico and Great Britain.

“Like serving our nation, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are not really about the medals. Instead, they're a mix of camaraderie, competition and courage.

And they're rehabilitation at its best for our paralyzed veterans," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. "If you are in the Omaha area, please join us this July. You'll be inspired.”

At the Games, veterans will compete in swimming, basketball, track, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, nine-ball, field events, bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling, wheelchair slalom, trapshooting, a motorized wheelchair relay and power soccer.

An exhibition event in sled hockey will also take place this year. For the second year, several stand-up events will be held for athletes with amputations who choose to compete using prosthetic devices instead of competing in their wheelchairs.

The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin July 25 with a kick-off wheelchair basketball demonstration at the Qwest Center Omaha, and the 2008 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. Kids Day at the Games will take place on July 27 at Northwest High School, where local children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about wheelchair sports.

Opening and closing ceremonies will also be held at the Qwest Center Omaha, along with many of the week’s competitive events. Other events will be held at the Henry Doorly Zoo, the University of Nebraska, Mockingbird and Thunderbowl Lanes and other area venues. Admission is free to the public and the community is encouraged to attend.

Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapeutic programs available at VA health care facilities across the nation. For many injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics.

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games or to volunteer during the week, visit the Games Web site at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

###

Overcoming Obstacles is Key to Veterans’ Success Stories

“The American Veteran” Highlights Helpful Programs

WASHINGTON – Military members are trained to overcome obstacles, as part of a team, to achieve their mission. Returning to civilian life, especially after a combat tour, poses new challenges for many service members, requiring new tools and new forms of support.

Programs to help these veterans, available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and partnering organizations, are the focus of the April edition of “The American Veteran,” VA’s monthly half-hour news magazine.

“We are committed to outreaching to veterans and military personnel about the VA programs available to help these warriors recover from their physical and mental injuries,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These stories showcase the courage and determination of the veterans, as well as the commitment of those willing to help – many of whom are veterans themselves.”

The lead story looks at veteran suicide, examining the programs VA has put in place to ensure that everyone from front line clerks to mental health providers are prepared to recognize the early warning signs of suicide and know how to respond.

A second feature looks at a unique rehabilitation program in Florida, “Shake A Leg,” designed to help disabled veterans cope with physical and mental difficulties by teaching them how to sail.

In another story, VA partners with city leaders in Fargo, N.D., to support Project HART, a program created to help homeless veterans get off the street and stay off the street with a unique four-step program.

The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University/ Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to community cable outlets.

Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there, reminding veterans of the bond of service they all share.

The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site, www.va.gov. Just click on “Public Affairs” and then “Featured Items.”

“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at * http://www.pentagonchannel.mil *. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.)

Additional stories on the April edition of “The American Veteran” include:

VA’s Newest Liver Transplant Center -- A look at VA’s third and newest Liver Transplant Center at the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center in Houston where Michael Abshire became the first patient to go through their liver transplant program.

VA dedicates a new national cemetery in South Florida.

A new Travel Nurse Corps is designed to address the nursing shortage.

New GI Bill rules provide an increase in educational benefits.

A VA research project searching for a vaccine against Salmonella bacterium is carried aboard a NASA space shuttle to the International space station.

James H. Parke Youth Volunteer Award Winner -- Meet Megan Smith a high school junior from Miami. Megan is this year’s winner of VA’s James H. Parke $20,000.00 Youth Volunteer Award Scholarship.

VA Launches Renewable Energy Projects

Solar, Wind and Geothermal Energy Pilot Sites Featured

WASHINGTON -- Patients, staff and visitors at the Loma Linda, Calif., and Dallas VA medical centers who happen to gaze skyward in the coming months are likely to see a flurry of roof-level activity.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be installing a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system at each campus to provide clean, natural, sun-powered electricity this summer.

By using sunlight, a free renewable fuel, these systems will reduce the medical centers’ electricity costs and provide environmental benefits to the medical center, VA and the community.

“Hospitals are big users of energy, so whatever VA can do to become a good ‘green’ neighbor will benefit all of us, both in the short and the long terms,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “I’m proud of these innovative steps our people are taking and look for them to expand.”

With large amounts of sunshine available year-round, plenty of roof space, and an attractive state-level incentive in California, the Loma Linda and Dallas sites quickly rose to the top of VA’s list of candidate locations for PV pilot projects.

As part of a comprehensive department-wide energy management plan, last year VA screened its major facilities for not only PV potential, but the potential to use wind, geothermal and biomass energy, and to use solar energy for water heating, as well.

The evaluation helped VA identify 16 candidate sites for solar PV projects, 15 for solar water heating, six for wind, and two for direct geothermal energy systems.

Solar hot water energy system work is underway at the Dallas facility and at VA’s West Los Angeles medical center, and two facilities in Arizona have added solar water heating to the list of energy-efficient measures they plan to implement.

VA plans to award a contract for a wind energy pilot project at its medical center in St. Cloud, Minn., by the end of this June and a contract for a geothermal energy pilot project at the Boise, Idaho, VA Medical Center by the end of September. Both the wind and geothermal systems will be installed by September 2009.

E-mail inquiries can be made to energy@va.gov.

More Education Benefits Coming to Reservists, Guardsmen

Changes Affect Those with Multiple Tours

WASHINGTON – Some members of the National Guard and the Reserves who serve on active duty will see a significant increase in their educational benefits, thanks to improvements announced today by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Reservists and National Guardsmen who serve multiple tours on active duty may get an increase in their educational benefits, in keeping with the value of their service to our nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

Under new provisions, members who accumulate three years on active duty, regardless of breaks in service, may be eligible for the maximum payment under the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP). Previously, reservists and guardsmen had to serve two continuous years on active duty to receive the highest payment.

The new eligibility rules are retroactive to October, 1, 2007. The top payment under REAP is currently $880.80 per month.

The new law, part of the National Defense Authorization Act, also expands the period of eligibility for certain Guard and Reserve members who complete their service obligation before separation from the selected reserve.

Members meeting these criteria may be eligible to use REAP benefits for a period of ten years following discharge. Benefits typically end upon separation for members who do not complete their full, obligated service.

Additionally, some REAP-eligible National Guard and Reserve members may now make an extra contribution to the Department of Defense to increase their monthly benefit rates.

Service members receive an additional $5 per month for each $20 contributed. With the maximum $600 contribution, this option can add up to $5,400 to a member’s total 36-month education benefit package.

Beginning on October 1, 2008, participants in REAP and the Montgomery GI Bill program for the Selected Reserve who pursue non-degree programs lasting less than two years may also be eligible to receive accelerated payments.

During FY 2007, more than 60,000 National Guardsmen and reservists were paid under REAP, more than 41,000 were paid under the Montgomery GI Bill program for the Selected Reserves, and approximately 344,000 participants were paid under the Montgomery GI Bill for active-duty members.

For more information on changes to VA’s GI Bill benefits, go to www.GIBILL.va.gov or contact VA directly at 1-888-GIBILL1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

VA Announces SGLI and VGLI Premium Reductions

Change Makes Programs More Affordable

WASHINGTON – Veterans and military personnel with life insurance policies managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see a reduction in their premiums, thanks to improved investment earnings and a reduction in non-combat claims.

The premium cuts affect military personnel covered by Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and veterans covered by the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI).

“The reduction in SGLI premiums makes life insurance even more affordable for today’s men and women in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“Lower VGLI premiums will allow more veterans to provide this low-cost financial security to their families.”

On July 1, 2008, the premiums for basic SGLI will be 6.5 cents per month for $1,000 of coverage, down from 7 cents per month for $1,000. This translates into a 7 percent savings.

Servicemembers with the maximum $400,000 of coverage will see their monthly premium reduced from $28 to $26.

Servicemembers are also covered against severe traumatic injury for an additional dollar each month.

The reduction in SGLI premiums is made possible by lower, non-combat-related claims and increases in investment earnings. VA officials believe this premium reduction will help maintain the nearly universal participation in the program.

VGLI provides renewable term policies for people after their discharges from the military. Veterans pay premiums according to their age for this coverage.

On July 1, 2008, VGLI premium rates will be reduced for veterans aged 30 to 64, who make up 85 percent of those insured under the program. Premium rates for those under age 30 are already competitive.

Premium reductions, ranging from 4 percent to 12 percent, are a result of fewer claims being received. The reductions will ensure that VGLI remains highly competitive with similar insurance offered by commercial insurers.

“With servicemembers putting their lives at risk against terrorism, life insurance coverage is more important than ever,” added Peake.

Peake said the premium reductions should result in increased program participation and retention. With increased enrollment, the department may be able to reduce rates in the future.

More than 2.4 million people currently participate in the VA-managed SGLI program, with another 433,000 in VGLI.

To obtain more information about the SGLI and VGLI premium reductions or to view a table with the new VGLI rates, visit the VA insurance Web site at www.insurance.va.gov, or call the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance at 1-800-419-1473.

The American Veteran » Monthly video magazine featuring important veterans issues. Learn More About The American Veteran

Economic Stimulus Package Will Benefit Some Veterans

Peake: Special Provision for Low-Income Veterans

WASHINGTON -- Veterans who last year received disability compensation, pensions or survivors’ benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be entitled to an economic stimulus payment of at least $300.

To qualify, veterans must file a tax return for 2007, even if they aren’t normally required to file.

“The President’s economic stimulus benefits have a special provision for low-income veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“VA is working closely with the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department to get the word out about this unique benefit.”

Under the White House’s program, payments are $300 for an individual, $600 for a married couple filing joint tax returns, plus $300 for each dependent child under age 17 on Dec. 31, 2007.

To qualify, taxpayers must have at least $3,000 in income in 2007.

While VA’s disability compensation, pensions and survivors benefits are not subject to income tax, the administration’s economic stimulus proposal, passed by Congress in February, allows veterans and survivors to count those payments toward the income requirement of $3,000.

--To claim the benefit, veterans -- like other taxpayers -- must file an income tax return.

For eligible veterans who do not normally file a tax return, information about claiming the economic stimulus payment is available in “Package 1040A-3,” available from IRS offices or on the Internet at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/k1040a3.pdf.

IRS is mailing a package of information to recipients of VA benefits who did not file a tax return last year. For more information, visit the IRS Web site at http://www.IRS.gov.

# # #

Calling All OEF–OIF Veterans

VA is contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans to ensure they know about the department’s medical services and other benefits.

To demonstrate VA’s commitment to reaching every Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veteran, Secretary James B. Peake, left, helped launch the telephone call–out initiative himself.

“We will reach out and touch every OEF and OIF veteran to let them know we are here for them,” said Peake. “VA is committed to getting these veterans the help they need and deserve.

VA Names New National Cemetery in Jacksonville

Vincenty Selected First Director

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has named the national cemetery to be constructed in Jacksonville, Fla., as the “Jacksonville VA National Cemetery.”

“The veterans of northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia deserve a final resting place worthy of their service to our nation,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “Our newest national cemetery in Florida will be a national shrine honoring them.”

The new cemetery is in the city of Jacksonville, north of the Jacksonville International Airport and approximately five miles from Interstate 295 on 569 acres acquired from the city. T

The cemetery will serve 189,000 veterans in the region who are not currently provided burial space by a nearby national or state veterans cemetery.

VA selected Arleen Vincenty as the first director of the new national cemetery. She begins her duties immediately.

Vincenty had been the director of the Puerto Rico National Cemetery since November 2006. She was cemetery director at the Natchez National Cemetery in Mississippi, the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Arkansas and the Salisbury National Cemetery Complex in North Carolina.

VA anticipates construction of the first phase of development to begin this summer. VA has awarded a $1.25 million contract to the firm of England, Thims & Miller of Jacksonville to design the master plan for the project.

Initial construction will prepare a small burial area to ensure that veteran burials can take place before all phase one facilities are completed.

In addition to burial areas, phase one will consist of approximately 50 acres, including roadways, an entrance area, an administration and public information center, a maintenance complex with buildings, a maintenance yard and parking, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway and committal service shelters. Other infrastructure improvements will include grading, drainage, fencing, planting, an irrigation system and utilities.

Interment areas will include traditional full-casket gravesites, pre-placed crypts, in-ground cremated burial sites and a columbarium for cremated remains.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

Other burial benefits for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a government headstone or marker – even if they are not buried in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites.

More than 3.4 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Information about the Jacksonville VA National Cemetery is available by calling the cemetery director at (904) 358-3510.

Fisher House Coming to VA in Minneapolis

Facility to Provide Free Lodging for Families of VA Patients

WASHINGTON – Safe, comfortable and affordable housing for families of veterans being treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Minneapolis is moving closer to reality as VA refines its plans for a new Fisher House.

“This new Fisher House gives veterans and military families a home-like environment, allowing them to be near their loved ones during their recoveries,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“This wonderful new facility will allow patients to focus on their treatment and permit them to receive the full benefit of VA’s world-class care.”

The new Fisher House will be built on the grounds of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. The Fisher House is 100 percent handicapped accessible and will have 21 bedrooms or suites and several common use areas.

Fisher Houses are built through public donations and contributions from the Fisher House Foundation. VA assumes responsibility for operating costs of the finished homes.

Currently, VA has Fisher Houses in Albany, N.Y.; Bay Pines, Fla.; Cincinnati; Denver; Houston; Minneapolis; Palo Alto, Calif.; West Palm Beach and Tampa, Fla. Fisher Houses are under construction at VA facilities in Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, and Richmond, Va. Another Fisher House is planned for VA in Boston.

# # #

"VA News" is a video program designed to provide timely news and information about the Department of Veterans Affairs. The weekly 15-minute newscast is co-produced by the VA Learning University and the Office of Public Affairs in partnership with the Employee Education System and other headquarters and field offices.

To learn more visit VA at Veteran's Administration

VA Names New National Cemetery in Alabama

Whitehead Selected First Director

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has named the national cemetery to be built near Birmingham the “Alabama VA National Cemetery.”

“For the hundreds of thousands of men and women in Alabama who have worn our country’s uniforms, this national cemetery will be a fitting tribute to their service and sacrifices,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The new national cemetery will be located in the town of Montevallo, approximately five miles west of Interstate 65 and adjacent to American Village, a museum that teaches history and citizenship through re-creation of colonial life. The cemetery will be built on land acquired from private owners and will serve approximately 200,000 veterans in the region who are not currently provided burial space by a nearby national or state veterans cemetery.

VA selected Quincy Whitehead as the first director of the new cemetery. She will begin her duties immediately. Before this appointment, she had been director of Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla., since 2005.

She has also served at national cemeteries in Leavenworth, Kan.; Quantico, Va.; and Milwaukee. She is an Army veteran who also served in the Army Reserve and the Naval Reserve.

VA expects to begin construction of the first phase of the cemetery this summer. In September 2007, the Department awarded a $1.3 million contract to Civil Consultants Inc. of Birmingham to design the cemetery.

When complete, the first phase will consist of approximately 45 acres, and facilities needed to provide burials for approximately 10 years. The first-phase interment areas will provide 9,100 full-casket gravesites, 3,100 in-ground cremation sites and approximately 2,700 columbarium niches for cremation remains.

The cemetery will also include an administrative and public information center, an electronic gravesite locator and public restrooms, a maintenance facility, an entrance area, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway and two committal shelters for funeral services. Infrastructure will include roadways, landscaping, utilities and irrigation.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker – even if they are not buried in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.4 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Information about the new national cemetery is available by calling the cemetery at (205) 665-9039 or toll-free at 1-866-547-5078.

# # #

New Benefits Handbook Updates for Veterans and Dependents

WASHINGTON -- A new edition of the popular handbook Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updates the rates for certain federal payments and outlines a variety of programs and benefits for American veterans.

Most of the nation's 24 million veterans qualify for some VA benefits, which range from health care to burial in a national cemetery. In addition to describing benefits provided by VA, the 2008 edition of the 153-page booklet provides an overview of programs and services for veterans provided by other federal agencies.

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents includes resources to help veterans access their benefits, with a listing of toll-free phone numbers, Internet addresses and a directory of VA facilities throughout the country. The handbook can be downloaded free from VA's Web site at http://www.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp.

The handbook is one of the top selling consumer publications of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). GPO accepts credit card orders for the publication at 866-512-1800 (toll-free) for a cost of $5 each to U.S. addresses, or $67 for bulk orders of 25 copies. It can be ordered by mail from the GPO at Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000 (stock #051-000-00233-4) or on line at www.bookstore.gpo.gov.

In addition to health-care and burial benefits, veterans may be eligible for programs providing home loan guaranties, educational assistance, training and vocational rehabilitation, income assistance pensions, life insurance and compensation for service-connected illnesses or disabilities. In some cases, survivors of veterans may also be entitled to benefits.

The handbook describes programs for veterans with specific service experiences, such as prisoners of war or those concerned about environmental exposures in Vietnam or in the Gulf War, as well as special benefits for veterans with severe disabilities.

VA Purchases Land for New Pennsylvania National Cemetery

WASHINGTON – Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, selected “Washington Crossing VA National Cemetery” as the name of the new cemetery to be built on a 205-acre site in Bucks County, Pa., near Washington Crossing Historic Park.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has purchased the cemetery site from Dolington Land, LP, a subsidiary of real estate developer Toll Brothers, Inc., for $10.5 million.

“This historic area is an ideal setting in which to build a cemetery – a timeless field of honor for the veterans in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area,” said Peake. “The name will reflect the service and sacrifices our veterans have made for their country for centuries.”

With the purchase finalized, the cemetery master plan is under development and the first phase of construction, including an early burial area, is planned to begin in early 2009. When complete, the first phase will consist of approximately 60 acres and will include facilities necessary to provide burials for approximately 10 years.

Burials at the new national cemetery, which will serve more than 580,000 veterans and their families who live in the area, are anticipated to begin in 2009. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, the nearest open national cemetery in Pennsylvania, is 120 miles from the site.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker – even if they are not buried in a national cemetery.

Due to an aging veteran population, VA is in the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War. VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.3 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terror -- are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

VA Names New National Cemetery near Bakersfield

Jones Selected First Director

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has named the national cemetery to be constructed in Kern County, Calif., as the “Bakersfield VA National Cemetery.”

“Our newest national cemetery in California will be a national shrine, honoring the service of veterans in the Golden State,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The new cemetery is located on a 500-acre site donated by Tejon Ranch, a 426-square-mile agricultural and industrial complex along Interstate 5 in Kern County. The new cemetery will serve approximately 200,000 veterans in central California who are not currently provided burial space by a nearby national or state veterans cemetery.

VA selected Wesley R. Jones as the first director of the cemetery, and he begins his duties immediately. Jones began his career with VA in 2004. Before being selected for this new position, he was the director at Santa Fe National Cemetery and the Bath/Woodlawn National Cemetery Complex in New York State.

Before joining VA, Jones was the director of the state of Delaware’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery System and managed two cemeteries that interred more than 800 people each year. A Vietnam veteran, Jones retired from the Army in 1990.

VA anticipates construction of the first phase of the entire 500-acre development plan to begin this summer. In October 2007, VA awarded approximately $2.3 million to Huitt-Zollars, Inc., of Irvine, Calif., for a master plan and design of the project’s first phase. Initial construction will prepare a 20-acre area to ensure that burials can take place before all phase one facilities are completed

In addition to burial areas, phase one will consist of approximately 50 acres, including: roadways, an entrance area, an administration and public information center, a maintenance complex with buildings, a maintenance yard and parking, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway and two committal service shelters. Other infrastructure improvements will include grading, drainage, fencing, planting, an irrigation system and utilities.

Interment areas in phase one will include approximately 5,700 full-casket gravesites, 4,000 pre-placed crypts, 500 in-ground cremated burial sites and 3,000 columbarium niches for cremated remains.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits for eligible veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker – even if they are not buried in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.4 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict — from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror — are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Information about the Bakersfield VA National Cemetery is available by calling the VA Memorial Service Network in Oakland at (510) 637-6270.

VA to Open 14 New Clinics in Seven States

Peake: Health Care Closer for Veterans

WASHINGTON -- Veterans in seven additional states will have easier access to world-class health care under a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plan to open 14 new outpatient clinics in 2008. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today announced that VA will establish new clinics in Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Washington.

“VA is dedicated to providing the best in health care to the men and women who have served this nation in uniform,” Peake said. “These new clinics will bring that care closer to veterans who have earned it through their service.”

Locations for the new clinics are:

Arkansas – Phillips County

Illinois – Coles County

Indiana – Scott County

Kentucky – Carroll County, Christian County and Graves County

Oklahoma – Stillwater

Tennessee – Bolivar, Campbell County, Dyer County, Roane County, Sevier County and Warren County

Washington – Lewis County

The new clinics are scheduled to activate in 2008. The exact locations of the new facilities, along with their opening dates and the health care services they will provide, have to be determined.

VA has previously approved 50 additional clinics that will begin providing services in 2008 for a total of 64 new clinics throughout the country this year.

With 153 hospitals and more than 700 community-based clinics, VA has the nation’s largest integrated health care system. The Department’s health care budget of over $36 billion this year will provide care to about 5.5 million veterans.

“Community-based medicine is better medicine,” said Dr. Michael Kussman, VA’s Under Secretary for Health. “It makes preventive care easier for patients, helps doctors have closer relationships with their patients and permits easier follow-up for patients with chronic health problems.”

Many of the new clinics were designated as priorities under VA’s Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) plan. CARES, completed in 2004, was intended to ensure that VA uses its resources as effectively and efficiently as possible.

VA Putting Mobile Pharmacies on the Road

VA Reaches Out to Vets, Families in Need

WASHINGTON -- To support veterans and their families during major emergencies, especially natural disasters, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun to deploy mobile pharmacies that will provide vital medicine when patients are unable to fill their prescriptions. VA will also open up the facilities to help communities during major disasters and other emergencies.

“The mobile pharmacies give VA the ability to provide critical medications to veterans when disaster strikes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “VA is committed to ensuring our veterans receive their care and prescriptions as soon as possible during an emergency.”

Each VA mobile pharmacy is housed in a 40-foot-long solid steel trailer built to withstand winds in a Category 3 storm. The units include a satellite connection with VA’s Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy system, a computerized, automated state-of-the-art mailout pharmacy that can process more than 1,000 prescriptions hourly.

Pharmacists can use the satellite system to obtain a veteran’s prescription data to dispense the drugs on site. In addition, VA can send replacement medications during an emergency by mail or another carrier to a veteran’s home or temporary address.

VA recognized the need for mobile pharmacies in 2005 after hurricanes Katrina and Rita severely damaged VA medical centers along the Gulf Coast. The Department deployed several mobile medical clinics as part of its response to the disasters.

The first mobile pharmacy was unveiled on Sept. 11, 2007 in front of VA’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. The unit was displayed recently at a meeting of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists in Las Vegas. A second mobile pharmacy is expected to be delivered in March 2008.

To ensure rapid response to a wide range of emergencies, VA’s mobile pharmacies will be strategically placed across the nation. Plans now call for one of the three mobile pharmacies to be stationed at Dallas; Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and Charleston, S.C. The Department also expects to acquire a fourth unit that will be placed in the western part of the country.

Each mobile pharmacy is divided into five compartments, including a work area for pharmacists, an entryway accessible to patients and a sleeping area with a bath and shower for VA personnel.

Pharmacy personnel from across the country have already volunteered to staff the units in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency. Six pharmacists who were part of a regional disaster drill have already completed their training and can deploy on short notice.

“Our mobile clinics enabled us to provide critical services during hurricanes Katrina and Rita not only to veterans but also to thousands of others in the area who were adversely affected by the storm,” said Michael Valentino, VA’s pharmacy chief. “These new mobile pharmacy units will ensure that we are even better prepared for future emergencies.”

VA to Pilot Innovative Remote Benefits Delivery Program

Pilot Program Serving Rural Vets to Start in Montana

FORT HARRISON, Mont. -- Rural Montana veterans will now have easier access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits information and assistance through an innovative, first-of-its-kind, remote benefits delivery pilot program using video-conferencing technology and staffing support.

“Access for these rural veterans is critical to helping them receive the benefits they have earned through their service to this nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake, who recently returned from visiting several Montana VA facilities with Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.

This new video conferencing program, along with VA staff and Valley Veterans Service Center (VVSC) volunteers, will provide face-to-face assistance to veterans who don’t live near the Fort Harrison VA regional benefits office. Located in Hamilton, VVSC is a grass-roots organization run by volunteers to assist veterans in Southwestern Montana.

“Through the use of modern technology, VA wants to minimize the distance veterans and their families in rural areas of Montana have to travel to access their earned benefits,” added Peake.

With the help of a trained volunteer, a veteran will be able to go to the VVSC to conduct a videoconference with Ft Harrison VA regional office staff to address any needed items regarding their benefits and claims. VVSC will schedule appointments with veterans on Fridays during normal business hours.

Last year, VA spent more than $312 million on behalf of the state’s 100,000 veterans and their families. Approximately 16,000 veterans and their families received disability compensation, pension and other related VA benefits, totaling more than $154 million annually.

For more information about VA’s benefits and programs, please go to www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe to the VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution List.

South Florida VA National Cemetery Officially Dedicated

New National Shrine Is Tribute to America’s Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held a dedication ceremony today to officially open VA’s 125th national cemetery, the South Florida VA National Cemetery in Lake Worth.

“We are delighted to celebrate this special day with Florida’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “By building this national shrine in South Florida, we will provide a final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who have faithfully served our nation.”

The ceremony, which included remarks by Peake, was attended by Rep. Ron Klein and VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs William F. Tuerk. The dedication plaque was unveiled and military honors were performed by a joint service firing detail, ending with the playing of Taps.

The 313-acre site is in Palm Beach County along Route 441 between Lantana Road and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Nearly 400,000 veterans and their families live within the service area of the national cemetery.

Burials began in April 2007 in a 15-acre area that includes 1,708 plots for casketed remains and approximately 4,000 plots for cremated remains.

When the first phase of development is completed, the cemetery will provide 14,000 casket sites, 3,000 columbarium niches and 9,500 in-ground niches.

Construction will include other infrastructure elements, including administration and maintenance buildings, a public assembly area, public

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and eligible dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 16,000 acres of land.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

For information on the South Florida VA National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (561) 649-6489.

Number of Homeless Vets Drops 21 Percent

Peake Selected to Chair Federal Homeless Task Force

WASHINGTON – The number of veterans homeless on a typical night has declined 21 percent in the past year, thanks to the services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its partners in community- and faith-based organizations, plus changing demographics and improvements in survey techniques.

The reduction of homeless veterans from more than 195,000 to about 154,000 was announced as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake was elected to chair the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Peake’s election to head the council coordinating the federal response to homelessness came as VA released the fourteenth annual Community Homeless Assessment, Local Education and Networking Group (CHALENG) report on homeless veterans.

“We are seeing significant progress in the fight against homelessness,” said Peake. “This success should encourage all those concerned about homeless veterans, for it shows we can make a difference in the lives of these veterans through our services and with our community partners.”

The decline in veterans’ homelessness was attributed, in part, to VA’s success in providing more services for homeless veterans and improved coordination of federal, state and local efforts.

VA provides health care to about 100,000 homeless veterans, and compensation and pensions to nearly 40,000 annually. The Department offers homeless veterans employment assistance and help obtaining foreclosed homes and excess federal property, including clothes, footwear, blankets and other items.

The Department has already approved funding for more than 12,000 beds in transitional housing programs, and provides about 5,000 veterans each year with residential services in VA hospital-based programs.

Other factors in the decline of homeless veterans include the substantial reduction in the number of poor veterans -- from 3 million in 1990 to 1.8 million in 2000 -- and improvements in counting homeless people.

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the coordinating entity within the federal government composed of 20 cabinet secretaries and agency heads that creates partnerships at every level of government and the private sector to end homelessness.

VA Gets Veterans to ‘Move’

‘Weighing In’ with Exercise, Sports, Personal Medical Records

WASHINGTON – With more than 70 percent of patients coming to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for health care found to be overweight, VA is boosting its efforts to increase veterans’ fitness through exercise, good nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

“VA’s patients should consider themselves partners with our health professionals in managing their own care,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “They need to ensure they eat right, exercise regularly and stay on the move.”

MOVE, in fact, is the name for a VA program at each of the Department’s 153 medical centers in which veterans have their body fat measured and receive “prescriptions” for exercises and nutrition.

VA officials say the need for fitness is clear. Not only do its veteran patients have a higher rate of obesity than the rest of the country’s population, but 20 percent of VA patients also have diabetes, a rate almost three times higher than other Americans.

Under VA’s MOVE program, diabetic patients get regular screenings of blood sugar levels and other problem areas. Patients can complete a questionnaire about their lifestyle and vital signs that gives doctors information about how to best support patients’ efforts to improve their lifestyles.

Veterans and VA employees are eligible to take part in a “Champions Challenge” by committing themselves to walk 100 miles in 100 days. Applications can be made online at http://www.move.va.gov/challenge.asp.

MOVE and the “Champions Challenge” are part of a broader VA program called, HealthierUS Veterans. A joint project between VA and the Department of Health and Human Services, HealthierUS Veterans educates veterans and their families about the risks of obesity and diabetes, and encourages them to eat healthy, stay active and get fit for life.

# # #

Issue Number: IR-2008-048

Inside This Issue

Combat Pay Can Count Toward Economic Stimulus Payment Eligibility

WASHINGTON — Military personnel serving in combat zones have the option of including their nontaxable combat pay on their 2007 or 2008 income tax returns if it helps their eligibility for the 2008 economic stimulus payments.

To receive the stimulus payment this year, combat zone personnel or their spouses must file a 2007 income tax return by Oct. 15. Otherwise, they can claim the economic stimulus payment on next year’s income tax return.

“The last thing we want our troops in Iraq or other war zones to worry about are their tax returns. But we do want the troops, and their families stateside, to know they may qualify for the economic stimulus payment,” said Linda E. Stiff, Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.

Starting in May, the IRS will issue economic stimulus payments of up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples) plus a $300 payment for each qualifying child younger than 17. The payments are based on 2007 income tax returns. The payments for individuals will begin to phase out starting at $75,000 in adjusted gross income ($150,000 for married couples).

Even individuals and families who normally do not file a tax return because they have no filing requirement may qualify for an economic stimulus payment. They may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) plus the $300 for each qualifying child younger than 17.

People must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income to get a payment. Qualifying income is defined as any combination of earned income (such as wages or taxable income from self-employment), nontaxable combat pay and certain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

Military personnel who normally would not file an income tax return because their 2007 income is not taxable can file a simple Form 1040A with the IRS if they want to receive the economic stimulus payment. They should report their nontaxable combat pay on Line 40b of the Form 1040A to show at least $3,000 in qualifying income. The Department of Defense lists the amount of excluded combat pay on line 12, box Q of Forms W-2 received by military personnel.

If a military person is serving in a combat zone, his or her normal tax filing requirement is extended until at least 180 days after leaving a combat zone. However, spouses or others with a power of attorney can prepare and file a 2007 income tax return on their behalf so that the stimulus payment is received this year.

The IRS has developed Package 1040A-3, an 8-page publication containing tax tips, a sample Form 1040A and a blank Form 1040A.

To ensure that a stimulus payment will be received in 2008, the return must be filed by Oct. 15 to allow sufficient time for processing.

There are a number of special tax code provisions that apply to members of the military serving in combat zones. They include:

All military pay earned by enlisted personnel or warrant officers is excluded from gross income;

Monthly pay of up to $6,867.60 earned by commissioned officers is excluded from 2007 gross income;

All military pay earned by enlisted personnel hospitalized because of injuries sustained in a combat zone is excluded from gross income during the period of hospitalization. The exclusion is limited to two years after the date of the termination of combatant activities in the combat zone;

Commissioned officers hospitalized because of injuries sustained in a combat zone have a monthly maximum exclusion of $6,867.60 for 2007 and have the same two-year limitation.

Military personnel who miss a tax filing deadline because they are in a combat zone have 180 days after they leave that combat zone to file a tax return, if they have taxable income.

All the provisions also apply to members of the Reserves and the National Guard.

The IRS reminds filers that they can get their stimulus payments faster by using direct deposit when they file their tax return.

In addition, the IRS urges people to file electronically. For people who normally are not required to file a tax return, the IRS and the Free File Alliance have a special program set up to allow for free electronic filing. For those with computer access, IRS Free File –Economic Stimulus Payment is available at IRS.gov.

VA Successfully Fields Travel Program

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has successfully implemented the General Services Administration’s (GSA) E-Gov Travel Service, an online service that streamlines arranging reservations and managing expenses for government travel.

VA – the largest civilian federal agency, with nearly 240,000 employees – met its December 2007 deadline for agency-wide implementation, fulfilling a requirement of the President’s Management Agenda.

“This system will not only make travel arranging faster and easier for employees, but will help ensure they travel in the most cost-effective way,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The E-Gov Travel Service, known as FedTraveler.com, eliminated three separate older travel systems. The service also provides training and help-desk support to customers.

Approximately 70,000 VA frequent travelers will use FedTraveler.com to plan, book and track their travel arrangements as well as request and approve expense reimbursement.

Additionally, the consolidated service supplies travel data to managers on the use of airlines, lodging and car rentals.

“FedTraveler.com strengthens control for managers by permitting them to identify spending trends,” said VA’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer Ed Murray.

“In the future, we will have much greater insight into how our travel dollars are spent.”

GSA’s E-Gov Travel Service office awarded contracts in 2003 to Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and two other vendors to provide Web-enabled travel services to thousands of government business travelers.

The online service will replace more than 250 travel services government-wide. VA contracted with EDS to implement the service.

Applications Being Accepted from Local Providers

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is designating $37 million to fund at least 2,250 new transitional housing beds by giving grants to local providers.

“This is the largest one-time designation of funds for the homeless program in VA’s history,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This is a great opportunity for community organizations to join VA in its mission of eradicating chronic homelessness among veterans.”

The grants are intended to offset the operating expenses for transitional housing facilities operated by state and local governments, Indian tribal governments, and faith-based and community-based organizations that are capable of providing supported housing and supportive services for homeless veterans.

VA began its national effort to eradicate chronic homelessness 20 years ago by providing $5 million for a pilot program to support contract residential care and to create domiciliary care for homeless veterans in San Diego.

Today, VA supports more than 15,000 beds in transitional housing facilities or in VA residential treatment programs nationwide. The Department is the largest federal provider of direct assistance to the homeless, including outreach and case management, treatment, rehabilitation, transitional residential care, therapeutic work and assistance with permanent housing.

As part of its homelessness programs, VA also supports special programs for the treatment and rehabilitation of those suffering from mental illness and addictive disorders.

For more information, visit VA’s grant and per diem program Web page at www.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=3 or contact VA’s grant and per diem program office toll free at 1-877-332-0334, or e-mail VA at homelessvets@mail.va.gov.

World’s Largest Disabled Ski Clinic at Snowmass, Colo.

This Clinic Gives Disabled Veterans a Sense of Purpose

WASHINGTON -- More than 450 disabled veterans, including nearly 120 recently injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF), will ski the Rocky Mountains at the 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, March 30 – April 4, 2008.

“Each year this Clinic enhances the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the veterans who participate in this life changing event,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Not only does the Clinic motivate veterans, young and old, to reach for their full potential and enjoy a higher quality of life, but it also gives them a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie with their fellow veterans.”

The Clinic is an annual rehabilitation program open to U.S. military veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility or military treatment facility.

Last year, more than 100 active duty military personnel and veterans from OIF/OEF attended. An estimated 200 certified ski instructors for the disabled, and several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team serve as ski instructors to meet the unique needs of the participants.

Co-sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Clinic is a world leader in promoting rehabilitation by instructing veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introducing them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. For many newly injured veterans, the Clinic offers them their first experiences in winter sports and gives them the inspiration for continued self development.

At the six-day event, veterans will also learn rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling, curling and sled hockey. The U.S. Secret Service will provide a course on self-defense. All activities are designed to help participants develop winter sports skills and take part in a variety of other adaptive sports and workshops, which demonstrate that having a physical or visual disability need not be an obstacle to an active, rewarding life.

This year, the Clinic will again offer an innovative race training and development program designed for elite-level skiers. The program has been made possible through an agreement with the United States Olympic Committee and is used to identify potential Paralympic athletes, the Olympic equivalent for world class athletes with disabilities. A number of these elite athletes began their winter sports endeavors through skills they learned at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.

“As a disabled veteran and ski instructor at the Winter Sports Clinic, I can personally vouch for the amazing impact it has on the lives of our participants,” said DAV National Commander Robert T. Reynolds. “Thanks to the wonderful partnership between the DAV and the Department of Veterans Affairs, these miracles will once again take place in the lives of many of our deserving wounded warriors.”

Known for inspiring "Miracles on a Mountainside," the Clinic shows that the lives of disabled veterans can be changed forever when they discover the challenges they can overcome.

VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies. With 153 medical centers, VA operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 895 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient clinics, 135 nursing homes, 47 residential rehabilitation treatment programs, 209 Vet Centers and 108 comprehensive home-care programs. The DAV is a non-profit, congressionally chartered veterans service organization with a membership of more than one million wartime disabled veterans.

Expansion Comes a Year Early to Help Combat Vets

PHILADELPHIA – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today said an expansion by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of its Vet Centers, which provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to returning combat veterans, is well ahead of schedule.

In February 2007, VA announced it would open 23 new centers during the next two years. Fifteen of those centers are already operational, and five others are seeing patients in temporary facilities while finalizing their leases. The other three facilities will begin operations later this year.

"Building on our past successes, 2008 will see a permanent increase in the number of Vet Centers, as we bring the remaining facilities on line to reach a record 232 Vet Centers by the end of the year," Peake said.

"To support this expansion and augment the staff at 61 existing Vet Centers, this year we are channeling a 44 percent increase in funding to the Readjustment Counseling Service, which operates the Vet Centers -- nearly $50 million more than last year's budget," he added.

The community-based Vet Centers are a key component of VA’s mental health program, providing veterans with mental health screening and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) counseling, along with help for family members dealing with bereavement and loved ones with PTSD.

The 15 new Vet Centers that are open in permanent locations are in Binghamton, N.Y.; Middletown, N.Y.; Watertown, N.Y.; Hyannis, Mass.; DuBois, Pa.; Gainesville, Fla.; Melbourne, Fla.; Macon, Ga.; Manhattan, Kansas; Escanaba, Mich.; Saginaw, Mich.; Grand Junction, Colo.; Baton Rouge, La., Killeen, Texas; and Las Cruces, N.M.

Five additional Vet Centers are providing services in temporary space while they finalize their leases: They are in Toledo, Ohio; Ft. Myers, Fla.; Montgomery, Ala.; Everett, Wash.; and Modesto, Calif.

The final three locations where Vet Centers will open for clients later this year are in Berlin, N.H., Nassau County, N.Y., and Fayetteville, Ark.

Vet Centers provide counseling on employment, plus services on family issues, education and outreach, to combat veterans and their families. Vet Centers are staffed by small teams of professional counselors, outreach specialists and other specialists, many of whom are combat veterans themselves.

VA's Vet Centers have hired 100 combat veterans back from Iraq and Afghanistan as outreach specialists, often placing them near military processing stations, to brief servicemen and women leaving the military about VA benefits.

These outreach specialists meet with returning veterans, work through family assistance centers and visit military installations to carry the message that VA will be there for the troops and family members after discharge.

Issue Number: IR-2008-037

Inside This Issue

Special Economic Stimulus Payment Packages Go to Social Security, Veterans Recipients

WASHINGTON — Starting [this] week, the Internal Revenue Service will mail special information packages to 20.5 million recipients of Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits to help them get their 2008 economic stimulus payment.

The 10-page tax package contains everything the recipients will need to file a 2007 tax form immediately. Each package contains an informational notice, tips for completing Form 1040A, a sample Form 1040A and an actual Form 1040A for the filer to complete.

The package is specially designed for people who may qualify for an economic stimulus payment but who normally aren’t required to file a tax return.

“We want to put everything right at the fingertips of the people who need this information the most,” said Linda E. Stiff, Acting IRS Commissioner. “In some cases, seniors and others in this group haven’t needed to file a tax return for years or even decades. To help them get a stimulus payment, we’re doing everything we can to make this as easy as possible. These packages mean many people will just need a pen and a stamp, and the IRS will do the rest.”

Under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, people may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) even if they do not normally file a tax return. There also is an additional payment of $300 for people with eligible children younger than 17. However, people must file an income tax return in order to receive the payment.

People who don’t normally need to file also can use Free File – Economic Stimulus Payment, which is available at IRS.gov. Several Free File software providers are making their products available for the simplified filing of a tax return.

“These stimulus payments have the potential to help people in real need and stimulate our economy,” said Tom Nelson, AARP’s Chief Operating Officer. “The IRS, through efforts like this, is doing a great job of informing people that they might be eligible for a stimulus payment, offering step-by-step guidance on how they can apply, and what scams they need to avoid.”

To qualify for the minimum economic stimulus payment, people must have at least $3,000 in any combination of qualifying income from retirement, disability or survivors’ benefits from the Social Security Administration; disability compensation, disability pension or survivors’ benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs; Tier 1 benefits from Railroad Retirement, certain combat pay and earned income from wages, salaries, tips or net earnings from self-employment that are includible in taxable income.

The mailing list of 20.5 million names represents Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefit recipients who did not file a tax return in 2006, allowing the IRS to directly target the special package to people likely to qualify for a stimulus payment but who may not otherwise file a tax return this year. The mailing, called Package 1040A-3, is separate from more than 130 million other economic stimulus letters (Notice 1377) being sent this month to taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2006.

Generally, the special mailing does not include low-wage workers without a filing requirement who could qualify for economic stimulus payments. The IRS is working with numerous community, governmental organizations and charitable groups to reach low-income workers and their families. People in this category also need to fill out a tax form, preferably a simple Form 1040A.

With so many people potentially unaware of the stimulus payments, Stiff encouraged people to reach out to help their friends and family members. “We don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks,” Stiff said. “People can help friends and family members by making them aware of the payments or helping fill out the forms. These forms are very simple. In just a few minutes you can complete the entire process by filling in just a few lines.”

A sample Form 1040A is included in the tax package and is available at IRS.gov. People need to complete the lines for the mailing label and provide a Social Security number; the filing status (single or married) and exemptions (children younger than 17 and their Social Security numbers).

People with earned income must complete Line 7 to report their 2007 annual income. Recipients of Social Security, VA and Railroad Retirement payments must complete Line 14a of Form 1040A to report their 2007 annual benefits. Certain recipients should have a Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 with that information. Or, people can multiply their 2007 monthly benefit by the number of months the payment was received for 2007 to estimate their annual benefit amount.

The IRS encourages recipients to complete the direct deposit information on the Form 1040A if they have bank accounts. Direct deposit will be the easiest and fastest way to receive a payment. The IRS also encourages people to file their income tax return as soon as possible. The IRS will begin issuing economic stimulus payments starting in May.

The IRS reminds taxpayers it does not gather information for stimulus payments over the telephone, and it does not send unsolicited e-mail to taxpayers about tax account matters. If taxpayers receive an unsolicited e-mail from someone claiming to be from the IRS, don't click on any links. People should forward it to phishing@irs.gov, and then delete it. The only official IRS Web site is located at www.irs.gov.

To be eligible for economic stimulus payments, people must have valid Social Security numbers, have at least $3,000 in qualifying income and not be a dependent or eligible to be a dependent on someone else’s income tax return.

For taxpayers who normally file an income tax return, the maximum stimulus payment is $600 ($1,200 for married couples), amounts that will phase out starting with adjusted gross income of $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples). For taxpayers who file a 2007 income tax return, the amount of the economic stimulus payment will be calculated automatically by the IRS.

Five Years of VA Health Care for Combat Veterans

Honoring Commitment to Newest Combat Veterans

WASHINGTON – Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade.

“By their service and their sacrifice, America’s newest combat veterans have earned this special eligibility period for VA’s world-class health care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The five-year deadline has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military -- even decades later -- for medical care for service-connected health problems.

The new provision, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on Jan. 28, 2008, applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home. It also extends VA dental benefits -- previously limited to 90 days after discharge for most veterans -- to 180 days.

Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA’s health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.

The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Veterans who take advantage of this five-year window to receive VA health care can continue to receive care after five years, although they may have to pay copayments for medical problems unrelated to their military service. Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to $1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatient care each year.

Issue Number: TT-2008-44

Inside This Issue

Beware of Tax Scams

Don’t fall victim to tax scams. These schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of “untaxing” yourself.

The IRS suggests that you remember three important guidelines:

You are responsible and liable for the content of your tax return.

Anyone who promises you a bigger refund without knowing your tax situation could be misleading you, and

Never sign a tax return without looking it over to make sure it is accurate.

Beware of these common schemes:

Return Preparer Fraud:

Dishonest tax return preparers can cause many headaches for taxpayers who fall victim to their ploys. Such preparers derive financial gain by skimming a portion of their clients’ refunds and charging inflated fees for return preparation services. They attract new clients by promising large refunds. Choose carefully when hiring a tax preparer. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No matter who prepares your tax return you are ultimately responsible for its accuracy and for any tax bill that may arise due to a questionable claim.

Identity Theft:

It pays to be choosy when it comes to disclosing personal information. Identity thieves have used stolen personal data to access financial accounts, run up charges on credit cards and apply for new loans. The IRS is aware of several identity theft scams involving taxes or scammers posing as the IRS itself. The IRS does not use e-mail to contact taxpayers about issues related to their accounts. If you have any doubt whether a contact from the IRS is authentic call 800-829-1040 to confirm it.

Frivolous Arguments:

Promoters have been known to make outlandish claims that the Sixteenth Amendment concerning congressional power to establish and collect income taxes was never ratified; that wages are not income; that filing a return and paying taxes are merely voluntary; and that being required to file Form 1040 violates the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination or the Fourth Amendment right to privacy. Don’t believe these or other similar claims. Such arguments are false and have been thrown out of court. Taxpayers have the right to contest their tax liabilities in court, but no one has the right to disobey the law.

For more information about these and other tax scams visit the IRS Web site at IRS.gov.

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is IRS.gov.

VA Secretary Announces New Walla Walla Facility

Mental Health Center to be Built near Current Hospital

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will build a state-of-the-art residential rehabilitation facility focused on mental health at the Walla Walla VA Medical Center.

“This project supports VA’s commitment to provide for the health care needs of Washington’s veterans and recognizes the importance of mental health as an issue for our veterans,” said Peake, who toured the local facility today.

Details about the construction and opening date for the new facility, expected to cost an estimated $6.7 million, are still being developed.

VA’s plans for the facility, called a regional residential recovery unit, include 36 beds and 22,000 square feet of space. Its proposed location is in the southwest corner of the medical center complex, near the current exercise park.

This unit is tentatively scheduled to have beds encompassing various levels of mental health care, including homeless and employment services, substance abuse treatment, psychosocial support and re-entry from incarceration services.

VA expects to spend more than $2 billion this year in Washington for the state’s 700,000 veterans.

Issue Number: IRS TAX TIP 2008-Special Edition

Inside This Issue

Don't miss out on your stimulus payment

Are you wondering what to do to ensure that you receive your economic stimulus payment which the IRS will begin to send out this May? In most cases you will not have to do anything extra. If you are eligible for a payment, all you have to do is file a 2007 tax return and the IRS will do the rest.

However, recipients of Social Security, certain Veterans' and Railroad Retirement benefits and low-income workers who don’t normally need to file may have to take steps to insure receipt of the stimulus payment.

If you are in this group and normally would not be required to file a tax return, you need to file a 2007 tax return this year to receive an economic stimulus payment. The return must show at least $3000 in qualifying income.

Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans’ benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. While these people may not be normally required to file a tax return because they do not meet the filing requirement, the IRS emphasizes they must file a 2007 return in order to receive a payment.

The IRS has released a sample version of a Form 1040A that highlights the simple, specific sections of the return that can be filled out by people in these categories to qualify for a stimulus payment.

For more information see IRS Fact Sheet FS 2008-16 Stimulus Payments: Instructions for Low-Income Workers and Recipients of Social Security and Certain Veterans’ Benefits available on www.irs.gov.

Be aware that identity thieves are already pushing scams involving the stimulus payments. At least one telephone scam is making the rounds using the proposed rebates as bait. IRS news release IR-2008-11,”IRS Warns of New E-Mail and Telephone Scams Using the IRS Name; Advance Payment Scams Starting,” has more details.

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is www .irs.gov.

Issue Number: TT-2008-40

Inside This Issue

FREE TAX HELP FOR THE MILITARY

If you, or your spouse, are a member of the military, you may be eligible to receive free assistance with the preparation and filing of your federal tax return. The U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The Armed Forces Tax Council (AFTC) oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families. The AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.

Military-based VITA sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and their families. The volunteer assistors are trained to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits.

Military commanders support the program by detailing members of the military to prepare returns and by providing space and equipment for tax centers. The IRS supports these efforts by providing tax software and training.

To receive this free assistance, you should bring the following records to your military VITA site:

* Valid photo identification

* Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a social security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration

* Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents * Current year’s tax package, if you received one

* Wage and earning statement(s) -- Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R

* Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)

* A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available

* Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit

* Total amount paid for day care

* Day care provider’s identifying number

* Other relevant information about income and expenses

If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly and you wish to file your tax return electronically, both you and your spouse should be present to sign the required forms. If it isn’t possible for both to be present, a valid power of attorney that allows tax preparation can be used to sign and file the return.

For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or order a free copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Right-click to download Real World Economics: For High School Seniors, College Students and New Entrants To The Workforce.

It's Free-It's Instant

You will need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to open and read this ebook. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download it without leaving this page).

If you want to open the file in your browser window, just click on the link. However, if you want to download the file to view later, then right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As" if you are using Internet Explorer or "Save Link As" if you are using Mozilla. Some Browsers use "Save File as" Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive.

Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.

One of the main features is an outline of a plan for getting 25 to 30 year olds elected to congress.

This is in no way an endorsement of Ron Paul. It is to show that a 25 year old with the same message of bringing the "federal monster" under control could raise enough money for a successful campaign.

JFK is featured quite prominently in this Ebook. His tax cuts gave us one of the best economies in the history of America.

You should find his economic philosophy both informative and illuminating.

VA Requests $94 Billion for Veterans in FY ’09 Budget

Peake: VA Will Provide Timely, Accessible and High-Quality Care

WASHINGTON – Honoring the nation’s commitment to care for the newest generation of combat veterans and service members from other conflicts and eras, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr.

James B. Peake announced today President Bush is seeking a budget of $93.7 billion in fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with health care and disability compensation receiving most of the funding.

If Congress accepts the White House’s budget request, VA’s budget would be $3.4 billion more than the current spending level and nearly double the budget in effect when President Bush took office seven years ago.

“This budget builds on VA’s past successes in providing veterans with timely, accessible delivery of high-quality benefits and services earned through their sacrifice and service in defense of freedom,” Peake said.

The FY ‘09 budget proposal calls for $47.2 billion in discretionary funding, mostly for health care. It also would provide $46.4 billion in mandatory funding for compensation, pension, educational assistance, home loan guaranties and other benefit programs.

Peake said the budget proposal will provide funding to ensure high-quality care to VA’s highest priority patients -- veterans of the Global War on Terror, those with service-connected disabilities, lower-income veterans, and veterans with special health care needs.

Under the new budget, VA will strengthen its collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD) for world-class health care and benefits to veterans, service members and their families, including progress toward the development of secure electronic patient health care records that can be used by both departments.

This proposed budget will also allow VA to continue implementing the recommendations of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole-Shalala Commission).

Peake said the commission’s report provides “a powerful blueprint to move forward with ensuring that service men and women injured during the Global War on Terror receive the health care and benefits necessary to allow them to return to full and productive lives as quickly as possible.”

The budget request includes:

* $1.3 billion to meet the health care needs of an estimated 330,000 veterans returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan; * $3.9 billion for mental health services;

* $762 million for non-institutional long-term care; and

* $1.5 billion for prosthetics and sensory aids.

The President’s budget request contains $252 million devoted to research projects focused specifically on veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. This includes research in traumatic brain injury, polytrauma, spinal cord injury, prosthetics, burn injury, pain, and post-deployment mental health.

A major challenge in improving the delivery of compensation and pension benefits is the steady and sizeable increase in workload. The volume of claims is projected to reach 872,000 in 2009 -- a 51 percent increase since 2000.

VA will address its ever-growing workload challenges by acquiring greater access to DoD’s online medical information, by working to reduce the Department’s reliance upon paper-based claims folders and by aggressively hiring new staff. By the beginning of 2009, VA expects to complete a two-year effort to hire 3,100 new staff.

The President’s budget request includes $181 million in operations and maintenance for the National Cemetery Administration, a 71 percent increase from the resources available to the Department’s memorial program when the President took office.

The budget request includes an additional $5 million to begin interment operations at six new national cemeteries -- Bakersfield, Calif.; Birmingham, Ala.; Columbia-Greenville, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Sarasota, Fla.; and southeastern Pennsylvania.

The President’s 2009 budget would provide more than $2.4 billion for the Department’s information technology (IT) program. This is $389 million, or 19 percent above VA’s 2008 budget, and reflects the realignment of all IT operations and functions under the control of the chief information officer.

The proposal contains $93 million to uphold VA’s cyber-security program to support the commitment to make the Department the gold standard in data security within the federal government.

VA continues to take aggressive steps to ensure the safety of veterans’ personal information, including training and educating employees on the critical responsibility they have to protect personal and health information.

Highlights of the VA budget are available on the Internet at: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1448

VA Increases Travel Reimbursement for Eligible Veterans

Peake: Disabled Veterans Earned Increase

WASHINGTON – Over a million eligible veterans have seen their mileage reimbursement more than double starting on Feb 1, for travel to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.

“This increase helps veterans -- especially those living in rural areas -- offset some of the gasoline costs as they travel to VA’s world-class health care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Increasing the mileage reimbursement is one more step by VA to help veterans access the health care they deserve.”

The 2008 appropriations act provided funding for VA to increase the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile. The increase goes into effect on Feb. 1.

After little more then a month on the job, Secretary Peake used his authority to establish the first increase in the mileage reimbursement in 30 years, fulfilling a pledge he made during his Senate confirmation hearing last month.

While increasing the payment, VA, as mandated by law, also equally increased the deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements. The new deductibles are $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, with a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. However, these deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.

# # #

Right-click to download Real World Economics: For High School Seniors, College Students and New Entrants To The Workforce.

It's Free-It's Instant

You will need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to open and read this ebook. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download it without leaving this page).

If you want to open the file in your browser window, just click on the link. However, if you want to download the file to view later, then right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As" if you are using Internet Explorer or "Save Link As" if you are using Mozilla. Some Browsers use "Save File as" Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive.

Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.

One of the main features is an outline of a plan for getting 25 to 30 year olds elected to congress.

This is in no way an endorsement of Ron Paul. It is to show that a 25 year old with the same message of bringing the "federal monster" under control could raise enough money for a successful campaign.

JFK is featured quite prominently in this Ebook. His tax cuts gave us one of the best economies in the history of America.

You should find his economic philosophy both informative and illuminating.

Issue Number: IR-2008-015

Inside This Issue

More Information on Stimulus Payments Posted to IRS.gov; New Details for Recipients of Social Security, Veterans Benefits

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service released additional information today about the upcoming economic stimulus payments in a specially designed section for taxpayers on IRS.gov.

The new information includes an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions about the stimulus payments, with a special emphasis on recipients of Social Security and certain veterans’ benefits. Millions of people in this group who normally don’t file a tax return will need to do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment.

For recipients of Social Security and certain veterans’ benefits and low-income workers who don’t normally need to file, the IRS also released a special version of a Form 1040A that highlights the simple, specific sections of the return that can be filled out by people in these categories to qualify for a stimulus payment.

“Most taxpayers just need to file a 2007 tax return in order to automatically receive the stimulus payment,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Linda Stiff. “But we are especially concerned about recipients of Social Security and veterans’ benefits who may need to take special steps this year to file a tax return in order to obtain a stimulus payment. IRS.gov will help taxpayers get what they need.”

The Frequently Asked Questions section – accessible through the front page of IRS.gov -- includes an extensive set of information for all taxpayers with questions about the stimulus payments, commonly referred to as rebates.

The questions and answers include important information for low-income workers and certain recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement benefits and veterans’ benefits.

The special IRS.gov section also features extensive examples of how much taxpayers can expect to receive in stimulus payments. The page includes more than two-dozen payment scenarios affecting different types of taxpayers.

IRS.gov will be updated frequently to provide taxpayers with all they need to understand the stimulus payments.

The IRS will begin sending taxpayers their economic stimulus payments in early May after the current tax season concludes.

In most cases, the payment will equal the amount of tax liability on the tax return, with a maximum amount of $600 for individuals ($1,200 for married couples who file a joint return). Payments to more than 130 million households will continue over several weeks during the spring and summer. A payment schedule for taxpayers will be announced in the near future on IRS.gov.

The IRS reminds taxpayers when they file their 2007 tax return to use direct deposit, which is the fastest way to get both regular refunds and stimulus payments.

However, taxpayers who use Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) or enter into any other loan or financial agreement with their tax professional cannot receive their stimulus payments by direct deposit and instead will get a paper check.

The only way to receive a stimulus payment in 2008 is to file a 2007 tax return. The vast majority of taxpayers must take no extra steps to receive their stimulus payment beyond the routine filing of their tax return. No other action, extra form or call is necessary.

Special Guidelines for Recipients of Certain Social Security, Veterans and Railroad Benefits

Certain people who normally are not required to file but who are eligible for the stimulus payment will have to file a 2007 tax return.

This includes low-income workers or those who receive Social Security benefits or veterans’ disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007.

These taxpayers will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 ($600 on a joint return) if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income.

Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans’ benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment.

For taxpayers filing joint tax returns, only a total of $3,000 of qualifying income from both spouses is required to be eligible for a payment.

The special version of the Form 1040A unveiled today on IRS.gov shows taxpayers in these groups the specific sections of the form they need to fill out to qualify for the stimulus payment.

The mock-up is designed to be used as a guide for filling out an actual Form 1040A.

“People who don’t normally need to file have a roadmap on how to fill out the Form 1040A quickly and easily,” Stiff said.

“We encourage recipients of Social Security and veterans’ benefits who don’t normally need to file a tax return to use this mock-up of the form as a guide to help them get their stimulus payment.”

The Form 1040A illustration on IRS.gov shows the limited number of lines that will need to be filled out for recipients of Social Security, certain Railroad Retirement and certain veterans’ benefits.

A key line is reporting their 2007 benefits on Line 14a of Form 1040A. The IRS reminds taxpayers they can also use Line 20a on Form 1040 to report these same benefits.

In addition, taxpayers in these groups should write the words “Stimulus Payment” at the top of the 1040A or 1040.

For now, taxpayers in this group filing a tax return can only file a paper copy of the Form 1040 or Form 1040A. The IRS is working to update its systems to accept electronic versions of these limited-information returns for taxpayers who otherwise have no need to file a tax return.

The IRS is also working with the software community to handle these returns electronically at a future date.

The IRS also reminded taxpayers with Social Security, Railroad Retirement or veterans’ benefits who have already filed but did not report their qualifying benefits on either Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040 that they may need to file an amended return in some situations to receive a larger stimulus payment.

Taxpayers who already have filed but did not report these benefits can file an amended return by using Form 1040X, which can only be filed with a paper form.

The IRS reminded taxpayers who don’t have any other requirement to file a tax return that submitting a tax return to qualify for the economic stimulus payments does not create any additional tax or trigger a tax bill. In addition, the stimulus payments will not have any effect on eligibility for federal benefits.

The IRS is working with the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations to ensure that recipients are aware of the need to file a tax return to receive their stimulus payment in 2008.

Right-click to download Real World Economics: For High School Seniors, College Students and New Entrants To The Workforce.

It's Free-It's Instant

You will need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to open and read this ebook. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download it without leaving this page).

If you want to open the file in your browser window, just click on the link. However, if you want to download the file to view later, then right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As" if you are using Internet Explorer or "Save Link As" if you are using Mozilla. Some Browsers use "Save File as" Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive.

Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.

One of the main features is an outline of a plan for getting 25 to 30 year olds elected to congress.

This is in no way an endorsement of Ron Paul. It is to show that a 25 year old with the same message of bringing the "federal monster" under control could raise enough money for a successful campaign.

JFK is featured quite prominently in this Ebook. His tax cuts gave us one of the best economies in the history of America.

You should find his economic philosophy both informative and illuminating.

Stimulus Payments-Info Directly From The IRS

Instructions for Low-Income Workers and Recipients of Social Security and Certain Veterans’ Benefits

FS-2008-16, February 2008

Some low-income workers and recipients of Social Security, certain veterans’ benefits and certain Railroad Retirement benefits may qualify for economic stimulus payments this year from the federal government.

In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600 for individuals and $600 to $1200 for joint filers. Taxpayers may receive $300 for each qualifying child.

Most taxpayers do not need to take any extra steps to receive the payment beginning in early May.

But there are some exceptions.

Individuals who might not otherwise be required to file a 2007 tax return will need to file a return this year to receive the stimulus payment. The return must show at least $3,000 in qualifying income.

In other words, low-income workers who had at least $3,000 in earned income in 2007 but do not otherwise earn enough to be required to file a federal tax return need to file a return in order to get the stimulus payment.

Likewise, Social Security recipients, veterans and retired railroad workers who might not otherwise need to file a tax return must do so to receive the economic stimulus payment.

Certain Benefits Count toward Qualifying Income

Normally, certain Social Security, Railroad Retirement benefits and certain veterans’ payments are not subject to income tax. However, the economic stimulus law passed in February contains a special provision allowing Social Security recipients and recipients of certain veterans’ benefits and certain Railroad Retirement benefits to count those benefits toward the qualifying income requirement of $3,000 and thereby qualify for the stimulus payment.

This means a taxpayer who had, for example, $500 in earned income and $2,500 in any combination of the benefits described above can count those benefit payments toward his or her qualifying income to reach the $3,000 earned income requirement, even though the individual would not otherwise owe taxes on such income.

For purposes of meeting the qualifying income requirement, the following benefits need to be reported in any combination on Line 20a of Form 1040 or Line 14a of the Form 1040A.

Social Security benefits reported on the 2007 Form 1099-SSA, which people would have received in January 2008. People who do not have a Form 1099 may estimate their annual Social Security benefit by taking their monthly benefit, multiplying it by the number of months during the year they received the benefits, and entering the number on Line 20a of Form 1040 or Line 14a of the Form 1040A. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.

Railroad Retirement benefits reported on the 2007 Form 1099-RRB, which recipients would have received in January 2008.

The sum of veterans’ disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. People are allowed to estimate their annual benefit by taking their monthly annual veterans’ benefit, multiplying it by the number of months during the year they received benefits, and entering the number on Line 20a of Form 1040 or Line 14a of the Form 1040A.

People should note that Line 20a of Form 1040 and Line 14a of the Form 1040A are designated for Social Security. To qualify for the economic stimulus payments, these lines should also be used to include any qualifying Railroad Retirement or veterans’ benefits.

For Those Who Have Already Filed

Some recipients of the benefits described above may have filed a 2007 tax return reporting at least $3,000 in qualifying income. They do not need to do anything else. They will begin receiving their stimulus payments in early May.

Others may need to amend a previously filed tax return to include benefits to reach the $3,000 qualifying income level. Adding these benefits on an amended tax return will not increase an individual’s tax liability but will establish eligibility for the stimulus payment. Taxpayers can use IRS Form 1040X to amend a tax return in order toqualify for the stimulus payment.

Free Tax Help Available

Individuals who need to file a return this year to receive a stimulus payment may be able to take advantage of thousands of free tax preparation sites nationwide for low-income and elderly taxpayers.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides help to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Call 1-800-906-9887 to locate the nearest VITA site.

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. To find an AARP Tax Aide site call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP Web site.

Related Items:

Information on Stimulus Payments Stimulus Payments: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions How to Fill In Form 1040A

VA Awards Contract for Disability Benefits Studies

Virginia Company Awarded Contract

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a $3.2 million contract to Economic Systems Inc. of Falls Church, Va., to develop information relating to possible changes in the composition of disability payments to disabled veterans.

“This contract is further evidence of VA’s commitment to review the full range of benefits and programs to ensure today’s disabled veterans receive the help they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The contact is based upon recommendations of the Dole-Shalala Commission, which issued its final report in July 2007, and the October 2007 final report of the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission.

The contractor will provide its findings in August. Economic Systems Inc. will address three basic research questions in two studies. One study will examine the nature and feasibility of making “long-term transition payments” to service members separated from the military due to disability while those veterans undergo rehabilitation.

A second study will provide information on the appropriate levels of compensation necessary to compensate for any loss in earnings capacity caused by service-incurred or service-aggravated conditions. It will also provide information on potential “quality of life” payments called for by both studies.

# # #

Deputy Secretary Mansfield Honored

First Recipient of DoD Health System’s Award for Service

WASHINGTON – Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield was named as the first recipient of the “Robert Dole National Award for Service” on Jan. 28 during the annual conference of the Military Health System, which provides health care for the Department of Defense.

“Gordon Mansfield has devoted much of his adult life to serving this nation and its veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Making him the first recipient of this honor sets the bar high for those who follow.”

Mansfield, a long-time official with the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the second ranking officer in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since January 2004, described former Senator Dole as “one of my personal heroes.”

The award was established in Senator Dole’s name to recognize veterans who continue to serve the nation through public service.

“I cannot think of anyone, in my experience, who has done more [than Senator Dole] for the military and veterans health care systems,” Mansfield said.

“As a patient and as a proponent in Congress, he did everything he could to improve the care we provide for our active-duty personnel, our veterans and their families.”

Last year, Dole served as cochair of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors, a landmark look at ways to improve VA’s and the Defense Department’s help for injured service members returning to the private sector.

A combat-wounded veteran of the Vietnam War, Mansfield has also served as an assistant secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

He was honored as Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year in 2006 at the national convention of Disabled American Veterans.

# # #

Right-click to download Real World Economics: For High School Seniors, College Students and New Entrants To The Workforce.

It's Free-It's Instant

You will need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to open and read this ebook. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download it without leaving this page).

If you want to open the file in your browser window, just click on the link. However, if you want to download the file to view later, then right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As" if you are using Internet Explorer or "Save Link As" if you are using Mozilla. Some Browsers use "Save File as" Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive.

Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.

One of the main features is an outline of a plan for getting 25 to 30 year olds elected to congress.

This is in no way an endorsement of Ron Paul. It is to show that a 25 year old with the same message of bringing the "federal monster" under control could raise enough money for a successful campaign.

JFK is featured quite prominently in this Ebook. His tax cuts gave us one of the best economies in the history of America.

You should find his economic philosophy both informative and illuminating.

VA Leadership Vows to Fix Problems Identified at Marion VA Medical Center

WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today affirmed its determination to quickly address problems at its Marion, Illinois hospital. The VA today released the results of two investigations into concerns involving patient care at the Marion facility.

VA’s Inspector General was contacted by Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s Under Secretary for Health on September 10, 2007, and also subsequently by Congress, to perform a comprehensive review of surgical services at the facility after VA’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) found there was a higher death rate than expected during the period from October 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007.

Representatives of the NSQIP program visited Marion from August 29-30, 2007. Their follow-up report led to the immediate suspension by Veterans Health Administration (VHA) leadership of all major surgeries at the hospital, which have not been resumed.

“We found the problems ourselves; we took immediate action to keep patients from being harmed as soon as we knew what was going on; we’re extremely sorry for what happened; and we’ll hold those who created the problems accountable,” said Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s Under Secretary for Health.

“We’re determined to do what’s right for our veterans and their families, not only at Marion, but everywhere in VA’s medical system.”

The Inspector General’s report, augmented by a separate internal review by VA’s Medical Inspector begun on September 4, 2007, identified four areas in which Marion employees failed to comply with Federal and local regulations and VA directives and procedures. They include:

Quality management: Some reviews of the quality of care at the facility were improperly done; cases selected for review by physicians’ peers (a required practice in health care settings called “peer reviews”) were not always properly evaluated; and patient deaths were inadequately and insufficiently evaluated to be able to address issues in a timely manner. Credentialing: Credentialing is the process by which health care organizations screen and evaluate medical providers in terms of licensure, education, training, experience, competence and health status.

The facility, at times, failed to document its consideration of important credentialing information such as malpractice claims; and documentation related to the verification of licensure, registration and certification requirements was not always done in a timely manner. Privileging: Privileging is the process by which physicians are granted permissions to practice and to perform various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

The Inspector General found instances in which surgeons performed procedures they were not authorized to perform. The Medical Center also failed to adequately consider past performance and outcomes in decisions whether to renew surgeons’ permission to continue to perform certain procedures.

In addition, both the Inspector General and the Medical Inspector’s reports criticize the facility for allowing surgeries to be performed that were more complex than the facility could handle based on its staff and capabilities. Concerns include the fact the Medical Center did not have 24-hour coverage in respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and radiology. * Facility Leadership: The Inspector General believed there were warnings on many of the problems identified in NSQIP’s site visit, including NSQIP’s own data, Marion’s leadership should have acted upon before others discovered the problem.

According to the IG, though, most of this information was “not disseminated to other VHA managerial entities such as VISN 15 (the facility’s parent network) or VA headquarters in Washington, DC.”

VA is examining each of these areas, not only at Marion but throughout the Department’s health care system, to ensure these types of issues are not present at other facilities, and to enhance regulations to prevent these problems from occurring in the future.

A VHA work group has been convened to develop new requirements for peer reviews, augmenting peer reviews conducted at smaller facilities by requiring external reviews and establishing improved parameters for future peer reviews of all types. These additional directives will be enacted within the month.

Both the Inspector General and the Medical Inspector’s reports agreed there had been numerous instances of poor medical care at the facility.

The Inspector General’s report states the care of three patients who died following surgical procedures during Fiscal Year 2007 had “significant problems.”

The Medical Inspector’s report, which reviewed Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007, and therefore substantially more cases, identifies a total of nine deaths directly attributable to substandard care. There were 34 cases in which care complicated patients’ health, including 10 others who died.

In these cases, the Medical Inspector could not determine if the care they received caused their deaths.

VA will begin immediately to contact those veterans and families of veterans who are believed to have been harmed by surgical care at the facility within the past two years to review their care with them, and known instances of substandard care will be disclosed.

The Department will also assist patients and families who believe they have been harmed in their efforts to receive compensation. The Department has set up a toll-free phone number for patients and their families who are concerned about the care they received at the Marion VA hospital to call to receive additional information. The number is 1-800-983-0932.

“I am angered about the issues at Marion that are identified in these reports. We sincerely apologize to those who have received poor care, to their loved ones, to the Marion community, and to all veterans and their families,” said Dr. Kussman. “We are determined to correct the problems we have uncovered and return Marion to a level of health care our veterans deserve.”

Last September, VA removed Marion’s hospital director, chief of staff, chief of surgery and an anesthesiologist from their positions and placed them in other administrative positions or on administrative leave. (The anesthesiologist has since resigned.) Today, the Department also announced it has initiated an Administrative Board of Investigation to review quality of care issues and issues raised by employee groups, and neither the previous director nor the chief of staff will be returned to work at the facility, even if they are exonerated. In addition, a surgeon who had not previously disclosed information related to his license to practice medicine has been fired.

The Medical Inspector’s report is available, in redacted form to comply with privacy laws, at http://www.va.gov/health/docs/2007-D-1356Marion.pdf.

VA Is Leader in Hospice and Palliative Care

Consultations for Veterans Nationwide

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing hospice and palliative care to a growing number of veterans throughout the country as the need continues to rise for care and comfort at the end of life.

VA provides palliative care consultation services at each of its medical centers and inpatient hospice care in many of its nursing homes throughout the country. VA contracts with community-based hospice programs to enhance VA’s ability to provide this critical service when and where needed.

“Wherever veterans receive their health care, VA has a system in place to address their hospice and palliative care needs,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and personal assistance to the thousands of veterans and their families who face terminal illnesses.”

Nearly 9,000 veterans were treated in designated hospice beds at VA facilities in 2007, and thousands of other veterans were referred to community hospices to receive care in their homes.

The number of veterans treated in VA’s inpatient hospice beds increased by 21 percent in 2007. In addition, the average daily number of veterans receiving hospice care in their homes paid for by VA increased by 30 percent this past year.

Because of the large number of World War II and Korean era veterans and a tripling of the number of veterans over the age of 85 from 2000 to 2010, the increase in the need for hospice care is expected to continue. The proportion of Vietnam-era veterans over the age of 65 will continue to increase through 2014, when Vietnam veterans will account for nearly 60 percent of all veterans in that age group.

VA’s expansion of its hospice and palliative care capabilities came about through a collaboration with community-care providers. In 2001, the National Hospice-Veteran Partnership Initiative began to build partnerships between VA facilities and community hospice providers, funded in part by the VA and by nonprofit groups such as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Advanced Illness Care Coordination Center.

To date, VA has partnered with community hospice programs in 35 states to promote hospice services that are not provided directly by VA staff. These partnerships help veterans transition from VA hospitals to their homes in the community.

Palliative care adds a focus on quality of life and comfort to veterans with life-limiting illness, and their families. Palliative care consultation teams include physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains. Additional support may be provided by pharmacists, rehabilitation therapists, recreation therapists, mental health professionals and other specialists.

VA provides palliative care consultation teams at all of its hospitals nationwide, although such services are provided at only about one-fourth of all American hospitals. Nearly half of all veterans who died in VA facilities received care from a palliative care team prior to their deaths.

“VA is committed to helping veterans spend their final days with dignity and comfort, in the setting that best fits their needs and wishes,” Peake said.

Pay in Vets’ Work Program Ruled Tax-Free

Ruling on Compensated Work Therapy Retroactive Three Years

WASHINGTON -- Payments provided to veterans under two specific programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) and Incentive Therapy (IT) programs -- are no longer taxable, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Veterans who paid tax on these benefits in the past three years can claim refunds.

Recipients of CWT and IT payments no longer receive a Form 1099 (Miscellaneous Income) from VA. Veterans who paid tax on these benefits in tax years 2004, 2005 or 2006 can claim a refund by filing an amended tax return using IRS Form 1040X. Nearly 19,000 veterans received CWT benefits last year, while 8,500 received IT benefits.

The IRS agreed with a U.S. Tax Court decision earlier in 2007 that CWT payments are tax-free veterans benefits. In so doing, the agency reversed a 1965 ruling that these payments were taxable and required VA to report payments as taxable income.

The CWT and IT programs provide assistance to veterans unable to work and support themselves. Under the CWT program, VA contracts with private industry and the public sector for work by veterans, who learn new job skills, strengthen successful work habits and regain a sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Veterans are compensated by VA for their work and, in turn, improve their economic and social well-being.

Under the IT program, seriously disabled veterans receive payments for providing services at about 70 VA medical centers.

###

New VA Rules for Specially Adapted Housing Grants

Program Aids Most Seriously Injured

WASHINGTON – A change in the law that allows certain seriously injured veterans and servicemembers to receive multiple grants for constructing or modifying homes has resulted in many new grants, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today.

Before the change, eligible veterans and servicemembers could receive special adaptive housing grants of $10,000 or $50,000 from VA only once. Now they may use the benefit up to three times, so long as the total grants stay within specified limits outlined in the law.

“Veterans seriously disabled during their military service have earned this benefit,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This change ensures that every eligible veteran and servicemember has the chance to use the maximum amount afforded to them by our grateful nation.”

In order to ensure all previous recipients are aware of this opportunity, VA has mailed more than 16,000 letters to eligible veterans, reaching out to those who used only a portion of their grant or who decided not to use the grant even after initially qualifying.

The response over the past year has been dramatic, with more than 4,600 applications received thus far. Of these, approximately 3,900 veterans have been determined eligible under the new law, and more than 200 grants already awarded.

VA has averaged about 1,000 adaptive housing grant applications per year during the past 10 years. Since the program began in 1948, it has provided more than $650 million in grants to about 34,000 seriously disabled veterans.

To ensure veterans’ and servicemembers’ needs are met and grant money is spent properly, VA works closely throughout the entire process with contractors and architects to design, construct and modify homes that meet the individuals’ housing accessibility needs.

Eligible for the benefit are those with specific service-connected disabilities entitling them to VA compensation for a “permanent and total disability.” They may receive a grant to construct an adapted home or to modify an existing one to meet their special needs.

VA has three types of adapted housing grants available. The Specially Adapted Housing grant (SAH), currently limited to $50,000, is generally used to create a wheelchair-accessible home for those who may require such assistance for activities of daily living.

VA’s Home Loan Guaranty program and the Native American Direct Loan program may also be used with the SAH benefit to purchase an adaptive home.

The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) grant, currently limited to $10,000, is generally used to assist veterans with mobility throughout their homes due to blindness in both eyes, or the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or extremities below the elbow.

A third type established by the new law, the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant, is available to eligible veterans and seriously injured active duty servicemembers who are temporarily living or intend to temporarily live in a home owned by a family member.

While the SAH and SHA grants require ownership and title to a house, in creating TRA Congress recognized the need to allow veterans and active duty members who may not yet own homes to have access to the adaptive housing grant program.

Under TRA, veterans and servicemembers eligible under the SAH program would be permitted to use up to $14,000, and those eligible under the SHA program would be allowed to use up to $2,000 of the maximum grant amounts. Each grant would count as one of the three grants allowed under the new program.

“The goal of all three grant programs is to provide a barrier-free living environment that offers the country’s most severely injured veterans or servicemembers a level of independent living,” added Peake.

Other VA adaptive housing benefits are currently available through Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service’s “Independent Living” program, the Insurance Service’s Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance program, and the Veterans Health Administration’s Home Improvement and Structural Alterations grant.

For more information about grants and other adaptive housing programs, contact a local VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000 or local veteran service organization. Additional program information and grant applications (VAF-26-4555) can be found at http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm.

VA Distributes 2008 Insurance Dividends

Peake: Payments Are “Commitment from a Grateful Nation”

WASHINGTON – More than a million veterans are in line to share $349 million in annual insurance dividends during 2008, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“These dividends are a commitment from a grateful nation to safeguard the interests of America’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

VA operates one of the nation’s largest life insurance programs, providing more than $1 trillion in coverage to 7.1 million service members, veterans, and family members.

The dividend payments will be sent to an estimated 1.1 million holders of VA insurance policies on the anniversary date of their policies. Sent automatically through different payment plans, the amounts will vary based on the age of the veteran, the type of insurance, and the length of time the policy has been in force.

The dividends come from the earnings of trust funds into which veterans have paid insurance premiums over the years, and are linked to returns on investments in U.S. government securities.

VA officials caution veterans about a long-running scam in which various groups charge fees to “locate” veterans who are eligible for the dividends. Veterans eligible for the dividends have had VA life insurance policies in effect since they left the military and have received annual notifications from VA about the policies.

Dividends are paid each year to veterans holding certain government life insurance policies and who served between 1917 and 1956.

World War II veterans holding National Service Life Insurance ("V") policies comprise the largest group receiving 2008 insurance dividend payments. They are expected to receive total payments of $269.6 million.

An additional group of World War II era veterans, those who have Veterans Reopened Insurance ("J," "JR" and "JS") policies, will in total receive dividends of $9.2 million.

Korean War era veterans who have maintained Veterans Special Life Insurance ("RS" and "W") policies can expect to receive dividends totaling $69.3 million.

Dividends totaling $875,000 will be paid to veterans who served between World War I and 1940 and who hold U.S. Government Life Insurance ("K") policies.

Veterans who have questions about their policies may contact the VA insurance toll-free number at 1-800-669-8477 or send an email to VAinsurance@va.gov. They may also visit VA on the Internet at www.insurance.va.gov.

New Members Appointed to Committee on Women Veterans

WASHINGTON – Four new members have been appointed to the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), an expert panel that advises VA on issues and programs affecting women veterans.

“I am pleased to welcome the newest members of this committee to the important job of serving America’s women veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Members of this committee work tirelessly on behalf of women veterans to improve outreach, ensure access to VA benefits and recommend ways in which VA can better meet their needs.”

Established in 1983, the advisory committee makes recommendations for administrative and legislative changes. The committee members are appointed to one-, two-, or three-year terms. The new committee members include: Rene A. Campos from Washington, D.C.; Helena R. Carapellatti from Upper Marlboro, Md; Barbara Pittman from Washington, D.C.; and Rosemarie (Rose) Weber from Springfield, Va.

“The expertise and perspectives that the new members offer are greatly appreciated and will surely impact the recommendations presented by the Committee. I look forward to their contributions,” Peake said.

Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veteran population. There are approximately 1.7 million women veterans. They comprise 7 percent of the total veteran population and nearly 5 percent of all veterans who use VA health care services. VA estimates that by 2020 women veterans will comprise 10 percent of the veteran population.

VA has women veterans program managers at VA medical centers and women veterans coordinators at VA regional offices to assist women veterans with health and benefits issues.

Peake: Disabled Veterans Receive Earned Increase

WASHINGTON – Millions of veterans and eligible family members will see their disability compensation, pension, and survivors' benefits increased as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an annual cost-of-living increase for key benefits.

“This increase ensures that those veterans who have earned this benefit for incurring a disability in defense of our country receive payments that keep pace with today’s cost of living,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “VA is committed to the needs of our veterans and their families. We owe America’s defenders no less.”

A recent law signed by President Bush provides a 2.3 percent increase in disability compensation and survivors' benefits. Eligible veterans and family members will see this increase starting in their January 2008 checks.

Under the veterans’ disability compensation program, tax-free payments will generally range from $117 to $2,527 per month depending on the degree of disability. Special payments up to $7,232 per month apply to the most severely injured veterans.

Pension disability benefits will also be increased by the same percentage and effective on the same date. The maximum annual rate for permanently and totally disabled veterans or veterans over age 65 can range from $11,181 to $18,654, based on household income and whether veterans are in need of help with activities for daily living.

This increase also applies to survivors of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) survivors’ benefit payments can range from $1,091 to $2,499 per month.

Survivors of wartime veterans receiving death pension are also entitled to an increase. The maximum annual payment rate for a surviving spouse can range from $7,498 to $11,985. Benefits under this program are intended to bring an eligible spouse’s income to a level established by law.

Under each benefit program, additional allowances may be payable for helpless, minor or school age children.

For more information about VA benefits and services, go to VA’s website at www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

VA’s My HealtheVet Honored for “Consumer Empowerment”

Group Cites VA’s Online Patient Tool for National Award

WASHINGTON – The computerized personal health record for veterans created by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) -- My HealtheVet -- has been named a national finalist in the “Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards” given by a national accreditation organization.

VA is one of 19 finalists in the “Best Practices” first-time awards from URAC (formerly the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission), an independent health care accreditation commission.

The contest attracted entries detailing innovative and proven programs to enhance patient safety and give consumers control over their health care.

Winners represent health plans, pharmacy benefit management organizations, health care management firms and health information technology companies. The finalists will present their programs at a conference in March.

“This award is further evidence VA is a proven leader in using the latest technology to ensure America’s veterans receive world-class health care,” said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"America’s veterans deserve the best this country has to offer, and VA is achieving that high standard.”

Peake noted the number of registrants for My HealtheVet, which offers veterans their own private medical records and data, has topped 500,000.”

According to URAC’s president and CEO, Alan Spiel, the Best Practices awards are an opportunity for leaders in health care management to find out what others are doing to advance consumers’ control of their health care.

He called the competition the first of its kind, including entries from both large and small health care management organizations.

“We keep adding features to My HealtheVet to give veterans the tools they need to manage their care as partners with their VA medical providers,” said Under Secretary for Health Dr. Michael J. Kussman. “We are proud of this technology and pleased to be recognized for it.”

A distinguished panel of judges selected the finalists. Entries were blind-reviewed and scored based on objective criteria.

More information about My HealtheVet can be found at www.myhealth.va.gov.

My HealtheVet was a winner of the 2007 “Top 5” Excellence.Gov Awards for innovative technology from the private-sector Industry Advisory Council.

URAC promotes health care quality through accreditation and certification programs. More information about the “Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards” can be found at http://www.urac.org/.

In another recent honor, the Web site for VA’s health care system -- www.va.gov/health -- was recognized for outstanding achievement by the Web Marketing Association.

The Web site received a “Government Standard of Excellence” award by the association, which is a nonprofit, volunteer organization made up of Internet marketing, online advertising, public relations and Web site design professionals.

The Web Marketing Association’s awards were established in 1997 based on seven criteria for a successful Web site. The entries are evaluated by a professional judging panel for design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use. Entries cover a range of categories, including a government division.

VA Cemeteries Lead Nation in Satisfaction Survey

Ranking Tops Federal Agencies, Private Firms

WASHINGTON – Again this year, the national cemetery system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has received the highest rating in customer satisfaction for any federal agency or private corporation surveyed, according to a prestigious, independent survey of customer satisfaction.

"This survey highlights the outstanding service employees at VA’s 125 national cemeteries provide to our nation’s veterans and their families,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “It is our honor to care the for the nation’s heroes in perpetuity, meeting the highest standards for professionalism and compassion.”

More than 200 companies and most of the federal sector take part in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey, conducted by the University of Michigan Business School every three years.

“VA should be commended for continuing to provide such a high level of service to America’s veterans’ families,” said John Cioffi, senior consultant with CFI Group USA, one of the survey’s sponsors. “VA serves as an excellent example of how government should provide services to its citizens.”

This year’s survey is the third consecutive one in which VA’s cemetery system received the top rating in the nation. For 2007, VA’s cemetery system earned a customer satisfaction rating of 95 out of a possible 100 points. The national cemeteries also ranked number one in customer satisfaction in 2001 and 2004.

The ACSI survey polled next of kin or other people who had arranged for the interment of a loved one in a VA national cemetery within the past six months to one year. Three thousand people received the survey and nearly 600 responded, which is a high response rate for a mail survey.

ACSI’s index for “user trust” produced a rating of 96 out of a possible 100 points for the VA-run cemetery system, which indicates that respondents are exceptionally willing to say positive things about VA’s national cemeteries.

Since 1994, ACSI has been a national indicator of customer evaluations of the quality of goods and services available to U.S. residents. It is the only uniform measure of customer satisfaction for government and industry. ACSI allows benchmarking between the public and private sectors and between one year's results and the next.

People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe to the VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution List.

Veterans Remembered with Holiday Wreaths at VA National Cemeteries

WASHINGTON – Holiday wreaths will be placed in remembrance at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries across the nation Saturday, Dec. 15.

“This generous and heartfelt gesture of remembering and honoring our veterans during the holiday season is proof that Americans cherish the service and sacrifices of these heroes,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield.

This is the second year the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, has sent holiday wreaths to VA national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries to display in a nationwide tribute to veterans, called “Wreaths Across America.” It is the 16th year the company has sent holiday wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.

Again this year, the Civil Air Patrol organized the wreath-laying ceremonies with assistance from local veterans organizations. All 125 VA national cemeteries received seven wreaths, one for each service branch, one for prisoners and missing in war, and one for merchant mariners. Many veterans cemeteries will receive additional wreaths for gravesite display from local public donations.

The wreaths are made and decorated by the employees of Worcester Wreath Company. Company President Morrill Worcester said he wanted to recognize veterans, active duty military and their families, and through these ceremonies to remind the public to honor veterans for their service and teach children the value of freedom.

# # #

VA Awards $8.4 Million Renovation Contract for Durham Hospital

Project for State-of-Art Patient Wards: Mansfield

WASHINGTON – To provide greater patient comfort, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a contract for nearly $8.4 million to renovate wards at the Durham, N.C., VA Medical Center.

"This contract honors our commitment to provide world-class health care for North Carolina’s men and women who served in uniform," said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “The renovation project will modernize 1950s-vintage wards to state-of-the-art standards in appearance, privacy and access.”

The contract was awarded to Totolo/KingJoint Venture, of Cordova, Tenn., a disabled veteran-owned small business. The contract provides $7,969,000 for construction and $404,350 for asbestos removal.

The project involves demolition and reconstruction of approximately 30,700 square feet on three wards. It will create larger patient rooms, private bathrooms for women patients and more visibility for the nursing staff. Work is expected to be finished in 2009.

Last year, VA spent more than $2.2 billion in North Carolina for the state’s 749,000 veterans. VA operates major medical centers in Asheville, Durham, Fayetteville and Salisbury, plus seven outpatient clinics, four nursing homes and five Vet Centers.

# # #

VA Announces $4.7 Million to Help Caregivers

Caregiver assistance

Caregivers for disabled and aging veterans to receive training and support from VA-funded program

Department Enhancing Education, Training and Resources

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced it will provide nearly $4.7 million for “caregiver assistance pilot programs” to expand and improve health care education and provide needed training and resources for caregivers who assist disabled and aging veterans in their homes.

“This funding will enhance support and training for the family members and other caregivers who sacrifice to care for disabled and aging veterans,” said Acting VA Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield. “At VA, we’re committed to looking after caregivers who dedicate their own time and well-being to take care of loved ones who are veterans.”

The pilot programs will support eight caregiver projects across the country. In addition, VA provides support and assistance through a variety of programs such as care management, social work service, care coordination, geriatrics and extended care, and through its nationwide volunteer programs.

Among the key services provided to caregivers are transportation, respite care, case management and service coordination, assistance with personal care (bathing and grooming), social and emotional support, and home safety evaluations.

Education programs teach caregivers how to obtain community resources such as legal assistance, financial support, housing assistance, home delivered meals and spiritual support. In addition, caregivers are taught skills such as time management techniques, medication management, communication skills with the medical staff and the veteran, and ways to take better care of themselves.

Many of the projects use technology, including computers, Web-based training, video conferencing and teleconferencing to support the needs of caregivers who often cannot leave their homes to participate in support activities.

The VA pilot programs announced today include:

At the Memphis (Tenn.) and Palo Alto (Calif.) VA medical centers, a project will provide education, support and skills-building to help caregivers manage both patient behaviors and their own stress. This intervention will be provided in 14 Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs across the country and also to caregivers in non-HBPC settings at the Palo Alto VAMC.

At the VA medical center in Gainesville, Fla., caregivers will take part in a Transition Assistance Program to provide skills training, education and supportive problem solving using videophone technology.

At the VA Healthcare System of Ohio, headquartered in Cincinnati, caregiver advocates will be available around the clock to coordinate between VA and community services.

At the VA Desert Pacific Network and the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System, VA will work with a community coalition to provide education, skills training and resources for caregivers of veterans with traumatic brain injury using computer-based telehealth, including Web, telephone and videoconferencing.

At the VA medical center in Albany, N.Y., a pilot project will convert a three-hour workshop developed by the National Family Caregivers Association called “Communicating Effectively with Health Care Professionals” into a cost-effective multimedia format.

At the Atlanta VA Medical Center, use of computer-based technology will provide instrumental help and emotional support to caregivers who live in remote areas or to those who cannot leave a patient alone.

The Tampa VA Medical Center and the Miami VA Healthcare System are working on a collaborative project. In the Tampa area, the current program will be expanded to provide 24-hour in-home respite care to temporarily relieve caregivers up to 14 days a year. In Miami, the program will coordinate comprehensive community-based care services, including respite, home companions, adult day care and use of emergency response system.

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System will use the “medical foster home” model of care, in which caregivers in the community take veterans into their homes and provide 24-hour supervision. This program will take place on the islands of Kauai, Hawaii, Maui and rural areas of Oahu.

Vets, Military Receive Faster Education Benefits

Continuing Improvements Pledged

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today it has dramatically improved its ability to process applications for GI Bill education benefits from veterans and servicemembers.

“Our processing time is good, and it’s going to continue to get better,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “These improvements come despite a 40 percent increase in applications for GI Bill benefits since 2001.”

For first-time recipients of educational benefits, the average processing time decreased from 40 days in 2006 to 32 days in 2007. Claims from veterans reenrolling for subsequent school terms or additional training programs were processed in an average of 13 days, down from 20 days in 2006.

Veterans Administration developed short-term strategies for immediately processing more claims.

As an example, it created a temporary call center in late 2006 to respond to customer service calls, freeing additional employees to process education claims. The center’s success led to agency development plans for a permanent call center, scheduled to open in early 2008 at the Regional Processing Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The program has also developed programs that promote self-service among GI Bill users. Services that once demanded the attention of employees -- from enrolling in direct deposit to updating contact information -- can now be performed online. In October 2007 VA has also expanded its self-servicing approach to school officials, many of whom now submit veterans’ enrollment information electronically. VA uses this electronically submitted data to process automatically more than 100,000 of the more than 1.5 million education claims received in fiscal year 2007.

While these accomplishments are significant, VA remains committed to continued improvement in the delivery of education benefits. The Department’s performance goals are aggressive, calling for 20 percent reductions in processing time during the next year.

“VA is on the right track, as demonstrated by processing times last month of 26 days for initial applications and 10 days for reenrollments,” said Keith Wilson, Director of VA’s Education Service. “There are a lot of folks who share in our success, none more central than the hardworking employees at our Regional Processing Offices.”

In 2007, 524,000 veterans and beneficiaries received approximately $21 billion dollars of education assistance. Since 1944, more than 21.4 million veterans and their beneficiaries have received GI Bill benefits.

VA education benefits include Montgomery GI Bill for active duty personnel, Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserves, the Reservist Education Assistance Program and educational assistance for survivors and dependents.

For more information on VA education benefits, go to VA’s education Web site at: www.gibill.va.gov

VA/DOD Commence Single Disability Examination Pilot for Wounded Warriors

Evaluation to Provide Smoother Transition to Disability Benefits and Compensation

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) this week began a pilot program to test a new single disability evaluation system for wounded warriors at the three major military medical facilities in the Washington D.C. area.

This initiative is designed to eliminate the duplicative and often confusing elements of the current disability processes of the two departments. Key features of the disability evaluation system (DES) pilot include one medical examination and a single-sourced disability rating.

The single disability examination pilot is another improvement as a result of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala) and is aimed to simplify health care and rehabilitation for injured service members and veterans.

This pilot program will seek to ease the transition of wounded service members through the disability evaluation system to reentry into the civilian community with more efficient delivery of disability compensation at the time they leave military service.

VA is providing the medical professionals performing the examinations. The pilot is being conducted for service members at the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and the Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and will run for one year. Throughout the pilot, VA and DoD officials will monitor progress to determine potential expansion into other locations.

The pilot includes all non-clinical care and administrative activities, such as case management and counseling requirements associated with disability case processing from the service member’s initial referral to a Military Department Medical Evaluation Board to VA’s compensation and benefits program.

VA Targets $39 Million to Upgrade Tampa Medical Center

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a contract worth $39 million to a Cleveland firm to upgrade the electrical systems at the Department’s Tampa hospital.

“This project will help ensure the James A. Haley VA Medical Center provides the highest quality of patient care and services to veterans in central Florida,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “The contract will upgrade normal, emergency and standby electrical distribution systems and can provide 100 percent campus generator backup for four consecutive days.

LDV-Doan/Pyramid of Cleveland received the contract for the 327-bed tertiary care teaching hospital, with 180 authorized nursing home care beds.

Issue Number: IR-2007-198

Inside This Issue

Certain Payments to Disabled Veterans Ruled Tax-Free;Some May Be Due Refunds

WASHINGTON — Payments under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program are no longer taxable and disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in the past three years can now claim refunds, the Internal Revenue Service said today.

Recipients of CWT payments will no longer receive a Form 1099 from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in tax-years 2004, 2005 or 2006 can claim a refund by filing an amended return using IRS Form 1040X.

According to the VA, more than 19,000 veterans received CWT in Fiscal Year 2007.

The IRS agreed with a U.S. Tax Court decision issued earlier this year, which held that CWT payments are tax-free veterans’ benefits.

In so doing, the agency reversed a 1965 ruling which held that these payments were taxable and required the VA to issue 1099 forms to payment recipients.

According to the VA, the CWT program provides assistance to veterans unable to work and support themselves.

Under the program, the VA contracts with private industry and the public sector for work by veterans, who learn new job skills, re-learn successful work habits and regain a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

Related Item: Revenue Ruling 2007-69

Back to Top

VA Awards Contracts for New Las Vegas Veterans Hospital

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded contracts for the next two phases of the new medical center under construction in North Las Vegas.

“This construction project will ensure Nevada’s veterans continue to receive top-notch health care from VA,” said Acting VA Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield.

“This area has one of the fastest rates of population growth for veterans in the country.”

The Phase II contract, for constructing foundations for the medical center and accompanying warehouse, was awarded to Whiting-Turner Construction Company, Las Vegas in the amount of $9,170,000.

Completion of this phase is scheduled for June 2008.

VA awarded the Phase III contract in the amount of $47,800,000 to Clark Construction Group, LLC of Las Vegas for the design and construction of a new 100,000 square foot, 120-bed nursing home care unit which will be built adjacent to the future medical center.

Completion of Phase III construction is scheduled for September 2009.

Phase IV construction on the main medical center is scheduled for completion in mid-2011.

In Nevada, VA operates two major health care systems -- the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno and the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System in Las Vegas.

In fiscal year 2007, VA facilities in Nevada treated about 40,000 patients, accounting for more than 2,400 inpatient admissions and nearly 435,000 outpatient visits.

The current project is a result of VA’s Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) plan, which included the recommendation to construct a new VA medical center complex that would include a 90-bed inpatient hospital, 120-bed nursing home care unit, and a large outpatient clinic to meet future demand. Ground was broken for that facility in October 2006.

Funding necessary to support the contracts was authorized and appropriated in FY 2006.

White House Honors Two VA Researchers

Johnson, Yancy among Federal Honorees

WASHINGTON -- Two researchers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- Sterling C. Johnson, Ph.D. and Dr. William S. Yancy Jr. -- were among 60 scientists from 11 federal agencies honored recently with the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers.

The annual awards, established in 1996 by the National Science and Technology Council, recognize top young scientists and engineers for their “innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology” and for their scientific leadership and community outreach.

“The work of Doctors Johnson and Yancy are examples of VA’s world-class health care,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “It’s important to note the work of these two researchers benefits, not just veterans, but all Americans.”

Johnson is a clinical psychologist and neuroscience researcher at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wis., and an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

He uses brain imaging and neuropsychological measurement to study disorders that affect memory and self-awareness. One of his current VA-funded studies involves combat veterans with traumatic brain injury.

Yancy is a physician at the Durham VA Medical Center in North Carolina, an investigator at that site’s Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, and an assistant professor at Duke University Medical Center.

He studies the effects of diet and exercise on obesity and its complications. A study by his group made headlines in 2004 when it showed that people on a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet lost more weight over six months than people on a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-calorie diet. The study was the first randomized, controlled trial of an Atkins-style approach to eating.

As part of their awards, Johnson and Yancy will each receive $125,000 over five years from VA’s Office of Research and Development in support of their research.

Watch Your Weight, Keep up Physical Activity

VA Continuing Diabetes Education Drive

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield said today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to expand its efforts to prevent and control diabetes as part of an ongoing campaign to help veterans eat healthy, watch their weight and stay physically active.

“With over 25 percent of VA patients living with diabetes, it is important to find ways to bring this disease under control,” said Mansfield.

“VA is doing more than ever to educate our veterans, research this disease and provide the type of specialized care that diabetes demands.”

Mansfield noted the Department has provided diabetic care to 70,000 veterans in more than 200,000 hospital and clinic visits since 2005.

Mansfield said VA plans to keep expanding its diabetes awareness effort as part of the Department’s broader HealthierUS Veterans campaign. Last year, television stations around the nation aired more than 3,000 VA-produced broadcasts about eating healthy and staying active.

The Department held a symposium for health care professionals in Washington, D.C., and several public events around the country to inform veterans of the dangers of diabetes.

Annual evaluations of veterans with diabetes show small but continuing improvements in tested levels of blood sugar, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure with treatment, including weight management.

VA’s tele-health program allows patients with diabetes to monitor and transmit their blood pressure and blood glucose levels from home to VA facilities, thus improving their access to care and allowing them to take control of their own health through improved communication from home with their health care providers.

VA’s research programs include centers investigating insulin resistance, vascular damage and obesity, pre-clinical studies of new agents to prevent and treat diabetes and clinical trials of new ways to prevent kidney damage.

Other VA research is seeking ways to reduce diabetes complications that lead to disability, focusing on preventing loss of limbs and avoiding obesity among paraplegic patients likely to gain weight due to reduced movement.

VA researchers also are examining the interplay between genetics and the environment in determining glucose metabolism and weight gain or loss.

Some veterans with diabetes qualify for VA disability compensation.

Those veterans must have a diagnosis of diabetes and evidence that it began or was aggravated during active duty or within one year of release from duty.

Since 2001, veterans who served in Vietnam and later developed adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes have been eligible for disability compensation.

This policy affecting Vietnam veterans is an outgrowth of research into the effects of Agent Orange.

VA to Hire Veteran Employment Coordinators

Forming Internal Task Force to Examine Veteran Job Development

WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the initial hiring of 10 full time Veterans Employment Coordinators to focus efforts to attract, recruit and hire veterans throughout the Department.

These coordinators will work closely with the recently formed Federal Recovery Coordination Program to assist Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans to potentially obtain employment with VA.

“After our young men and women have concluded serving in our military, VA will use every hiring flexibility available to bring their talents and skills to our department should they want to continue to serve this great nation through the VA,” said Acting-Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon Mansfield.

The Veterans Employment Coordinator job announcements will be posted on ** www.usajobs.gov and www.va.gov/jobs with the goal of being hired by the end of the year.

The coordinators will work with veterans interested in employment at the VA, including those who have completed one of VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services programs.

“VA believes enhancing a veteran’s opportunity for employment is not merely the obligation of a grateful Nation.

It is good government and good business,” added Mansfield.

“This stepped-up recruitment and hiring of veterans into the Department of Veterans Affairs ensures we are able to employ some of our Nation’s most highly motivated, disciplined and experienced citizens.”

Mansfield also announced the formation of an internal task force to examine the Department’s retention, training and development of veterans already in the VA workforce.

The task force will be led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, with employment experts from the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, National Cemetery Administration, and additional VA staff offices.

Approximately 31 percent of the 230,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees are veterans, and 7.7 percent are service-connected disabled veterans.

# # #

VA Deploying Assessment Team to Marion Medical Center

Report To Supplement Ongoing Investigation

WASHINGTON – A multi-disciplinary assessment team will be sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Marion, Ill., Hospital to review recent allegations made by hospital employees relating to operations at the facility, the Department announced today.

The team will assess personnel practices and procedures at the facility; review issues related to equal employment opportunity; assess how well employees and managers are communicating; and evaluate how well the facility is implementing hiring processes and procedures.

“VA is committed to providing quality care to veterans,” said Gordon H. Mansfield, Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

“We are also committed to ensuring all laws related to federal employees are fully enforced.

The assessment team will make certain we are doing what’s right for both veterans and VA employees.”

The Assessment Team will include experts from human resources, employee and labor relations experts; a representative from VHA’s National Center for Organizational Development; a representative from VA’s Office of General Counsel; an environment of care expert; an Office of Resolution Management representative; and VA leaders and managers from other health care facilities.

The team is expected to be on-site within one week and composed of seven to 10 members.

Team members will also assess the impact of issues that have already been raised at Marion on the manner in which care is delivered to veterans at the hospital, and will educate employees about issues they have raised concerning possible retaliation.

Upon completion of their review, team members will provide recommendations for improvements at the facility to Acting Secretary Mansfield.

They will also suggest follow-up activities to ensure their recommendations are fully implemented.

VA began its review of issues at Marion as a result of a June 2007 statistical analysis by its National Surgical Quality Improvement Program which indicated higher levels of mortality than expected among patients at the facility over a six month time frame.

As a result, VA’s Office of the Medical Inspector conducted an on-site review of the facility to determine if community standards of care were met for certain patients who underwent surgery there between October 2005 and September 2007.

This clinical review is ongoing.

VA’s Office of the Inspector General is also conducting an investigation at the request of Department leadership, which includes, but is not limited to, a review of surgical care at the hospital over the last 12 months.

The Inspector General’s review of Marion’s quality of care is also ongoing, and the office will carefully review all relevant information to include the assessment team’s report to see if the information the team gathers will shed light or add additional information to the Inspector General’s investigation.

# # #

VA Deploying Assessment Team to Marion Medical Center

Report To Supplement Ongoing Investigation

WASHINGTON – A multi-disciplinary assessment team will be sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Marion, Ill., Hospital to review recent allegations made by hospital employees relating to operations at the facility, the Department announced today.

The team will assess personnel practices and procedures at the facility; review issues related to equal employment opportunity; assess how well employees and managers are communicating; and evaluate how well the facility is implementing hiring processes and procedures.

“VA is committed to providing quality care to veterans,” said Gordon H. Mansfield, Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

“We are also committed to ensuring all laws related to federal employees are fully enforced.

The assessment team will make certain we are doing what’s right for both veterans and VA employees.”

The Assessment Team will include experts from human resources, employee and labor relations experts; a representative from VHA’s National Center for Organizational Development; a representative from VA’s Office of General Counsel; an environment of care expert; an Office of Resolution Management representative; and VA leaders and managers from other health care facilities.

The team is expected to be on-site within one week and composed of seven to 10 members.

Team members will also assess the impact of issues that have already been raised at Marion on the manner in which care is delivered to veterans at the hospital, and will educate employees about issues they have raised concerning possible retaliation.

Upon completion of their review, team members will provide recommendations for improvements at the facility to Acting Secretary Mansfield.

They will also suggest follow-up activities to ensure their recommendations are fully implemented.

VA began its review of issues at Marion as a result of a June 2007 statistical analysis by its National Surgical Quality Improvement Program which indicated higher levels of mortality than expected among patients at the facility over a six month time frame.

As a result, VA’s Office of the Medical Inspector conducted an on-site review of the facility to determine if community standards of care were met for certain patients who underwent surgery there between October 2005 and September 2007. This clinical review is ongoing.

VA’s Office of the Inspector General is also conducting an investigation at the request of Department leadership, which includes, but is not limited to, a review of surgical care at the hospital over the last 12 months.

The Inspector General’s review of Marion’s quality of care is also ongoing, and the office will carefully review all relevant information to include the assessment team’s report to see if the information the team gathers will shed light or add additional information to the Inspector General’s investigation.

# # #

VA Awards Lease for New Regional Office Building in Columbia

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield today announced the award of a new lease for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office building in Columbia, SC.

“This event signifies the continued commitment this nation has to South Carolina’s veterans,” said Mansfield. “The new Regional Office building will be a first-class, 21st century facility where veterans and their families can come for assistance in obtaining the benefits they have earned.”

The new facility will be co-located on the grounds of the Dorn VA Medical Center and will house approximately 400 staff, including employees of the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans service organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, AMVETS, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The Columbia VA Regional Office serves 393,000 veterans in the state of South Carolina. It is one of 57 regional offices nationwide that provide financial and other forms of assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors.

Major benefits include veterans’ disability compensation and pension, survivors’ benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance, educational assistance, home loan guaranties and life insurance.

For more information about veterans benefits and services, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA’s website at http://www.vba.va.gov.

VA, DoD Announce “Recovery Coordinators”

New Resource for Seriously Injured on Care, Federal Benefits

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) today signed an agreement to provide “federal recovery coordinators” to help ensure medical services and other benefits are provided to seriously wounded, injured and ill active duty service members and veterans.

The agreement puts into place one of the top recommendations of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors, co-chaired by former Sen. Robert Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala.

The agreement initially establishes that the first federal recovery coordinators will be provided by VA in coordination with DoD and will be located at top military treatment facilities throughout the nation. They will coordinate services between VA and DOD and, if necessary, private-sector facilities, while serving as the ultimate resource for families with questions or concerns about VA, DoD or other federal benefits.

“This agreement ensures our nation’s active duty service members and veterans who have been wounded receive the very best care during their recoveries,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “Service members, veterans and their families can be assured they will have an ultimate resource they can rely on whenever help is needed from VA or DoD.”

Job postings for the new positions have been made at http://www.va.gov/JOBS/Fed_Recover_Coord.asp, with the first 10 federal recovery coordinators scheduled to be hired by Dec. 1. Plans call for the new employees to be trained and in place at four of the military’s major health care facilities during January 2008.

The coordinators will ensure the appropriate oversight and coordination is provided for care of active duty service members and veterans with major amputations, severe traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe sight or hearing impairments and severe multiple injuries. The coordinators will also work closely with family members to take care of services and needs.

The first 10 coordinators will work at military health care facilities and at any other locations where patients are later assigned. They will be located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and Balboa Park Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Additional recovery coordinators will be added in the future as needs are determined.

The coordinators will have a background in health care management and work closely with the clinicians and case management teams to develop and execute another major recommendation from the Dole-Shalala panel, individual federal recovery plans for the wounded. Those plans specify what services are needed across the continuum of care, from recovery through rehabilitation to reintegration to civilian life.

The coordinators will have access to and support from the VA’s Under Secretary for Health, VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits, DoD’s Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, as well as the commanders of facilities where service members and veterans receive treatment.

“The coordinators will have the training, resources and support from the highest levels of VA and DOD to help remove any barriers to care and benefits for the service members, veterans and their family members,” said Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s Under Secretary for Health. “VA provides the best health care available anywhere. This will ensure returning Global War on Terror heroes receive the care they deserve.”

These federal recovery coordinators are in addition to 105 patient advocates VA has hired, trained and put in place since June 2007. Those advocates, most veterans of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, ensure a smooth transition of wounded service members through VA’s health care system, while also cutting red tape for other benefits.

VA Clarifies Policy on Flag-Folding Recitations

“13-Fold” Ceremony, Other Scripts Approved

WASHINGTON -- To ensure burial services at the 125 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reflect the wishes of veterans and their families, VA officials have clarified the Department’s policy about recitations made while the U.S. flag is folded at the gravesite of a veteran.

“Honoring the burial wishes of veterans is one of the highest commitments for the men and women of VA,” said William F. Tuerk, VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. “A family may request the recitation of words to accompany the meaningful presentation of the American flag as we honor the dedication and sacrifice of their loved ones.”

Traditional gravesite military funeral honors include the silent folding and presentation of an American flag, a 21-gun rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps.”

The clarification includes the following:

* Volunteer honor guards are authorized to read the so-called “13-fold” flag recitation or any comparable script;

* Survivors of the deceased need to provide material and request it be read by the volunteer honor guards; and

* Volunteer honor guards will accept requests for recitations that reflect any or no religious traditions, on an equal basis.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.

VA To Host PTSD Research Conference

WASHINGTON -- Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield announced today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will convene a “consensus conference” with the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health to improve the designs and methodologies all three agencies will use in future research studies regarding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

On October 18, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report which concluded exposure-based therapies such as prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy have proven to be effective treatments for PTSD, while more research is needed on pharmacotherapy to determine its effectiveness.

“IOM’s findings have important implications for the future of PTSD treatment for veterans and all Americans,” said Mansfield. “We will use their report as a blueprint to guide our future research and treatment efforts.”

Mansfield is requiring VA staff to work closely with the Department of Defense to study how early interventions such as the Army’s “Battlemind” training and the “Marine Operational Stress Surveillance and Training Program,” both o