Author Archives: ron
New regulation decreases cost of outpatient medication:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulation on copayments for Veterans’ outpatient medications for non-service connected conditions. VA currently charges non-exempt Veterans either $8 or $9 for each 30-day or less supply of outpatient medication, and under … Continue reading
VA’s rule establishes a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune
On January 13, 2017 the VA established the following: The presumption of service connection applies to active duty, reserve and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953 and … Continue reading
Whether to expand the list of diseases that are presumed to be linked to Agent Orange.
In the past, the VA has found enough evidence to link 14 health conditions, including various cancers, to Agent Orange exposure. In March, a federal panel of scientific experts said there is now evidence to suggest that Agent Orange exposure … Continue reading
Concurrent receipt status – CBO proposes elimination:
Congressional researchers say that eliminating the ability of nearly 600,000 military veterans to collect retirement pay and disability compensation simultaneously could save billions and contribute to deficit reduction. The Congressional Budget Office, a federal agency that provides lawmakers with budgetary … Continue reading
Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act
On December 16, 2016, H.R. 5015, the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 became Public Law No: 114-292. This new law provides veterans medically separated, or retired from the military due to combat-related injuries another opportunity to recoup the … Continue reading
• VA National Cemeteries Now Offering Pre-need Eligibility Determinations:
The VA now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in … Continue reading
• Passage of Fairness for Veterans Act; Calls for Investigation into “Bad-paper” Discharges:
The Fairness for Veterans Act has the support of a bipartisan coalition, including many veterans elected to Congress. An important provision of the Fairness for Veterans Act was included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017. Once … Continue reading
• The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 Passes Senate; Awaits President’s Signature:
H..R. 6416 now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The bill contains legislation consistent with several of DAV’s national resolutions. Highlights of the measure include provisions to: Benefits Establish automatic entitlement to survivor benefit payments in … Continue reading
• TRICARE & other health insurance (OHI):
TRICARE beneficiaries with other health insurance (OHI) must disclose their OHI coverage information. It’s important to make sure your OHI is reflected accurately in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). For all beneficiaries other than active duty service members, … Continue reading
• Obama to sign Fairness for Veterans Act:
PTSD Legislation proposed by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is on its way to President Barack Obama’s desk to be signed into law. The Fairness for Veterans Act helps veterans who may have been given an administrative discharge from the military, … Continue reading