Veterans for Common Sense et al v. Nicholson et al

Filing 129

Veterans for Common Sense et al v. Nicholson et al

Doc. 129 Att. 8

/
Vol. 5, No. 1

GLOBAL WAR ON T ERROR

Information for Veterans Who Served in Iraq and Afghanistan and Their Families
October 2007

VA MEDICAL CENTERS EXTENDING HOURS
In order to provide more health care for more veterans, especially mental health services, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson directed the 153 medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to keep their doors open longer. "Illness doesn't follow a 9-to-5 schedule," Nicholson said. "I'm directing our medical centers to provide extended hours to ensure we're there for the veterans who have earned our care." Although the extra hours apply to many hospital-based programs and services, Nicholson said his decision was based upon a desire to ensure VA's more than 9,000 mental health professionals are available when veterans need them. VA operates the largest integrated health care system in the country and the nation's largest mental health program. About 5 million veterans are expected to seek health care from VA's nationwide system this year, accounting for about 800,000 hospitalizations and 60 million outpatient visits.

for future issues of the newsletter to: Environmental Agents N.W., Washington, DC 20420. Requests for additional copies of this and/or future issues also should be sent to the above address. A limited supply of the prior issues is available. Please specify the quantity and issue date requested.

VA RESEARCHERS DEVELOP NEW PROSTHETIC ANKLE

Veterans with lower-leg amputations can look forward to having a prosthetic ankle-foot that matches their natural ease of motion, thanks to research funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and conducted by researchers from the Department and two of the nation's top universities. "Veterans are entitled to the best this nation has to offer, and

ABOUT THE OEF/OIF/GWOT REVIEW
Welcome to the eighth issue of the "Operations Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Review" newsletter. Earlier issues are dated December 2003, June 2004, February 2005, September 2005, February 2006, April 2007, and July 2007. VA's Environmental Agents Service (EAS) publishes the "Review" to provide information about the concerns Heroes, who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom (primarily in Iraq), and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, their families, and others interested in possible long-term health consequences of military service in Southwest respond to these concerns. For past and current issues of the "Review" and additional information, see our web site at www.va.gov/EnvironAgents. Beginning with Volume 4, Number 1 of the Review, audio site at www.va.gov/EnvironAgents; click on "Operation OEF/OIF". We encourage your comments or questions concerning the content of the "Review." Please send suggestions and ideas

new ankle-foot prosthetic is another example of VA's medical
(Continued on page 2)

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
VA Brings Mental Health Programs to Primary Care Settings .................2 VA's Suicide Hotline Begins Operations ..................................................2 VA Secretary Praises Tampa Pain Center ...............................................3 What's New? ...........................................................................................3 One-Stop Career Centers........................................................................3 Troops to Teachers ..................................................................................3 Transition Assistance Program for Veterans (TAP) .................................4 FAFSA4caster Early Eligibility Indicator ..................................................4 HireVetsFirst: Department of Labor's Transition Program.......................4 HireVetsFirst ....................5 Employment Services for Veterans .........................................................9 Small Business Administration's Patriot Express Loans..........................9 VA Home Loan Guaranty.........................................................................9 Returning OEF/OIF Veterans ..............................9 How to Apply for Disability Compensation from VA ...............................10 Disability Compensation Rates for 2007 ..............................................10 Address Changes ................................................................................. .11 Where to Get Help.................................................................................12

Department of Veterans Affairs
Dockets.Justia.com

(Continued from page 1)

motion by propelling people forward using tendon-like springs powered by an electric motor. and Regenerative Medicine, a partnership between the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island, Brown natural function to amputees. VA expects to spend more than $1.2 billion this year on prosthetics and sensory aids, which includes glasses orthotic-prosthetic labs across the country that fabricate, commercial vendors.

Nicholson also announced plans to begin a series of regional conferences related to providing mental health care to veterans with "our partners at the state, local and community levels." Recent expansion of the Department's mental health services include: which treated about 20,000 patients last year; programs; of VA's polytrauma centers; and programs to their former comrades. "As the newest generation of combat veterans returns home, we want to ensure that we are providing them the very best nothing less," Nicholson said.

VA BRINGS MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS TO PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS
Addressing a special mental health forum with the top clinicians and researchers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson announced plans to begin locating some of the Department's mental health programs closer to places where primary care is provided. emotional problems, increasing our mental health presence in primary care settings will give veterans a familiar venue in which to receive care -- without actually going to an Nicholson described VA as "a long-standing leader in mental health," with $3 billion devoted this year to mental health health program and is internationally recognized for research

VA'S SUICIDE HOTLINE BEGINS OPERATIONS

clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans and their families. "Veterans need to know these VA professionals are literally a phone call away," said former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said. "All service members who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should see mental health and women of VA are honored to provide." 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA's hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers.

and cloaked in silence. If left untreated, they can be just as lethal." "We let veterans know that mental health issues and other Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). the day or night, any day of the week, from anywhere in other mental health issues, Nicholson said mental health care is currently provided at each of VA's 153 medical centers and 882 outpatient clinics.

VA's commitment to provide world-class health care for our nation's veterans, especially combat veterans newly returned from Iraq and Afghanistan."

2

mental health care that Nicholson has announced this year. In mid July, the Department's top mental health professionals convened in the Washington, D.C., area to review the

Rehabilitation Program has developed national models for assessment questionnaire that is used by more than 800 clinicians and researchers in 36 countries.

VA SECRETARY PRAISES TAMPA PAIN CENTER
During a recent visit, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson praised the VA's acclaimed Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital as a shining example of VA's world-class health care. and most comprehensive pain center in the VA system," Nicholson said. "We're meeting the challenges of treating wounded servicemembers returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, while providing top-notch care to older veterans with chronic medical problems."

WHAT'S NEW?

provided by VA and other agencies. Information from the July issue is provided for reference due to the interest voiced by readers. Featured in this issue is a listing of Veteran Only Job Fairs coordinated by the US Department of Labor HireVetsFirst month of November in honor of Veterans Day. Information provided includes a state by state listing, locations, and points of contact. Additional assistance is available on the internet at . New Programs in the October issue include:

of Excellence in Pain Management Awards," honoring the nation's outstanding pain care centers. enhance overall functionality and quality of life through integrated care across medical disciplines. Patients in the VA pain program have, on average, a 50 percent reduction in pain during treatment. More than half of polytrauma patients leave the facility free of prescribed pain medications, while others have substantially reduced dosages. polytrauma centers that receive the most severely wounded veterans of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pain management for these patients is particularly challenging because many have cognitive impairment and multiple complex injuries. Patients often arrive on high doses of narcotics, which can interfere with their rehabilitation. Society highlighted programs that reach beyond drugs to other approaches such as cognitive behavioral and physical therapy to treat the whole person, not just the pain. According integrated, multidisciplinary pain care yields the best medical, psychological and social outcomes. nurses from a variety of disciplines, pain psychologists, a registered dietician, rehabilitation therapists and a social worker, with occasional assistance from a chiropractor, acupuncturist and pharmacist. is available on the internet at or can be e-mailed at . For more

ONE-STOP CAREER CENTERS
One-Stop Career Center where they can work with a skills and education, plan careers, attend workshops, and take advantage of other resources. Information for the OneStop Career Center near you is available on the internet at or by telephone toll free at 1-877-US2-JOBS.

TROOPS TO TEACHERS
placement services to military personnel interested in beginning a second career in public education as a teacher.

6490 Saufley Field Road Pensacola, FL 32509-5243 or toll free at

.

3

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR VETERANS (TAP)
The US Department of Labor's Transition Assistance Program for Veterans (TAP) website provides career information for active duty service members, National Guard, Reserves, and spouses of service members separating or retiring from the military. The website (www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/main.htm) provides tools and information to use during transition from military life to civilian life. Those interested in more information may either visit the website listed above or contact 1-877-USA-JOBS, and ask to speak with a Veterans Representative.

might help cover that cost, listing the student's estimated award amount for the Federal Pell Grant program and providing examples of award packages with in-state and out-of-state need that remains after the estimated aid amounts and EFC are taken into account.
Note: The EFC and award amounts provided by FAFSA4caster are estimates. FAFSA4caster explains that the student also might receive aid from the state or other entities, and it encourages the student to research scholarships and other nonfederal aid.

What Happens After Using FAFSA4caster?
FAFSA4caster is not an aid application. The student still to go to college. Let's use an imaginary student called "Jane" 11th grade. "Jane"'s name and date of birth are provided to the Social Security Administration; if they match the Social number called a Federal Student Aid PIN is generated and held in a database for "Jane". In November of "Jane"'s senior year, he receives his Federal Student Aid PIN, either via e-mail if he provided a valid e-mail address on FAFSA4caster, or via postal mail if sshe did not. Then in January or February, "Jane" receives a notice reminding her PIN to identify himself (and again at the end of the FAFSA, to sign electronically). Data from "Jane"'s FAFSA4caster will automatically appear on the FAFSA, and she can update or correct items as necessary. Additional questions on the FAFSA help determine "Jane"'s eligibility for aid from states and schools.

FAFSA4CASTER EARLY ELIGIBILITY INDICATOR
(This information is provided by the Department of Education)

What Is the Purpose of FAFSA4caster?
FAFSA4caster is a free online tool to provide students with early estimates of their eligibility for federal student aid. The tool, essentially a simpler form of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), instantly calculates an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC), an estimated award amount for the Federal Pell Grant program, and sample award packages. Having such information helps families plan ahead for college. FAFSA4caster then expediting the application process.

Who Should Use FAFSA4caster?
federal student aid.

How Do You Use FAFSA4caster? FAFSA4caster is accessible at www.FederalStudentAid. ed.gov./ It is divided into three sections: "Getting Started";
"Using the FAFSA4caster"; and "What's Next." The student as name, Social Security number and date of birth and by other questions that are used in determining federal student aid eligibility. Note that no signatures are required to submit aid application.

HIREVETSFIRST DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S : TRANSITION PROGRAM
The US Department of Labor (DOL) makes many programs and service members. These include educational opportunities, career counseling and placement assistance, as well as information resources, at DOL, VA, and other locations. Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is the US DOL agency responsible for helping veterans make the transition from the military to good civilian jobs and for prooffered by the US DOL, both through VETS and other programs, will be featured in this and upcoming issues of the Review. Facts regarding current programs maybe obtained at the US DOL web site at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/ fact/Employment_Services_fs01.htm. Location-specif-

What Information Does FAFSA4caster Provide?
When the student clicks on the "Submit My FAFSA4caster Now" button, the tool displays an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and invites the student to see what college might cost for him or her based on average costs for categories of schools. Then it shows the types of federal student aid that

www.dol. gov/dol/location.htm.

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HireVetsFirst
Alabama Alaska Arkansas Arizona 11/13/2007 11/8/2007 10/30/2007 11/2/2007 11/3/2007 11/7/2007 California 11/9/2007 11/8/2007 11/13/2007 Colorado 11/6/2007 11/9/2007 Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida TBD 11/15/2007 11/8/2007 11/3/2007 11/14/2007 Georgia 11/0708/2007 11/8/2007 11/8/2007 11/6/2007 11/7/2007 11/8/2007 Iowa 11/7/2007 10001500 10001500 09001400 11001500 09001300 11001500 09001400 15001900 10001400 12002000 1300 ­ 1500 10001400 11001500 10001400 10001400 08001500 08001500 11001600 10001600 10001400 10001400 Embassy Suites 700 Monroe St. Muldoon Job Center 1251 Muldoon Rd State House Convention Ctr. Maryvale Community Center Phoenix Bradshaw Mountain HS (east) 6000 Longlook Tucson VA Medical Center Courtyard Hotel 600 E. Esplanade Dr. Military.com Job Fair Radisson Hotel @ LAX Long Beach Convention Center Police Protective Services 2105 Decatur St. Downtown Municipal Center Connecticut Work Center 2 Lafayette Square Dover Downs Hotel 1131 N Dupont Hwy MOAA Career Fair Washington Convention Center Comfort Inn and Conference Center 8700 Navarre Parkway Recruit Military/MOAA Raymond James Stadium VFW Post 665 1814 Victory Dr. Recruit Military Job Fair Georgia Int. Convention Ctr. DAV Hall Keehi Lagoon Ramada Inn 133 West Burnside Ave Idaho­ N. G. Armory 5453 East Seltice Way Nampa Civic Center 311 3rd Street South Iowa Workforce Development 430 E. Grand Avenue Huntsville Anchorage Little Rock Terris Tatum Nancy Heckman Rex Platt Michael G. Guitugua, AZ State Veterans Coordinator James Ramm Michael G. Guitugua, Daniel Venegas Michael Gross Michael Kane Tim Amthor State Veterans Coordinator Tim Amthor Andy James Albert Barclift Dick Crampton ­ MOAA Bill Neal Larry Slagel Walt Pollock Larry Slagel Norma McDonald Ron Tapia Robert Shoeman David Hoag Doug Bryson Iowa Workforce Development [phone] ext. 254 [phone] [phone] [phone] x 233 [phone] ext. 236 [phone] x 233 (805) 382-863 [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] x-107 [phone] ext. 103 [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] x- 3708 [phone] x-3993 [phone] x- 3272 [phone]

Prescott Valley Tucson Oxnard Los Angeles Long Beach Denver Colorado Springs Bridgeport Dover District of Columbia. Navarre Tampa Columbus Atlanta Oahu Pocatello/ Chubbuck Post Falls/ Coeur d'Alene Boise/ Nampa Des Moines

Hawaii Idaho

5

Illinois

11/8/2007

1000 ­ 1400 1000 ­ 1400 1000 ­ 1400 1000 ­ 1400 1000 ­ 1400 1000 ­ 1400 1000 ­ 1400 1000 ­ 1500 09001500 13001600 09001200 09001600 11001500 10001400 10001400 10001300 10001400 09001500 10001400 08301300 09001100 10001400 10001500

American Legion ­ Post #365 1022 Vandalia American Legion 4501 S. Airport Rd. Richard J Daley College 7500 S Pulaski Rd. Illinois Veterans Home 1707 North 12th St. Camp Lincoln Illinois National Guard Armory 1301 N. Mac Arthur Blvd. Richland Community College #1 College Park IDES 407 North Franklin Street Valle Vista Golf Club and Conference Center 755 E. Main Street Central Community Church 6100 W. Maple Receptions Conference Center 1379 Donaldson Road American Legion Post 307 5518 Canal Street Atrium Inn and Convention Center Recruit Military M & T (Raven) Stadium American Legion Post 136 6900 Greenbelt Road Pikesville Armory Reisterstown Road Sheraton Four Points Hotel 407 Squire Road Norwood ETR 275 Prospect St Career Center of Lowell 18 John St Quincy Career Center 152 Parking Way Greater New Bedford Career Ctr. 618 Acushnet Ave Franklin Hampshire Career Center One Arch Place Attleboro Career Center 860 South Street Leominister 67 Mechanic Street

Collinsville

11/8/2007 11/8/2007 11/8/2007 11/8/2007

Bartonville Chicago Quincy

Gregory Haynes [phone] Manager, Veterans Programs [e-mail] Gregory Haynes [phone] Gregory Haynes Gregory Haynes Gregory Haynes [phone] [phone] [phone]

11/8/2007 11/8/2007 Indiana 11/7/2007

Decatur Danville Greenwood

Gregory Haynes Gregory Haynes Tony Cross State Veterans Coordinator Wayne Meyers State Veterans Coordinator Ken Wocher Hal Brown Larz Nelson Larry Slagel Harry Brooks Harry Rutledge Alex Lawn Jake O'Hare Tina Macy Michael Caro Beth Costa Deborah Radway

[phone] [phone] [phone]

Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland

11/6/2007 11/7/2007 11/5/2007 10/25/07 11/1/2007 11/14/2007 11/15/2007

Wichita Erlanger New Orleans Brunswick Baltimore Greenbelt Pikesville Revere Newton Lowell Quincy New Bedford

[phone] ( 859) 292-6666 x-273 [phone] [phone] ( 513) 683-5020 [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] ext. 135 [phone] ext. 303

Massachusetts

11/7/2007 11/7/2007 11/7/2007 11/8/2007 11/14/2007 11/14/2007 11/15/2007 11/15/2007

Attleboro Fitchburg

Kristine Libertucci Linda King

6

Massachusetts

11/16/2007 11/16/2007

09001300 09001300 0900 ­ 1500 1100 ­ 1630 09001400 0900 ­ 1500 09001500 0900 ­ 1630 11001500 10001500 10001500 10001500 14001900 1100 ­ 1500 09001500 1100 ­ 1500

Fall River Career Center 446 N. Main St Valley Works Career Center 80 Merrimac Delta College 1961 Delta Road Eagle Brown Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive Desoto County Civic Center Cowan Civic Center Willis Cruse House Nebraska Workforce Development 1050 N Street Military.com Job Fair Palace Station Hotel 2411 W. Sahara Army National Guard Center 350 Meadow Street Army Reserve Center Route 108 American Legion Post 4 797 Court Street National Guard Armory 771 Canal Street New York Times ­ Hire a Hero Javits Center New Mexico ­ Virtual Job Fair New York Times ­ Hire a Hero Javits Center VFW Post 2087 2605 S Elm-Eugene St. Durham Marriott at Civic Center 201 Foster St. National Guard Armory 102 Spaulding Road Joblink Career Center 717 Market Street Job Service North Dakota 1601 East Century Ave

Fall River Haverhill University Center Brooklyn Center Southaven Fort Leonard Wood Helena Lincoln

Stan Lukas Tom Hargraves Yves Hamel Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth Gary Quernemoen Local Veterans' Employment Representative Joe Bucker Rodney Henry State Veterans Coordinator Rick Danielson Cee Cee Coatney State Veterans Coordinator Michael Gross

[phone] [phone] [phone]

Michigan

11/7/2007

Minnesota

11/6/2007

[phone]

Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska

10/23/2007 11/6/2007 11/9/2007 11/8/2007

[phone] [phone] [phone] [phone]

Nevada

11/5/2007

Las Vegas

[phone]

New Hampshire

11/7/2007 11/8/2007 11/13/2007 11/15/2007

Littleton Somerworth Keene Manchester New York City

Ralph Hodgman Allan Enario Dwight Albrecht Ronald Stowell Doug Latino New York Times Christian Zafra Doug Latino ­ New York Times Archie Barrow Linzie Atkins Tom Lamb Dan Peninger Wyman Roeder

[phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] x-263 [phone] x-217 [phone] [phone] [phone]

New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina

11/6/2007 11/0711/09/2007 11/6/2007 11/5/2007 11/7/2007 11/7/2007 11/10/2007

New York City Greensboro Durham Marion Wilmington Bismarck

North Dakota

11/15/2007

17001930

7

Ohio

11/8/2007

1000 ­ 1400

Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania

11/7/2007 11/7/2007 11/8/2007

09001400 09001400

Village of Woodlawn Community Center/National Guard Armory 10050 Woodlawn Blvd American Legion Post 12 6101 NW 50th

Woodlawn

Oklahoma City Portland Philadelphia

Bill Gaskins Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialist Sandy Payne John Concepcion Christopher Schull

[phone]

[phone] [phone] [phone]

PA National Guard Armory Southampton Road & Roosevelt Blvd 09001400 TBD 10001400 09001400 10001400 11001500 14001800 10001500 10001500 09001300 10001400 10001400 10001400 10001400 09001400 Cancha Rafael G. Amalbert netWORKri, 1 Reservoir Ave Jamil Temple 200 Jamil Road American Legion Post 1701 West Legion Dr 2200 Metro Center Blvd

Puerto Rico

11/16/2007

Rhode Island 11/13/07 South Carolina 11/7/2007 South Dakota Tennessee Texas 10/17/2007 11/7/2007 11/15/2007

Juncos/San Juan Providence Columbia Sioux Falls Nashville

Angel Mojica Joseph DesRoches Chena Melvin Bradley Friez Ron Hammontree Michael Gross

[phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] x-220 [phone] [phone]

Utah Vermont Virginia Washington

11/9/2007 11/8/2007 11/8/2007 11/5/2007 11/6/2007 11/7/2007 11/7/2007 11/7/2007 11/9/2007

Military.com Dallas Renaissance Dallas Richardson 600 E. Outlook Dr. South Towne Expo Center Sandy 9575 South State Street Career Resources Center Burlington Richmond Speedway Richmond VFW Post 1263 416 Burnett Ave S Worksource Vancouver 5411 E. Mill Plain Blvd, #15 SAFECO Jackson St. Center 306 23rd Ave. S #200 Worksource Central Basin 309 E. 5th St. Worksource Whatcom/Northwest 101 Prospect St. AMVETS Post #1 517 South Tyler Charleston Marriott 200 Lee St E Waukesha County Expo Center N1 W24848 Northview Rd Waukesha County Expo Center N1 W24848 Northview Rd 1510 E. Pershing Blvd Renton Vancouver Seattle Moses Lake Bellingham Tacoma Charleston Waukesha Waukesha Cheyenne

Pedro Alvalle [e-mail] Bradley Paige Jerry Lindsay Lindvig Gregory

[phone] [phone] [phone] [phone]

Nona Mallicoat/Holly Parkin (360) 7354975/5020 William Charles [phone] Eileen Boyston Thomas Noel Sal Cantu Ken Deal Bruce Markert State Veterans Coordinator Bruce Markert Jerry Davis [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone] [phone]

West Virginia Wisconsin

11/9/2007 11/6/2007 11/7/2007 0900 1600 0800 1200

Wyoming

11/16/2007

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For more information about US DOL employment and train-

EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR RETURNING OEF/OIF VETERANS
receiving priority review and processing at VA in order to expedite opportunities for these newest combat veterans. VA's Education Service provides education programs and

the Labor Department or visit: .

-

. Updates will be posted in future issues.

and dependents. Information about the following educational programs and the applications process is available on the Internet at v or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR VETERANS
employment and training services to eligible veterans through two principal programs: Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives Program. Information is available on the Internet at: . Employment Service (sometimes known as Job Service) phone book.

correspondence courses.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S PATRIOT EXPRESS LOANS
Patriot Express is open to veterans, Reservists and National the surviving spouses of service members who die on active duty, or spouses of veterans who die from a service connected disability. More information about the Administration (SBA) program Small Business is available at

Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air

and correspondence courses.

s
or contact the SBA Answer Desk 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722). Email may be sent to:

program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components who were called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the Reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after

v.

VA HOME LOAN GUARANTY
A VA-guaranteed loan can be used to buy a home, a manufactured home, a condominium, or a lot for a manufactured home; to build, repair, or improve a home (including energy You can apply by requesting your lender to obtain a information, including eligibility requirements, go to v or toll free at .

DEA provides education and training opportunities to the eligible dependents (usually children and spouses) of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty

9

apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course.

state agencies is at .

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABILITY COMPENSATION FROM VA
January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this Like other veterans, OEF/OIF War veterans with service connected illnesses or injuries are eligible for monthly must have been incurred or aggravated during active military service. Furthermore, the military service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions that were other than dishonorable. Disability compensation varies according to the degree of Veterans may also be eligible for Federal Student Aid programs administered by the US Department of Education. For in-depth information about the Federal Student Aid programs, please visit the US Department of Education's website at v. subject to Federal or state income tax. Receipt of military retirement pay, disability severance pay, and separation incentive payments, known as SSB and VSI (Special also affects the amount of VA compensation paid. Disability ratings range from 0 to 100 percent (in increments of 10 percent). For example, in 2007, a veteran with a disability rating of 10 percent receives $115 per month; a veteran with disability rating of 50 percent gets $712 per month; and a veteran who is totally disabled and evaluated at 100 percent receives $2,471 monthly.

apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence be approved under certain circumstances.

not not to pay these sites for assistance that we provide for free. If you apply using FAFSA on the Web at v, you get online instructions for each question, and you can "chat" live online with a customer service representative. Another source of free help is our online guide, Completing the FAFSA, at

DISABILITY COMPENSATION RATES FOR 2007
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% $115 $225 $348 $501 $712 $901 $1,135 $1,319 $1,483 $2,471 ----------$389 $556 $781 $984 $1,232 $1,430 $1,608 $2,610

a.
Whether you apply online or use the paper FAFSA, you can get free help by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at the telephone numbers listed below or by Federal Student Aid Information Center: (TTY 1-800-730-8913) Federal Student Aid also provides support for graduate school, mostly in the form of loans. Here are some other places you should consider looking for funding: your school, your state education agency (search online at

E; the reference section of your school or public
library; the Internet (there is a free scholarship search at v); foundations, religious organizations, community organizations, local businesses, and civic groups; organizations (including ethnicity-based organizations; your employer; your state vocational rehabilitation agency (if appropriate); a list of

Veterans with disability ratings between 30 and 100 percent also are eligible for monthly allowances for each dependent. A veteran who either is in need of regular aid and attendance of another person (including the veteran's spouse), or who is permanently housebound may be entitled to additional

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WHERE TO GET HELP
Due to a high volume of requests, this information has been updated as of October 2007 and repeated from earlier editions of the Review).

facility at 1-800-827-1000. You can also start a claim online at www.va.gov.

Active duty military personnel with questions or concerns about administered by VA should contact a Veterans Service Representative or call the Department of Defense (DoD) Deployment Health Clinical Center (1-800-796-9699) for information. DoD also offers the "Direct Veterans Hotline," with the toll-free number . OIF and OEF veterans with concerns about their health should can be found in your local telephone directory under Department another. on request for OIF veterans. OIF and OEF veterans in need of marital/family counseling or other social services should contact the nearest VA medical center or VA Vet Center, also listed in your phonebook under For information about these programs, call Vet Centers welcome home and honor war veterans by providing quality readjustment services in a caring manner and by assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in their communities. OIF and OEF veterans seeking disability compensation for illnesses incurred in or aggravated by military service can contact a Veterans to the Nation. v. Representatives of veterans service organizations, like the American Legion , Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States , and Disabled American Veterans , are very helpful to veterans seeking disability

of Documents, Washington, DC 20402, Web site gov. VA's World Wide Web pages are updated throughout the (www.va.gov) contains links to selections on compensation and

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