Benefits Corner

Benefits Corner

Free flu shots for enrolled veterans at Walgreens

Sept. 20, 2018 — Walgreens is providing no-cost flu shots to enrolled veterans of the VA health care system. The program runs from August 15, 2018 through March 31, 2019. Veterans may also receive a no-cost flu shot during any scheduled VA appointment or at a walk-in flu station. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkvg.

Veterans Village housing project opens in Clackamas

The Clackamas County Veterans Village was completed and officially opened this year. The project is intended to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to homeless veterans as they seek to become self-supportive through accessing training, counseling, employment, permanent housing and other services. The quarters are in the form of 30 innovative "sleeping pods," which were designed by Portland State architecture students and constructed from recycled trusses previously used for a stage a the Pickathon Music Festival.

Sept. 13, 2018 — A transitional shelter village of pods designed by Portland State University students opened September 13 for veterans in Clackamas County. The village will be staffed by volunteers from Do Good Multnomah and aims to house up to 30 veterans. Clackamas County has a goal of ending veterans’ homelessness by 2019. Learn more: https://www.clackamas.us/transitionalhousing.

VA expands Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) to improve service

Aug. 30, 2018 — VA’s VR&E program is working to reduce the average counselor-to-caseload ratio through a hiring effort begun earlier this summer. For more information about VR&E, visit https://www.benefits. va.gov/vocrehab/.

VA DoD Veteran Link now available to help veterans connect

Aug. 16, 2018 — VA DoD Veteran Link is a new social networking app just for veterans and current service members. Users can search for other veterans and service members with similar military backgrounds or interests. They can also join or create groups to talk about specific topics. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkva or get started at https:// mobile.va.gov/app/va-dod-veteran-link.

Military OneSource is now available to veterans and their families for a full year after separating from the military

Aug. 13, 2018 — DoD is extending eligibility for Military OneSource benefits from the current 180 days to 365 days after separation or retirement from military service to ensure all service members and families have access to comprehensive support as they transition to civilian life. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdM.

Forever GI Bill expands VA educational benefits

Aug. 2, 2018 — Effective August 1, the VA implemented 15 more provisions of the Forever GI Bill, including expansion of benefits to post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients, expansion of the Yellow Ribbon Program, and increased eligibility for members of the National Guard and Reserve. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdH.

Reservists and National Guard members can transfer their remaining REAP entitlement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Aug. 1, 2018 — The “Forever GI Bill” allows certain members of the National Guard and Reserve to transfer into the Post-9/11 GI Bill after they lost their educational benefits in 2015. The VA sent notification letters to eligible individuals. If you didn’t get a letter and think you may be eligible, find out how to apply and learn more here: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdf.

Veterans owed refunds for over payments attributable to disability severance payments should file amended returns to claim tax refunds

July 12, 2018 — The IRS is advising certain veterans who received disability severance payments after Jan. 17, 1991, and included that payment as income, to file Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to claim a credit or refund of the over payment attributable to the disability severance payment. Most veterans who received a onetime lump-sum disability severance payment when they separated from military service will receive a letter from the DoD explaining how to claim tax refunds they are entitled to. Veterans can claim the refund up to one year from the date of the letter from the DoD. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdy.

Smartphone feature provides immediate access to Veterans Crisis Line

July 9, 2018 — Saying “Call the Veterans Crisis Line” to Siri on Apple’s iPhone or the Google Assistant on Android phones now automatically dials the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Callers can then Press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdK.

Changes coming to Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

July 3, 2018 — As of August 1, 2018, the entitlement available under the DEA program will be reduced from 45 months to 36 months, but in October, the monthly allowance for eligible recipients will increase. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdW.

Grants awarded for veterans and war memorials

July 3, 2018 — Oregon Parks and Recreation Department awarded five grants totaling $150,000 for projects across the state that create or preserve memorials to veterans or wars. For more information on the Veteran and War Memorials grant program, visit https://go.usa.gov/xPkvb.

VA now reminds veterans of their appointments by text

June 26, 2018 — VEText appointment reminders allow veterans to confirm or cancel their upcoming appointments by text message. The text messages do not currently replace the letters and automated phone calls veterans already receive. Learn more: https://go.usa. gov/xPkpV.

New Direct Express Debit Mastercard for VA Payments

May 11, 2018 — Veterans are now able to receive Beneficiary Travel and Compensated Work Therapy payments on a prepaid debit card. Visit the agent cashier at your local VA facility to sign up. Learn more: https://go.usa. gov/xPkpN.

VA adds women-specific conditions to compensation rating criteria

May 14, 2018 — VA is updating its VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to include gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast, and will be updating the remainder of the VASRD over the next several months. Learn more: https://go.usa. gov/xPkpX.

VA’s Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) now open to all appeals

May 9, 2018 — All veterans with a pending disability compensation appeal can choose to participate in the new decision review process, RAMP. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkpB.

Veterans benefits scam alert

May 5, 2018 — Veterans are being targeted by scammers impersonating VA Office of General Counsel attorneys. For warning signs and steps to prevent being a victim of this scam, visit https://go.usa.gov/xPkVA.

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.

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/claimsappeal.

Veterans can now use My HealtheVet to access benefits tools on vets.gov

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.

VA launches nationwide outreach campaign in tribal communities

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 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 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 launches welcome kit for all veterans

Feb. 1, 2018 — To help answer the frequently asked question of “Where do I start?” the VA has released a new welcome kit to help veterans across the country find and access their earned benefits and services. You can find it online by visiting www.vets.gov/ welcome-to-va.

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/dischargeupgrade-instructions.

VA releases directive regarding medical marijuana use

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.

SORCC hires 250 new employees

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.