FEATURED ARTICLES AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Homeowners Assistance Program Expands
In 2009, the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) was expanded to provide assistance to wounded servicemembers or Department Of Defense (DOD) civilians reassigned due to medical or rehabilitation purposes or retirement due to their disability; surviving spouses of the fallen; BRAC 2005 impacted homeowners, and servicemembers undergoing a permanent change of station during the mortgage crisis.

A new component now allows the program to assist qualified applicants in the direct sale of their homes in two specific ways: reimbursement at closing and government acquisition.

For a straight private sale - where the applicant does not have the funds to close - HAP may help.

For more information, visit the Homeowners Assistance Program website at http://hap.usace.army.mil/ or contact your local HAP Field Office that can be found here http://hap.usace.army.mil/Contact.html. (From Military.com)

Determining VA Loan Eligibility
VA loan eligibility guidelines are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  A Certificate of Eligibility shows the amount of entitlement.  Those interested in VA home loan benefits may find it helpful to speak with a VA loan professional to understand their own eligibility and entitlement.

Click here. (From Military.com)

Stop Health Care Fraud
TRICARE protects its beneficiaries by working with other government agencies and the TRICARE regional health care contractors to identify and investigate fraud and abuse.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to examine their explanation of benefits (EOBs) and question anything that may have been fraudulently billed.  TRICARE maintains a list of sanctioned medical providers who are barred from participating in TRICARE.  The sanctioned provider list can be searched at http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/exclusions.asp.

To report medical fraud or abuse, contact the regional contractor's fraud and abuse office, call the toll-free number provided on the EOB To report pharmacy fraud or abuse, contact Express Scripts at 800-332-5455.  Learn more about the TRICARE fraud watch program at the TRICARE website at www.tricare.osd.mil/fraud.

Military.com surveys have found that most servicemembers and their families are confused by TRICARE.  Get the facts and latest news on TRICARE. (From Military.com)

SSA Adds to Benefit Qualifications List
The Social Security Administration is adding 38 more conditions to the list of Compassionate Allowances, which are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that clearly qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits.  The new conditions include some adult brain disorders.

For more information, including a list of the 38 new Compassionate Allowance Conditions, visit the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances webpage. (From Military.com)

30 Days Through Afghanistan
A new website "30 Days Through Afghanistan" aims to bring the people, the mission and the experiences of the International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF's) 44 participating nations to a worldwide audience through the eyes of Tech. Sgts. Nathan Gallahan and Kenneth Raimondi.  The pair will travel throughout Afghanistan for 30 continuous days visiting each of the five regional commands and giving a first-hand perspective of the counter-insurgency mission through video, print news and blogs.

For more information, visit the 30 Days Through Afghanistan website at http://30days.isaf.nato.int.  Twitter users can receive tweets on the team's progress at http://www.twitter.com/30DaysThrough. (From Military.com)

Iwo Jima Photograph Still Inspires
February 23, 1945 marks the day that Sgt. Michael Strank, Cpl. Harlon Block, Pfcs. Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, Rene Gagnon and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class John Bradley raised a flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima.  Photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the photograph of five Marines and one Sailor raising an American flag that has remained a symbol of pride for sixty-five years.  A memorial depicting the second flag rising is located in Washington D.C. and stands as a reminder of all Marines who have served since the founding of the Marine Corps.

For more information on Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, visit the History of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima website at http://www.montney.com/marine/iwo.htm and listen to Captain Dave Severance Talk About the Battle of Iwo Jima and Raising the Flag at http://feeds.radioamerica.org/rd-bin/rdfeed.mp3?Veterans&cast_id=9849.

Find ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Visit the Military.com Support our Troops webpage. (From Military.com)

Patriot Express for South Korea
The 731st Air Mobility Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea is preparing for the re-establishment of two Patriot Express routes through Korea.  The estimated date of the first departure mission is April 7.

The first route is scheduled to arrive at Osan Air Base from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Misawa Air Base, Japan, on Mondays at 12:20 p.m.  It will leave the next day, Tuesday, with a 6 a.m. Space-A roll call time.

The second route is scheduled to arrive at Osan from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Yokota AB, Japan on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.  It will leave the same day for Kunsan AB, with a Space-A roll call time of 10 a.m.  The aircraft will then come back through Osan via Kunsan at 10:50 a.m.  Thursday, with Space-A roll call time for departure to Yokota/Seattle-Tacoma of 9 a.m.  Thursday.  Times and days are currently subject to change.  Parking, telephones and internet access will be limited.

Find military-only travel deals, Space-Available travel info, discount travel offers, and more at Military.com's Travel Center. (From Military.com)

TRICARE News Available Fast and Easy at Media Center
Don’t feel like waiting for that next newsletter to get all the latest TRICARE news?nbsp; Visit the new and improved Media Center at www.tricare.mil/mediacenter for the hottest links to TRICARE’s social media and updates to what’s happening with TRICARE.

The new Media Center makes it easier than ever for beneficiaries and providers to follow TRICARE online and share information with friends and family.  By joining the conversation, TRICARE is addressing concerns and providing resources to resolve the common issues beneficiaries have when accessing their health care benefits.

Become a TRICARE fan on Facebook, get tweets on Twitter or sign up for e-mail alerts delivering the latest TRICARE benefit information.  View TRICARE news releases, and videos, download podcasts and much more.  It’s all at the new TRICARE Media Center at www.tricare.mil/mediacenter. (TRICARE Management Activity (TMA))

Don’t Let the Flu Get You

Dr. Jack Smith Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Clinical and Program Policy and Acting Chief Medical Officer, TRICARE Management Activity

When it comes to being and staying healthy prevention is always the easiest method.  TRICARE is committed to prevent illness with vaccines and medications.

One of most serious and dangerous illness is the influenza virus commonly known as the flu.  While peak flu season usually starts in November and runs through March, it’s never too late to protect yourself against the potentially deadly virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot as the first and most important step in protecting yourself against the flu.  Different strains of flu circulate every year, so it’s important to be vaccinated every year.  In 2009 a flu strain known as H1N1, or swine flu, infected people all around the world.

TRICARE beneficiaries are encouraged to take advantage of the easy, hassle-free ways to receive vaccines.  Beneficiaries can visit any one of the 47,000 participating TRICARE retail network pharmacies to receive seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumonia vaccines at no cost.  This expanded coverage is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries eligible to use the TRICARE retail pharmacy benefit.  Normally, the immunizations must be administered in the office of an authorized network provider, however these are exceptions.

Winter flu season may end in March but the risks are still there.  In 2009 a CDC study reported that up to 5.7 million Americans were infected with the H1N1 flu virus during the spring.  This spring, prevention is easier with the retail pharmacy option.

Find out more about the flu and options for beneficiaries at www.tricare.mil/flu. (TRICARE Management Activity (TMA))

Retiree Dental Coverage Available for Purchase
Good oral health is an important part of maintaining overall health and a military retiree’s access to dental coverage doesn’t end when they hang up their uniform.  With the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program, retired service members can purchase affordable dental coverage for themselves and their eligible family members.

The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program is available around the world to retired service members who receive retirement pay, “gray area” retired National Guard and Reserve members who are entitled to (but not yet receiving) retirement pay and Medal of Honor recipients.  The spouses and children up to 21, or 23 if they are full-time students, of these retirees are also eligible for the retiree dental program.

Participants in this voluntary plan can get dental care from any licensed dentist within the program’s designated service area.  However, visiting an out-of-network dentist may require participants to pay higher out-of-pocket expenses and file their own claims.

The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program is a premium-based plan administered by Delta Dental and it has cost shares for certain services after beneficiaries reach their $50 per-person deductible.  Most preventive, diagnostic and emergency dental services are covered or available for cost-sharing immediately after enrollment, but some services including orthodontics, dentures and crowns are available with a cost-share only after 12 months of continuous enrollment.

The monthly premium rates vary based on the retiree’s location and the number of people covered by the plan.  These premiums are automatically deducted from retirement pay.  The rates are available at www.trdp.org and adjust Oct. 1 for the next year.

Those interested in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program may enroll online, by telephone or by mail.  Visit www.trdp.org and click “Prospective Enrollees” for more information on rates and benefits. (TRICARE Management Activity (TMA))

Find a Work Incentive Seminar Near You
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is hosting a series of free community events around the country for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families.  These Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) are held by local organizations and can help people receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, connect with local training and employment resources, and explore opportunities to increase income.

For more resources in your state go to Disability.gov's homepage and select your state from the drop-down menu under "Information by State." (From Disabillity.Gov)

Secretary Shinseki Announces Gulf War Task Force Report

Comprehensive approach to delivering care and benefits to Veterans

Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that the department’s Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Task Force has nearly completed a comprehensive report that will redefine how VA addresses the pain and suffering of ill Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991.

“At VA, we advocate for Veterans – it is our overarching philosophy and, in time, it will become our culture,” Secretary Shinseki said.  “Every day we must challenge our assumptions to serve our Nation’s Veterans.”

The mission of VA’s Gulf War Task Force is to identify gaps in services as well as opportunities to better serve Veterans of the Gulf War.  Of the almost 700,000 service members who deployed to Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, there have been 300,000 Gulf War Veterans with claims decisions, over 85 percent were granted service connection for at least one condition, and over 14 percent were not granted service connection for any condition.

“We must learn from the past and take the opportunity to anticipate the future needs of our Veterans,” Shinseki said.  “This new approach is the first step in a still unfolding comprehensive plan of how VA will treat and compensate Veterans of the Gulf War era.”

The chairman of the Gulf War Task Force is John R. Gingrich, Chief of Staff at Veterans Affairs and retired Army officer who served during the Gulf War.  “Reaching out to Gulf War Veterans is not only essential to our transformation of VA, for many of us it is also personal,” Mr. Gingrich said.  “Having commanded troops in Gulf War, and then witness some of them fall to mysterious illnesses has been very difficult to watch.  With this Task Force, I am hopeful we can provide these men and women a better quality of life.”

VA’s Gulf War Task Force recommendations build on the findings from the 2008 VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses.  The Task Force’s recommendations include:

• Improve data sharing with Department of Defense to notify Veterans of potential exposures monitor their long-term health and inform them about decisions regarding additional follow up.

• Improve the delivery of benefits to Veterans with Gulf War-related disabilities by

  • Reviewing, and if necessary, updating regulations affecting Gulf War Veterans.

  • Expanding training for VBA examiners on how to administer disability claims with multiple known toxin exposure incidents.

• Improve VA healthcare for Veterans through a new model of interdisciplinary health education and training.

• Increase number of long term, Veteran-focused studies of Veterans to enhance the quality of care VA provides.

• Transition from reactive to proactive medical surveillance to help better manage Veterans’ potential hazardous exposures.

• Find new treatments for Gulf War Veterans through new research.

• Enhance outreach to provide information and guidance to Veterans about benefits and services available to them for injuries/illnesses associated with Gulf War service.

(From VA NEWS)

People Celebrate 100 Years of Military Flight by Tech. Sgt. Matthew McGovern
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (AFRNS) -- Servicemembers and civilians remembered 100 years of military flight during the Foulois Centennial Military Flight Celebration here, March 2.

The celebration honored Maj. Gen. Benjamin Foulois, a Signal Corps pilot who flew the "Wright "B" Flyer" aircraft.  In his honor, the crowd watched a demonstration of two Wright "B" Flyer replicas.  Retired Lt. Gen. Steven R. Polk, Air Force Retiree Council co-chair, was among the more than 1,500 people in attendance at Fort Sam Houston’s MacArthur Parade Field.

On March 2, 1910, this parade field was where General Foulois made his first take-off, solo flight, and landing and after four flights, his first crash.  He survived.

"General Foulois marked Fort Sam Houston and this great city of San Antonio as the birthplace of military aviation 100 years ago," said Army Maj. Gen. Russell J. Czerw, the Fort Sam Houston commander.  "Since then, we all know it's been amazing what we have done in military aviation and today we value so very much the air transport and air superiority.  It's essential to obtaining our military objectives."

During the celebration, one of the Wright "B" Flyers, called the "Yellow Bird," taxied in front of the spectators as the other similar "Brown Bird" made several passes 1,000 feet over the crowd.

Don Gum, the Wright "B" Flyer "Yellow Bird" pilot, one of only five such pilots, has flown several other aircraft but said flying this aircraft is a different kind of experience.

"With other airplanes you have a reference out front, you have instruments," Mr. Gum said.  "In (the Wright "B" Flyer) there is nothing around you, no cockpit; it's beautiful, you can see directly below you."

During the ceremony, sitting next to Mr. Gum in the "Yellow Bird," was Amanda Wright Lane, the great-grandniece of Orville and Wilber Wright, the two Americans who invented and built the world's first successful airplane.

"It's nice to be related to a history that is still happening as we're standing here today, and it's so relevant for young people," she said.  "There are so many things that touch our lives that aviation has brought to us: the space program, huge advantages in agriculture, medicine, business, travel and military.  Some of the great leaps we've taken in the past 100 years have somehow been directly related to aviation research."

One young person in the crowd, Ryan Terry, a 4-year-old spectator, said the Wright "B" Flyer was much different than the airliners he is used to.

"I wouldn't want to ride in (the Wright "B" Flyer) because it doesn't have any walls or roof and if I rode in it I would get wet," said Ryan.

Weather definitely factored in for the pilots of the original Wright "B" Flyer, which weighed slightly more than 1,200 pounds and was powered by a 35- to 40-horsepower engine and had cruise speed of 40 mph.  The replica "Brown Bird" that flew over the ceremony was updated with a 225-horsepower engine and has a cruise speed of 55 mph.

Not long after the "Brown Bird" flew over the ceremony, a centennial salute fly-over honoring General Foulois wrapped up the aerial show.  The fly-over included four F/A-18 Hornets; four T-38 Talons; and three Army National Guard helicopters, an HH-60 Blackhawk and two AH-64 Apaches.

"One hundred years ago, when Uncle Will realized he cannot turn away from solving the problem of human flight, he wrote these words, 'I am afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man,'" Ms. Lane said.  "It is my hope that Texans and the rest of us here on Earth never recover from the disease that was Uncle Will's and Lieutenant Fouliois'.  And the symptoms are the desire, the curiosity and the romance that keep us looking to the skies."

For accompanying photos, see http://www.retirees.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123192977. (With permission of the Air Force Retiree News)

TRICARE Newsletters Get the Word Out Electronically
With a few clicks of a mouse, TRICARE beneficiaries can sign up at www.tricare.mil/subscriptions to have the latest TRICARE benefit news sent to them electronically.  All of the newsletters and bulletins TRICARE currently prints are available online and can be delivered electronically straight to an e-mail inbox.

TRICARE Health Matters is mailed to Prime beneficiaries seven times a year.  Health Matters includes updates on recent changes to TRICARE Prime, articles about the latest health-related information and reminders about how and when to update Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information.

Each year TRICARE Standard beneficiaries receive their copy of TRICARE Standard Health Matters.  Like its Prime counterpart, it includes the most up-to-date Standard benefit information and helpful articles about staying healthy.  In September 2010, TRICARE is releasing a special edition of the Standard Newsletter available only in an electronic format.

The TRICARE Dental Health Matters newsletter is delivered to dental enrollee homes three times a year.  Filled cover-to-cover with dental benefit updates and tips about keeping teeth healthy, TRICARE Dental Health Matters is dedicated to helping beneficiaries understand their dental coverage and receive the best dental care possible.

To get the Standard e-Newsletter and other TRICARE newsletters electronically or receive e-mail alerts, beneficiaries can subscribe by their region and beneficiary category – for example, active duty family member, retiree or National Guard or Reserve member – or select the specific health-related topics they want more information about.

Subscribing to TRICARE’s electronic delivery system is fast and secure, just go to www.tricare.mil/subscriptions.  An e-mail address is the only information collected and beneficiaries have a unique page where they can manage their subscriptions 24/7. (From Military Medical Digest)

VA Delay May Stall Benefits for Vietnam Vets
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer

Three veterans groups have threatened the Veterans Affairs Department with a lawsuit if VA does not publish regulations by March 12 about three Agent Orange-related diseases that the Institute of Medicine has deemed should be presumed connected to military service.

Every two years, the IoM reviews scientific evidence to determine if diseases could have been caused by dioxin, the harmful ingredient in Agent Orange.  Agent Orange is an exfoliate widely used during the Vietnam War to clear forests.

In its latest review, IoM found that ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and B-cell leukemias all could be linked to Agent Orange exposure.  VA is required by the Agent Orange Act of 1991 to publish a regulation, making veterans eligible for benefits, within 210 days of such findings.  In this case, that would have been Feb. 19.  VA doesn’t have to pay out benefits until after the regulation is actually published.

The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the National Veterans Legal Services Program sent a letter to VA on Monday demanding that the organization publish the regulation by March 12.

“VA Secretary [Eric] Shinseki in September agreed to add the three diseases,” said Barton Stichman, joint executive director of the National Veterans Legal Services Program.  “But his agency has let him down on paying anyone their benefits.” A VA official said the agency is working to make sure the regulation goes through correctly — and therefore causes no more delays — after severe snow storms in Washington, D.C., shut down the federal government for almost a full week in early February.  The official added that veterans could get benefits retroactively, based on a lawsuit filed in 1984.

Ian de Planque, the American Legion’s assistant director for veteran’s affairs and rehabilitation, said the need to get the regulation right could delay veteran’s benefits until at least late summer.  The regulation must be published in the Federal Register, and then go through a public comment period, before veterans can receive any benefits.

There has been some debate about the inclusion of ischemic heart disease for presumption of service connection.  The science shows that people exposed to dioxin have higher rates of heart disease.  However, ischemic heart disease is the number one cause of death in Western countries, and has also been connected to diet and exercise.

“Shinseki’s already made the decision,” Stichman said of the possibility that discussion over that issue might contribute to the delay in publishing the new regulations, “so that shouldn’t matter.”

De Planque said as many as 200,000 veterans may seek benefits just for heart disease, which could add to the already considerable backlog of VA benefits claims and cause further delays.  De Planque recommended that veterans file claims as soon as a possible, and not wait for the regulation to come out.

“We still don’t know how broadly or narrowly ischemic heart disease is going to be defined,” de Planque said.  “There’s going to be a lot of people affected.”

Stichman said VA hasn’t been late with filing an Agent Orange regulation since 1991, when service connection for diabetes was delayed.  He said veterans won a court case at the time that awarded retroactive benefits in that instance. (From Military Medical Digest)

Cardiologist Shares Ways to Maintain Healthy Heart Christen N. McCluney
American Forces Press Service

Almost every minute, someone dies of a heart-related cause in the United States.  Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in this country, killing more than 400,000 people a year.

"A healthy diet and an exercise program can significantly reduce someone’s risk of developing heart disease," Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Scott Moore, chief of cardiology for the 59th Medical Wing at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, told listeners during a “Dot Mil Docs” interview today.

A heart attack is a sudden blockage that forms in one of the blood vessels that supplies the heart.  "It's usually a clot that happens on top of existing plaque," Moore said.  This prevents oxygen from getting to the heart, he explained, and can cause failure of heart muscles or abnormal heart rhythms, which could potentially be fatal.

Diet is an important part of having a healthy heart, Moore said.  Consuming a variety of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis and choosing lean meat can help in preventing heart disease.  Eating unrefined whole grains can help to reduce cholesterol, along with fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, trout and herring.

"If you do that twice a week, that can significantly lower your risk of death from a heart-related cause," Moore said.

The American Heart Association also recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week as a part of leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.  Moderate exercise can include brisk walking, running, bicycling and the treadmill.  "Getting 30 minutes of a brisk aerobic routine in really meets that need," he said.

Risk factors for heart disease include a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and tobacco use.

"It's important for all of us to continue to see our doctor on a regular basis to get screened for these [so] that these risk factors are appropriately being addressed."

A variety of symptoms warn when a heart attack is occurring.  One of the main symptoms is chest discomfort that begins in the center of the chest, Moore said.  Other symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating and a radiating pain in the arm, neck, jaw or stomach.  Women commonly have the symptoms outside of chest pain which sometimes make their diagnosis less straight-forward, he added.

When experiencing these symptoms, Moore said, the best thing to do is to call 911.  "Time is very important in treating heart attacks," he said.  By calling the emergency medical service most patients receive life-saving treatment up to an hour sooner than someone going to the hospital by car, he explained.

Another benefit in calling 911 is that hospitals in many cities coordinate with the paramedics to activate heart attack treatment teams before patients even leave their homes.  In those cases, a team is waiting at the hospital when the patient arrives and can begin treatment immediately.

(Christen N. McCluney works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.) (From Military Health System)

DOD Board to Reassess Service Disability Ratings by Master Sgt. Russell P. Petcoff
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Recommendations from a congressionally directed Department of Defense Physical Disability Board of Review resulted in 61 percent of applicants having their status changed from a medical separation to retirement on the permanent disability list, said Michael LoGrande, president of the PDBR.

PDBR members reassessed the accuracy and fairness of the combined disability rating assigned to service members who were separated as unfit for duty due to a medical condition with a disability rating of 20 percent or less and weren't eligible for retirement.  The review only considered service members separated from the Armed Forces between Sept. 11, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2009.

The PDBR came about as part of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act which standardized the Disability Evaluation System among the services by mandating the use of the Veterans Administration's Schedule of Rating Disability, Mr. LoGrande said.

"The Department of Defense has identified approximately 77,000 veterans who meet the eligibility criteria to apply to the PDBR," Mr. LoGrande said.

This review is open to eligible veterans of the DOD, Guard and Reserve and Coast Guard, according to Mr. LoGrande.  The request for review may come from the veteran, surviving spouse, next of kin or legal guardian.

Once the PDBR members review a case and make a recommendation, each service secretary, or designee, will decide whether or not to accept the board's recommendation.  Veterans cannot appeal a decision made as a result of the PDBR process.

Eligible veterans can request a PDBR by submitting a Department of Defense Form 294, Application for Review of Physical Disability Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States.  People can find the DD Form 294 at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd0294.pdf

Veterans requesting a PDBR must mail their completed and signed DD Form 294 to SAF/MRBR, 550 C St. W., Suite 41, Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150-4743.  Applicants may submit statements, briefs, medical records or affidavits supporting their application, Mr. LoGrande said.

In addressing their involuntary separation, veterans need to consider whether to go with the PDBR or opt to apply to their respective Board of Correction for Military Records, according to Mr. LoGrande.

"This is a very important point, and PDBR-eligible veterans should understand there are several differences between the scope and the consequences of the two reviews," Mr. LoGrande said.  The DD Form 294 contains a table outlining the differences and outcomes of the two review processes.

"The choice is important and highly dependent upon the facts and circumstances of a veteran's case," Mr. LoGrande said.  "The applicant should weigh all of the factors and make a choice only after careful consideration." (From Air Force Link)

2009 Military Retiree Account Statement Printing Error
Indianapolis (Jan. 13, 2010) -- On December 28, 2009, the Document Automation & Production Service (DAPS) printed Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay annual increases information to military retirees on behalf of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).  The statements were subsequently mailed to retirees by a DFAS vendor beginning January 6, 2010.

During the printing of one file containing the statements, the document duplicating system malfunctioned.  The malfunction was fixed, but upon restarting the printing run the data streams, with information for the front and back of the statement forms, were no longer synchronized correctly.

As a result, approximately 18,000 recipients of the statements in the Norfolk, Virginia area received letters containing another retiree's data on Page 2 of their form.  The other retiree was not fully identified on the Page 2 but the information included data such as allotment type (insurance, savings bonds, etc.) the name of the payee (bank name, insurance company name, etc.) and the amount of the allotment.

There is no indication that anyone other than the intended recipients received privacy data such as Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers or phone numbers.

Recipients of the misprinted statements will be asked to destroy the erroneous statements and corrected forms will be reissued.

Maintaining the privacy of customers is of the utmost importance to DAPS and DFAS who proudly serve our nation's military personnel.  Both organizations regret the error and will work to ensure quality control procedures are improved and followed.

Retirees that have any questions regarding their accounts should contact DFAS at 1-800-321-1080. (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) (DFAS)

Retiree Receives First Hand Transplant in DOD by Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE (AFRNS) -- A team of military and civilian doctors performed the first female hand transplant in the United States at Wilford Hall Medical Center recently.

Retired Master Sgt. Janet McWilliams is the 10th person in the U.S. to undergo this procedure and the first to have it done in a Department of Defense facility.

Almost nine years ago, the former first sergeant of Lackland AFB's 342nd Training Squadron lost her left hand while her right hand was severely injured when a package bomb exploded in her office.

After years of surgical reconstruction and failed attempts to find a suitable prosthesis for her left arm, doctors asked Sergeant McWilliams if she was willing to be put on a waiting list for a hand donor.

Since the incident, Sergeant McWilliams said she underwent more than 25 surgeries for her injuries, but when her doctor suggested a hand transplant, she did not stop to think; she immediately said, "Yes."  On Feb. 16, a hand donor was identified.  On Feb. 17, the transplant occurred.

"I received a gift, a hand," she said.  "In the back of my mind, I've always wanted to have a hand.  This wonderful family gave me that gift.  I'm so honored to have this hand."

In contrast to an organ donor, selecting a donor for a hand transplant recipient involves additional emphasis on matching skin tone color, gender and the size of the hand, said Dr. Joe Nespral, the director of clinical services at the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance.

Two weeks after the surgery, Sergeant McWilliams already experienced movement in her thumb and fingers; however, it would take at least six months for her to regain any feeling in her new hand, said Maj. (Dr.) Dmitry Tuder.  Dr. Tuder was part of the surgical transplantation team and is the chief of hand and upper extremity service at Wilford Hall.

This transplant, Sergeant Williams said, is not only a significant occasion for her, but for all wounded warriors.

"I am hoping that I can open the door for other wounded warriors who are coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas of the world who've lost hands (or) arms," she said.  "Hopefully, this will provide hope for them as well as receiving something back that is absolutely priceless and that is our dignity."

Whenever she is in the hospital, Sergeant McWilliams dons a hospital gown with her former first sergeant rank and the patches of her former units.  She said she hopes the news of this procedure gives wounded warriors another choice and helps them decide if this type of procedure is for them.

To date, no active-duty individuals have undergone this procedure, said Army Col. (Dr.) James Ficke, the chairman of Wilford Hall and Brooke Army Medical Center Integrated Departments of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.  There are about 50 wounded warriors who have an injury that may be eligible for this type of procedure.  Along with Sergeant McWilliams, only one former Marine has received a hand transplant, but his procedure was done at a civilian facility.

Sergeant McWilliams faces months of occupational therapy, and in a years' time, Doctor Tuder said he hopes she will have enough function to perform daily activities.

"The journey is going to be rough; it's not going to be easy," she said.  "There's nothing you can't do in life.  ’No,' is not part of my vocabulary.  This beautiful hand will certainly become a part of my body.  Now, after all these years, I can finally wear that engagement ring again and my wedding band.  It is just absolutely priceless." (With permission of the Air Force Retiree News)

Bill to Stop Cuts in Medicare Payments to Doctors Passes, but is Only Temporary Fix
Last week we told you about the filibuster that had been launched by Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky to stop passage of a bill that would do a number of things, including stopping the cuts in Medicare Payments to Doctors that was scheduled, by law, to go into effect on March 1.  Bunning held out until Tuesday of this week when Senate leadership reached an agreement with him and he agreed to let a vote proceed.

After the Senate voted by a large majority to pass the legislation, it was immediately sent to President Obama for his signature, and it became law on Tuesday evening.  The House had previously passed the bill.

While TREA is pleased that the bill finally was passed into law; we regret that it only puts off the Medicare payment cuts for one month.  They are now scheduled to go into effect on April 1, meaning Congress must deal with the issue once more in just a few short days.

The issue is very important for Tricare beneficiaries because Tricare reimbursement rates to doctors are tied to the Medicare rates and a cut in one means a cut in the other.  There is no doubt that had the draconian cuts gone into effect many doctors would either stop accepting new Medicare or Tricare patients, and some may even have stopped providing medical services to their current patients.

The Senate is also working on additional legislation that would put off the cuts until October 1.  The reason for that is to use the additional time to come up with a permanent fix of the mandated cuts and thereby enable them to stop having to delay the cuts each year.  If they are able to pass the bill that will delay the cuts until October 1 prior to April 1, they won’t have to pass another 30 day extension.  So we will be monitoring both pieces of legislation and keep you updated.  We do not have the bill numbers yet but we will give them to you as soon as we get them.

It is critical that Congress get this fixed permanently as soon as possible and we must hold their feet to the fire. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

No $250 Payment to Make up for Lack of COLA
When it was announced earlier this year that there would be no COLA, President Obama urged passage of legislation to give each person who received Social Security, military retirement, or disability pay from the government -- including VA disability – a one-time payment of $250 to help make up for the loss of the COLA.  However, by a vote of 47-50 this week the Senate failed to pass an amendment that would have authorized the payment.  The reason for its defeat was the inability of a majority of Senators to agree how to pay for it.  That means there will be no $250 payment this year.  The COLA for next year will not be determined until after September, but based on the formula in the law that governs the COLA, it is not likely there will be a COLA next year, either. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

Keep Your Eye on the Deficit Reduction Commission
Government officials are starting to take the issue of the federal debt very seriously.  That’s one of the reasons for all of the fights in the Senate this week.  They can’t decide how to pay for the legislation they want to pass.  Because of the seriousness of the issue President Obama has appointed a bi-partisan deficit reduction commission headed by former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles and former Republican Senator Alan Simpson.  According to an article in the Wall Street Journal the purpose of the commission is to find ways to bring down the national debt, including proposing “ways to hold down the surging costs of government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.”  The report of the commission is due by December 1 of this year, although House Republican Leader John Boehner is asking for the report to be released prior to the fall elections.

TREA is very leery of this commission and what its proposals may be.  Senator Simpson has proven to be rather suspect in the past when it comes to supporting veterans and military retirees.  And we believe if they are looking seriously at Social Security and Medicare costs, you can be sure they will be looking at all costs involving military retirees and veterans, including Tricare, VA health care, and COLAs.

We will be watching the work of this commission very closely in the coming months and we will keep you advised of its work.  The last time a commission like this was set up, TREA and other military and veterans organizations had to fight for 3 or 4 years to stop a number of its recommendations from being enacted into law. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

Repaying Advance Payment of VA Education Benefits
VA’s Debt Management Center (DMC) recently sent out letters advising veterans of their options for repaying the Advance Payment of education benefits they received for this past Fall term.  If you, or someone you know, are having trouble reaching DMC over the phone in regards to Advance Payment recoupment, you can also contact VA’s Education Call Center (ECC) toll-free at 1-888-442-4551 or visit http://www.pay.va.gov for instructions on how to submit payments.  You may also go to "Ask a Question" page to submit a question online. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

21% Cut Delayed 30 Days
On Tuesday the President signed legislation that temporarily delayed a scheduled 21% cut in Medicare/TRICARE payments to doctors – but only until April 1.  The bill also provides relief from the $1,860 Medicare therapy coverage cap until April 1, helping many stroke and accident victims whose 2010 expenses were already bumping against the cap.

Oct. 1 and extend the therapy cap relief through the end of the year.  The Oct. 1 date is significant, since few legislators will want to allow a 21% Medicare cut a month before the election. (c) 2010, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

MOAA Testifies on Veteran & Caregiver Priorities
On March 4, MOAA joined several veterans’ organizations at a joint Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees' hearing to testify on 2010 priorities for VA health care and benefit programs.

Government Relations Deputy Director CDR René Campos (USN-Ret) urged the Committees to pass several pending provisions aimed at strengthening protections, particularly care and support for family-caregivers, the wounded and disabled, and women veterans.  She also highlighted the urgency of improving access to mental health services, eliminating the VA claims backlog, and eliminating inequities in survivor compensation.

House Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) was supportive, stating, "Since Chairman Akaka and I have been chairs of this Committee, we have increased the health care budget by almost $19 billion, a 55 percent increase."  He went on to say more must be done though to ensure funds get down to the facilities in a more effective and efficient manner because veterans continue to wait too long and travel to far to get needed care.

Legislators assured the organizations that they would continue to be strong advocates for veterans and their families.  Chairman Filner and other committee members specifically referenced Campos' comments on several topics:

• Women Veterans: "VA has done some creative workarounds to meet the increased demands of care for women veterans, but more needs to be done to remove current barriers to their medical care," said Campos.

Filner said he plans to introduce a Women Veterans Bill of Rights to address women veterans' unique needs.

• Mental Health: The VA must expand mental health services through innovative approaches, including a campaign to stamp out the stigma associated with seeking help.

The Committee was particularly interested in Campos' example of Virginia's Wounded Warrior Program.  Championed by MOAA's Richmond Chapter in collaboration with the governor’s office and veterans and state-community leaders, it leverages government and community resources to provide mental health care and support to veterans and their families.

• Post 9/11 GI Bill: Campos strongly recommended improving the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include job training, on-the-job training and apprenticeship authority as well as upgrades to the current VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment and Survivors and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Programs.

Chairman Filner assured attendees that the Committee would seek to fix those problems. (c) 2010, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

Annual Medicare Payment Advisory Commission Issues Report, Addresses Rising Cost of Health Care
Published by CAPT Kathryn M. Beasley, USN.Ret at 3:53 pm under Health Care Benefits, Health Care Legislation, Health Care News, Health Care Resources

There has been quite a bit of discussion, research studies, and of course proposed legislative language with respect to reforming health-care in this country.  In this regard, I thought this recent Commission report deserved a closer look as TRICARE reimbursement rates are tied to Medicare’s.  As required by the Congress, each March the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (commonly referred to as MedPAC, and is non-partisan independent agency), reviews and makes recommendations for Medicare payment systems.  These are the fee for service systems (FFS) and the Medicare Advantage (MA) program.  This report is widely anticipated as its principal purpose is to make recommendations for annual rate increases and updates under Medicare’s various FFS payment systems.

The goal of Medicare payment policy is to get good value for the program’s expenditures, which means maintaining beneficiaries’ access to high-quality services while encouraging efficient use of resources.  This is good, in that as a taxpayer, anything less would not serve either those that rely on this system, or those of us who finance this system through our taxes.

The report gives great consideration to the current national environment for context in setting its payment policy.  The report makes very clear that the Medicare program and other U.S. health care payers are on an “un-sustainable financial path”.  For most of the post-World War II period, health care costs have risen faster than the economy.  The Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) reports that health cares total share of the economy rose from 7% in 1970 to an estimated 17% in 2009.  This high rate of growth is projected to continue, absent meaningful financing and delivery reforms.  Hence, the drive for some degree and level of health care reform.  This is at least a start.

A number of factors are responsible for the sustained high rates of growth in health care costs for public and private programs.  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cites advances in medical technology, national wealth, and the consumption-increasing effects of insurance as major contributors to historic and projected growth.  Other factors include changes in demographics and disease burden, rising personal incomes, and increases in prices charged by providers.

Rising spending places an increased burden on those who fund it.  For example, higher premiums for health care benefits have resulted in increased costs for employees (which are starting to surpass any increase in their wages), and for Medicare beneficiaries’ a growing share of their income must be used to pay Medicare premiums and cost sharing, and higher taxes.

Most importantly, numerous studies have shown that much of the increase in health care spending is not explained by improvements in health status, clinical outcomes, or quality of life.  These findings, combined with the projected increases in health spending, represent the core challenges for policy makers.  That is: how to increase quality, improve the efficiency of the delivery system, and find the resources to finance care.

To begin to address these issues, the Commission has recommended a number of changes, such as rewarding providers for improving quality and holding providers accountable for the quality of care beneficiaries receive and the resources expended to provide it.  Many of these recommended changes aim to improve the quality of care and health outcomes by creating incentives for providers to work together to coordinate care, to decrease fragmentation in the system and promote true patient centered care models. Some selected findings:

• Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient Services.  In aggregate, most indicators of payment adequacy are positive, but profit margins on Medicare patients remain negative for most of the 3500 hospitals participating in the Medicare payment systems.  In other words, most hospitals have to balance their pay or mix to achieve an overall positive rate of return.

• Physician Services.  Most indicators of payment adequacy for physician services are positive and stable, suggesting that most beneficiaries can obtain physician care on a timely basis.  A 2008 survey found that most physicians (74%) accepted all or most new Medicare patients in their practice and more than 95% had participation agreements which require them to accept Medicare’s fee schedule.

Overall though, the Commission remains concerned about the access issue and the direction in which it might be heading.  There are reiterations of recommendations to increase payments for selected primary care services and there are plans for future work on those issues in particular.

One issue that will certainly remain in the spotlight is that spending due to health cost growth, if it remains on its present trajectory, will surpass growth in GDP in a matter of a few years.  This is a dialogue in which we all will need to participate in. (c) 2010, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

Protect Disabled Retirees and Survivors’
The March Military Officer asked recipients to sign, stamp, and mail the postcards on the back cover urging Congress to protect disabled retirees & survivors.  You can send that same post card electronically by entering your address below.

Please urge your elected officials to cosponsor and pass H.R. 333/S. 546 for disabled retirees and H.R. 775/S. 535 for military survivors to end unfair financial penalties for those who already have paid a very dear price for serving their country. (c) 2010, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

Copyright (C) 2010, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a Web site, or used in any non-MOAA publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA. All retransmissions, postings, and publications of this message must include this notice.

COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BASE - POST NEWS

Tops In Blue
The Air Force Tops in Blue World Tour 09, featuring one of Langley Air Force Base’s own, is coming to the Hampton Roads Convention Center on Feb. 9.  The concert is free and open to the public.  Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30.

For more information, call 764-2983.

Hospital volunteers needed
The 1 FW Hospital is in need of volunteers to work in the pharmacy as well as other clinics.  If you are interested in volunteering, please call Nick Ruggeri at 764-6384 or e-mail at nick.ruggeri@langley.af.mil.

Wednesday Bible Studies
Wednesday Morning Bible Study, sponsored by Military Ministry, is held every Wednesday from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m. at the Langley Chapel Annex-Auditorium.  It’s a time of great fellowship, insightful Bible topics, relevant Biblical discussion and strengthened Bible knowledge.

For more information, contact Joe Shirey at 764-5527 or e-mail william.shirey.ctr@langley.af.mil, or contact Chuck Macri at 928-7220 or e-mail: chuck.macri@militaryministry.org.

The Cape Henry Inn & Beach Club Carb Load Buffet
Come Out and enjoy The Cape Henry Inn & Beach Club Second Annual Carb load buffet in preparation for the Shamrock Spring Marathon on Saturday, March 20, 2010.  EVERYONE IS INVITED.  Cost is $17.95 Come enjoy our tasty buffet!nbsp; Call the Beach Club.

For more information at 757-425-6631 or visit us on our website www.capehenryinn.com

Easter Sunday Brunch
Come out and enjoy Easter Sunday brunch with your love ones at The Cape Henry Inn & Beach club.  Sunday, April 4, 2010 @ 0900-1300.  EVERYONE IS INVITED.  Cost is $15.95 for Adults; Kid ages 4-12 pay only $7.95.  Free Easter Basket included with Kids meal along with purchase of an Adult meal; While supplies last.  Come enjoy our tasty Easter Sunday brunch!!!!nbsp; Call the Beach Club.

For more information at 757-425-6631 or visit us on our website www.capehenryinn.com

Virginia International Tattoo
The Virginia International Tattoo is a centuries-old tradition with a 21st century American soul.  Fans from around the world unite to witness the marvel of over 850 performers from countries including the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

The pulse-pounding beat of the drums, the heart-swelling spectacle of percussion drill teams and marching bands, the call of the pipes, the swirl of the dancers and the roar of the crowds provokes awe-inspiring power.  Maybe that's why the American Bus Association has put our Tattoo on their must-see list of the most exciting events in the world.  Gather family and friends and experience this unforgettable showcase for yourself!

Fri, April 30, 7:30 PM
Sat, May 1, 7:30 PM
Sun, May 2, 2:30 PM
Scope Arena, Norfolk
$100 Gold Circle, $50 VIP & Premium, no discount $45, $35, $20; students under 25, 50% off

Call 1-800-982-ARTS for tickets.

For information, call 757-282-2822, or visit http://www.vafest.org or e-mail at info@vafest.org

Free Smacker’s Breakfast
The J.M. Smucker Company will host a free breakfast across from the Langley Commissary parking lot March 19 from 7 to 10 a.m.

All active-duty service members, retirees and family members are invited. 

Guest will be served a Smucker’s style breakfast and enjoy a musical performance from Rhonda Vincent.

For more information, call 764-2983.

CAP Seeks Volunteers, Cadets
The Langley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol is seeking adult volunteers and youth cadets for its aerospace education, emergency services and cadet programs.  The CAP is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

Meetings are held Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at 60 West Flight Line Rd. on base.

For more information, visit www.langleycap.com or e-mail Maj. Aaron Oliver at aaron_e_oliver@yahoo.com.

Langley Chapel Drama Guild performance
The Langley Chapel Drama Guild is scheduled to perform “Ms. Sinner smith”, “Herod’s Hit-Men Stalk Baby Jesus” and “The Golden Halo Awards” March 14 at 5 p.m. at the Langley Community Center.  The performances are a celebration of biblical history.

For more information, call 764-7847.

Turning Heads Fashion Showcase
II Kute IV U Boutique & Hair 4 U International will sponsor a Fashion Showcase at the Langley Community Center March 20 at 7 p.m.  The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

General admission $10 and VIP $20

For more information, contact Evelyn Harris at 244-1121.

ITT Tours
NBA Basketball Game.  Come and watch the excitement of NBA Basketball as the Washington Wizards take on the Orlando Magic.  Tickets are $95, cost includes transportation.

The ITT Bus will depart from Langley ITT Office at 2 p.m. March 13 and return approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday is the deadline for signing up.

Visit Williamsburg Winery.  Join us for a Williamsburg Winery tour and tasting adventure.  Visitors will go on a guided tour of the winery and afterwards, a lunch is provided in the Gabriel Archer Tavern overlooking the vineyards.  An engraved tasting glass as a memento of the visit will be provided.  Tickets are $45; cost includes main course, dessert, and coffee or tea.  The ITT Bus will depart from Langley ITT Office at 10 a.m. March 20 and return at 2 p.m. March 15 is the deadline for signing up.

For more information on other ITT Tours, contact the Langley ITT Office at 764-7176.

Winter Whale Watching
Whale watchers can search for humpback and fin whales off the coast of Virginia Beach Thursdays and Fridays through March 14 with the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

Whale watching trips leave from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet, 200 Winston Salem Ave. in Virginia Beach.

A trained aquarium educator while experienced volunteers display whale artifacts and answer questions narrates excursions.  Whale sightings are not guaranteed.

Call 385-FISH for more information.

Admission prices are adult (12 and older), $28 and children ages 4 through 11, $24.

CONTENT DISCLAMER
Although every effort is made to verify the information contained on this web site, neither the editor nor the RAO staff can guarantee the accuracy of information received from outside sources.




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Langley AFB Retiree Activities Office
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