All Hands: This notice is to inform you of the Baguio Retiree Assistance Office (RAO) mission; the availability of informational assistance to fellow veterans; and the purpose of the Director's associated Newsletter. The service provides a POC for anyone who has queries on Veteran issues and/or residence in this Geographic area. It also provides a means for Veterans to keep abreast of benefit changes or pending Veteran related legislation.

    Bulletin Updates are sent twice a month...on the 1st & 15th. Twice a month allows time for readers to digest the info and make any inquiries they may have. It is understood that not every article that goes out is applicable to every vet but over a period of time every reader should find some article(s) of interest to him or her personally. Unfortunately, the Bulletin cannot be sent to AOL users. It does not meet the criteria of AOL's big Brother policy of deciding what their readers are allowed to receive. Request anyone currently in receipt of the Bulletin receiving duplicate copies or no longer desiring to receive it provide suitable notification. If you decide you no longer want the Bulletin feel free to drop me a line in the future if you ever need any assistance.

     The Baguio Retiree Assistance Office [RAO] is basically an "answer place" for all Veterans and Expats in addition to providing U.S. mail services, both Military and Commercial; Forms; U.S. & RP Government Services; etc.. There are no longer any Bases in the Philippines and the Embassy is 180 km away...so over the last 14 years it has become the unofficial source for just about everything related to Government Programs impacting on those residing in this Geographic area. Because of our remote location...the majority of Veterans' assistance is provided by email. All questions received via email are responded to with either an answer or a source of where to obtain an answer. If you do not receive an answer within 72 hours, your inquiry was probably never received...and you should re-transmit. The variety of questions, and subsequent research to answer them, has resulted in the development of the 1,700+ page Bulletin Index and associated Email Directory of over 50,000 email addees for dissemination of the newsletter to other RAO/RSO's, Military Fraternal Organizations and interested Veterans worldwide. The objective is to provide Veteran related information to at least one member of every Veteran Group worldwide who can act as a point of contact to pass on any information felt germane to that Organization's membership. Through their involvement, the Bulletin info presently reaches approximately 500,000 Veterans and/or Dependents.

     Our RAO meets the criteria, and is recognized as an "Independent RAO" and source of Veteran related info by the Navy Personnel Command. However the Bulletin is not an "Official" DoD sanctioned newsletter. The articles provide items taken from a wide variety of sources that have been edited or editorialized for retransmission. They also include info to ease transition into the Philippines for those who may be considering relocating there. The information contained therein is just that...informational (FYI). The objective is only to PASS THE WORD in order to keep our Military Community informed. It is the responsibility of readers to verify exactly how information applies to them if they intend to expend funds or time in following up on the data provided in the articles. Unless you have questions concerning Veteran's issues to be answered, there is no need for comments. Although it's nice to get the occasional "thanks for the info", it's not necessary, and just adds to the 50+ emails I receive daily. I do not send out jokes - prayers - religious material or music - chain letters - photos - etc., so please reciprocate by not sending these to me. Nor do I normally participate in "political stuff" unless it is essential to an article being presented in the Bulletin. I would greatly appreciate that you not forward personal political comments/beliefs/prejudices, but I am always open to anything that could benefit other Veterans.

     Updates are sent either Bcc or via a Newsletter Mailing List provider, so recipients are not bothered with large headers nor have their email addee revealed to others. If you want to know if anybody else in your organization is receiving the Bulletin just ask. Articles contain subjects of interest to all Veterans regardless of Geographic location. The existing addees on the directory are about 2%:98% local vs. worldwide. The Bulletin content is for use in any way you see fit and retransmit is encouraged. Sources are provided wherever possible so readers can re-validate info if they desire. The primary source is always listed first and if multiple sources are used it is indicated by "++" after the primary source in the source line. Sometimes my Internet servers are inhibited in their ability to send to other servers worldwide because of filters incorporated by these servers to block spam. However I can always receive incoming messages. If you do not receive your Bulletin just let me know. Request all communications be sent to my primary email addee raoemo@sbcglobal.net at present when I am in the Philippines, even though you may be receiving the Bulletin from some other addee. The email addee of any veteran or military fraternal organization can be added to the directory if desired. It only takes a click on the "Unsubscribe" line at the end of each Bulletin to drop anyone off later if they find the Updates are of no use to them. Of course, there are no charges, advertisements, or solicitations associated this service.

     If you are interested in other articles contained within the Bulletin, they can be forwarded via email. Attachments sent should be virus free, since it is our policy NEVER to open incoming attachments because they might contain a virus. My installed Norton Anti Virus program tells me about 2% do.

     At  http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html  you can view the current and review past Bulletins sent in the last few years. Bear in mind that the articles shown in these Bulletins were only valid at the time they were written (normally indicated in the source line) and may have since been updated. At this site, you can also find the Bulletin Index to identify any articles you may want to recall. They will be provided upon email request to the email links shown above.

Editor Note:  I have ceased using the email addee raoemo@mozcom.com because spam messages at this addee have reached 150 daily.

My email addee raoemo@sbcglobal.net will be the primary addee I will be monitoring after 15 SEP.

I am activating raoemo1@mozcom.net as a backup in the event communications via the primary addee should become
disrupted.

Editor's Note 2: I have returned to the United States and can be reached at (951) 238-1246 until further notice. 
My address is 3559 Landrew Rd., Perris CA 92571 Cell Phone: 760-532-1723

All Hands: It appears that the email service providers JUNO and NETZERO continue to block all email from the RAO. I am able to receive email from them but all attempts to respond to their messages in the last two months have failed. The 1494 JUNO and 532 NETZERO subscribers being blocked who want to continue to receive the Bulletin by email have three options:

1. Call their server and ask how to bypass the filters that are blocking their Bulletin;
2. Send a COA to another email addee that they can be reached at; or
3. Go to http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html on the 2nd and 16th of each month to read/download the Bulletin.

     This has happened over the years to other subscriber’s whose server’s decide to treat the Bulletin as spam because of its size. If this should happen to you they will not tell you they are doing it. To verify if Bulletins are being published go to http://post_119_gulfport_ms.tripod.com/rao1.html If you did not receive yours let me know on this end and I will respond on the action you should take. If I do not respond within three days it means your server is preventing you from receiving my response. In that case you need to contact your server as to what action you need to take to resume delivery of the Bulletin and communications with the RAO. For those JUNO and NETZERO subscribers currently being blocked I will continue to send the Bulletin until such time as I can confirm there is no way for them to receive it. [Source: Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek, Director RAO Baguio 14 Jul 09 ++]

VA Parkinson's Disease Program Update 02: On 12 JUL, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation authored by Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) to recognize and report the results and planned expansion of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Veterans Affairs medical facilities. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) uses a chamber to administer oxygen in prescribed dosages for a variety of external and internal injuries. The oxygen acts as a catalyst in healing wounds that often fail to respond to other medical and surgical practices and that lack the blood circulation and blood-oxygen levels necessary to heal. The Federal Drug Administration has already approved the use of HBOT for thirteen medical conditions, including non-healing diabetic foot wounds, crush injuries, exceptional blood loss, and tissue transfer for complex wound reconstruction. Under military and VA medical care, HBOT has saved injured service members or veterans from expensive, painful, life-altering, and potentially life-threatening amputation of an arm, leg, hand or foot.

     Since 2006, Sessions has been actively engaged in researching a new cross-application of hyperbaric therapy to an increasingly- common and life-threatening non-healing wound: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Currently, veterans suffering from TBI are receiving hyperbaric therapy from only private physicians, and evidence from numerous cases show substantial progress in brain function after treatment. Sessions has met with physicians, scientists, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and service members regarding the potential of expanding hyperbaric therapy for TBI and PTSD in military and VA medical facilities. As an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R.3082) , Sessions' legislation requires the VA to submit a report to Congress detailing the current and planned use of the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in VA medical facilities, including the number of veterans and types of conditions being treated with HBOT, their respective success rates, and the current inventory of hyperbaric chambers. "My report amendment is the first step toward expanding the use of hyperbaric therapy in military and VA medical facilities," said Sessions. [Source: Rep. Pete Sessions News Release 12 Jul 09 ++]

Veterans' Court Update 01: Courts for only ailing vets are spurring debate in California. There's one in Anchorage AK; Buffalo NY; Colorado Springs CO; Phoenix; Santa Ana CA; Santa Clara CA; and Tulsa Ok. Also, one is coming to Pittsburgh PA. These places have or will have courts designed for criminal defendants who are military veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and/or substance-abuse problems. The goal of these courts is to rehabilitate the veterans not by putting them in jail but by providing aggressive case management, which often includes closely monitored medical treatment, counseling and permanent housing. Debate over the concept is happening across the nation. In Sacramento CA Assemblywoman Mary Salas (D-Chula vista) introduced a bill this year to establish veterans courts statewide. Her legislation sparked such intense controversy that she quickly pulled it from consideration. Two years of negotiations have not produced a veterans court in San Diego County, which is home to about 250,000 veterans.

     Supporters of the courts say they are an effective, humane and appropriately customized way of combating the revolving door of crime and punishment that some veterans experience. Critics say veterans shouldn't get special treatment and that judges in the court system are already equipped to deal with veterans' distinct circumstances. Steve Binder, an attorney in the San Diego County Public Defender's Office, said former service members do elicit special understanding from judges and prosecutors. But one thorny issue in trying to establish a court has been whether certain criminal behavior can be adequately addressed without time behind bars. “There is a legitimate concern about public safety where veterans are driving 100 mph or are engaged in violent offenses and harming other people,” Binder said. “We'd like to see a court that recognizes that veterans provided for our safety and that now our treatment services can provide for their safety,” he said. “We don't want to lose another generation to the prison system, like we lost the Vietnam veterans.”

     Skeptics of the veterans-court approach said it's well-meaning but falls short. In deciding whether to file charges, district attorneys need a stronger argument than just that a defendant is a veteran, said W. Scott Thorpe, chief executive officer of the California District Attorneys Association. He said the accuracy of a medical diagnosis and who pays for the testing are other issues. “We are not unsympathetic,” Thorpe said. The philosophical divide became apparent in California when Salas, chairwoman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, introduced a bill to postpone sentencing for certain crimes committed by veterans suffering from PTSD or traumatic brain injuries. The legislation would have allowed the dismissal of charges after an 18-to 36-month rehabilitation program. It also would have permitted program graduates to state in most cases that they had never been arrested. Veterans groups, defense attorneys and some mental-health professionals lined up behind it. They argued that war changes people – often not for the better – and that the United States is morally obligated not to criminalize behavior that arose from problems linked to military service. Critics countered that the bill disregarded victims' rights and could be manipulated by criminals trying to avoid punishment. Opponents included the California District Attorneys Association, California Mental Health Directors Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Eric Worthen, a consultant to the state's Veterans Affairs Committee, said Salas' bill will be reintroduced in January. In the meantime, he said, “We are going to be working hard to find that middle ground.”
[Source: San Diego Union Tribune Rick Rogers article 12 Jan 09 ++]

VA Claims Backlog Update 29: A flood of veterans, young and old are seeking disability compensation from the Department of veterans Affairs for psychological and physical injuries connected to their military service. The backlog of unprocessed claims for those disabilities is now over 400,000, up from 253,000 six years ago, the agency said. The department says its average time for processing those claims, 162 days, is better than it has been in at least eight years. But it does not deny that it has a major problem, with some claims languishing for many months in the department’s overtaxed bureaucracy. Mr. Walcoff, VA's Deputy under Secretary for benefits, said the vast majority of the 82,000 claims the department received each month were not from veterans returning from the current wars. “We’re still getting a lot of Vietnam vets. There are some positive signs in terms of what we’re doing. But we know that veterans deserve better.” Walcoff said the department recently finished hiring 4,200 claims processors, but many will not be fully trained for months. The Government Accountability Office reported last year that the Veterans Affairs Department had about 13,000 people processing disability claims. The larger significance of the backlog, veterans groups and officials said, is that resources for veterans are being stretched perilously thin by a confluence of factors beyond the influx of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan:

* Aging Vietnam veterans with new or worsening ailments are requesting care;
* Layoffs are driving unemployed veterans into the department’s sprawling health system for the first time;
* Congress has expanded certain benefits; and
* Improved outreach efforts by the department have encouraged more veterans to seek compensation or care.

     The House Veterans Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs subcommittee recently held a hearing focusing on a growing backlog of veterans’ disability claims waiting processing by the Veterans Benefits Administration and on how that agency has implemented new laws intended to improve the processing system. At issue was how long it takes to process a claim under the current Claims Processing Improvement model (CPI). The VA has approximately 21% of its cases pending for more than 180 days. Prepared testimony for the hearing and a link to the Webcast from the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Web site, http://www.veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=426

     Bob Brewin, who writes a blog for Next.gov Technology & the Business of Government, said the House Appropriations Committee thinks the VA could model its disability and pension claims process on electronic tax filing systems. In its report on the fiscal 2010 VA spending bill, the committee said advances in technology may enable automation of even the most complicated of claims administration processes. The report said commercial software has automated the filing of taxes and receipt of state" and Federal "returns and suggested 'such user-friendly technology may be adaptable for the administration of claims processing while also supporting the transition to electronic records, part of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's grand plans to make the department as 'paperless as possible.'

[Source: Various 13 Jul 09 ++]

PTSD Update 27: A study reported 12 JUL that Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared with veterans who don't have the disorder, Using data from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Patient Care Database, scientists from the University of California-San Francisco analyzed files of 181,093 veterans ages 55 and older without dementia from 1997 to 2000. The mean age at the start of the study was 68, and 97% were male. During the follow-up period from 2001 to 2007, the researchers learned that 53,155 veterans were diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment. Veterans who had post-traumatic stress developed dementia at a rate of 10.6% over seven years, while those who didn't have the disorder had a rate of 6.6%, the researchers reported. The researchers reported their findings at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Vienna. "The results are not surprising," says Robert Wilson, neuropsychologist in the Alzheimer's Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center. "Our thinking is that things like PTSD or chronic anxiety or depression don't cause dementia themselves but may make us more vulnerable to it." Other research results presented at the Alzheimer's conference included:

* Two separate studies evaluate the influence of DHA (an omega 3 fatty acid) supplements on brain health. The first study, which was government-funded, looks at DHA supplementation in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's and finds that the supplements offered no cognitive benefits to patients. The other, sponsored by a DHA maker, Martek Biosciences Corp., suggests supplements may help in healthy older adults who have mild memory loss.

* Wake Forest University School of Medicine scientists find that moderate alcohol intake (one to two drinks a day) is linked to a 37% lower risk of dementia in patients with normal cognition at baseline, not those who already have cognitive impairment.

* University of Connecticut scientists report that in an online study of 676 adults, many don't know the risk factors for dementia: 61% incorrectly believe there is no link between dementia and the cardiovascular risk factors obesity and high blood pressure; 66% do not know high stress is a risk factor; and 38% are unaware exercise protects against dementia.

* The number of people who have Alzheimer's disease and dementia is increasing among the "oldest old," those over 80, Italian researchers report. The finding contradicts observational studies that suggested the number of people with dementia levels off and perhaps drops late in life.

[Source: USA TODAY Mary Brophy Marcus article 12 Jul 09 ++]

Dementia: Dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. It is a problem that makes it hard for a person to remember, learn and communicate. After a while, this makes it hard for the person to take care of himself or herself. Dementia is caused by the destruction of brain cells. A head injury, a stroke, a brain tumor or a problem like Alzheimer's disease can damage brain cells. Some people have a family history of dementia. Symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition.

     People with dementia lose their abilities at different rates. It is caused by many conditions. Some can be reversed, and others cannot. The two most common forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia (sometimes called vascular dementia). These types of dementia are irreversible, which means they cannot be cured. Reversible conditions with symptoms of dementia can be caused by a high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or a minor head injury. Medical conditions like these can be serious and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes older people have emotional problems that can be mistaken for dementia. Feeling sad, lonely, worried, or bored may be more common for older people facing retirement or coping with the death of a spouse, relative, or friend. Adapting to these changes leaves some people feeling confused or forgetful. Emotional problems can be eased by supportive friends and family, or by professional help from a doctor or counselor.

     In multi-infarct dementia, a series of small strokes or changes in the brain’s blood supply may result in the death of brain tissue. The location in the brain where the small strokes occur determines the seriousness of the problem and the symptoms that arise. Symptoms that begin suddenly may be a sign of this kind of dementia. People with multi-infarct dementia are likely to show signs of improvement or remain stable for long periods of time, then quickly develop new symptoms if more strokes occur. In many people with multi-infarct dementia, high blood pressure is to blame. One of the most important reasons for controlling high blood pressure is to prevent strokes. [Source: National Institute on Aging 7 May 06 ++]

VA Handbook 2009: The latest edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents Pamphlet (i.e. handbook) 80-09-01 can be obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs online or by mail. It updates the rates for certain federal payments and outlines a variety of programs and benefits for American veterans. Most of the nation's 25 million veterans qualify for some VA benefits, which range from health care to burial in a national cemetery. 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. In addition to describing benefits provided by VA, the 2007 edition of the 155-page booklet provides an overview of programs and services for veterans provided by other federal agencies. It also includes resources to help veterans access their benefits, with a listing of phone numbers, Internet addresses and a directory of VA facilities throughout the country.

     The 2009 publication in English can be downloaded at no cost from VA's Web site at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf or http://www1.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp A Spanish version of the 2008 handbook can be downloaded at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedbensp.pdf Hard copies of the 2009 English version can purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). GPO accepts credit card orders for the publication at (866) 512-1800 or (202) 512-1800/2104F for a cost of $5 each to U.S. addresses. Add 40% for overseas addresses. If order is by mail make check out to Superintendent of Documents and mail to the GPO at Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.

[Source: http://www.va.gov Jul 09 ++]

GI Bill Update 52: On 6 JUL VA under Secretary for Benefits Patrick Dunne and Education Service Director Keith Wilson outlined their ongoing efforts to ensure a successful rollout of the Post-9/11 GI Bill on August. They said the VA is on track to issue the first checks for student-veterans and active duty participants on 3 AUG. Demand for VA "certificates of eligibility" has been heavy. As of early July, 98,000 applicants had submitted on-line applications. VA has issued 65,000 certificates and reports no problems resolving any application discrepancies. Also beginning this week, colleges and universities have been asked to submit student enrollment certifications to assure the VA that veterans had been approved to take college coursework this coming semester on their campuses. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA reimburses colleges directly for tuition and fees for a full semester's coursework based on the highest in-state public college or university costs. The VA pays student-veterans a monthly housing stipend set at the DoD housing rate for an E-5 with dependents at the school's zip code, plus an annual book stipend of $1,000 for full-time study. Full-time distance (on-line) students are ineligible for the housing stipend.

     The VA has accepted over 3,400 agreements from private colleges and universities and some public colleges under the Yellow Ribbon program. Yellow Ribbon schools agree to cover up to half the difference between the cost of attending a public college and the participating private school. The VA matches the amount pledged by the school. Veterans who withdraw from college may have to pay back some or all of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, depending on the circumstances involved. The VA will use existing procedures to make recoupment determinations. MOAA recommends that service members who are entitled to Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) benefits carefully review their situation before making an irrevocable election for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For example, a MGIB participant who has used up a portion of MGIB entitlement might be better off sticking with that program and then converting to the Post-9/11 GI Bill after exhausting MGIB benefits. ‘Dual eligibility’ rules limit total entitlement to 48 months’ of benefits. But MGIB participants lose their remaining MGIB entitlement if they make an election for the new program.

[Source: MOAA Leg Up 10 Jul 09 ++]

VA Claim Tips Update 01: The VA website http://www.va.gov confirms that 75% of all applications for VA pension are denied the first time. This is not a conspiracy to save federal money or an attempt to meet quotas of which there are none. Applications for pension are disapproved because they are not complete and well-documented. Now that pension claims are worked in the St. Paul and Philadelphia Pension Centers only, the atmosphere for help and approval is far better, and applications are resolved more quickly. Gone are the days when certain individuals in local Regional Offices would deny everything. With the VA, you can never provide too much information. If they have to write you for clarification of any one point on the application, your claim will be delayed or denied. Always include your phone numbers, an email address if you have one, and a next-of-kin’s contact information with every application. The following 5 reasons for denial will help you navigate the VA process:

     1. Missing or incomplete information. The VA applications, VA form 21-526 (veterans) and 21-534 (widows), are multiple-paged and have many, many questions. Address and answer every one of them. If the question is “non-applicable”, answer “N/A”; if the income is zero, answer with a “0?; and if you are tempted, never, never leave a space blank. Every blank space means a question and a letter from the VA, which delays the claim. If you do not have a copy of the veteran’s discharge, don't worry. Attach what you have, because the VA will ask the military for confirmation of the veteran’s service.

     2. Failure to Respond to Clarifications. There are many areas on an application where the VA must clarify what you submitted or what you meant (Remember: you can never tell the VA too much about a situation). Always answer their letters or phone calls as soon as possible, and if you need time to do so, send them a letter saying “I’m working on it”. Do not panic when they say “respond within 30 days”. You have at least 60 days by law, and can supply the information within 1 year and still have a valid claim. If you do not know where to get any clarification, tell the VA and asked their advise. It is their duty to assist where possible. There are always alternatives.

     3. Documenting Dependents. Who is a dependent for VA pension is often misunderstood. A dependent is less than 18 years old, where the veteran is the father, or the veteran is married to the mother, so step-children are fine. Grandparents must have court-issued adoption decrees. If dependents are under 23 years old, they must be in school full-time. Spouses are dependents, but their income also counts, as well as their Unreimbursed Medical Expenses. If the veteran or their spouse has previous marriages, document them with a death certificate, an annulment decree or a divorce decree. The VA must assure a valid marriage. Divorce decrees are available from the County where the divorce was granted.

     4. Documenting Shortfall. If your Unreimbursed Medical Expenses, especially your Room & Board (R&B) figure for a facility, exceed your income, the VA will always delay your claim to clarify this. So, you need to anticipate this question. If you are using savings or assets to meet this shortfall every month, explain this as an attachment to your application. If your assets are depleted, and a friend, sibling or family member is supplementing your R&B, explain this. To be absolutely sure the VA understands this, write a simple loan agreement and submit it, showing you are borrowing this shortfall every month, expecting to pay it back when pension starts.

     5. Failure to Document Income and Unreimbursed Medical Expenses. On the application, the VA can only confirm the amount of your Social Security benefits independently. Everything else should be documented with a written explanation, this year’s award letter, or an annuity agreement. The VA can’t even confirm your Federal or Military Retirement without a letter. When in doubt, document it. Unreimbursed Medical Expenses should be documented on the VA form 21-8416. For most widows and veterans, their largest expense is the R&B they pay for a Group Home, Assisted Living or a Nursing Home. Simply provide the VA a letter from the facility confirming your Room & Board monthly figure. If you have any other recurring, ongoing or continuous Unreimbursed Medical Expenses, document them.

[Source: Arizona Senior Law by R. Buchanan article 8 Jul 09 ++]

Vet Cemetery California Update 05: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded nearly $1 million to a small business to begin expanding burial services for Veterans in the San Diego area by developing the new Miramar Annex. It will be part of the area's Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. At present Fort Rosecrans holds 96,626 internments which has exhausted space for new internments. However, they may be able to accommodate casketed remains in the same gravesite of previously interred family member. This cemetery also has space available for cremated remains. VA awarded Van Dyke Landscape Architects the architect-engineer contract totaling $961,000 to develop additional gravesites and infrastructure at Miramar. This design project is scheduled for completion this fall. When completed, the new designs for the project will provide 11,700 conventional gravesites, 10,300 columbaria niches and 4,900 in-ground cremation sites. The project will also include an administration building, a maintenance complex, two committal service shelters and a public assembly area, as well as an irrigation system, roads, utilities, signage and landscaping. Until its completion the only other veteran cemetery in southern California accepting new internments is the Riverside National Cemetery. [VA News Release 10 Jul 09 ++]

Louisiana Vet Benefits: On 8 JUL a special state Senate committee called on the heads of the state National Guard and the Department of Veterans Affairs to produce data indicating how often -- or seldom -- a special 2007 law granting enhanced benefits for Louisiana Guard troops has been used. Sen. Rob Marionneaux (D-Livonia), the author of legislation in 2007 authorizing the payment of $250,000 to the families of Guard troops killed in the line of duty and $100,000 to Guard troops permanently and totally disabled, asked for the accounting during the initial meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Veterans Affairs. Marionneaux asked for the data from Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, who runs the National Guard, and Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Lane Carson. Marionneaux said he does not know if anyone has cashed in on the law he passed and is concerned that veterans and their families may not know about it. Landreneau and Carson said they would check into the use of the benefits and report back to the committee. The law authorizes lump sum payments to Guard members or their families in the event of a death or injury suffered while activated for duty ordered by the president or the governor.

     The bill has been in effect since 6 JUL 07. "Has anyone used this?" Marionneaux asked. "I know people (in the Louisiana National Guard) are fighting and dying and being injured" in Iraq and Afghanistan. "I want to know if it is being used at all or if we promoted it" properly. Sen. Robert Adley (R-Benton), a Vietnam veteran and chairman of the committee, said that he wants the information as soon as possible. "I want to see how many applied," he said. "I want to make sure that people who qualify know it is there." Carson said that he also is looking for more burial space for veterans, including those killed in action or of natural causes. He said he will ask federal officials if it is possible to expand the cemeteries at Chalmette battlefield and at the Baton Rouge suburb of Port Hudson, another battlefield site. He also told the panel that with an aging population of veterans, the five state-operated War Veterans Homes need more skilled personnel to care for veterans who live there and are developing Alzheimer's disease. Adley said that the purpose of the special committee will be to address the needs of the Louisiana veterans as much as state law allows. "We need to know what they need," he said.

[Source: The Times-Picayune Ed Anderson article 9 Jul 09 ++]

VA Fraud Update 21: Officials at the Veterans' Administration in St. Paul MN say Connie Marie Hanson, a fiduciary authorized by the VA and the court to handle veterans' finances and make decisions about how to pay for their housing, medical and other expenses is under investigation for allegedly stealing over one million dollars from those veterans. Peter Wold, Hanson's attorney, says Hanson had a gambling addiction. She's now charged federally with making a false statement related to the accounting report that Hanson, as a fiduciary, had to make to the government. According to the charging document, federal prosecutors say Hanson failed to disclose amounts she embezzled for her own use. Hanson, a professional fiduciary and independent contractor (not a government employee) had 34 clients. While it's not clear yet how long she had been taking money from her veteran clients, government officials say yearly audits of her accounts turned up no discrepancies. But several months ago the bank that handles the accounts discovered unusual activity and reported it to the Inspector General. Her attorney says Hanson is cooperating with authorities, takes full responsibility for what she did and is trying to return as much money as possible. This month, Hanson will plead guilty to making a false statement and will likely face prison time. The U.S. Attorney's office won't say whether she'll face any other charges. Officials say the families of veterans Hanson had contact with have been notified the stolen benefit money will be reimbursed by the VA. [Source: Minneapolis KARE-11 Trisha Volpe article 10 Jul 09 ++]

VA Fraud Update 22: An investigation in the wake of a major fraud case involving the Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in Louisville has found that other VA offices around the country suffer security shortfalls that leave them vulnerable to the same type of alleged fraud. The review by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General found no similar allegations of fraud, but its report warns that gaps in VA's internal controls mean that "opportunities exist . . . to generate fraudulent large benefits payments." A VA spokeswoman said 8 JUL that the department has taken actions to correct the problems. "VA has implemented safeguards to protect the integrity of benefit payments and actively monitors our payment processes for compliance," said Katie Roberts, press secretary for VA. "We remain committed to taking all actions necessary to eliminate the potential for fraud and ensure our veterans receive every benefit to which they are entitled."

     In November 2008, acting after an investigation based on a tip from a confidential source, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky indicted 14 people in connection with a scheme to defraud VA by submitting altered or counterfeit medical records. The government accused Jeffrey Allan McGill, a former veteran service representative at the Louisville VA office, of working with co-conspirators, including 11 veterans, to submit fraudulent claims for military-related disabilities. McGill and co-defendant Daniel Ryan Parker, a former officer with the Disabled American Veterans service organization, are accused of falsifying documents to ensure that those claims were approved. Five of the defendants have pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the case. The remaining defendants, including McGill and Parker, have pleaded not guilty and are set to go to trial in September, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Louisville. Alarmed by the allegations, VA's inspector general office began an investigation in May 2008, six months before the indictments. Investigators visited three VA regional offices (VAROs) that had issued an abnormally high number of large retroactive payments to veterans, which adjust amounts paid earlier and are considered particularly susceptible to fraud.

     Investigators reviewed the files for 690 large retroactive payments made by the offices in Huntington, W.Va.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Los Angeles between 2005 and 2008 but found no fraud. "These results mean we can say with 90% confidence that this particular type of fraud is unlikely to be occurring at the VAROs selected for review during the sampled period," said the IG report, which was released 30 JUN. But the investigation found that the Veterans Benefits Administration, which oversees benefits and services for VA, failed to provide enough guidance to regional offices on how to maintain accountability over its official date stamps, which could be used to falsify documents. "The VAROs we visited, consequently, did not maintain adequate control over their date stamps, making them vulnerable to fraudulent schemes," the report says. In Los Angeles, the review team found multiple date stamps left unsecured in the mailroom and the door taped to prevent it from locking. Supervisors in Huntington and San Juan were unaware of how many stamps had been issued or where they were located.

     In its response to the IG report, VA said it has already issued instructions to regional offices on how to keep track of the date stamps. VA adopted previous reforms after a scandal in 2001 in which employees at the Atlanta regional office generated about $11 million in fraudulent compensation claims. In response, VA began reviewing all retroactive payments of $25,000 or more. But that review was not designed to detect fraud based on altered documents, according to the IG report. The report recommends that VA examine medical records before making large retroactive payments. "We believe that VBA will continue to be vulnerable to fraud-related activities concerning large retroactive payments if controls over the retroactive payment and review process are not improved," the report says. Roberts said the department has adopted new procedures that will ensure that medical records are validated for authenticity.

[Source: Washington Post Steve Vogel article 9 Jul 09 ++]

Hospital Death Rates Update 01: Too many people die needlessly at U.S. hospitals, according to a sweeping new Medicare analysis showing wide variation in death rates between the best hospitals and the worst. The analysis examined death rates for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia at more than 4,600 hospitals across the USA. At 5.9% of hospitals, patients with pneumonia died at rates significantly higher than the national average. With heart failure, 3.4% of hospitals had death rates higher than the average, and 1.2% of hospitals were higher when it came to heart attack. Researchers also found that the majority of U.S. hospitals operate the equivalent of revolving doors for their patients. One of every four heart failure patients and slightly less than one in five heart attack and pneumonia patients land back in the hospital within 30 days, data show. "We have double failure in our health system," says John Rumsfeld of the Denver VA Medical Center and chief science officer for the American College of Cardiology's National Data Registry.

     The analysis by U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) comes as the White House and Congress debate ways to cut costs and improve quality in the nation's health system. One idea on the table is to reward doctors and hospitals not just for how many procedures they perform but how well their patients fare. More than 200 hospitals have death rates better than the national average, and hundreds fare better on readmission rates. The findings are based on more than one million deaths and readmissions among Medicare patients from 2005 to 2008. A separate USA TODAY analysis of the data found that patients have higher death rates at hospitals in the nation's poorest and smallest counties, compared with those in larger, more affluent areas. Death rates in hospitals in counties with fewer than 50,000 people rank 1 to 2 percentage points higher than their most-populated counterparts, a significant difference. A similar pattern emerges at hospitals in counties where the median household income falls below $35,000 a year.

     Barry Straube, director of CMS' office of standards and quality, says the agency aims to intensify competition between hospitals by giving patients the information they need to seek out higher-quality care and by giving hospitals a way to measure their performance against their competitors. It also provides a tool that government and private health plans can use to determine which hospitals merit higher pay for better performance. "This kind of information is absolutely the backbone of many of our efforts to reform the health system," says Janet Corrigan, head of the National Quality Forum, a consortium of government agencies, insurers, hospitals and doctors' groups that approved the methods used in the analysis. Anyone wanting to check out the effectiveness of hospitals on dealing with this problem in their geographic area can refer to http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/hospitals-graphic.htm enter their zip code, and enter the distance in miles from their residence to obtain a comparison of the facilities within that area.

[Source: USA Today Steve Sternberg and Jack Gillum article 9 Jul 09 ++]

Philippine Mayon Volcano: The U.S. Embassy has informed American Citizens in the Philippines to avoid the summit area of the Mayon Volcano, located in the Province of Albay, approximately 300 kilometers (186.41 miles) southeast of Manila, on the island of Luzon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised its alert status for the Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 2 indicating increasing volcanic activity. This alert condition signifies a state of unrest which could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption. Thus, at Alert Level 2, Phivolcs strongly recommends that the 6 kilometers radius, called the "Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ)," around the volcano and the 7 kilometers extended danger zone on the southeast flank of the volcano are off limits due to the threat from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes. Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided, especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

     Updated information on volcanoes in the Philippines is available at http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph and http://volcanoes.usgs.gov The Embassy encourages all Americans residing in or visiting areas near volcanoes to consult these websites frequently and to adhere to all safety instructions from Philippine authorities. American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63)(2) 301-2000. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63)(2) 301-2000. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section's fax number is (63)(2) 301-2017 and the ACS web page is at http://manila.usembassy.gov Americans living in or visiting the Philippines are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Manila. The easiest way to do this is via the Internet, using a link on http://www.travel.state.gov or directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov For more information on registration refer to http://manila.usembassy.gov
[Source: U.S. Embassy Warden Notice 10 Jul 09 ++]

Reserve Compensation Update 01: Spending on reservist pay, benefits and deferred compensation such as retiree health care and pension plans, ballooned from $18.5 billion in fiscal 2001 to $23.1 billion in fiscal 2007, GAO found. And compensation costs will continue to rise as reservists claim benefits from the Post 9-11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which takes effect on 1 AUG, the report noted. The latest report sent to several congressional committees that deal with military and veterans issues does not include policy recommendations. Instead, it provides a detailed assessment of the continued growth in reservist compensation. Spending on deferred benefits grew the most of the three types of compensation analyzed, increasing 28% from fiscal 2001 to 2007. Cash payments such as salary and bonuses rose 24% during that period, and the cost of noncash benefits such as education and health care increased 21%. The overall price tag will continue to grow, GAO concluded. The Veterans Affairs Department estimated that the net cost of the educational assistance act will be $78.1 billion from fiscal 2009-2018, of which $12.3 billion will be used for benefits for reservists and their families, according to GAO. The report also noted that spending on part-time reservists, who make up 91% of the reserve force, is growing faster than that for full-time reservists. The average annual compensation of a part-time reservist increased 52%, from $14,400 in fiscal 2001 to $22,000 in fiscal 2007, while the average compensation for a full-time reservist increased 13% during the same period, from $107,000 to $121,000.
[Source: GovExec.com Alex M. Parker article 9 Jul 09 ++]

California Vet Home Update 05: Staff and residents of the Yountville Veterans' Home, administered by the California Department of Veterans' Affairs (CDVA), were given word just before the Memorial Day holiday that CDVA plans to close the acute care unit (1-South) of the home's Holderman Hospital. CDVA put its plan in motion by issuing layoff notices for half of the home's Medical Staff in late JUN. If allowed to proceed, the layoffs and unit closure would severely compromise the quality of medical care given to the 1,100 veterans who reside at the home, according to representatives of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), which represents the physicians and dentists that provide patient care there. Moreover, according to UAPD, the short-term savings generated by these cuts would be dwarfed by the long-term costs associated with providing the veterans' medical care in area private hospitals. Eight UAPD-represented doctors employed by the Veterans' Home were sent layoff notices, in addition to several physician-managers, a number much larger than what state-mandated budget cuts require. The layoff notices followed a proposal in JUN 09 by the local Strategic Planning Committee to close 1-South, which the Governing Body, which includes the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs, later approved.

     Yountville Veterans' Home Administrator Marcella McCormack has cited the need to save on staff costs as the primary motivation for the closing of 1-South. "The CDVA is using the budget cuts as an excuse to close down this acute care unit and cut other medical services, which it has wanted to do for a long time," states UAPD President Stuart Bussey, MD, JD. "But this is one of the largest groups of veterans in the country, and they need the care that this unit and these physicians provide. Providing that care on-site is actually much more affordable." By going forward with the large number of physician layoffs, UAPD asserts, the CDVA is doing a de-facto unit closure without following proper procedures or allowing community involvement. UAPD is encouraging citizens to contact their local state legislators to voice their concern about the CDVA's decision.

     UAPD estimates that closing 1-South and laying off physicians will cost the State about $11 million in lost reimbursement revenue each year, compared to a savings of about $4 million in staff time. The Veterans' Home will also incur the costs of treating the residents at area hospitals, as well as the costs of transporting them back and forth to outside facilities. Physicians worry that veterans who are accustomed to receiving medical care at the home will not be able to maintain the same treatment plans if required to travel, resulting in more serious complications. In emergency situations, particularly on nights and weekends, the cuts would cause a dramatic rise in response times and decline of care. CDVA administrators made no mention of the cuts at the Memorial Day festivities hosted at the Veterans' Home. Founded in 1884, the Yountville Veterans' Home is the largest state-run veterans' home in the country, and houses the nation's largest group of World War II veterans, many of whom require advanced medical care.

[Source: Coastal Post article Jul 09 ++]

VA Budget 2010 Update 03: On 16 JUN 09 Rep. Chet Edwards, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, announced final numbers for the fiscal year (FY) 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act and the news is very good for veterans. The full Appropriations Committee approved the bill on 23 JUN. In a historic first, the appropriations act for FY 2010 also includes $48.2 billion in advance appropriations for fiscal year FY 2011 for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care. This is an eight percent increase over the proposed FY 2010 level, and will provide reliable and timely funding to support the delivery of medical care. Advance appropriations have been Disabled American Veterans highest legislative priority this year and its inclusion in this year's funding bill is a major victory for all veterans. Furthermore, to make this victory permanent, both the House and Senate are moving towards passage of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R.1016/S.423), legislation that would authorize advance appropriations for VA medical care programs in statute and create new budget reporting requirements to aid Congress in setting sufficient funding levels for veterans health care.

     On 23 JUN, the House voted 409 to 1 to pass H.R.1016. This measure has now been sent to the Senate for consideration. Veterans should continue to write your elected officials on both of these important bills. The appropriations bill also included $53 billion in discretionary funding for VA for FY 2010, which is a record level of funding. This total is slightly more than the President's request and $5.4 billion more than FY 2009 non-emergency appropriations. This discretionary number includes:

* $45.1 billion for the Veterans Health Administration, $4.4 billion above FY 2009.
* $580 million for medical and prosthetic research.
* $2.1 billion for general operating expenses, $287 million above FY 2009, which includes an additional 1,200 additional claims processors.
* $250 million for the National Cemetery Administration, $20 million above FY 2009.
* $19.2 million for the Office of Inspector General.
* $3.3 billion for Information Technology; and
* $1.9 billion for VA construction, $256 million above FY 2009.

     On 6 JUL the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies marked up their bill at similar levels as the House for FY 2010 and FY 2011. On 7 JUL, Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Max Baucus (D-MT) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which includes nationwide initiatives such as hiring 1,200 new staff to evaluate veterans' claims; maintaining the veterans mileage reimbursement rate of 41.5 cents per mile; $440 million to continue and expand the VA's Rural Health Care Initiative started last year; and $500 million to expand the VA's homelessness programs. Tester also included language in the bill directing the National Cemetery Administration to study the possibility of establishing a National Veterans Cemetery in the upper Midwest." On 7 JUL the full Committee approved these levels and sent the bill to the full Senate for approval. Both the House and Senate Committees provide $48.2 billion in advance appropriations for FY 2011.

[Source: Capitol Advantage article 8 Jul 09 ++]

VA Budget 2010 Update 04: On 10 JUL the House passed a $133.7 billion spending bill that boosts funding for veterans benefits in fiscal 2010, and includes some advance funding for fiscal 2011. The measure, which passed 415-3, also contains funding for military construction projects and other activities of the Veterans Affairs Department. "With passage of this fiscal year 2010 bill, the Congress will have increased veterans health care and benefits funding by 58% in the past two and a half years," said Chet Edwards (D-TX), the chairman of the Military Construction-Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. "This is an unprecedented increase in Congress' commitment to veterans, and in my book, our veterans have earned every dime of this funding." Zach Wamp (R-TN), the ranking Republican on the panel, echoed strong support for the legislation, but added that he continues "to be concerned about the ability of the [department] to absorb large funding increases provided in this bill." Wamp also asked Appropriations Committee Chairman David R. Obey (D-WI), and Edwards to insist on holding a conference committee with the Senate to resolve differences between the two bills. The Senate Appropriations Committee finished work on a $133.9 billion companion bill 7 JUL.

     The House bill (H.R.3082) would appropriate about $77.9 billion in discretionary spending, roughly 7% more than fiscal 2009 (PL 110-329) levels and $239 million more than the White House requested. Before passing the bill, the House adopted by voice vote six amendments, including provisions that would:

* Redirect $3.5 million to the Office of National Veterans' Sports Programs and Special Events from the department's medical support and compliance account, offered by Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA);

* Require the department to provide Congress with a report on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at veterans' medical facilities, by Pete Sessions (R-TX);

* Shift $1 million to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims for free legal services and reduce the account for the Office of Inspector General by the same amount, by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV);

     The spending measure would provide roughly $108.9 billion for the department, about 14% above the amount enacted for fiscal 2009, and equal to President Obama's request. Of that, $53 million would be discretionary spending, roughly 8% more than in fiscal 2009 and $2.9 billion more than the administration's request. The spending measure would also set aside $48.2 billion for three veterans’ medical accounts in fiscal 2011, about 8% more than it would appropriate for fiscal 2010. The idea is to give decision makers foreknowledge about future funding levels so plans can be made with greater confidence. Under the bill, the Defense Department would get $24.6 billion for accounts related to military construction projects, family housing, base realignment and closures. That represents about a 12% decrease. Related agencies - such as the American Battle Monuments Commission - would get $282.5 million, roughly 36% greater than in fiscal 2009. The White House has expressed support for the House-passed version of the bill, but took issue with incremental funding for several military projects, including a new data center for the National Security Agency.

[Source: CQ Today Online News Matthew M. Johnson article 10 Jul 09 ++]

Mobilized Reserve 7 July 09: The Department of Defense announced the current number of reservists on active duty as of 7 July 2009. The net collective result is 623 fewer reservists mobilized than last reported in the Bulletin for 15 JUN 09. At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 110,505; Navy Reserve, 6,409; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,172; Marine Corps Reserve, 8,602; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 691. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 142,379, including both units and individual augmentees. A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jul2009/d20090707ngr.pdf [Source: DoD News Release No. 488-09 Jul 09 ++]

USFHP Update 02: The US Family Health Plan is a Tricare Prime option offered through networks of community based, not-for-profit health care systems in six areas of the United States. The program serves active duty family members and all military retirees and their eligible family members, including those 65 years of age and over, regardless of whether or not they participate in Medicare Part B. However, you must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and reside in the one of the following designated US Family Health Plan service areas:

* Brighton Marine Health Center serving Massachusetts (including Cape Cod), northern Connecticut, southern New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
* CHRISTUS Health serving south east Texas and southwest Louisiana.
* Johns Hopkins Medicine serving central Maryland, Washington D.C. and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
* Martin's Point Health Care serving Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York.
* PacMed Clinics serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State.
* Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and southern Connecticut.

     To determine if you are eligible to enroll refer to http://www.usfhp.com and enter your zip code. If eligible you can transfer without any interruption in benefits. Enrollment is on an individual basis however, enrollees are encouraged you to enroll as a complete family unit. Under this program you may not use military treatment facilities. The only exceptions to this limitation are if you have an acute medical emergency and the military treatment facility is closest to you, if care is not available through US Family Health Plan specialists, or if a new member who is pregnant wishes to complete her prenatal care at her previous MTF. Plan members may take (or have their providers call in) their one-time or urgent care prescriptions to pharmacies in their Plan’s retail pharmacy network, or may use one of their Plan’s on-site pharmacies. The co-pays for prescription drugs through the retail pharmacy network are: $3 for generic drugs and $9 for brand name drugs for up to a 30-day supply. The same co-pays apply to your long-term or maintenance prescriptions that should be filled through the US Family Health Plan mail order pharmacy service. However, instead of limiting the supply to 30-days, you receive up to 90-days worth of the drugs filled through the mail-order pharmacy. The Department of Defense (DoD) reserves the right to determine which drugs are covered under the program. Some examples of medications not covered include; medications for hair restoration, weight loss, smoking cessation, drugs used for cosmetic reasons, such as Retin A (wrinkle cream), and over-the-counter medications. For additional info refer to http://www.usfhp.com

[Source: http://www.usfhp.com Jul 09 ++]

South Dakota Vet Bonus Update 03: South Dakota is offering a bonus to members of the Armed Forces who were legal residents of the State for no less than six months immediately preceding their period of active duty and who served on active duty during one or more of the following periods:

(1) Aug. 2, 1990, to March 3, 1991. All active service counts for payment.

(2) March 4, 1990, to Dec. 31, 1992. Only service in a hostile area qualifying for the Southwest Asia Service Medal counts for payment.

(3) Jan. 1, 1993, to Sept. 10, 2001. Only service in a hostile area qualifying for any United States campaign or service medal awarded for combat operations against hostile forces counts for payment.

(4) Sept. 11, 2001, to a date yet to be determined. All active service counts for payment.

     In addition, veterans with qualifying service before Dec. 31, 1992, and after Jan. 1, 1993, may receive two separate bonuses of up to $500.00 each. Veterans can apply through their nearest County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer. Those living outside of South Dakota may apply by e-mail at john.fette@state.sd.us Be sure to include military branch and dates of service. Veterans can also request an application and instructions by calling 605-773-7251. [Source: NAUS Journal article Jul/Aug 09 ++]

Tricare/CHAMPUS Fraud Update 15: Recent testimony and studies from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the investigative arm of the United States Congress, shows us that at least $80 billion worth of Medicare money is being ripped off every year. Frankly, it demonstrates that criminal activity costs Medicare and Tricare billions of dollars. Some examples were:

* GAO reports that one company billed Medicare for $170 million for HIV drugs. In truth, the company dispensed less than a million dollars. In addition, the company billed $142 million for nonexistent delivery of supplies and parts and medical equipment.
* Fake Medicare providers billed Medicare for prosthetic arms on people who already have two arms. The fraud amounted to $1.4 billion of bills for people who do not need prosthetics.

     Tricare is closely tied to Medicare and its operations are not immune. According to the Tricare Program Integrity Office, the GAO says that 10% of all health care expenditures are fraudulent. With a military health system annual cost of $47 billion, fraudulent purchase of care in the military health system would amount to $4.7 billion. Last year a Philippine corporation was ordered to pay back more than $100 million following a Tricare fraud conviction. But despite Tricare efforts to uncover this type of criminal activity, money continues to go out the door with insufficient resources dedicated to its recovery. Regarding Tricare efforts to uncover fraud problems, it should be noted that documents by the Department of Defense Inspector General (DODIG) reported the fraud in the Philippines as early as 1998 to Tricare Management Activity (TMA). This is about the same time frame that RAO Baguio started making similar reports to TMA. But it wasn't until 2005 that TMA stopped paying the fraudulent claims reported seven years earlier by DODIG. And to date only one person has been tried and convicted for this fraud out of the hundreds if not thousands involved.

     The National Association of Uniformed Services (NAUS) organization is urging Congress to challenge DoD and Tricare authorities to put some guts behind efforts to drive fraud down and out of the system. If left unchecked, fraud will increasingly strip away resources from government programs like Tricare. And unless Congress directs the Administration to take action, you know who will be left in the breach, holding the bag: the law abiding retiree and family. NAUS recently learned of an incident of clear outright healthcare fraud involving a Medicare/Tricare provider. A member of a veterans-related survivor organization and a Tricare for Life beneficiary was not content with her doctor on her first visit, so she did not see him again. However, she continued to receive bills against Tricare for visits and services never performed. As appropriate, the beneficiary reported the problem to the Tricare Management Activity. When she continued to receive these bills, she found Tricare officials less willing to talk to talk to her about the situation. When the individual's survivor organization became involved, it too was told by Tricare not to worry about the billings because the bogus charges only added up to about $2,500, which fell below the level of investigative action.

     America expects its government to move courageously and tackle the real problems of issues like fraud in the Tricare and Medicare system. The government should direct and resource its investigative teams to root out criminal activity, rather than looking to take money out of the pockets of military retirees through fee increase requests and actions that reduce the number of providers willing to participate in Medicare/Tricare programs. Congress needs to take the actions necessary to root out the corruption, fraud and waste so budgeted funds can better meet the needs of the military community.

[Source: NAUS Journal article Jul/Aug 09 ++]

Texas Vet Property Tax Update 01: Texas has no state property tax. The state Legislature has authorized the more than 3,700 local governments in Texas to collect the tax. The state does not set the tax rates, collect the taxes or settle disputes between individuals and their local governments. The state Comptroller’s role in property taxation is primarily limited to advisory and monitoring services provided by the Comptroller’s Property Tax Division (PTD). Most importantly, PTD conducts an annual Property Value Study for each school district in the state, to measure whether their appraisal districts are appraising property at market value and thus ensure appropriate school funding. The Comptroller’s study, however, does not directly affect local values or tax collections. There is a veteran’s disability exemption on assessed value based on the percentage of disability assigned by the Veterans Administration. Here-to-fore that exemption started at $5000 for veterans rated 10% or more and peaked at $12,000 if rated at 100% rated disability.

     On 5 MAY 09 SB 469 was amended to HB 3613, a bill entitled “An Act relating to the determination of the market value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead”. The amendment allows a disabled veteran who receives from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor 100% disability compensation due to a service-connected disability and a rating of 100% disabled or of individual unemployability to be entitled to an exemption from taxation of the total appraised value of the veteran's residence homestead. The bill was signed by Governor Perry on 19 JUN 09 and is now law. After five years of lobbying the 55,000+ 100% disabled veterans of Texas will receive 100% tax relief. If your state does not allow a 100% exemption recommend you contact your state representatives and bring to their attention what the Texas legislature has done and inquire why your state cannot do the same.

[Source: MSC Newsletter Jul 09 ++]

VA Women Vet Programs Update 05: A proposed new veteran’s benefit, where the Veterans Affairs Department would provide up to seven days of care for newborn children of female veterans who receive maternity care from veterans’ hospitals, has a bigger price tag than you might imagine. The Congressional Budget Office estimates if the proposal becomes law that about 6,600 babies would receive treatment at an average cost of $2,770 per baby in 2010. And, because the number of women veterans is growing (as are medical costs) the benefit has a $102 million price tag over five years. Care for newborns is included in separate bills approved by the House and Senate veterans’ affairs committees, which means there is a very good chance it will become law as long as the cost doesn’t become prohibitively high. The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee has care for newborns in a women’s health care measure H.R.1211 which has been passed to the Senate, while the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved it as part of a larger health bill, S.252. At some point later this year, the committees will try to reach a compromise on how to combine their approaches.

     The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act that the House passed 23 JUN on a 408-0 vote includes a provision that would make veterans eligible for short-term child care while they are receiving outpatient treatment. The care could be at a Veterans Affairs Department facility used by federal workers or at other licensed care centers that have partnerships with the federal government. The care wouldn’t be free, but child care vouchers might be available to reduce fees under a two-year test program included in the bill. The Senate is working on a similar bill, with similar child care provisions, making it likely this benefit will be available in some areas beginning in 2010. [Source: NavyTimes article 13 Jul 09 ++]

Feres Doctrine Update 01: The effort to give service members the right to sue the government for medical malpractice for injuries unrelated to their service is gaining momentum. On 24 JUN, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) followed the lead of Rep. Maurice Hinchey's (D-NY) H.R.1478 legislation, when he introduced the Senate version of the Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act, which would allow service members to sue the military for negligent medical, dental or related health care. Such legal action is currently banned under the so-called Feres Doctrine. It would limit all such Federal Tort Claims Act suits to peacetime injuries and none “arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces during time of armed conflict.” Schumer’s bill, named for a Marine who died after his malignant melanoma was misdiagnosed, will now be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is opposed by committee member Sen. Lindsey Graham, (R-SC), an Air Force Reserve judge advocate. Graham believes military doctors who make mistakes should face discipline but not lawsuits. The House Judiciary Committee was scheduled to meet and vote on Hinchey’s proposal sometime after the 4 July recess. [Source: NavyTimes article 13 Jul 09 ++]

Tricare Prime Update 05: According to an independent study funded by Tricare some dependents are unhappy with their care. Active-duty dependents who are Tricare Prime users living near the lowest-rated military treatment facilities say the Military Health System falls short in the areas of getting needed care, getting it quickly, the courtesy and helpfulness of office staff, doctor communication, overall health care and doctor quality. Military retirees and their dependents in those areas weren’t much happier with Tricare Prime, awarding subpar scores for getting needed care, getting care quickly and overall health care. The results may not come as a surprise given the low customer service ratings of the facilities (not identified in the study) where the services were proffered. But they are not necessarily an indication of how all Prime users feel about the system, according to Kristen Purcell, lead researcher for the company that conducted the survey for the Pentagon, Mathematica Policy Research Inc. Tricare, she said, asked Mathematica to look at this group of users to more deeply explore ways to improve the customer experience — “to hear a little bit about what was driving dissatisfaction” with the system, Purcell said. The complaints are similar to those expressed by users of civilian systems. “This is very consistent with the literature on patient satisfaction,” Purcell said. She also stressed that the responses were drawn from limited focus-group research, not a random sample, and can’t be accurately applied to a broader population.

     But while Purcell declined to compare the results with those of previous studies of the Military Health System, saying she wasn’t familiar with them, her team’s findings generally echoed those of similar annual studies of users of the MHS dating back to at least 2003. In those independent studies, users generally gave Tricare lower marks than did civilian health care system users. Respondents expressed three overarching concerns in the new study. One was a lack of continuity of care in the direct care system because of physician rotations and deployments, which can lead to abrupt changes in the Primary Care Manager (PCM). A PCM is a doctor or team of doctors that oversees the care of Tricare Prime users, akin to a civilian family doctor or practice. “I’ve been in the military health system not quite three years, and I’ve had four or five different PCMs,” one unnamed respondent told researchers. “I keep getting reassigned. That’s probably one of my bigger complaints, because I’m not able to establish a history with any one doctor, because I never see the same doctor twice.” Most respondents also said that they weren’t given an enrollment choice between having a direct care or purchased care PCM; most of those pursuing direct care said they were assigned a PCM. And those going the purchased-care route said their choices among civilian providers were limited. Customer ratings for military treatment facilities from the 2008 Adult Annual Beneficiary Report can be seen at http://www.tricare.mil/hpae/surveys/surveys.cfm

[Source: NavyTimes William H. McMichael article 13 Jul 09 ++]

VA Deceased Accrued Benefits: If a veteran passes during the application process prior to funds being released, those entitled on the basis of relationship can file against those accrued benefits for expenses associated with the “Last Illness.” This is not limited to just the out of pocket expenses incurred for final arrangements not covered by pre-existing arrangements or policies, nor is it for the last ambulance ride. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs own definition; “Last Illness” is the date of the application, which means the date Improved Pension was actually filed for. For example:

* Initial application was made on 15 MAR for the Aid & Attendance Pension.
* The application was approved, but the VA delayed payments due to incompetency issues such as dementia pending a fiduciary being approved or appointed.
* The veteran passes on 25 AUG 08 leaving 5 months of accrued benefits that were never paid out. Most would assume,
* Based on the form letter they receive from the VA informing them of the passing most would assume that the file has been closed since the applicant is deceased, and as a result that there is no other recourse, when actually there is. The file should a Form 21-601.

     Form 21-601 Application for Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary can be filed to recoup accrued benefit funds. This form should not be submitted by anyone who has applied for death benefits using VA Form 21-534 or 21-535. Forms can be downloaded at http://www.veteranaid.org/docs/VBA-21-601-ARE.pdf Include a copy of the death certificate unless the beneficiary died in a VA medical facility. If an executor or administrator of the beneficiary's estate has been assigned, submit a certified copy of the letters of administration or letters testamentary bearing the signature and seal of the appointing court. If you are claiming reimbursement for last illness and burial expenses of a beneficiary, submit all bills and statements of account covering the services and supplies that were provided in connection with these expenses. The bill or statement of account should be submitted on the regular billhead of the creditor and show:

1. The dates, nature, and costs of services or supplies provided,
2. The name of the deceased for whom the expenses were incurred, and;
3. Whether the expense has been paid, and, if so, by whom.

     Each person claiming a share of accrued benefits must complete a separate form. Entitlement to accrued benefits is determined according to the line of succession determined by law. All siblings who may be entitled to file must be listed on the form. It is recommended that you include a copy of your birth certificate indicating you are a legal heir. In the case of a sibling or other legal heir who has been excluded from entitlement, you need to include a copy of the Last Will & Testament validating that fact. If there are no living persons who are entitled on the basis of relationship, accrued benefits may be used to reimburse the person or persons who paid for or are responsible to pay the expenses of last illness and burial of a beneficiary. The claim should be filed by the person or persons whose funds were or will be used to pay such expenses. If the expenses were paid from funds of the deceased beneficiary's estate, the claim should be filed by the executor or administrator of the estate. If the expenses have not been paid, the claim may be filed by the person who is responsible for the payment of these expenses. Those filing a Form 21-601have 1 year from the date of death to file for reimbursement and should anticipate 6-12 months for the claim to be processed and check(s) issued.

[Source: VeteranAid.org Debbie Burak article 4 Jul 09 ++]

Filipino Vet Offspring: Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, Hawaii Democrat, recently reintroduced S.1337 to reunite Philippine World War II veterans who are U.S. citizens and U.S. residents with their children in the Philippines who have languished for years on the visa waiting list. The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2009 is co-sponsored by Democratic Sens. Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). "In seeking an exemption from the numerical limitation on immigrant visas for the children of the Filipino veterans, our bill will address and resolve an issue rooted in a set of historical circumstances that are now nearly seven decades old," Mr. Akaka said. "It does not require any appropriation and will serve to reunite these veterans with their children and honor their too-long-forgotten World War II service to this nation." Now in their 80s and 90s, these men continue to wait for their children...who languish on the visa waiting lists...to join them. This legislation exempts the veterans' children...about 20,000 individuals in all...from the numerical limitation on immigrant visas.
[Source: Washington Post John Fales article 2 Jul 09 ++]

Sunburn: It’s important to protect exposed skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Whether it’s going to the beach, flying a kite, picnicking or riding bikes, the Military Health System (MHS) and Tricare encourage beneficiaries to protect themselves when they’re outside. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone needs to avoid sunburns and protect themselves from sun exposure throughout the year. Sunburns can cause wrinkled skin and increase the risk and of skin cancer; the most common form of cancer in the United States. To protect skin from damaging UV rays, apply sun screen with at least SPF 15 on exposed skin and lips. Any time the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the earth, exposed skin should be protected from excessive sun exposure. UV radiation is at its peak during the late spring and early summer in North America, There is also UV on cloudy, hazy days. According to CDC, the hours between 100 and 1600 during daylight savings time are the most hazardous for UV exposure in the continental United States. It’s best to avoid outdoor activities during midday when UV rays are the strongest. Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants is also a wise choice when it comes to protecting skin from the sun. Adults and children should wear sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UV ray protection. Goggles or sunglasses that wrap around the temples offer better protection when spending time in the water, and when ultraviolet light is most intense.

     One of the best preventatives is to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. You can get as much sun sightseeing as baking at the beach, so use sunscreen whenever you are outdoors. Consider using an aloe vera lotion containing a sunblock. This will cut out 90% of the burning rays and allow 75% of the tanning rays to reach the skin. To speed healing take the following supplements for a few days after getting burned: 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 I.U. of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 1-2 tablespoons (or about 3 capsules per teaspoon) of flaxseed oil, an essential fatty acid. Caution: don't ever cover a sunburn that is blistered or open with an ointment, oil, salve or butter, for it will make the area susceptible to infection. Also, you may have sun poisoning if you experience chills, fever, or get blisters or a rash. If you do, see your physician.
To help Tricare beneficiaries catch potential problems early, Tricare covers skin cancer screening exams for individuals with a family or personal history of skin cancer, increased occupational or recreational exposure to sunlight or clinical evidence of precursor lesions.

[Source: TMA Patricia Opong-Brown article 2 Jul 09 ++]

Sunburn Update 01: To speed healing take the following supplements for a few days after getting burned: 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 I.U. of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 1-2 tablespoons (or about 3 capsules per teaspoon) of flaxseed oil, an essential fatty acid. You should never cover sunburn that is blistered or open with an ointment, oil, salve or butter, for it will make the area susceptible to infection. Also, you may have sun poisoning if you experience chills, fever, or get blisters or a rash. If you, do see your physician. Otherwise, some folk remedies for sunburn which you may want to experiment with are:

* Aloe...Take as many leaves as necessary from an aloe plant; refrigerate; peel off top layer of leaves; apply the side of the leaf with flesh exposed directly to the sunburn. Other remedies use aloe vera juice: for mild to medium sunburn, keep the affected area moist with aloe vera juice. Repeat frequently. This will reduce the pain and the amount of peeling. Aloe vera ointment works well, too, as it contains oil and will not evaporate. For a severe sunburn, keep the area moist at all times with aloe vera juice. Since aloe vera is an astringent, you may want to use aloe vera ointment or some sort of oil, such as olive or baby. Aloe is very effective in relieving pain and inflammation.

* Apple cider vinegar...Apply to the burn with a cotton ball, or make a cooling compress for a large area to relieve the pain. Keep the skin moistened. This remedy will prevent blistering and peeling.

* Aspirin...Aspirin kills the pain and reduces inflammation and redness of a sunburn. It short-circuits the whole sunburn process. It must be taken within 24 hours of getting sunburned. Aspirin is preferable to ibuprofen or acetaminophen because it is less stressful on the liver and kidneys.

* Baking soda...Dissolve in water and make a compress using a clean cloth. Another remedy is to add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a tepid bath and soak. Instead of drying the affected area with a towel, let it air dry. Baking soda is cooling and will help the skin retain moisture.

* Baths...Add 20 drops of each of lavender and chamomile essential oils to a tubful of cool water and soak for 10 minutes.
* Bergamot...Add bergamot oil to cool bathwater.

* Calendula...Put 20 drops of calendula tincture in four ounces of water and bathe the skin until the pain goes away. Calendula is also available in gels and salves. Calendula will help soften and heal burned skin. It is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and can be used long after the burn to heal the skin.

* Cucumber...Rub sunburned area with fresh cucumber slices. They are very cool and will soothe the area.
* Epsom salts...Dissolve in water and make a compress using a clean cloth.
* Ice...Apply ice or cold water to the burned area. This will stop the burning process and cool the skin.
* Lavender...Mix 20-25 drops of lavender oil in one cup of water and bathe the sunburned area.

* Lemon...Mix the juice of three lemons into two cups of cold water and sponge on the sunburn. The lemon will cool the burn, act as a disinfectant, and will promote healing of the skin.

* Milk...Make a compress of whole milk (or buttermilk) and apply to the burned area for 20 minutes; repeat every two to four hours. Wash the milk off so you won't smell sour! The fat content of the milk is soothing for burns. A similar remedy suggests using a cup of skim milk and four cups of water, adding a few ice cubes, and applying as a compress as recommended above.

* Oatmeal...Put some in tepid bath water, soak for a few minutes, then air dry yourself.
* Cooking Oil...Cover the area and sprinkle powdered ginger on the oil. This will promote healing.
* Onion...Bruise an onion and rub on the burn.

* Peppermint Oil...Apply to the sunburned skin. You can also make a mild peppermint infusion and use it as a wash to cool the sunburn.

* Potato...Grate a potato and apply it to the burned area. The starch will cool and soothe the burn.

* Saint Johns Wort...Make an ointment or salve with the essential oil of St. Johns wort for burns that have not broken the skin. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial. Caution: St. John's wort makes the skin more photosensitive, so stay out of the sun if you have used this remedy or if you are taking another form as an antidepressant.

* Shower...Take a warm shower to draw out the heat of your sunburn. The warm water will increase circulation to the area while hydrating it, thereby speeding the healing process.

* Tea...Make some tea, cool, and apply to the burn. While any tea may be beneficial, mint tea, such as peppermint or spearmint are especially good. The teas have tannins that help the healing process.

* Urtica urens...Put 20 drops of urtica urens tincture in four ounces of water and bathe the skin. This remedy is good for itchy, prickly skin.

* Witch hazel...Make a decoction (a method of extraction by boiling of dissolved chemicals, or herbal or plant material) of witch hazel and apply with a compress.

* Yarrow...Native Americans used an infusion (very similar to a decoction but is used with herbs that are more volatile or dissolve readily in water, or release their active ingredients easily in oil) of ground yarrow as a wash.

* Yogurt...Apply plain yogurt with live cultures, let it stand for a few minutes, then rinse off under cool water. Another remedy using yogurt is to mix equal parts of yogurt and mashed strawberries and apply to the sunburned area for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
[Source: Health911.com article July 09 ++]

Tricare Preventive Health Program Update 01: DoD is putting into effect the Congressional ordered waiver of co-pays for some preventive services for beneficiaries who use Tricare Standard or Tricare Extra. (Not Tricare for Life). The services are:

* Colorectal Cancer Screenings.
* Breast Cancer Screenings
* Cervical Cancer Screenings.
* Prostate Cancer Screenings.
* Immunizations.
* Well child visits for children under the age of 6 years.
* The medical visit if it is for one of the items listed above. If a patient has more than one of the listed services provided during the visit (and who wouldn’t) then those other services are subject to co-pays and deductibles.

     The law went into effect on 14 OCT 08, as part of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) but it will not be implemented until 1 SEP 09. So if you have had any of these services preformed since 14 OCT of last year and paid co-pays and/or deductibles retain or try to collect records to submit after 1 SEP for reimbursement. The 2009 NDAA said that DoD could include TFL recipients under this program; but they were not compelled to do so. And not surprisingly, they did not.

Source: TREA Washington Update 2 Jul 09 ++]

VA Blue Water Claims Update 07: Previously the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS) reported that the rules for assumptive Vietnam Agent Orange (AO) were being changed in regards to military members on board ships that actually tied up to a dock. Since then NAUS received the following from the Veterans Benefits Administration. Note the parenthetical change that mentions “tied up to the dock”:

     “The Hass cases will be reviewed as any claim for AO. In essence, since the Hass case was dismissed, if there was no service within Vietnam (e.g.: tied up to the dock in Vietnam for ship purposes, or in the brown water navy, or boots on the ground) the claimant has no availability to use the presumptive regulations for AO. However, if the claimant can prove exposure (via sound medical evidence consistent with the Veteran's service) then entitlement may be granted via 38 CFR, 3.303 (d).”

     NAUS notes that the wording above is not final as the Compensation and Pension Service is still working on changing the regulations. “Hass cases” refer to cases made by “Blue Water” service members for AO related claims. The VA has denied the majority of presumption cases for those who were only served on the “Blue Water” ships and had never set foot on land.
[Source: NAUS Weekly Update 2 Jul 09 ++]

TSP Update 20: Overall, the Thrift Savings Plan's (TSP) funds posted meager returns for June, with none gaining more than 1% with the exception of an I Fund loss. Although all the funds have grown since the beginning of 2009, only the G Fund and the F Fund have increased since 1 JUL 08. Each of the TSP's life-cycle (L) funds climbed in June, but are still in the red compared with 12 months ago. Following was their status as of 30 JUN:

* The S Fund, which invests in small and medium-sized companies, and tracks the Dow Jones Wilshire 4500 Index, posted the strongest returns in June, at 0.73%. So far in 2009, it has gained 7.85%, but it has lost 27.94% compared to the same period last year.

* The G Fund, composed of government securities, grew 0.27% in June, and has accumulated 1.36% since January. During the past 12 months, the fund rose 3.32%. The F Fund inched up 0.54% in June, and has gained 1.95% since the start of 2009. Overall, it has gained 6.18% since June 2008.

* The C Fund, which invests in larger companies on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index which includes fixed-income bonds, was up 0.24% in June, and has increased 3.3% since the beginning of the year. During the past 12 months, the fund fell 26.12%.

* The I Fund posted losses of 1.08% in June, but so far has registered positive gains for the year, at 6.6%. During the past year, the fund has plunged 31.21%.

     Despite stronger gains earlier this year, the riskier L funds saw little growth in June. The L 2040 Fund, designed for enrollees who are not nearing retirement, posted an increase of 0.09% in June, and 5.14% since the beginning of the year. Since June 2008, it has lost 21.42%. The L 2030 Fund was up 0.12% in June, and has gained 4.85% since the beginning of the year. In the past 12 months, it has lost 18.1%. The L 2020 Fund posted gains of 0.14% in June and is up 4.4% so far in 2009. Since June 2008, the fund has fallen 14.38%. The L 2010 Fund posted gains of 0.24% in June and increased 2.82% since the start of the year. Since June 2008, it has decreased 5.56%. The L Income Fund grew 0.26% in June, and is up 2.6% so far this year. During the past 12 months, it dipped 1.96%. To review a monthly listing of the last year’s returns refer to http://www.myfederalretirement.com/public/237.cfm

[Source: GovExec.com Alex M. Parker article 1 Jul ++]

VA Claims Backlog Update 28: A North Carolina lawmaker proposes tackling the backlog of veterans’ disability claims by awarding benefits to veterans after 18 months if their claim hasn’t been processed. Veterans Affairs Department officials have told Congress they are, on average, processing disability compensation claims within 162 days and have a goal of cutting the average to 120 days. But Rep. G.K. Butterfield, (D-NC) is one of many lawmakers who think there is a limit to how patient veterans could be in waiting for money they are due. “Backlogs are at the point where veterans must wait an average of six months for a decision on benefits claims and some veterans are waiting as long as four years,” Butterfield said in a statement. “Veterans deserve better than this.” On 26 JUN Butterfield introduced H.R.3087 which would automatically approve a veteran’s claim if no decision is made by the VA within 18 months. The bill doesn’t say exactly how the VA would do this, but creates a task force to monitor VA to make sure the 18-month deadline isn’t met with an arbitrary denial just before the claim must be paid.

     The bill comes as the number of unprocessed veterans claims exceeds 915,000...a 100,000 jump since the beginning of the year. In testimony two weeks ago before a House committee, VA officials said the current 162 days is 17 days less than one year ago, a sign that they are beginning to make process. Butterfield’s legislation, though, focuses on the estimated 20% of claims that are not easily resolved, usually because the claim involves a veteran claiming multiple disabilities from a variety of causes who is not able to provide documents that show a clear link to military service for all of the disabilities. A deadline might help force the VA to move faster, Butterfield said. “The decision should be made within 180 days,” Butterfield said. “Providing a deadline gives the VA an added incentive to make a timely decision, and provides our veterans with an assurance against claims languishing for years.” The bill was referred to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration, a panel that has discussed the idea of having claims automatically approved if they languish. The VA and some veterans’ service organizations have opposed the idea, worried that a deadline encourages shortcuts by the VA...like quick denials...and also might lead some veterans to file extremely complicated and not well-documented claims in an effort to make the process drag out beyond the automatic payment deadline.

Source: MarineCorpsTimes Rick Maze article 30 Jun 09 ++]

Compensation for Injury by VA: Congress meant what it said 70 years ago in a law that entitled veterans to compensation for injuries resulting from Veterans Administration medical treatment, although for nearly as long, the agency has insisted that compensation was due only if the injury resulted from medical negligence. The unanimous decision upheld a 1993 Federal appeals court ruling that the Clinton Administration had warned would cost the Government $1 billion in the next five years in claims by veterans whose treatment was not negligent but nonetheless had a poor outcome. Ruling in the case of a Korean War veteran who became partly disabled after surgery in a V.A. hospital for a herniated disk, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit here invalidated an agency regulation that restricted compensation to cases of medical accident or fault. The regulation, in various forms, dated from 1930, six years after Congress passed a law providing compensation "where any veteran shall have suffered an injury, or an aggravation of an injury, as the result of hospitalization, medical or surgical treatment" or a vocational rehabilitation program run by the VA. Since 1989, the agency has been a Cabinet department, the Department of Veterans Affairs.

     Writing for the Court on 13 DEC 94, Justice David H. Souter noted that the 1924 law did not include "so much as a word about fault." He said the Government's various explanations for why negligence should be understood as implicit in the statute were "implausible." The decision, Brown v. Gardner, No. 93-1128, was the one of several cases in which the Court has had to examine a law in light of an interpretation by the executive branch that appeared at variance with the words chosen by Congress. In the 13 DEC decision, the Court found no reason to defer to the executive branch's longstanding interpretation of the veterans' compensation law as containing a negligence requirement. The phrase "as a result of" in the law "is naturally read simply to impose the requirement of a causal connection" without regard to fault, Justice Souter said. He said the VA.'s 64-year-old regulation to the contrary was entitled to no weight. "A regulation's age is no antidote to clear inconsistency with a statute," he said. Despite the age of both the law and the regulation, the Court had not had an earlier occasion to examine the issue because veterans' cases were not subject to judicial review before 1988. That year, Congress passed the Veterans Judicial Review Act and set up a special court, the Court of Veterans Appeals, to review veterans' claims. In this case, that court ruled in the veteran's favor, overturning a determination by an administrative board, and the veterans court was in turn upheld by the Federal appeals court. Bottom line there is nothing that prevents veterans from filing suit against the VA for negligent health care resulting in injury as defined and contained in Section 1151 of the Veterans Benefits ACT, Title 38 under Federal Law.

[Source: New York Times Linda Greenhouse article 13 Dec 94 ++]

Hospital Frequent Fliers: Doctors call them frequent fliers. They are the patients who leave the hospital, only to boomerang back days or weeks later. They have become a front-burner challenge not only for hospitals and doctors but also for those trying to rein in rising costs. Typically elderly and suffering from the chronic diseases that account for 75% of health-care spending, their experiences of being readmitted time and again reflect many of the deficiencies in a fragmented, poorly coordinated health system geared toward acute care. There are many reasons for readmissions, including high rates of medical errors and hospital-acquired infections; lack of communication between doctors who care for patients in the hospital and their regular physicians; trouble getting a prompt doctor's appointment after discharge; missed referrals for home health care; and poor coordination and medication management during transitions from hospital to home or nursing home.

     Experts don't agree on how many readmissions are avoidable. Dozens of promising initiatives designed to cut down on them are underway. But many experts say sweeping changes are needed in how health care is delivered and how hospitals and doctors are paid...sensitive issues that confront Congress and the medical industry in the debate on overhauling the health system. President Obama and health reformers in Congress are looking at many ways to reward quality and emphasize prevention and coordination. Right now, hospitals that do a better job of preventing readmissions sometimes end up losing money because the health-care system doesn't pay for the extra work they do. Some health reform proposals would change the way hospitals are paid, so that stopping readmissions becomes good business. One idea is to bundle the payments to hospitals, doctors and perhaps nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, to cover both the hospitalization and those first critical weeks after discharge. Another proposal is to have Medicare penalize hospitals with high readmission rates for eight common chronic diseases. Members of both parties have been looking at ways of paying primary care doctors more to help patients manage their chronic diseases and avoid trips to the hospital every few weeks or months.

     Both doctors groups and the American Hospital Association have agreed that it's time to address readmissions. The association, however, prefers to start with pilot programs to test new payment systems rather than implementing an across-the-board new approach. The AHA also says hospitals should not be held responsible for problems that patients encounter when they're outside the hospitals' control. Readmission costs are staggering. One of five Medicare hospital patients returns to the hospital within 30 days... at a cost to Medicare of $12 billion to $15 billion a year...and by 90 days the rate rises to one of three, according to an analysis of 2007 data by Stephen Jencks. Within a year, two out of three are back in the hospital -- or dead. Jencks consults on this issue for the independent Massachusetts-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement. For the population as a whole, including patients too young for Medicare, the readmission rate is 14 to 19% for the first 30 days, said Jencks.

     Some doctors are skeptical of this new stress on avoidable hospitalizations. At an American Medical Association meeting in Washington this year, some questioned whether they could do much to reduce hospitalizations. Cases can be very complicated, they said; patients don't always follow directions. HeartLink, a program in which patients monitor themselves daily and call a toll-free telephone line to answer some simple questions about weight gain, swelling and breathing difficulties, is new and small, and the results are anecdotal and preliminary. But other hospitals and doctors say they're proving that innovative approaches can cut readmissions while providing higher-quality care at lower cost. Pat Rutherford, a vice president at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, has been working with hospitals across the country that want to see less of their frequent fliers. "There are a lot of innovations out there, and we have growing evidence that we can improve this for the patient, to make their experience better and make sure they have a better handoff to a home or community setting," she said. "How many hospitals are ready to step up to the plate? That's to be determined," she added. "But more and more are becoming aware that in terms of quality and cost, this could be a huge home run if we do it right."

[Source: Kaiser Health News Joanne Kenen article 30 Jun 09 ++]

Retiree Voluntary Recall Update 01: The U.S. Army is ending a program that has allowed military retirees to volunteer for missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, disappointing many former service members who have embraced a second chance to serve their country. Lt. Col. George Wright, 55, an Army spokesman, himself a program participant who signed up to return to service in 2007 after nine years of retirement, said the program is being terminated because the Army had to reduce personnel to reach a congressionally mandated limit on the total number of soldiers. "The end of the program is driven by end-strength concerns," he said, adding that the Army was engaged in a constant process of managing its size by "fine-tuning" its enlistment and retention figures. "There's a balance between the methods we use. We try to use the tools that will impact Army capabilities the least," he said, noting that most of those who had signed up for the program were not serving on the front lines. The decision has caused consternation among many of those who have returned to the military. Since the program began after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, 2,851 veterans with 20 years or more experience...mostly between the ages of 45 and 55...have passed through the program, according to Army figures. Nearly 750 have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

     Army figures show three participants have been wounded and one...Maj. Steven Hutchison, 60, of Scottsdale, Ariz...has been killed. Col. Wright said the Army has recalled retired soldiers, usually officers, in every conflict in which the United States has been involved since the War of 1812. Soldiers who had retired after 20 years' active service, or the equivalent service in the reserves, and who met Army fitness and weight requirements, were eligible for the program. It was set up in 2002 under special wartime powers that enable the defense secretary to recall retirees...although in this case, the process was voluntary. Col. Wright said the Army began phasing out the program in March and would end it by October, sending home the 1,163 retirees now enrolled. A few exceptions with special skills...41 to date...could be approved to remain in service. The House Armed Services Committee recently amended the draft-authorizing legislation that sets the Army's end-strength, raising the limit on the total size of the force by 30,000 soldiers. If the measure is approved by Congress, it would effectively eliminate the Army's rationale for ending the retiree-recall program. It is too soon to tell what effect any changes will have on the plan, Col. Wright said.

[Source: Washington Times Shaun Waterman article 30 Jun 09 ++]

Credit Score Update 02: Paying down installment loans, like car loans, will help your credit score...but not as much as paying down credit cards, said John Gannon, president of FINRA Investor Education Foundation. “If you have high outstanding balances on credit cards, it will affect your credit score negatively,” Gannon said. A credit score is a number from 300 to 850 that summarizes your credit risk based on your credit report. Most lenders consider scores above 700 to be good, and above 650 is fair, according to http://www.myFICO.com and the Consumer Federation of America. Lenders use those scores to determine whether to loan you money and how much interest to charge, so a good credit score can mean lower monthly payments. Go to http://www.myFICO.com for a good calculator showing the effect of various credit scores on interest rates for mortgages and car loans. A good credit score can save you money in other ways. Insurance companies often use credit scores to determine how much you’ll pay for car insurance, for example. The most important component is your payment history, Gannon said, so it’s important to make at least the minimum payments on those loans and credit cards.

     One issue beyond your control is your credit history. A 22-year-old will not have the history of a 55year-old simply because he hasn’t lived long enough to build it. Don’t max out the credit cards and credit lines available to you. A good rule of thumb, Gannon said, is not to exceed 30% of the available credit on your cards. So if your limit is $1,000, try to keep the balance below $300. (Better yet, don’t carry a balance.) If you have three credit cards, is it better to pay down the cards so that the debt on each is less than 30% of available credit or to pay off one card at a time? That depends on your goal, Gannon said. If you’re trying to improve your credit score, the best thing to do is get all three under the 30% threshold. But for money management reasons, you might want to pay off one card at a time. Some people pay off the card with the highest interest rate first. Others pay off the card with the lowest balance first; having one fewer debt can give you a psychological boost. It’s better not to close accounts once you’ve paid them off...that can lower your credit score, Gannon said. FINRA and Brightscore.com provide free credit scores to active duty members and their spouses who are having trouble with their finances. Credit scores also are available to activated National Guard and reserve members. [Source: NavyTimes Consumer watch Karen Jowers article 6 Jul 09 ++]

SGLI/VGLI Update 0: A House subcommittee is wrestling with what changes are needed in life insurance programs to accommodate a new generation of disabled combat veterans who are not yet thinking about long-term financial stability for their families. The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s disability assistance panel is considering revisions to the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program that would give disabled veterans several opportunities to increase their coverage. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN), said current law limits veterans to choosing their special life insurance coverage one year after leaving the military...and the decision is irrevocable. “Many separating service members are young and don’t see the need to carry a large amount of life insurance coverage,” he said. “As they grow older and have a family, many of them require additional coverage.” Buyer favors allowing veterans to buy up to $400,000 of VGLI coverage in $25,000 increments with a chance to change coverage every five years until age 60. One key issue to be resolved is whether improvements would be fully or heavily subsidized by taxpayers, or whether veterans would bear the cost through higher monthly premiums. [Source: NavyTimes Rick Maze article 6 Jul 09 ++]

Burn Pit Toxic Emissions Update 09: Even as military health officials continue to say there are “no known long-term health effects” caused by open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, a team of Army doctors says a soldier’s cystic lung disease is “related to the burn pits in Iraq.” A second set of doctors, trying to determine why 56 soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division came back from Iraq short of breath, found each had bronchiolitis that could be diagnosed only with a biopsy. That disease normally comes with organ transplantation, infection, rheumatoid arthritis or toxic fume inhalation. Because there was no scarring on the soldiers’ lungs, doctors decided it must have been toxic inhalation and added a fifth cause of bronchiolitis to their list: “Iraq.” Since Military Times began reporting in October about burn pits in the war zones, 400 troops have contacted Disabled American Veterans to say they have breathing problems or cancers they believe came after exposure to the burn pits. Many say they have been diagnosed with “asthma-like” or “allergy-like” symptoms when they’ve complained of shortness of breath, but their doctors can’t come up with an exact diagnosis.

     Meanwhile, annual cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among service members have risen 82% since 2001, to 24,555 last year, while cases of all other respiratory illnesses have risen 37%, to 28,276, Defense Department data show. The symptoms cited by service members are remarkably similar. But Spc. Edward Adams, 33, may be the first to have “burn pit” marked in his medical records. Adams, who joined the Army in 2005, served at Camp Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq, from JUL 06 to OCT 07, where he lived downwind of a burn pit used to eliminate the base’s waste. “At night, it was like stepping into a sewer,” he said. “There was a giant black cloud.” Within months of arriving, he found himself short of breath, felt tightness in his chest and had a constant cough. By the end of his deployment, he couldn’t keep up on physical training runs. “They didn’t treat me at all,” Adams said of medics at the base. “They told me it was...dirt and sand. I thought, ‘When I get home, it should clear up.’ But I immediately started getting worse.” No one seemed able to diagnose his problem, and his X-ray looked clear. Then one night after he came home, his lungs shut down, leaving him unable to breathe.

     Adams spent six days in the hospital and was referred to the pulmonary department. A breathing test showed possible asthma, but that didn’t match other tests. His doctor, Army Col. Vincent Grbach, ordered an MRI that showed Adams’ lungs were filled with hundreds of tiny black holes...cystic lesions that had spread throughout his lungs. But unlike the ragged lesions that show up in cases of emphysema, usually in middle-aged smokers, Adams’ lesions were smooth. And there was no scar tissue to show infection. “The doctors said...they hadn’t seen these problems until the last few years,” Adams said. “They asked me if I was near a burn pit.” Grbach brought up the case at a thoracic conference at Tripler Army Medical Center at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where Adams is stationed, to find a diagnosis. Grbach, typed a diagnosis based on the conference in Adams’ file, citing “unanimous agreement” that Adams’ pulmonary disease “represents something other than asthma and is probably related to the burn pits in Iraq.” Grbach recommended that Adams be medically retired from the military, calling his disease a “chronic lifelong condition.”

     In his medical evaluation board, a second doctor determined that Adams’ aorta...the body’s largest blood vessel, leading out from the heart...had decreased in size by about half. The doctor, Michael McGriff, chief physician of the MEB at Tripler, attributed that to “toxic exposure,” according to Adams’ records, because, again, Adams had no other markers for the problem and no one could figure out what caused it. “He told me, ‘Get life insurance. We don’t know if you have one year to live or 50,’ ” said Adams. Vanderbilt University Medical Center physician Robert Miller said Adams is not the only one coming home from Iraq with breathing problems that are proving difficult to diagnose. Miller, assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine, was asked by military physicians to see if he could find out why 56 airborne soldiers back from Iraq were short of breath. Their pulmonary function tests came back normal, and their X-rays and MRIs showed nothing out of the ordinary. But only one had had a baseline pulmonary function test before deploying. That test checks how much air a person’s lungs can hold, usually by seeing how much he can blow out or inhale. That soldier scored 115% of normal on a pre-deployment test. Post-deployment, he tested at 80%. By itself, 80% is not considered abnormal...but a 35-point drop is “a huge change,” Miller said.

     Miller and his research partner, Matthew King, began asking soldiers if they had been exposed to anything in Iraq. Most had been exposed to sulfur dioxide from a sulfur mine fire in Mosul in 2003. The others had been exposed to open burn pits. Miller biopsied the soldiers’ lungs and found in each of the 40 soldiers he tested bronchiolitis, an obstruction of the lungs’ tiniest airways... including in those soldiers who had not been exposed to the sulfur mine. The disease should have shown up on the soldiers’ X-rays, but it didn’t. Miler called that very unusual. As more soldiers came in over the years, Miller ordered a lung biopsy on every one who had shortness of breath...not normal procedure for that condition. “At first, I didn’t biopsy them,” he said. “But two of my most severe patients had chest X-rays that were completely normal.” One, a former marathon runner who had continued to run while in Iraq, was so debilitated upon her return in 2005 that she is now on oxygen. She had not been exposed to the sulfur mine fire, even though Miller said sulfur dioxide is the most significant toxin for this lesion. What else could produce sulfur dioxide? In a memo dated 20 DEC 06, Air Force Lt. Col. Darrin Curtis, former bioenvironmental flight commander for Joint Base Balad, Iraq, which at one time burned 250 tons of trash a day, cited sulfur dioxide as a byproduct of the burn pit.

     Miller’s patients probably will have breathing problems for the rest of their lives. He recommends the military require baseline pulmonary function tests for all active-duty service members so there is something to compare with later, if necessary. Ultimately, Miller said, the military needs to take a serious look at its practice of long-term, open-pit burning of trash. “I believe it’s … inhalational exposure,” he said of the patients he has seen and continues to see. “I’m concerned about what’s out there.”

[Source: NavyTimes Kelly Kennedy article 6 Jul 09 ++]

Camp Darby Welcomes Retirees: If you are a member of the active duty or retiree military community and are able to include a European trip in your plans Camp Darby Italy wants you. Facilities are open to all military ID card holders and their dependent Family members DoD civilian employees retirees and NATO forces with NATO ID card. Camp Darby is home to the only American Beach in Europe. Though a small military community of 1,800 people it has more than 38,000 visitors annually. Located in the heart of Tuscany it’s a springboard to discovering Italy. Pisa the Leaning Tower and the Pisa Airport are minutes away. The city of Florence and its airport are an hour away. For info on visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa refer to http://www.opapisa.it click on "sito ad alta accessibilità" and then English. For info on daily trips APR thru SEP 09 to other locations refer to Camp Darby's Information Tours & Recreation (ITR) site http://www.livornomwr.com/st.php?activity_id=26&template_id=3 and click on their
Trip/Event planner pamphlet in the lower right hand corner for visits to Florence, Cinque Terre, Acqua Village, Volterra, Rome, La Luminara’, La Luminara’, Elba, and Venice.

     Since Camp Darby is not an Armed Forces Recreation Center reservations are on a first come first served basis. Accommodations include two lodges, log cabins, and campgrounds on the installation with handicap-accessible rooms at the lodge and log cabins. Rooms and cabins run $65 to $80 per night depending on your choice, For more information refer to http://www.usag.livorno.army.mil or call 39- then 050-54-7225 or 050-54-7580 for Sea Pines Lodge (but they are only open Central European time from 8 a.m. to,5 p.m.). Reservations at Sea Pines Lodge can also be made by e-mailing lodging@eur.army.mil

[Source: Army Echoes May-Aug 09 ++]

RSO Locations by Country: Army Retirement Services Officers are available to answer questions and assist retirees, dependents, and survivors from all service branches as needed. To contact the RSO for your country refer to the following:

* Europe 06202-80-6080 rsoae@eur.army.mil

* Germany
Ansbach 0981-183-7824 RSOAnsbach@eur.army.mil
Bamberg 0951-300-8071 RSOBA@eur.army.mil
Baumholder 06783-6-6080 RSOBaumholder@eur.army.mil
Grafenwoehr 09641-83-8540 imae-graf.rso@graf.eur.army.mil
Heidelberg 06221-57-3347 RSOHD@eur.army.mil
Kaiserslautern 0631-411-7333 RSOKL@eur.army.mil
Mannheim 0621-730-2399 RSOMA@eur.army.mil
Schweinfurt 09721-96-7033 RSO.Schweinfurt@eur.army.mil
Stuttgart 07031-15-2924 usag-s.rso@eur.army.mil
Wiesbaden 0611-705-7668 RSOWiesbaden@eur.army.mil

* Belgium - 0032-65-44-6238 RSO.usagbenelux@eur.army.mil
* England - see Kaiserslautern
* Italy/So. Europe/Africa/Mid-East - Vicenza - 0444-71-7451 RSOVicenza@eur.army.mil
* Netherlands - 0031-46-443-7320 RSO.Schinnen@eur.army.mil
* Japan - 046-407-3940 rso@zama.army.mil
* Okinawa- 06117-44-4186 rso@okinawa.army.mil
* Korea - 0505-730-4133 RSO@korea.army.mil

[Source: Army Echoes May-Aug 09 ++]

Survivor's File: Whether your marriage was in the early days of military service or long after retirement, one of the most difficult situations you’ll face is dealing with the death of your retired military spouse. Nothing can make this mission easy, but being prepared can help ensure that you do what you need to when the time comes. Communication and regular updates are key. A file with all the retiree's important papers won’t help if it’s in an unlabeled file drawer or on a computer protected with a password that your spouse doesn’t have. Similarly, funeral wishes can’t be followed if the cemetery selected has since closed to new burials. Retirees can use the Casualty Assistance Checklist at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/PostRetirement.asp as a starting point for their survivor’s file. Keep in mind that your survivor file needs to fit your Family’s situation and meet your Family’s needs. Above all, talk about your survivor’s file with your Family. Death is a topic most of us tend to avoid – so you need to set a date and time to talk. You might pick a date you want to be sure to remember – like your wedding anniversary. Make this file up-to-date, easily accessible and designed for your Family. Following is information most survivor’s files will need:

* Social Security Number & copy of your DD-214

* Numbers to call first:

The Army’s Casualty Operations Center (1-800-626-3317) to report the death of a retired Soldier.
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s Retired Pay Center (1-800-321-1080) for those receiving military retired pay.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (1-800-827-1000) for those receiving VA disability compensation.
Local Social Security office for death notification and apply for benefits on your account for survivors.

* Funeral...Who needs to be notified? Also, what kind of funeral do you and your spouse want, do you want to be buried in your uniform, do you want a military honor guard, where do you want to be buried?

* Retired Pay/Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

a. Include a copy of your latest Retiree Account Statement and highlight the section that shows if you did or did not enroll in SBP and, if you did enroll, what category of beneficiary you enrolled (for example, spouse or former spouse).

b. If you worked for the federal government as a civil service employee, note in your file whether you’re receiving separate or combined retirement from the military and civil service and show how this affected your SBP election.

* VA benefits...Are you receiving VA disability compensation? Make sure your survivor’s file includes information on any VA payment or claim you’ve filed with the VA with your VA file number. Even if you don’t usually use a computer, you’ll want to visit the VA’s Survivor page http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/index.htm

* Insurance...Do you have life insurance? Include a copy of your policy and current information on where to call.

* ID cards...Note that your spouse needs to get a new ID card and notify the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) (1-800-538-9552) of your death.

* Finances...Put a copy of your latest bank statement(s) in your file as well as details on any investments and their current value. Also make sure you leave records of any creditors.

* Your will...Where is it? If you were married before – Are any benefits going to your former spouse and children? For example, if your former spouse is your SBP beneficiary, is your current spouse aware of this?

* Do you have a lawyer? Include contact information. Do you have a financial advisor? Include contact information.

[Source: Army Echoes May-Aug 09 ++]

Flag Presentation: Presentation of the flag during a ceremony should be preceded by a brief talk emphasizing the importance of the occasion. Following the presentation all present should salute the flag, recite the pledge of allegiance, and sing the national anthem. For additional info on flag issues refer to http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/ourflag/titlepage.htm

Folding...Two persons, facing each other, hold the flag waist high and horizontally between them.

(1) The lower striped section is folded, lengthwise, over the blue field. Hold bottom to top and edges together securely. Fold the flag again, lengthwise, folded edge to open edge.

(2) A triangular fold is started along the length of the flag, from the end to the heading by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge.

(3) The outer point is turned inward parallel with the open edge, forming a second triangle.

(4) Repeat the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded.

(5) When the flag is completely folded only the triangular blue field should be visible.

Care...The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics, dull colors, and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned. Many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S. flags during the months of June and July. Damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered. American Legion Posts and local governments often have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags. Store your flags in a well ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning compounds. If your flag gets wet, never store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabric and causes mildew. Pole care is also related to flag care. Rust and scale cause permanent stains and some metallic oxides actually eat holes in fabric.

Sizes...The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the flagpole from which it is flying. The only consideration is for the flag to be in proper proportion to its pole. Flags which fly from angled poles on homes and those which are displayed on standing poles in offices and other indoor displays are usually either 3' x 5' or 4' x 6'. Color guards usually carry flags measuring 4' x 6'. Other recommended sizes are shown in the following table:

* 20 ft Flagpole Height use 4 x 6 foot size flag.
* 25 ft Flagpole Height use 5 x 8 foot size flag.
* 40 ft Flagpole Height use 6 x 10 foot size flag.
* 50 ft Flagpole Height use 8 x 12 foot size flag.
* 60 ft Flagpole Height use 10 x 15 foot size flag.
* 70 ft Flagpole Height use 12 x 18 foot size flag.
* 90 ft Flagpole Height use 15 x 25 foot size flag.
* 125 ft Flagpole Height use 20 x 30 foot size flag.
* 200 ft Flagpole Height use 30 x 40 foot size flag.
* 250 ft Flagpole Height use 40 x 50 foot size flag.

[Source: Federal Citizen Info Center FAQ http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov Jun 09 ++]

Tax Burden for Delaware Retirees: Many people planning to retire use the presence or absence of a state income tax as a litmus test for a retirement destination. This is a serious miscalculation since higher sales and property taxes can more than offset the lack of a state income tax. The lack of a state income tax doesn’t necessarily ensure a low total tax burden. Following are the taxes you can expect to pay if you retire in Delaware:

State Sales Tax: None.

Fuel & Cigarette Tax:

* Gasoline Tax: 23 cents/gallon.
* Diesel Fuel Tax: 22 cents/gallon.
* Cigarette Tax: $1.15 cents/pack of 20.

Personal Income Taxes:

* Tax Rate Range: Low...2.2%; High...5.95%
* Income Brackets: Six. Lowest...$2,000; Highest...$60,000
* Tax Credits: Single...$110; Married...$220; Dependents...$110; Over 60...take an additional $110.
* Standard Deduction: $3,250 if single and not itemizing; $6,500 if married filing jointly and not itemizing.
* Medical/Dental Deduction: None
* Federal Income Tax Deduction: None

* Retirement Income Taxes: Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits are exempt. Taxpayers 60 and older can exclude $12,500 of investment and qualified pension income. They may qualify for an additional tax credit of $110. Out-of-state government pensions qualify for the pension and retirement exemption. Under age 60, $2,000 is exempt. If you are 65 or older on December 31, you are eligible for an additional standard deduction of $2,500 (if you do not itemize).

* Retired Military Pay: Up to $2,000 of military retirement pay excluded for individuals under age 60; $12,500 if 60 or older.

* Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before 24 SEP 75, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.

* VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: VA benefits are not taxable because they generally are for disabilities and are not subject to federal or state taxes.

* Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.

Property Taxes: All real property in the state is subject to tax unless specifically exempt. Personal property, tangible and intangible property is exempt. Real estate is subject to county, school district, vocational school district and municipal property taxes. The state offers various property tax relief programs for residents age 65 and older and for residents with disabilities. Refer to http://finance.delaware.gov/publications/proptax/propmain.shtml Homeowners 65 and older can get a credit equal to half of the school property taxes, up to $500. For property tax rates refer to
http://www.dedo.delaware.gov/pdfs/main_root/publications/2008-2009_Property_Tax_Report.pdf

Inheritance and Estate Taxes: In JUL 05 the legislature eliminated the requirement to file a Delaware estate tax return for dates on which the federal estate tax law does not allow a credit for state death tax (currently 2005 through 2010). It also eliminated the special lien on the gross estate tax if the decedent dies on a date on which the federal estate tax does not allow credit for state death taxes paid.

For further information refer to the Delaware Division of Revenue site at http://revenue.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8200.

[Source: http://www.retirementliving.com Jul 09 ++]

Military History Anniversaries:
* Jul 01 1898 - Spanish-American War: The Battle of San Juan Hill is fought in Santiago de Cuba.
* Jul 08 1948 - The United States Air Force accepts its first female recruits into a program called Women in the Air Force (WAF)
* Jul 01 1863 - Civil War: Battle of Gettysburg, Pa; Lee's northward advance halted
* Jul 01 1907 - World's 1st air force established (US Army)
* Jul 01 1970 – Vietnam: 23 day Siege of Fire Base Ripcord began
* Jul 02 1926 - US Army Air Corps created; Distinguish Flying Cross authorized
* Jul 03 1814 - Revolutionary War: Americans capture Fort Erie Canada
* Jul 03 1898 - Spanish American War: U.S. Navy defeats Spanish fleet in Santiago harbor Cuba
* Jul 03 1915 - U.S. Marines landed in Haiti following the assassination of the Haitian president Vilbrun Guillaume. The Marines remained as occupation forces until 1934
* Jul 03 1950 - Korean War: 1st time US & North Korean forces clash in Korean War
* Jul 03 1988 - US Vincennes in Strait of Hormoez shoots Iran Airbus A300, kills 290
* Jul 04 1776 - Revolutionary War: Declaration of Independence - U.S. gains independence from Britain
* Jul 04 1944 - WWII: 1st Japanese kamikaze attack U.S. fleet near Iwo Jima
* Jul 05 1945 - WWII: Liberation of the Philippines declared.
* Jul 06 1777 - Revolutionary War: British Gen Burgoyne captures Fort Ticonderoga from Americans
* Jul 06 1848 - Mexican-American War ended with the Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo
* Jul 07 1863 - Civil War: 1st military draft by US (exemptions cost $100)
* Jul 07 1941 - WWII: U.S. forces land in Iceland to forestall Nazi invasion
* Jul 08 1950 - Korean War: Gen Douglas MacArthur named commander-in-chief UN forces in Korea
* Jul 09 1944 - WWII: The island of Saipan in the Marianas fell to U.S. troops following their defeat of Japanese defenders
* Jul 09 1944 - WWII: Napalm was used for the first time during the American invasion of Tinian in the Marianas.
* Jul 09 1951 - Pres Truman asked Congress to formally end state of war with Germany
* Jul 10 1943 - WWII: Operation Husky - U.S. & Britain invade Sicily.
* Jul 11 1789 - U.S. Marine Corps created by an act of Congress
* Jul 11 1864 - Civil War: Confederate forces led by Gen J Early begin invasion of Wash DC
* Jul 12 1812 - War of 1812: U.S. forces led by Gen Hull invade Canada
* Jul 13 1945 - WWII: 1st atom bomb explodes in New Mexico
* Jul 14 1863 - Civil War: Confederate forces under GEN Robert E. Lee, defeated after three days of fighting at the battle of Gettysburg, began their withdrawal to the South.
* Jul 14 1945 - Battleship USS South Dakota is 1st US ship to bombard Japan
* Jul 15 1779 - Revolutionary War: U.S. troops under Gen A Wayne conquer Ft Stony Point, NY
* Jul 15 1918 - WWII: Beginning of the Second Battle of the Marne between German forces on one side and French, American, British, and Italian troops on the other side. The battle ended on 4 AUG.
* Jul 15 1958 - U.S. Marines deployed in Lebanon
[Source: Various Jun 09 ++]

Have You Heard?:

Marine Corps Rules:

1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive enough, quickly enough.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a '4.'
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover and concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.

Navy SEALS Rules:

1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Adjust speedo.
4. Check hair in mirror.

US Army Rangers Rules:

1. Walk 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from 'Higher' to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.

US Army Rules:

1. Curse bitterly when receiving operational order.
2. Make sure there is extra ammo and extra coffee.
3. Curse bitterly.
4. Curse bitterly.
5. Do not listen to 2nd LTs; it can get you killed.

US Air Force Rules:

1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner..
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask 'What is a gunfight?'
5. Request more funding from Congress with a 'killer' Power Point presentation.
6. Wine & dine ''key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets 'strategic' and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 13:45 tee-time.
10. Make sure the base is as far as possible from the conflict but close enough to have tax exemption.

US Navy Rules:

1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Deploy Marines

Veteran Legislation Status 13 July 2009: Of the 3182 House pieces of legislation introduced in the 111th Congress to date, the following are of interest to the non-active duty veteran community. Bill titles in green are new additions to this summary. A good indication on the likelihood a bill of being forwarded to the House or Senate for passage and subsequently being signed into law by the President is the number of cosponsors who have signed onto the bill. An alternate way for it to become law is if it is added as an addendum to another bill such as the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and survives the conference committee assigned to iron out the difference between the House and Senate bills. At http://thomas.loc.gov you can review a copy of each bill’s text, determine its current status, the committee it has been assigned to, who your representative is and his/her phone number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or letter of your own making, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it. To separately determine what bills, amendments your representative has sponsored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d111/sponlst.html To review a numerical list of all bills introduced refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/111search.html The key to increasing cosponsorship is letting legislators know of their constituent’s views on issues. Those bills that include a website in red are being pushed by various veterans groups for passage and by clicking on that website you can forward a preformatted message to your legislator requesting he/she support the bill.

United States House website: http://www.house.gov/
To contact Members of the U.S House, go to: http://www.house.gov/Welcome.shtml

Veteran House Legislation:

H.R.23 : Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (168)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/13/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via http://capwiz.com/naus/issues/alert/?alertid=12497121

H.R.32 : Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Companion Bill S.315
Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.33 : Disability Benefit Fairness Act of 2009 to amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 5-month waiting period for entitlement to disability benefits and to eliminate reconsideration as an intervening step between initial benefit entitlement decisions and subsequent hearings on the record on such decisions.
Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.82 : Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 to expand retroactive eligibility of the Army Combat Action Badge to include members of the Army who participated in combat during which they personally engaged, or were personally engaged by, the enemy at any time on or after December 7, 1941.
Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (16)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.84 : Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.108 : Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to their dependents.
Sponsor: Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.114 : Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Business Benefit Act to allow veterans to elect to use, with the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, certain financial educational assistance to establish and operate certain business, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [NE-1] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.147 : Designate a Portion of Tax Payment for Homeless Vets. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax payment to provide assistance to homeless veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Israel, Steve [NY-2] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (76)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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H.R.161 : Social Security Beneficiary Tax Reduction Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 1993 increase in taxes on Social Security benefits.
Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.162 : Senior Citizens' Tax Elimination Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the inclusion in gross income of Social Security benefits.
Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.174 : Colorado Vet Cemetery. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region.
Sponsor: Rep Salazar, John T. [CO-3] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.177 : Depleted Uranium Screening and Testing Act to provide for identification of members of the Armed Forces exposed during military service to depleted uranium, to provide for health testing of such members, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.190 : Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous States are able to receive services in at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the State or receive comparable services provided by contract in the State. Companion Bill S.239.
Sponsor: Rep Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.198 : Health Care Tax Deduction Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for amounts paid for health insurance and prescription drug costs of individuals.
Sponsor: Rep Stearns, Cliff [FL-6] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.208 : National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty or performed active service since September 11, 2001, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations receive credit for such service in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay, and for other purposes. Companion Bill S.644.
Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (69)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.210 : Vet Cemetery South Carolina Land Acquisition Study. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the acquisition of a parcel of land adjacent to Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina.
Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.217 : Vet Cemetery South Carolina Land Acquisition Purchase. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to acquire a parcel of land adjacent to Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina.
Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.228 : Visual Impairment VA Scholarship Program to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility.
Sponsor: Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] (introduced 1/7/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

H.R.236 : Social Security Protection Act to amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to protect Social Security beneficiaries against any reduction in benefits.
Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 1/7/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Rules; House Budget
Latest Major Action: 1/7/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.237 : Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit to military retirees for premiums paid for coverage under Medicare Part B.
Sponsor: Rep Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8] (introduced 1/7/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/7/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R.247 : Protect Our Veterans Memorials Act of 2009 to amend section 1369 of title 18, United States Code, to extend Federal jurisdiction over destruction of veterans' memorials on State or local government property.
Sponsor: Rep Green, Gene [TX-29] (introduced 1/7/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 2/9/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

H.R.270 : TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009 to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve. Companion Bill S.731.
Sponsor: Rep Latta, Robert E. [OH-5] (introduced 1/7/2009) Cosponsors (66)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via
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H.R.293 : Homeless Women Veteran and Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Grant Program Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Labor to carry out a grant program to provide reintegration services through programs and facilities that emphasize services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (13)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.294 : Veteran Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the reauthorization of the Department of Veterans Affairs small business loan program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (16)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

H.R.295 : More Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009 to authorize appropriations for the veterans' workforce investment programs.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 1/8/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

H.R.296 : Armed Forces Disability Retirement Enhancement Act of 2009 to amend title 10, United States Code, to revise the process by which a member of the Armed Forces is retired for disability and becomes eligible for retirement pay, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.297 : Veteran Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of subsistence allowance payable by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation programs, and for other purposes. Companion Bill S.514
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.303 : Retired Pay Restoration Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation and to eliminate the phase-in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (86)
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/30/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.309 : American Heroes' Homeownership Assistance Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain current and former service members to receive a refundable credit for the purchase of a principal residence.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/8/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.333 : Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated less than 50 percent to receive concurrent payment of both retired pay and veterans' disability compensation, to eliminate the phase-in period for concurrent receipt, to extend eligibility for concurrent receipt to chapter 61 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Marshall, Jim [GA-8] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (96)
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.341 : Suspend Limitations Period for Tax Refund on VA Retroactive Payments. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to suspend the running of periods of limitation for credit or refund of overpayment of Federal income tax by veterans while their service-connected compensation determinations are pending with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/8/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.347 : Congressional Gold Medal Award. To grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
Sponsor: Rep Schiff, Adam B. [CA-29] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (297) – Related bill S.1055
Committees: House Financial Services; House Administration
Latest Major Action: 5/18/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

H.R.379 : State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Expansion Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that all taxpayers have the ability to deduct State and local general sales taxes. Companion Bill S.35.
Sponsor: Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (26)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.394 : Medal of Honor Pension. To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension provided under that title by up to $1,000.
Sponsor: Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

H.R.403 : Homes for Heroes Act of 2009 to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Green, Al [TX-9] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (41)
Committees: House Financial Services; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 6/17/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

H.R.423 : Samuel B. Moody Bataan Death March Compensation Act to provide compensation for certain World War II veterans who survived the Bataan Death March and were held as prisoners of war by the Japanese.
Sponsor: Rep Mica, John L. [FL-7] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.433 : Ready Employers Willing to Assist Reservists' Deployment (REWARD) Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers a credit against income tax equal to 50 percent of the compensation paid to employees while they are performing active duty service as members of the Ready Reserve or the National Guard and of the compensation paid to temporary replacement employees.
Sponsor: Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (34)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.442 : Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2009 to provide an amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register certain firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (109)
Committees: House Judiciary; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/9/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

H.R.449 : Health Care for America's Heroes Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the availability of health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by adjusting the income level for certain priority veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Sestak, Joe [PA-7] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.456 : Disabled Veteran Small Business Eligibility Expansion Act of 2009 to amend the Small Business Act to make service-disabled veterans eligible under the 8(a) business development program.
Sponsor: Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Small Business
Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

H.R.466 : Wounded Veteran Job Security Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination and acts of reprisal against persons who receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service in the uniformed services.
Sponsor: Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25] (introduced 1/13/2009) Cosponsors (8)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.482 : Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act to authorize the rededication of the District of Columbia War Memorial as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial to honor the sacrifices made by American veterans of World War I.
Sponsor: Rep Poe, Ted [TX-2] (introduced 1/13/2009) Cosponsors (30)
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

H.R.484 : Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act to require the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits for certain new beneficiaries as part of the TRICARE program.
Sponsor: Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] (introduced 1/13/2009) Cosponsors (32)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.531 : Social Security Number Fraudulent Use Notification Act of 2009 to amend title II of the Social Security Act to require that the Commissioner of Social Security notify individuals of improper use of their Social Security account numbers.
Sponsor: Rep Myrick, Sue Wilkins [NC-9] (introduced 1/14/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/14/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.568 : Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Costello, Jerry F. [IL-12] (introduced 1/15/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Oversight and Government Reform
Latest Major Action: 1/15/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.593 : CRSC for DoD Disability Severances Pay. To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the authorized concurrent receipt of disability severance pay from the Department of Defense and compensation for the same disability under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover all veterans who have a combat-related disability, as defined under section 1413a of such title.
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] (introduced 1/15/2009) Cosponsors (40)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.598 : American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to provide for a portion of the economic recovery package relating to revenue measures, unemployment, and health.
Sponsor: Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] (introduced 1/16/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Ways and Means; House Energy and Commerce; House Science and Technology; House Education and Labor; House Financial Services
House Reports: 111-8 Part 1, 111-8 Part 2
Latest Major Action: 1/28/2009 Supplemental report filed by the Committee on Ways and Means, H. Rept. 111-8, Part II.
Note: For further action, see H.R.1, which became Public Law 111-5 on 2/17/2009.

H.R.612 : Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2009 to amend section 1922A of title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of supplemental insurance available for totally disabled veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 1/21/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.613 : Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for forgiveness of certain overpayments of retired pay paid to deceased retired members of the Armed Forces following their death.
Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 1/21/2009) Cosponsors (55)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.620 : Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an increased work opportunity credit with respect to recent veterans.
Sponsor: Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] (introduced 1/21/2009) Cosponsors (12)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.627 : Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009 to amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit under an open end consumer credit plan, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] (introduced 1/22/2009) Cosponsors (128) Related Bill S.235 Companion Bill S.414
Committees: House Financial Services
House Reports: 111-88
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-24

H.R.656 : Unemployed Early Retirement Plan Withdrawal without Penalty. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain individuals who have attained age 50 and who are unemployed to receive distributions from qualified retirement plans without incurring a 10 percent additional tax.
Sponsor: Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] (introduced 1/22/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/22/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.667 : Heroes at Home Act of 2009 to improve the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in members and former members of the Armed Forces, to review and expand telehealth and telemental health programs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Salazar, John T. [CO-3] (introduced 1/23/2009) Cosponsors (40)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.668 : Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act of 2009 to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare Program and to exempt from the critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation the number of beds provided for certain veterans. Companion Bill S.307
Sponsor: Rep Walden, Greg [OR-2] (introduced 1/23/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/23/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.671 : In Memory Medal for Forgotten Veterans Act to direct the Secretary of Defense to issue a medal to certain veterans who died after their service in the Vietnam War as a direct result of that service.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 1/26/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/6/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.731 : Jenny's Law to amend title 38, United States Code, to exclude individuals who have been convicted of committing certain sex offenses from receiving certain burial-related benefits and funeral honors which are otherwise available to certain veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and related individuals, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Shadegg, John B. [AZ-3] (introduced 1/27/2009) Cosponsors (23)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/27/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.746 : Safeguarding America's Seniors and Veterans Act of 2009 to provide for economic recovery payments to recipients of Social Security, railroad retirement, and veterans disability benefits.
Sponsor: Rep Adler, John H. [NJ-3] (introduced 1/28/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Ways and Means; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/28/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.761 : Vet Parent Burial in National Cemeteries. To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the eligibility of parents of certain deceased veterans for interment in national cemeteries.
Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 1/28/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/28/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.775 : Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan to offset the receipt of veterans dependency and indemnity compensation.
Sponsor: Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] (introduced 1/28/2009) Cosponsors (260) Companion Bill S.535
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/17/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.784 : VA Reports to Congress. To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress quarterly reports on vacancies in mental health professional positions in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
Sponsor: Rep Tsongas, Niki [MA-5] (introduced 1/28/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/3/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.785 : VA Outreach Training. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide outreach and training to certain college and university mental health centers relating to the mental health of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes. Companion Bill S.543
Sponsor: Rep Tsongas, Niki [MA-5] (introduced 1/28/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/3/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.806 : TRICARE Mail-Order Pharmacy Pilot Program Act to establish a mail-order pharmacy pilot program for TRICARE beneficiaries.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 2/3/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/24/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.809 : Widow Remarriage Age Decrease for DIC. To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 2/3/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/3/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=12993371

H.R.811 : Retired Pay Restoration Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain retired members of the uniformed services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation. Companion Bill S.546
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 2/3/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/24/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.816 : Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit certain increases in fees for military health care.
Sponsor: Rep Edwards, Chet [TX-17] (introduced 2/3/2009) Cosponsors (162)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/24/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.819 : POW DIC Eligibility Date. To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of former prisoners of war who died on or before September 30, 1999, under the same eligibility conditions as apply to payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of former prisoners of war who die after that date.
Sponsor: Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] (introduced 2/3/2009) Cosponsors (15)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/3/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.870 : Medicare Medically Necessary Dental Care Act of 2009 to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under part B for medically necessary dental procedures.
Sponsor: Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] (introduced 2/4/2009) Cosponsors (17)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.879 : Affordable Health Care Expansion Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a refundable credit against income tax for the purchase of private health insurance.
Sponsor: Rep Granger, Kay [TX-12] (introduced 2/4/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.883 : Social Security 1993 Tax Increase Repeal. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 1993 increase in income taxes on Social Security benefits.
Sponsor: Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] (introduced 2/4/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.917 : Combat-Related Injury Death Dependent Health Benefits. To increase the health benefits of dependents of members of the Armed Forces who die because of a combat-related injury.
Sponsor: Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] (introduced 2/9/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.919 : Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain nurses and other critical health-care professionals, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [TX-30] (introduced 2/9/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/9/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.929 : VA Vet Training Program. To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of training to provide eligible veterans with skills relevant to the job market, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Welch, Peter [VT] (introduced 2/9/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.931 : Veterans Employment Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the work opportunity credit with respect to certain unemployed veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Nye, Glenn C., III [VA-2] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.942 : Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot project on the use of educational assistance under programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs to defray training costs associated with the purchase of certain franchise enterprises.
Sponsor: Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .

H.R.944 : Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide improved benefits for veterans who are former prisoners of war.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.950 : Vet Distance Learning Assistance. To amend chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, to increase educational assistance for certain veterans pursuing a program of education offered through distance learning.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (16)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.952 : Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the meaning of "combat with the enemy" for purposes of service-connection of disabilities.
Sponsor: Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (94)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/10/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

H.R.953 : Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a deduction for travel expenses to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with examinations or treatments relating to service-connected disabilities.
Sponsor: Rep Heller, Dean [NV-2] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (20)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.954 : Social Security Benefits Fairness Act of 2009 to amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that a monthly insurance benefit thereunder shall be paid for the month in which the recipient dies, subject to a reduction of 50 percent if the recipient dies during the first 15 days of such month, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.972 : Retired Reserve Age for Health Benefits. To amend title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the requirement that certain former members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces be at least 60 years of age in order to be eligible to receive health care benefits.
Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 3/17/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.1004 : Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an enhanced funding process to ensure an adequate level of funding for veterans health care programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] (introduced 2/11/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/11/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1016 : Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide advance appropriations authority for certain medical care accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (125)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
House Reports: 111-171
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Received in the Senate.
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H.R.1017 : Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 and title 38, United States Code, to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and to expand access to such care and services.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (21) Related bill S.1204
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1036 : Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the position of Director of Physical Therapy Service within the Veterans Health Administration and to establish a fellowship program for physical therapists in the areas of geriatrics, amputee rehabilitation, polytrauma care, and rehabilitation research.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1037 : Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of certain qualifying work-study activities under title 38, United States Code.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
House Reports: 111-162
Latest Major Action: 6/18/2009 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 80.

H.R.1038 : Shingles Prevention Act to amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for the shingles vaccine under the Medicare Program.
Sponsor: Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.1042 : Enemy POW Hospitalization Policy. To prohibit the provision of medical treatment to enemy combatants detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the same facility as a member of the Armed Forces or Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility.
Sponsor: Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.1075 : Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans for Effective Recovery (RECOVER) Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand access to hospital care for veterans in major disaster areas, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Scalise, Steve [LA-1] (introduced 2/13/2009) Cosponsors (15)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/13/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1088 : Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a one-year period for the training of new disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives by National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 2/13/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1089 : Veterans Employment Rights to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the enforcement through the Office of Special Counsel of the employment and unemployment rights of veterans and members of the Armed Forces employed by Federal executive agencies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 2/13/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1098 : Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of educational assistance payable by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to certain individuals pursuing internships or on-job training.
Sponsor: Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] (introduced 2/13/2009) Cosponsors (12)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/10/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

H.R.1114 : National Cemetery Availability. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that geographic area.
Sponsor: Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT] (introduced 2/23/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/23/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1163 : Establish Nebraska National Cemetery. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County region to serve veterans in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and northwest Missouri.
Sponsor: Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] (introduced 2/24/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 2/24/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.1168 : Veterans Retraining Act of 2009 to amend chapter 42 of title 38, United States Code, to provide certain veterans with employment training assistance.
Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/22/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.1169 : VA Adapted Housing/Automobile Assistance. To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing and automobiles and adapted equipment.
Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/25/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1170 : Adapted Housing Technology Grants. To amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code, to establish a grant program to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing.
Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1171 : Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program for fiscal years 2010 through 2014.
Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/31/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1172 : VA Website Scholarship Info Addition. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors.
Sponsor: Rep Boozman, John [AR-3] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
House Reports: 111-164
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1182 : Military Spouses Residency Relief Act to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to guarantee the equity of spouses of military personnel with regard to matters of residency, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Carter, John R. [TX-31] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (123)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/25/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

H.R.1197 : Medal of Honor Health Care Equity Act of 2009 to assign a higher priority status for hospital care and medical services provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs to certain veterans who are recipients of the medal of honor.
Sponsor: Rep Mitchell, Harry E. [AZ-5] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (14)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

H.R.1203 : Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. Companion Bill S.491
Sponsor: Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] (introduced 2/25/2009) Cosponsors (175)
Committees: House Ways and Means; House Oversight and Government Reform; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.
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H.R.1211 : Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Companion Bill S.597
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 2/26/2009) Cosponsors (50)
House Reports: 111-165
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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H.R.1232 : Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009 to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a full service hospital in Far South Texas.
Sponsor: Rep Ortiz, Solomon P. [TX-27] (introduced 2/26/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.1263 : Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009 to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the automatic enrollment of new participants in the Thrift Savings Plan, and to clarify the method for computing certain annuities based on part-time service; to allow certain employees of the District of Columbia to have certain periods of service credited for purposes relating to retirement eligibility; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Lynch, Stephen F. [MA-9] (introduced 3/3/2009) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/3/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.1289 : Social Security Fairness for the Terminally Ill Act of 2009 to amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the five-month waiting period in the disability insurance program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Charles A. [OH-6] (introduced 3/3/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/3/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1293 : Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount payable by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans for improvements and structural alterations furnished as part of home health services.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 3/4/2009) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

H.R.1305 : Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Companion Bill S.572
Sponsor: Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] (introduced 3/4/2009) Cosponsors (74)
Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.R.1317 : Mortgage Payment Tax Credit. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit to individuals who pay their mortgages on time.
Sponsor: Rep Shuster, Bill [PA-9] (introduced 3/4/2009) Cosponsors (14)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1335 : VA Catastrophically Disabled Copay. To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled.
Sponsor: Rep Halvorson, Deborah L. [IL-11] (introduced 3/5/2009) Cosponsors (39)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

H.R.1336 : Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the basic educational assistance program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 3/5/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1377 : VA Emergency Treatment Reimbursement to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 3/6/2009) Cosponsors (2) Companion Bill S.404.
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/31/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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H.R.1388 : Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act to reauthorize and reform the national service laws. Passed 321-105 and placed on the Senate calendar.
Sponsor: Rep McCarthy, Carolyn [NY-4] (introduced 3/9/2009) Cosponsors (37) Related Bills: H.RES.250, H.RES.296, S.277
Committees: House Education and Labor,
House Reports: 111-37
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-13

H.R.1401 : VET Corps Act of 2009 to create a service corps of veterans called Veterans Engaged for Tomorrow (VET) Corps focused on promoting and improving the service opportunities for veterans and retired members of the military by engaging such veterans and retired members in projects designed to meet identifiable public needs with a specific emphasis on projects to support veterans, including disabled and older veterans and retired members of the military.
Sponsor: Rep Sarbanes, John P. [MD-3] (introduced 3/9/2009) Cosponsors (14)
Committees: House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

H.R.1416 : Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand the capability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide for the medical-care needs of veterans in southern New Jersey.
Sponsor: Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] (introduced 3/10/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/13/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.1428 : VA Parkinson's Disease Compensation. To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide wartime disability compensation for certain veterans with Parkinson's disease.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 3/11/2009) Cosponsors (58)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/13/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.1474 : Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and for other purposes. Companion Bill S.263.
Sponsor: Rep Davis, Artur [AL-7] (introduced 3/12/2009) Cosponsors (26)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services; House Oversight and Government Reform
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1478 : Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009 to amend chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, to allow members of the Armed Forces to sue the United States for damages for certain injuries caused by improper medical care, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] (introduced 3/12/2009) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/19/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).

H.R.1496 : Child Health Care Affordability Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a credit against income tax for medical expenses for dependents.
Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 3/12/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/12/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1513 : Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 to increase, effective as of December 1, 2009, the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Kirkpatrick, Ann [AZ-1] (introduced 3/16/2009) Cosponsors (10) Related bill S.407
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/31/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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H.R.1519 : Social Security Benefits Tax Relief Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 1993 income tax increase on Social Security benefits.
Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] (introduced 3/16/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1522 : United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act to provide that service of the members of the organization known as the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Lowey, Nita M. [NY-18] (introduced 3/16/2009) Cosponsors (15)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 5/22/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.1532 : CMOH Statute of Limitations Elimination. To amend title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the statute of limitations on the award of the congressional medal of honor.
Sponsor: Rep Sestak, Joe [PA-7] (introduced 3/16/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1544 : Veterans Mental Health Accessibility Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for unlimited eligibility for health care for mental illnesses for veterans of combat service during certain periods of hostilities and war.
Sponsor: Rep Driehaus, Steve [OH-1] (introduced 3/17/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/17/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1546 : Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Committee on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Sponsor: Rep McNerney, Jerry [CA-11] (introduced 3/17/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/20/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.1592 : Pay Increase Guarantee. To amend title 37, United States Code, to guarantee a pay increase for members of the uniformed services for fiscal years 2011 through 2014 of one-half of one percentage point higher than the Employment Cost Index.
Sponsor: Rep Bilirakis, Gus M. [FL-9] (introduced 3/18/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=13002241

H.R.1600 : TRICARE Autism Care. To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE.
Sponsor: Rep Sestak, Joe [PA-7] (introduced 3/18/2009) Cosponsors (20)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1647 : Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers a credit against income tax for hiring veterans.
Sponsor: Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1657 : Notification of Exposure to Harmful Material/Contaminants. To direct the Secretary of Defense to notify members of the Armed Forces and State military departments of exposure to potentially harmful materials and contaminants.
Sponsor: Rep Schrader, Kurt [OR-5] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1658 : Veterans Healthcare Commitment Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the recovery by the United States of charges from a third party for hospital care or medical services furnished to a veteran for a service-connected disability.
Sponsor: Rep Tiahrt, Todd [KS-4] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.1681 : Veterans Transitional Assistance Act of 2009 to improve the coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to better provide care to members and the Armed Forces and veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] (introduced 3/24/2009) Cosponsors (14)
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1694 : Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Protection Act to authorize the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 under the American Battlefield Protection Program.
Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 3/24/2009) Cosponsors (12) Related Bill S.1168
Committees: House Natural Resources; Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 7/15/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee on National Parks. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-366. 2:30 p.m.

H.R.1695 : Reserve Retired Pay Age Reduction. To amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55.
Sponsor: Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] (introduced 3/24/2009) Cosponsors (23)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1701 : PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review For Heroes Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a special review board for certain former members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1708 : Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 to amend title II of the Social Security Act to phase out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits, to eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions, and for other purposes. Companion Bill S.700.
Sponsor: Rep Green, Gene [TX-29] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (89)
Committees: House Ways and Means; House Energy and Commerce; House Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Major Action: 3/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

H.R.1712 : Savings for Seniors Act of 2009 to amend title II of the Social Security Act to establish a Social Security Surplus Protection Account in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund to hold the Social Security surplus, to provide for suspension of investment of amounts held in the Account until enactment of legislation providing for investment of the Trust Fund in investment vehicles other than obligations of the United States, and to establish a Social Security Investment Commission to make recommendations for alternative forms of investment of the Social Security surplus in the Trust Fund.
Sponsor: Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (19)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/25/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1716 : Property Tax Relief Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the deduction for real property taxes on the principal residences to all individuals whether or not they itemize other deductions.
Sponsor: Rep Hill, Baron P. [IN-9] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/25/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1767 : Fair Housing Tax Credit Extension Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make the first-time homebuyer credit retroactive to the beginning of 2008 and to permanently extend the credit.
Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 3/26/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 3/26/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1804 : Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009 to amend title 5, United States Code, to make certain modifications in the Thrift Savings Plan, the Civil Service Retirement System, and the Federal Employees' Retirement System, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Towns, Edolphus [NY-10] (introduced 3/31/2009) Cosponsors (4) Related Bill H.R.108
Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
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H.R.1809 : TRICARE Prime Geographic Expansion. To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the geographical coverage of TRICARE Prime to include Puerto Rico and Guam.
Sponsor: Rep Pierluisi, Pedro R. [PR] (introduced 3/31/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1818 : Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act to amend title 10, United States Code, to extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to veterans with a compensable service-connected disability and to their dependents.
Sponsor: Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] (introduced 3/31/2009) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1849 : World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009 to designate the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Memorial, to establish the World War I centennial commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (15) Related Bill S.760
Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform; House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 6/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

H.R.1851 : DOL Transitional Services. To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that certain members of the Armed Forces receive employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services provided by the Secretary of Labor before separating from active duty service.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1872 : Secure Electronic Military Separation Act to require the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to develop and implement a secure electronic method of forwarding the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to the appropriate office of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the State or other locality in which a member of the Armed Forces will first reside after the discharge or release of the member from active duty.
Sponsor: Rep Space, Zachary T. [OH-18] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (14)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1879 : National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for employment and reemployment rights for certain individuals ordered to full-time National Guard duty.
Sponsor: Rep Coffman, Mike [CO-6] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/22/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
To support this bill and/or contact your legislators send a message via http://www.ngaus.org/content.asp?bid=1805

H.R.1902 : Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2009 to provide veterans with individualized notice about available benefits, to streamline application processes for the benefits, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny [FL-5] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1919 : Federal Withholding Tax Repeal Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the withholding of income and social security taxes.
Sponsor: Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (12)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.1963 : Military Separation Transitional Services. To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that members of the Armed Forces who are being separated from active duty receive comprehensive employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services, to require that such members receive a psychological evaluation in addition to the physical examination they receive as part of their separation from active duty, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (8)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.1982 : Veterans Entitlement to Service (VETS) Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge the receipt of medical, disability, and pension claims and other communications submitted by veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. [MI-13] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/22/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.1994 : Citizen Soldier Equality Act of 2009 to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide equity between active and reserve component members of the Armed Forces in the computation of disability retired pay for members wounded in action.
Sponsor: Rep Davis, Geoff [KY-4] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

H.R.2014 : WASP Gold Medal Award. To award a congressional gold medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP").
Sponsor: Rep Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL-18] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (335) Companion Bill S.614
Committees: House Financial Services; House Administration
Latest Major Action: 4/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.2017 : MOAA Federal Charter. To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (85) Companion Bill S.832
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

H.R.2059 : SBP Disabled Child Trust. To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the payment of monthly annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan to a supplemental or special needs trust established for the sole benefit of a disabled dependent child of a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan.
Sponsor: Rep Foster, Bill [IL-14] (introduced 4/23/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 5/15/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2127 : Veterans Travel Equity Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the income eligibility and service-connected disability rating requirements for the veterans beneficiary travel program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Souder, Mark E. [IN-3] (introduced 4/27/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/1/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2138 : Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act to provide grants to establish veteran's treatment courts.
Sponsor: Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI-1] (introduced 4/28/2009) Cosponsors (7) Related Bill S.902
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy.

H.R.2180 : Disabled Vet Housing Loan Fee Waiver. To amend title 38, United States Code, to waive housing loan fees for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active service.
Sponsor: Rep Teague, Harry [NM-2] (introduced 4/29/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
House Reports: 111-163
Latest Major Action: 6/18/2009 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 81.

H.R.2243 : Surviving Spouses Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 5/5/2009) Cosponsors (56)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2244 : Single Parent Protection Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an individual who is entitled to receive child support a refundable credit equal to the amount of unpaid child support and to increase the tax liability of the individual required to pay such support by the amount of the unpaid child support.
Sponsor: Rep Lofgren, Zoe [CA-16] (introduced 5/5/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 5/5/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.2254 : The Agent Orange Equity Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 5/5/2009) Cosponsors (79)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
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H.R.2257 : Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [TX-30] (introduced 5/5/2009) Cosponsors (None) - Related Bill S.315
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/5/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2263 : Disability Equity Act to amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting periods for people with disabilities for entitlement to disability benefits and Medicare, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Sutton, Betty [OH-13] (introduced 5/5/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 5/5/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.2270 : Benefits for Qualified World War II Veterans Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of a compensation fund to make payments to qualified World War II veterans on the basis of certain qualifying service.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 5/6/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

H.R.2302 : Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009 to amend title 10, United States Code, to limit recoupments of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving retired or retainer pay.
Sponsor: Rep Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] (introduced 5/7/2009) Cosponsors (3) Companion bill S.1008
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
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H.R.2342 : Wounded Warrior Project Family Caregiver Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a family caregiver program to furnish support services to family members certified as family caregivers who provide personal care services for certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] (introduced 5/11/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/15/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2365 : Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2009 to require the establishment of a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits under titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act.
Sponsor: Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] (introduced 5/12/2009) Cosponsors (36)
Committees: House Ways and Means; House Energy and Commerce; House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 5/12/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.2379 : Veterans' Group Life Insurance Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide certain veterans an opportunity to increase the amount of Veterans' Group Life Insurance.
Sponsor: Rep Buyer, Steve [IN-4] (introduced 5/13/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

H.R.2389 : Veterans' Group Life Insurance Improvement Act of 2009 to require the Secretary of Defense to establish registries of members and former members of the Armed Forces exposed in the line of duty to occupational and environmental health chemical hazards, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide health care to veterans exposed to such hazards, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Hill, Baron P. [IN-9] (introduced 5/13/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/15/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2405 : Richard Helm Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide veterans enrolled in the health system of the Department of Veterans Affairs the option of receiving covered health services through facilities other than those of the Department.
Sponsor: Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/15/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2412 : Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act to exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas.
Sponsor: Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (9)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R.2419 : Military Personnel War Zone Toxic Exposure Prevention Act to require the Secretary of Defense to establish a medical surveillance system to identify members of the Armed Forces exposed to chemical hazards resulting from the disposal of waste in Iraq and Afghanistan, to prohibit the disposal of waste by the Armed Forces in a manner that would produce dangerous levels of toxins, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Bishop, Timothy H. [NY-1] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (12)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.

H.R.2429 : Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2009 to require the establishment of a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.
Sponsor: Rep Gonzalez, Charles A. [TX-20] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: House Ways and Means; House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.2474 : Veterans Educational Equity Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that in the case of an individual entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance program who is enrolled at an institution of higher education in a State in which the public institutions charge only fees in lieu of tuition, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall allow the individual to use all or any portion of the amounts payable for the established charges for the program of education to pay any amount of the individual's tuition or fees for that program of education.
Sponsor: Rep McKeon, Howard P. "Buck" [CA-25] (introduced 5/19/2009) Cosponsors (46)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/19/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2486 : Vet Organization Funeral Detail Support. To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for support of funeral ceremonies for veterans provided by details that consist solely of members of veterans organizations and other organizations, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Gohmert, Louie [TX-1] (introduced 5/19/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2504 : Homeless Vet VA Appropriation Increase. To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the annual amount authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Teague, Harry [NM-2] (introduced 5/19/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/19/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2505 : Reaching Rural Veterans through Telehealth Act to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to utilize tele-health platforms to assist in the treatment of veterans living in rural areas who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.
Sponsor: Rep Teague, Harry [NM-2] (introduced 5/19/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/19/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2506 : Veterans Hearing and Assessment Act to direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure the members of the Armed Forces receive mandatory hearing screenings before and after deployments and to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to mandate that tinnitus be listed as a mandatory condition for treatment by the Department of Veterans Affairs Auditory Centers of Excellence and that research on the preventing, treating, and curing of tinnitus be conducted.
Sponsor: Rep Teague, Harry [NM-2] (introduced 5/19/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2546 : Right to Display Service Flag. To ensure that the right of an individual to display the Service flag on residential property not be abridged.
Sponsor: Rep Boccieri, John A. [OH-16] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

H.R.2553 : Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act to authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances.
Sponsor: Rep Tiahrt, Todd [KS-4] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (9) Related bill S.1128
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2559 : Help Our Homeless Veterans Act to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a national media campaign directed at homeless veterans and veterans at risk for becoming homeless.
Sponsor: Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2573 : Atomic Veterans Relief Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the eligibility criteria for presumption of service-connection of certain diseases and disabilities for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during military service, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2583 : Women Veterans Access to Care Act to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve health care for women veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2585 : Protecting the Retirement of Our Troops by Ensuring Compensation is Timely Act to delay any presumption of death in connection with the kidnapping in Iraq or Afghanistan of a retired member of the Armed Forces to ensure the continued payment of the member's retired pay.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2586 : Honor Guard 13-fold Flag Recitation Option. To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from authorizing honor guards to participate in funerals of veterans interred in national cemeteries unless the honor guards may offer veterans' families the option of having the honor guard perform a 13-fold flag recitation, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (45)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2594 : Dependent State Plot VA Allowance. To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a plot allowance for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in State cemeteries.
Sponsor: Rep Garrett, Scott [NJ-5] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (45)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2598 : Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon Gold Medal. To grant a congressional gold medal to American military personnel who fought in defense of Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon between December 7, 1941 and May 6, 1942.
Sponsor: Rep Heinrich, Martin [NM-1] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (21)
Committees: House Financial Services; House Administration
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.2621 : Travel Expense Reimbursement Time Requirement. To amend title 10, United States Code, to use a time requirement for determining eligibility for the reimbursement of certain travel expenses.
Sponsor: Rep McCarthy, Kevin [CA-22] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2638 : Veterans Stamp to Honor American Veterans Act to provide for the issuance of a veterans health care stamp.
Sponsor: Rep Shuler, Heath [NC-11] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.2642 : Veterans Missing in America Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assist in the identification of unclaimed and abandoned human remains to determine if any such remains are eligible for burial in a national cemetery, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Tiberi, Patrick J. [OH-12] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.2647 : National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2010 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Skelton, Ike [MO-4] (by request) (introduced 6/2/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bill H.R.2990
Committees: House Armed Services
House Reports: 111-166, 111-166 Part 2
Latest Major Action: 7/6/2009 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 96.

H.R.2672 : Help Veterans Own Franchises Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow credits for the establishment of franchises with veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Schock, Aaron [IL-18] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.2673 : Surviving Spouse Pension Upgrade. To amend title 38, United States Code, to match the pension amount paid to surviving spouses of veterans who served during a period of war to the pension amount paid to such veterans.
Sponsor: Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/5/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

H.R.2683 : To establish the American Veterans Congressional Internship Program.
Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Administration
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

H.R.2689 : D-Day Memorial. To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, as a unit of the National Park System.
Sponsor: Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (7) Related bill S.1207
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.

H.R.2696 : Servicemembers’ Rights Protection Act to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the enforcement of rights afforded under that Act.
Sponsor: Rep Miller, Brad [NC-13] (introduced 6/4/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/5/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

H.R.2698 : Veterans’ and Survivors’ Behavioral Health Awareness Act to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to veterans, to enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Giffords, Gabrielle [AZ-8] (introduced 6/4/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/5/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2699 : Armed Forces Behavioral Health Awareness Act to improve the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces, to enhance counseling available to family members of members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Giffords, Gabrielle [AZ-8] (introduced 6/4/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Armed Services; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2713 : Disabled Veterans Life Insurance Enhancement Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the service disabled veterans' insurance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Donnelly, Joe [IN-2] (introduced 6/4/2009) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.2734 : Health Care for Family Caregivers Act of 2009 to amend section 1781 of title 38, United States Code, to provide medical care to family members of disabled veterans who serve as caregivers to such veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] (introduced 6/4/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/18/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.2735 : Homeless Vet Service Program Improvements. To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Rodriguez, Ciro D. [TX-23] (introduced 6/4/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/5/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2738 : Family Caregiver Travel Expense Compensation. To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide travel expenses for family caregivers accompanying veterans to medical treatment facilities.
Sponsor: Rep Teague, Harry [NM-2] (introduced 6/4/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/18/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.2756 : Veterans Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act of 2009 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow eligible veterans to use qualified veterans mortgage bonds to refinance home loans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53] (introduced 6/8/2009) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.2771 : Military Overpayment Fairness Act of 2009 to amend titles 10 and 37, United States Code, to provide a more equitable process by which the military departments may recover overpayments of military pay and allowances erroneously paid to a member of the Armed Forces when the overpayment is due to no fault of the member, to expand Department discretion regarding remission or cancellation of indebtedness, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] (introduced 6/9/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2774 : Families of Veterans Financial Security Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the extension of the duration of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage for totally disabled veterans.
Sponsor: Rep Halvorson, Deborah L. [IL-11] (introduced 6/9/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

H.R.2788 : Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act to designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California.
Sponsor: Rep Calvert, Ken [CA-44] (introduced 6/10/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 6/12/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.

H.R.2830 : Providing Access to Healthcare (PATH) for Veterans Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to give priority to unemployed veterans in furnishing hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to certain veterans assigned to priority level 8.
Sponsor: Rep Courtney, Joe [CT-2] (introduced 6/11/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/12/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2836 : National Guard and Reservist Suicide Prevention and Community Response Act to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to improve and expand suicide prevention and community healing and response training under the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.
Sponsor: Rep Hodes, Paul W. [NH-2] (introduced 6/11/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.2879 : Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care for veterans who live in rural areas, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Kirkpatrick, Ann [AZ-1] (introduced 6/15/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2898 : Wounded Warrior Caregiver Assistance Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide support services for family caregivers of disabled veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Halvorson, Deborah L. [IL-11] (introduced 6/16/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2926 : VA Special Care for Vietnam-era & Persian Gulf War Vets Exposed to Herbicides. To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide, without expiration, hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for certain Vietnam-era veterans exposed to herbicide and veterans of the Persian Gulf War.
Sponsor: Rep Nye, Glenn C., III [VA-2] (introduced 6/17/2009) Cosponsors (5)
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.2928: Post-9/11 GI Bill Apprenticeship/OJT Program. To amend title 38, United State Code, to provide for an apprenticeship and on-job training program under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program.
Sponsor: Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] (introduced 6/17/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

H.R.2968 : SGLI/VGLI Accelerated Death Benefit. To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the required reduction in the amount of the accelerated death benefit payable to certain terminally-ill persons insured under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance or Veterans' Group Life Insurance.
Sponsor: Rep Kirkpatrick, Ann [AZ-1] (introduced 6/19/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.2970 : Federal Law Enforcement Officer Vet Age Limit. To amend title 5, United States Code, to increase the maximum age limit for an original appointment to a position as a Federal law enforcement officer in the case of any individual who has been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Bishop, Rob [UT-1] (introduced 6/19/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.R.2974 : Disabled Vet Health Savings Account Eligibility. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals eligible for veterans health benefits to contribute to health savings accounts.
Sponsor: Rep Campbell, John [CA-48] (introduced 6/19/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.2980 : Survivor Benefit Time Limit for 100% Disabled Vets. To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce the period of time for which a veteran must be totally disabled before the veteran's survivors are eligible for the benefits provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for survivors of certain veterans rated totally disabled at time of death.
Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 6/19/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 6/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

H.R.2990 : Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009 to provide special pays and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, expand concurrent receipt of military retirement and VA disability benefits to disabled military retirees, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Skelton, Ike [MO-4] (introduced 6/23/2009) Cosponsors (25) Related Bill H.R.2647
Committees: House Armed Services; House Oversight and Government Reform; House Natural Resources; House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/25/2009 Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 572 , H.R. 2990 is laid on the table.

H.R.3067 : Health Security for All Americans Act of 2009 to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reform Medicare payments to physicians and certain other providers and improve Medicare benefits, to encourage the offering of health coverage by small businesses, to provide tax incentives for the purchase of health insurance by individuals, to increase access to health care for veterans, to address the nursing shortage, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] (introduced 6/26/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce; House Education and Labor; House Ways and Means; House Veterans' Affairs; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/26/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Ways and Means, Veterans' Affairs, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.3073 : Pending Vet Homeless Grant Program. To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs establish a grant program to provide assistance to veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Sponsor: Rep Nye, Glenn C., III [VA-2] (introduced 6/26/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/10/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.3087 : Establish VA Claim Decision Deadlines. To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a deadline for decisions with respect to claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Butterfield, G. K. [NC-1] (introduced 6/26/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/26/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.3155 : Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide certain caregivers of veterans with training, support, and medical care, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] (introduced 7/9/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

[Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/111search.html 13 Jul 09 ++]

Veteran Legislation Status 13 July 2009: Of the 1433 Senate pieces of legislation introduced in the 111th Congress to date, the following are of interest to the non-active duty veteran community. Bill titles in green are new additions to this summary. A good indication on the likelihood a bill of being forwarded to the House or Senate for passage and subsequently being signed into law by the President is the number of cosponsors who have signed onto the bill. An alternate way for it to become law is if it is added as an addendum to another bill such as the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and survives the conference committee assigned to iron out the difference between the House and Senate bills. At http://thomas.loc.gov you can review a copy of each bill’s text, determine its current status, the committee it has been assigned to, who your representative is and his/her phone number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or letter of your own making, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it. To separately determine what bills, amendments your representative has sponsored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d111/sponlst.html To review a numerical list of all bills introduced refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/111search.html The key to increasing cosponsorship is letting legislators know of their constituent’s views on issues. Those bills that include a website in red are being pushed by various veterans groups for passage and by clicking on that website you can forward a preformatted message to your legislator requesting he/she support the bill.

United States Senate website: http://www.senate.gov/
To contact Members of the U.S Senate, go to: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

S.35 : IRS Sales Tax Permanent Deduction. A bill to provide a permanent deduction for State and local general sales taxes. Companion Bill H.R.369.
Sponsor: Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey [TX] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.66 : Disabled Vet Space A. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit former members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to travel on such aircraft.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.67 : Disabled POW Commissary/Exchange Use. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize certain disabled former prisoners of war to use Department of Defense commissary and exchange stores.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.68 : Filipino Service Certification. A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to determine the validity of the claims of certain Filipinos that they performed military service on behalf of the United States during World War II.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.94 : Long-Term Care Family Accessibility Act. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a nonrefundable tax credit for long-term care insurance premiums.
Sponsor: Sen Vitter, David [LA] (introduced 1/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Major Action: 1/13/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.239 : Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous States are able to receive services in at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the State or receive comparable services provided by contract in the State.
Sponsor: Sen Shaheen, Jeanne [NH] (introduced 1/14/2009) Cosponsors (1) Companion Bill H.R.190
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.246 : Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 1/14/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.252 : Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain nurses and other critical health-care professionals, to improve the provision of health care veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/15/2009) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

S.263 : Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1474.
Sponsor: Sen Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA] (introduced 1/15/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.274 : Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act of 2009. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an incentive to hire unemployed veterans.
Sponsor: Sen Baucus, Max [MT] (introduced 1/16/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 1/16/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.296 : Fair Tax Act of 2009. A bill to promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national sales tax to be administered primarily by the States.
Sponsor: Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] (introduced 1/22/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 1/22/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.307 : Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act of 2009. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide flexibility in the manner in which beds are counted for purposes of determining whether a hospital may be designated as a critical access hospital under the Medicare program and to exempt from the critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation the number of beds provided for certain veterans. Companion Bill H.R.668
Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 1/22/2009) Cosponsors (13)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 1/22/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.315 : Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.32
Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 1/26/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bill H.R.2257
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.347 : Vet Hand Loss Traumatic Injury Protection. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to distinguish between the severity of a qualifying loss of a dominant hand and a qualifying loss of a non-dominant hand for purposes of traumatic injury protection under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Ensign, John [NV] (introduced 1/29/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.402 : Keeping Our Promise to America's Military Veterans Act. A bill to improve the lives of our Nation's veterans and their families and provide them with the opportunity to achieve the American dream.
Sponsor: Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.404 : Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1377.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators refer to
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=13048301&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.407 : Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009. A bill to increase, effective as of December 1, 2009, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (17) Related bill H.R.1513
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Senate Reports: 111-24
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-37 [GPO: Text, PDF]

S.423 : Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize advance appropriations for certain medical care accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs by providing two-fiscal year budget authority, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 2/12/2009) Cosponsors (53)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=12703276

S.491 : Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums.
Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 2/26/2009) Cosponsors (38) Companion Bill H.R.1203
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 2/26/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.498 : Vet Dental Insurance. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize dental insurance for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 2/26/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/26/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.514 : Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance vocational rehabilitation benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.297.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 3/3/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.535 : SBP DIC Offset Elimination. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.775.
Sponsor: Sen Nelson, Bill [FL] (introduced 3/5/2009) Cosponsors (48)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 3/5/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senator send a message via
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S.543 : Veteran and Servicemember Family Caregiver Support Act of 2009. A bill to require a pilot program on training, certification, and support for family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces to provide caregiver services to such veterans and members, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 3/6/2009) Cosponsors (12) Companion Bill H.R.785.
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.546 : Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain retired members of the uniformed services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service of Combat-Related Special Compensation. Companion Bill H.R.811.
Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 3/9/2009) Cosponsors (40)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 3/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via
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S.572 : Purple Heart Forever Stamp. A bill to provide for the issuance of a "forever stamp" to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Companion Bill H.R.1305.
Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 3/11/2009) Cosponsors (12)
Committees: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/23/2009 Referred to Senate subcommittee. Status: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security.

S.597 : Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1211
Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 3/16/2009) Cosponsors (20)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.606 : Veterans Corps Program. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a Veterans Corps program.
Sponsor: Sen Warner, Mark R. [VA] (introduced 3/17/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 3/17/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.614 : WASP Gold Medal Award. A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP").
Sponsor: Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey [TX] (introduced 3/17/2009) Cosponsors (75) Companion Bill H.R.2014
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-40 [GPO: Text, PDF]

S.642 : Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009. A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to establish registries of members and former members of the Armed Forces exposed in the line of duty to occupational and environmental health chemical hazards, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide health care to veterans exposed to such hazards, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Bayh, Evan [IN] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.644 : National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to include service after September 11, 2001, as service qualifying for the determination of a reduced eligibility age for receipt of non-regular service retired pay.
Sponsor: Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (12) Companion Bill H.R.208 Related Bill S.831
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via
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S.658 : Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care for veterans who live in rural areas, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Tester, Jon [MT] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/19/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.663 : Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II.
Sponsor: Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] (introduced 3/19/2009) Cosponsors (37)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.669 : Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the conditions under which certain persons may be treated as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 3/23/2009) Cosponsors (15)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/16/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 78.

S.691 : Colorado National Cemetery for Veterans. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in southern Colorado region, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Bennet, Michael F. [CO] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.699 : South Texas Veterans' Hospital. A bill to provide for the construction by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a full service hospital in Far South Texas.
Sponsor: Sen Cornyn, John [TX] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/25/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.700 : Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to phase out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits, to eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions, and for other purposes. Companion Bill H.R.1708.
Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM] (introduced 3/25/2009) Cosponsors (17)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 3/25/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.728 : Veterans' Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance veterans' insurance benefits, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 3/26/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

S.731 : TRICARE Coverage For "Gray Area" Reservists. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve. Companion Bill H.R.270
Sponsor: Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] (introduced 3/26/2009) Cosponsors (21)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 3/26/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. ‘
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via http://www.ngaus.org/content.asp?bid=1805&False&False

S.734 : Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain physicians in Health Professional Shortage Areas and to improve the provision of health care to veterans in rural areas, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 3/30/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.746 : Nebraska National Cemetery. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County region to serve veterans in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and northwest Missouri.
Sponsor: Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] (introduced 3/31/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.760 : National World War I Memorial. A bill to designate the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the "National World War I Memorial".
Sponsor: Sen McCaskill, Claire [MO] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bill H.R.1849
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.768 : Bataan Gold Medal Initiative. A bill to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the soldiers from the United States who were prisoners of war at Bataan during World War II.
Sponsor: Sen Udall, Tom [NM] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.772 : Honor Act of 2009. A bill to enhance benefits for survivors of certain former members of the Armed Forces with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, to enhance availability and access to mental health counseling for members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Bond, Christopher S. [MO] (introduced 4/1/2009) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.793 : Department of Veterans Affairs Vision Scholars Act of 2009. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility.
Sponsor: Sen Brown, Sherrod [OH] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.801 : Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to waive charges for humanitarian care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to family members accompanying veterans severely injured after September 11, 2001, as they receive medical care from the Department and to provide assistance to family caregivers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (14)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via
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S.820 : Veterans Mobility Enhancement Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the automobile assistance allowance for veterans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Sanders, Bernard [VT] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.821 : VA Copay Collection Prohibition. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Sanders, Bernard [VT] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read the second time and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.831 : National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to include service after September 11, 2001, as service qualifying for the determination of a reduced eligibility age for receipt of non-regular service retired pay.
Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/20/2009) Cosponsors (17) Related Bill S.644
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via http://www.ngaus.org/content.asp?bid=1805

S.832 : MOAA Federal Charter. A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Nelson, Bill [FL] (introduced 4/20/2009) Cosponsors (32) Companion Bill H.R.2017
Committees: Senate Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 4/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.842 : VA Home Loan Payoff to Mortgagers. A bill to repeal the sunset of certain enhancements of protections of servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay mortgage holders unpaid balances on housing loans guaranteed by Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/21/2009 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.847 : SBP Education Assistance Limitation Exclusion. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that utilization of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance shall not be subject to the 48-month limitation on the aggregate amount of assistance utilizable under multiple veterans and related educational assistance programs.
Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 4/21/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.883 : Medal of Honor Coin. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Medal of Honor in 1861, America's highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States, to honor the American military men and women who have been recipients of the Medal of Honor, and to promote awareness of what the Medal of Honor represents and how ordinary Americans, through courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism, can challenge fate and change the course of history.
Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/23/2009) Cosponsors (23)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/23/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.902 : Veteran's Treatment Courts. A bill to provide grants to establish veteran's treatment courts.
Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 4/27/2009) Cosponsors (2) Related Bill H.R.2127
Committees: Senate Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 4/27/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 944 - The Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretaries of the military departments to give wounded members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces the option of remaining on active duty during the transition process in order to continue to receive military pay and allowances, to authorize members to reside at their permanent places of residence during the process, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 4/30/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message via
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S.977 : Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide improved benefits for veterans who are former prisoners of war, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 5/5/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/5/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.998 : Arthur Woolweaver, Jr., Social Security Act Improvements for the Terminally Ill Act. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the five-month waiting period in the disability insurance program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Brown, Sherrod [OH] (introduced 5/7/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 5/7/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.1008 : Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to limit requirements of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving retired or retainer pay.
Sponsor: Sen Shaheen, Jeanne [NH] (introduced 5/7/2009) Cosponsors (3) Companion bill H.R.2302
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 5/7/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
To support this bill and/or contact your Senators send a message
http://capwiz.com/usdr/issues/alert/?alertid=13682656&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

S.1015 : Enhanced Disability Compensation for Certain Disabled Veterans. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance disability compensation for certain disabled veterans with difficulties using prostheses and disabled veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for residuals of traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 5/11/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/11/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1016 : Vet Disability Compensation Award upon Separation. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the commencement of the period of payment of original awards of compensation for veterans who are retired or separated from the Uniformed services for disability.
Sponsor: Sen Burr, Richard [NC] (introduced 5/11/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/11/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1042 : Illegal Garnishment Prevention Act. A bill to prohibit the use of funds to promote the direct deposit of Veterans and Social Security benefits until adequate safeguards are established to prevent the attachment and garnishment of such benefits.
Sponsor: Sen Kohl, Herb [WI] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.1055 : Gold Medal Award for 100th Inf Bn & 442nd RCT. A bill to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
Sponsor: Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (3) Related bill H.R.347
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.1106 : Selected Reserve Continuum of Care Act. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the provision of medical and dental readiness services to certain members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve based on medical need, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 5/20/2009) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 5/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1109 : PRO-VETS Act of 2009. A bill to provide veterans with individualized notice about available benefits, to streamline application processes or the benefits, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY] (introduced 5/20/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1118 : DIC Compensation Rate Increase to 55%. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1128 : Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act. A bill to authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances.
Sponsor: Sen Roberts, Pat [KS] (introduced 5/21/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related bill H.R.2553
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1160 : Homes for Heroes Act of 2009. A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans.
Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 6/1/2009) Cosponsors (5)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S.1166 : Voluntary Support for Reservists and National Guard Members Act of 2009. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to designate part or all of any income tax refund to support reservists and National Guard members.
Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.1168 : Nationally Significant Battlefields Protection. A bill to authorize the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 under the American Battlefield Protection Program.
Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related Bill H.R.1694
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 7/15/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee on National Parks. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-366. 2:30 p.m.

S.1169 : Uniformed Services with Autism (USA) Heroes Act . A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE.
Sponsor: Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY] (introduced 6/3/2009) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.1204 : Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act of 2009. A bill to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 6/8/2009) Cosponsors (1) Related bill H.R.1017
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1237 : Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2009. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs to include male homeless veterans with minor dependents and to establish a grant program for reintegration of homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Murray, Patty [WA] (introduced 6/11/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/11/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1337 : Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2009. A bill to exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 6/24/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: Senate Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.1347 : Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2009. A bill to amend chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, to allow members of the Armed Forces to sue the United States for damages for certain injuries caused by improper medical care, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] (introduced 6/24/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.1394 : Veterans Entitlement to Service Act of 2009. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge the receipt of medical, disability, and pension claims and other communications submitted by claimants, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY] (introduced 7/6/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1427 : VA Hospital Quality Report Card. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 7/9/2009) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.1429 : PTSD/TBI Discrimination Commission. A bill to establish a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces with post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health disorders, to enhance the capacity of mental health care providers to assist such veterans and members, to ensure such veterans are not discriminated against, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 7/9/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

[Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/111search.html 13 Jul 09 ++]