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Decision Ready Claims – VA To Turn Around Disability Claims in 30 Days or Less

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drc

By Debbie Gregory.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has announced the official launch of the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) initiative, a program that should deliver faster claims decisions for veterans.

Veterans who submit their claim under DRC with accredited Veterans service organizations (VSO) can expect to receive a decision within 30 days from the time VA receives the claim. These organizations include Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

While DRC is currently limited to claims for increased compensation (commonly known as claims for increase), VA’s goal is to expand the types of claims accepted under the initiative.

VSOs will ensure that all supporting evidence (e.g. medical exam, military service records, etc.) is included with the claim submission. This advance preparation by the VSOs allows claims to be immediately assigned to claims processors for a quick decision.

The system has been in the pilot phase since May 1.

Under the DRC process, veterans can opt to do the paperwork legwork themselves ahead of time.

Then, a VSO representative can review the documents to ensure everything is in order. The VSO rep can then mandate additional evidence for the claim if it’s needed before the claim is submitted. Once filed, the VA has 30 days to respond.

The hope is that by shifting the legwork from VA representatives to veterans and VSOs, the claims backlog will be a thing of the past.

Of course, it will be up to each individual veteran to decide whether DRC will work in their case.

“It’s an aggressive pilot program, and we’re going to work with VA to make sure it works and meets the needs of veterans, that’s our top priority,” said Ryan Gallucci, VFW’s director of the national veterans service. “Anyone interested in this program should have an honest conversation with your veteran service officer.”

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Fort Hood Soldiers Arrested In Prostitution Sting

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arrested

By Debbie Gregory.

A sting conducted by the Bell County Sheriff’s Department resulted in the arrests of 13 Fort Hood soldiers who now face charges of solicitation of prostitution.

The men responded to online ads offering sexual service in exchange for money. The locations and times were arranged via text messages.

The soldiers, who were among 20 individuals arrested in the operation, ranged in rank from private to major. Each soldier has been released on bond, ranging from $1,500 to $2500.

“Allegations such as these are taken seriously as they run counter to Army values,” Tom Rheinlander, director of Fort Hood Public Affairs, said in a statement. “As always, we are supportive of local authorities and will cooperate fully. Fort Hood will refrain from commenting further given that this is an ongoing investigation.”

The men have been charged with solicitation of prostitution and two may face felony charges for specifically responding to ads for prostitutes under the age of 18.

Although solicitation of prostitution is a misdemeanor with a punishment ranging from a fine to jail time, the soldiers could face additional punishment or adverse impacts on their military careers.

Pandering and prostitution is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which, if found guilty at court-martial, could result in a maximum penalty that includes a dishonorable discharge and a year of confinement.

The soldiers arrested were identified as:

Sgt. Carlos Castillo, 1st Cavalry Division

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ernest Grant, Warrior Transition Unit

Staff Sgt. Natalion Seymour, 2nd Chemical Battalion

Staff Sgt. Kendrick Davis, 57th Signal Battalion

Master Sgt. Stanley Ervin, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Pvt. Xavier Horne, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment

Warrant Officer 1 Gregory Hughes, 1st Combat Service Support Battalion

Maj. Donta White, 89th Military Police Brigade

Spc. Jimmie Joiner, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment

Pfc. Adrian Upshawn, 3rd Cavalry Regiment

Sgt. Michael Culpepper, 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment

Spc. Christopher John Webster, III Corps

Joseph Bartolomei

Dontae Johnson

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

DACA’s End Could Impact Foreign Born Military Recruits

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daca

By Debbie Gregory.

President Trump’s decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) could have a profound impact on the U.S. military.

At a time when the military is struggling to meet recruiting goals, experts say foreign recruits have skills important to the military’s mission.

The Pentagon says about 900 people currently in uniform, or who have signed up to serve, are recipients of work authorization through DACA. The so-called “dreamers” whose DACA protection expires before they complete basic training will have their service contract nullified, and they could be subject to deportation proceedings.

For now, the Pentagon is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to find out what this policy change will mean for DACA recipients currently in the military.

Many of these dreamers no longer speak their native tongues, and many of them no longer have familial ties in their countries of origin.

Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), an initiative designed to exchange fast-tracked citizenship for crucial medical and language skills among foreign-born recruits, has rotated 10,400 troops into the military since 2009.

Additionally, adversarial nations like China or Russia could learn any potential DACA deportees attempted to enlist in the U.S. military, leaving them exposed to the possibility of harsh treatment or interrogation. Some foreign-born recruits have already sought asylum to avoid deportation, including at least one Iraqi national who fled to Canada to prevent a confrontation with Islamic State militants.

“By definition, DACA recipients are a prescreened pool of people of a higher quality than the average recruit,” said Margaret Stock, a retired Army officer and immigration lawyer who led MAVNI’s design and implementation. “They have no criminal background and graduated from high school. And they’re highly motivated to join the military because it’s their only option to stay in the country.”

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Veterans Can Be Trained For High Tech Jobs with New Federal Program

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tech training for vets

By Debbie Gregory.

While the post-9/11 GI Bill provides funding for veterans to pursue traditional education programs, technological advancements have resulted in high tech jobs for military, high tech jobs for veterans, military high tech jobs and veteran high tech jobs.

These are great jobs that veterans interested in technology careers can and should fill. But unfortunately, most short-term tech training programs aren’t eligible for funding from the G.I. Bill,

A bill sponsored by CA Rep. Ro Khanna will now change that. The bill will launch a five-year pilot program so that short-term tech training courses will be able to get G.I. Bill funding much easier.

“These types of skills might be more beneficial in getting a good job than two years of college or even four years of college,” said Khanna.

The bill will fund programs like NPower, a nonprofit that offers courses in the basics of computer hardware, software, and advanced network administration..

The program, which costs between $6,000 and $10,000 per student, is currently funded by foundations and grants and doesn’t charge the veteran participants. But G.I. Bill funding would enable NPower to serve a greater number of veterans.

Khanna’s bill also allows veterans to collect their BAH housing stipends to offset their living expenses while they’re taking a training course.

High tech training will give veterans a leg up when it comes to securing good jobs. In fact, many veterans already have security clearances necessary for tech companies that contract with the government.

Khanna was the lead Democratic sponsor on the tech funding pilot program which was spearheaded by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield as part of a larger G.I. Bill expansion.

If the pilot program goes well, it could become permanent.

“This is reorienting the G.I. Bill for the 21st century,” Khanna said.

In a deeply divided Congress, it’s nice to see our elected officials reach across the aisle to benefit our veterans.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

 

How You Can Make a Difference and Help Veterans and Those who Serve

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help a vet

By Debbie Gregory.

“Thank you for your service” rolls off the tongue quite easily. But if you want to back that up with action instead of just words, here are some ways you can truly express your appreciation for those who have served.

Send a letter, pack a care package, make paracord bracelets: Operation Gratitude is just one of the non-profits that sends care packages to veterans, first responders, new recruits,  wounded warriors, care givers, and to individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families waiting at home. There are many other non-profits that do the same to lift the spirits and meet the needs of those who serve.

Donate your time just to visit: VA hospitals and nursing homes will welcome you to visit with wounded, disabled or elderly veterans.

Make good use of your talents: Are you good at organizing? Do you like to garden? Do you like to go to the grocery store? Any of these tasks can be done for a veteran or military family that could use an extra set of hands.

You don’t have to work for Uber to help drive veterans where they need to go. Maybe take them along while you run an errand or two. Sometimes an outing that doesn’t involve a trip to the doctor’s office is a nice break.

Volunteer at a Stand Down: Opportunities to help exist long before the stand down begins. You could secure donations of goods and services. You can help with set-up and tear-down. If your area doesn’t currently have a stand down, maybe you can be the spark to change that.

The bottom line is DONATE!  There’s always a need for monetary donations, time donations and skill donations.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

DoD Building Healthy Military Communities Program

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building healthy

By Debbie Gregory.

Over the years, there have been various programs in place to promote healthy lifestyles among service members and their families. The Defense Department has launched the Building Healthy Military Communities pilot program to better understand the unique challenges faced by geographically dispersed servicemembers and their families that may impact their readiness, resiliency, and well-being.

The pilot program aims to address gaps between on-the-ground resources and geographically dispersed service members and their families.

U.S. Public Health Service Capt. Kimberly Elenberg, director of Operation Live Well, said that now more than ever, servicemembers are living off installations, which presents unique needs and challenges for the members and their families. The program aims to better connect service members to the DoD and local resources that already exist.

The pilot program aligns with the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Total Force Fitness initiative, a holistic framework for maintaining readiness and well-being.

The framework includes the domains that work together to optimize human performance and create a connection between mind, body, and spirit. They include health (physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being), resilience and human performance optimization.

The Building Healthy Military Communities pilot program is currently being conducted in seven states — Florida, Indiana, Oklahoma, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi and New Mexico, but could eventually expand to other states.

Selection criteria included: representation of multiple services across the state; demographic diversity within the states; existence of the National Guard Bureau’s Joining Community Forces programs and current initiatives.

The first phase of the pilot program began last year with the hiring of state coordinators in the participating states. The next phases will concentrate on communicating the resources to service members and their families and the utilization of mobile health technologies.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Supermodel Kate Upton Challenged by Marine Corps Workout-For Charity

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By Debbie Gregory.

Kate Upton is in great shape. Besides being the 2017 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl, the 25-year-old supermodel is an accomplished weightlifter. But Upton met her match when she came up against the U.S. Marines.

On August 22nd, Upton was part of Workout with the Marines, an event organized by the Wins for Warriors Foundation, a group founded by Upton’s fiancé and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.

The couple began dating in 2011 and got engaged in 2016.

Gunnery Sgt. Sara Pacheco, a Marine Corps fitness instructor, ran Upton and five MLB Detroit Tigers’ wives and significant others through a 13-minute workout that included burpees, traveling push-ups, prisoner squats, side straddle hops, lunges, butt-kickers, and toe touches. WHEW!

The workout raised awareness for Detroit Marine Week. Marine Week, hosted by the United States Marine Corps in one city per year, is a celebration of Community, Country and Corps – providing the American public the experience of directly connecting with hundreds of Marines.

Roughly 700 Marines will come to Detroit to compete in activities that honor all active duty Marines.

From September 6–10, Marine Week Detroit will feature hands-on static displays, live demonstrations, time-honored Marine Corps traditions, musical performances and other events to showcase the history, military capabilities and community involvement of the Corps.

“The Marines put on a ruck of 100 pounds, and they’re going for 20 miles,” said Upton. “They never stop, so it showed me that I have a long way to go before I ever put a ruck on my back.”

This is the first time that Detroit has been tapped to host Marine Week.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Free Tickets Available for Military, Veterans and Military Families

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vettix

By Debbie Gregory.

Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix), a national 501(c) 3 nonprofit founded by veterans, is dedicated to supporting and honoring the U.S. military community, veterans and their families.

Vet Tix has provided veterans, service members, caregivers and the family members of those killed in action with more than three million free tickets since 2008. Events include major sports games, concerts and a diverse mix of other ticketed activities. And because they’re a non-profit, individual ticket holders and businesses can receive tax deductions for their donated tickets.

So, if you’re looking for some fun things to this month, check out Veteran Tickets Foundation.

September 10: Bridgeport, Connecticut: Alabama – Live in Concert

September 10: Chicago, Illinois: Blue Man Group

September 12: Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies – MLB

September 15: Los Angeles, California: Street League Skateboarding Nike Sb Super Crown World Championship

September 16: Piscataway Township, New Jersey: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Morgan State Military Appreciation Day – NCAA Football

September 19: Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals – MLB

September 24: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals – MLB

September 24: Maryland Heights, Missouri: Brad Paisley – Weekend Warrior World Tour 2017 with Special Guest Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant and Lindsay Ell

September 25: Bronx, New York: New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals – MLB

September 27: Irving, Texas: KISS – Live at the Pavilion at Irving Music Factory

September 29: Archdale, North Carolina: Kersey Valley Spookywoods Haunted Attraction

September 29: Durham, North Carolina: Duke University Blue Devils vs. University of Miami Hurricanes – NCAA Football

To become a Vet Tixer and request tickets to these and hundreds of other events, visit VetTix.org to create a free account. Once you’ve verified your military service, you can review hundreds of upcoming events across the country. Other than a very small delivery fee, all the tickets are free! If you have tickets to donate, click here.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Hanging Out with Another Veteran Can be the Best Therapy

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veteran buddies

By Debbie Gregory.

It’s long been referred to as a band of brothers, and more recently, a band of brothers and sisters. While not related by blood, the same concept remains: watch out for each other. It’s a kinship that’s often forged under the worst of circumstances.

For that reason, veteran organizations are encouraging veterans to build trusting relationships and support each other. That’s why the VA offers employment to veterans as peer specialists.

A Peer Specialist is a person with a mental health and/or co-occurring condition, who has been trained and certified to help others with these conditions, identify and achieve specific life and recovery goals.

A Peer Specialist is a person who is actively engaged in his/her own recovery, and who volunteers or is hired to provide peer support services to others engaged in mental health treatment.

Veterans are a natural resource when it comes to supporting fellow veterans in need. That’s not to say that civilian care for veterans isn’t valuable as well. But there’s something to be said for walking in another’s shoes. Understanding the unique culture shared by military members and their families can be a daunting task for Americans who have not experienced the military lifestyle.

Post-traumatic stress disease (PTSD) is a major concern, as it can lead to a host of other issues, including alcohol abuse, drug abuse, homelessness, unemployment, violence, and even suicide.

Veteran peer support shows promise in addressing mental health issues.

Given the large numbers of veterans returning from multiple deployments, the value of incorporating veteran peers into health care teams makes perfect sense, especially when you consider other factors such as  a shortage of trained behavioral health providers, long wait times for treatment,  and stigma felt by veterans regarding seeking help.

Although civilians can never truly understand what war is like, we can honor all veterans by ensuring that we as a society do what we can to help them achieve the American Dream.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Army Updating Missile Defense System to Protect South Korea

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patriot missile

By Debbie Gregory.

The U.S. and our allies across the Pacific are taking every precaution to protect South Korea from the North Korean nuclear threat.

To that end, the U.S. Army’s 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade has been engaged in an eight-month exercise to modernize its Patriot missile defense system charged with protecting Osan Air base.

The modernization effort was the result of a collaborative effort between the 35th Brigade, contractors from Raytheon, and the Lower Tier Project.

For nearly forty years, the Patriot missile defense system has protected the airspace above U.S. forces. Continuously upgraded since introduction, today it protects against the full spectrum of flying threats, from ballistic missiles to consumer-grade quadcopter drones. In fact, since January of 2015, Patriot has intercepted more than 100 ballistic missiles in combat operations around the world,” according to Raytheon.

According to the Army, work will continue to done in the coming months to fortify Army bases on the Korean peninsula against the growing threat of North Korean aggression.

Though Kim Jong-un has not publicly stated any plans to launch missiles at its enemy to the south, his regime recently made a threat to launch a nuclear missile at Guam in advance of a joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States.

On August 29th, Japan’s Air Force demonstrated a Patriot missile-defense system at Yokota in Western Tokyo, just hours after a North Korean missile flew over Hokkaido.

“Bilateral engagements like this one demonstrate the enduring strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and the determination of both our nations to address the security challenge posed by North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs,” said Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez, commander of U.S. Forces Japan.

Raytheon has built more than 220 Patriot fire units and delivered them to customers in 13 nations.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.


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