VA-Jobs and Health Care

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Kussma