benefits Benefits corner Corner
HB 4038: Veterans Omnibus Bill. HB 4038 addresses a number of issues of concern to veterans: the siting of the Roseburg Veterans’ Home, cemeteries for veterans, incarcerated veterans, the disposition of unclaimed military medals and veterans’ preference for public employment. Roseburg Veterans’ Home: There are two Veterans’ Homes in Oregon, in The Dalles and Lebanon, and a third pending development in Roseburg, for which the state has appropriated $10 million. HB 4038 directs the ODVA to study the siting of the next Veterans’ Home in Roseburg. State veterans’ cemeteries: Oregon has been identified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs as having elevated priority for the development of a state veterans’ cemetery. HB 4038 directs ODVA to study the siting of state veterans’ cemeteries and tribal veterans’ cemeteries. Incarcerated veterans: In 2015, a task force convened pursuant to House Bill 2838 to study the needs of incarcerated veterans and make recommendations to the Legislature. Consistent with those recommendations, HB 4038 requires ODVA to provide reentry services that include assistance with reinstatement of veterans’ benefits and the appointment of veterans’ service officers. Unclaimed property: Unclaimed property in Oregon can be sold or destroyed by the Department of State Lands upon proper notice. HB 4038 excludes military medals and decorations from this process and provides for alternative disposition. Veterans’ preference: Veterans are given certain preferences in hiring for positions within state government, and disabled veterans receive even greater preference. HB 4038 expands the definition of “disabled veteran” for the purpose of receiving public employment preference to include any veterans who are receiving service-connected compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. HB 4098: Apprenticeship Informational Materials and Training. Apprenticeship programs provide onthe-job training for careers in industrial, manufacturing, and construction trades. The Bureau of Labor and Industries currently administers apprenticeship programs in 23 subject areas through its Apprenticeship and Training Division, in partnership with private businesses and local communities. HB 4098 directs ODVA to provide veterans’ organizations and veteran service officers with information and training on apprenticeship opportunities for veterans.
state and federal benefit updates Online VA scheduling now available through My HealtheVet
Nov. 14, 2017 — Veterans can now manage primary care and certain specialty care VA appointments online at participating VA facilities with a Premium My HealtheVet account. If you are eligible to use online scheduling, you will see a “Schedule a VA Appointment” option when you log in to your Premium My HealtheVet account. Army to provide medical care to volunteers who participated in chemical and biological testing
Nov. 21, 2017 — Veterans may be eligible to receive medical care if they participated in chemical or biological substance testing from 1942 to 1975 and have an injury or disease that they believe was proximately caused by their participation. Eligible veterans are encouraged to go to armymedicine.health.mil/Pages/cbtp.aspx or call 1-800-984-8523.
VA ID Card launched; sign up online
Feb. 2, 2018 — Veterans can now apply for the Veterans Identification Card (VIC) to use as proof of military service. To apply, visit vets.gov, sign in and establish an ID.me account. Then request to “Apply for the Veteran ID Card.” VA now offers adoption reimbursement
March 5, 2018 — Veterans with a serviceconnected disability that results in infertility may now have their adoption expenses reimbured by the VA. The application for reimbursement must be submitted no later than two years after the adoption is final or, in the case of adoption of a foreign child, no later than two years from the date a certificate of U.S. citizenship is issued. Application can be made online. Visit va.gov and use VA Form 10152. VA launches nationwide outreach campaign in tribal communities
Jan. 5, 2018 — Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinic in White City is hiring 250 new employees, including 100 focused on mental health care. The VA also plans to grow its mental health teams in Grants Pass and Klamath Falls.
March 8, 2018 — The VA kicked off a nationwide campaign, titled “Your Service. Our Mission: Bringing Benefits Home” March 21. The campaign brings veteran disability enrollment claim events to tribal communities in 11 states including Oregon. To learn more, visit www.va.gov/ TRIBALGOVERNMENT/locations.asp.
VA releases directive regarding medical marijuana use
Veterans can now use My HealtheVet to access benefits tools on vets.gov
Jan. 9, 2018 — A new guidance released by the federal VA directs VA clinical staff and pharmacists to discuss how veterans’ use of medical marijuana could interact with other medications or aspects of their care. VA providers are still not permitted to refer veterans to state-approved medical marijuana programs.
March 14, 2018 — Veterans can now visit vets.gov and sign in with their My HealtheVet credentials. From there, they can access all of the services that vets.gov provides.
SORCC hiring 250 new employees
New online tool provides customized instructions for discharge upgrade
Jan. 25, 2018 — The VA has partnered with the Department of Defense to launch an online tool providing customized steps tailored to individual veterans attempting to upgrade their discharge. Visit vets.gov/ discharge-upgrade-instructions. VA launches welcome kit for all veterans
Feb. 1, 2018 — To solve the question of “Where do I start?” the VA has released a new welcome kit to help veterans use their earned benefits and services. Find it at www.vets.gov/welcome-to-va.
New web tool helps veterans track benefits appeals
March 21, 2018 — The VA and U.S. Digital Service launched an improved Appeals Status tool to help veterans track the progress of their benefits claims appeals. The tool is available at www.vets.gov/ disability-benefits/claims-appeal. VA partners with Library of Congress to promote ‘Braille and Talking Book Program for Veterans’
April 5, 2018 — The Braille and Talking Book Program offers books in Braille or audio format either mailed to your door or downloadable digitally. Interested veterans may apply with this form: www.loc.gov/nls/ pdf/application.pdf. 27
