2 minute read
Hey Veterans, Did You Know?
On Nov. 30, President Biden signed into law the Col. John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021, making surviving dependents eligible for in-state tuition wherever they choose to attend school for terms beginning on or after August 1, 2022. This change to U.S. Code Title 38 allows recipients of benefits under The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program the same protections under the law as beneficiaries currently in receipt of other VA educational programs and supports surviving dependents pursuing their academic goals. For more details, visit www. benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
… A spouse caregiver of a disabled veteran can receive a monthly benefit?
Aid and Attendance is a benefit paid by Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans, veteran spouses or surviving spouses. It is paid in addition to a veteran’s basic pension. The benefit may not be paid without eligibility to a VA basic pension. To learn more, visit www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/.
… Mann-Grandstaff VAMC has an orthopedic hand specialist who can help with trigger finger?
Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your finger. It usually happens in the ring fingers or thumbs but can occur in your other fingers as well. While surgery may seem like the only treatment, there are other options, like cortisone shots. If you are having problems with your hands, ask your primary doctor/provider at the VA to refer you for a consultation with a hand specialist.
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Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors.
… these facts about women who have served in the military?
There are nearly 2 million female veterans in the USA, over 60,000 from Washington State alone! Over 25,000 women from our area have served just since 9/11. In 2010, the unemployment rate of female veterans was 11.2% compared to 9.4% of male veterans. (Bureau of Statistics)
Female veterans report an average of seven years to become fully acclimated to civilian life upon return from deployment. (Business and Professional Women's Foundation, Women Veterans in Transition report.) The risk of homelessness for female veterans is 3.6 times more likely than non-veteran women. (Robert Rosenbeck, Director of Veteran Affairs)
Many veterans come home wounded, whether or not their injuries are visible.
Do you know a veteran who might need help? See the “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5 of this publication for local resources.
