November
2021
Vol
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North Star Bullet
Legislative Report - 5 Trapshoot Report - 9 Winter Sports Clinic -21
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Minnesota Chapter Officers
President: Vicky Garrison Vice-President: Tim Valentin Secretary: Scott Little Treasurer: Doug Eckhoff
National Director Todd Kemery
North Star Bullet
Board of Directors
Eric “Scot” Poehler: Membership Director Karl Olson: Board Member John Novicki: Fundraising Director Ron James: Sports/Recreation Director Troy Houde: Board Member Tim Valentin: Legislative Director Vicky Garrison: Advocacy Director
Editor: Vicky Garrison
MNPVA Office
One Veterans Drive - SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org Administrative Executive Assistant: Liela Brown
National Service Officers
Jason Stephenson, Senior Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022 jasonS@pva.org Tami Anderson, Senior National Service Officer Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 1-800-795-3609 tamia@pva.org Jim Arndt, Vocational Rehab Program Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 1800-795-3609 jamesa@pva.org
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Contents
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President ’s Report
5
Legislative Report
9
Trap Shoot Report
11
Adaptive Vehicle Repair Guidelines
13
National Director ’s Report
21
Winter Sports Clinic News
23
PVA Career Program
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Birthdays
27
Monthly Puzzle
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OCTOBER
2021
President’s R e p o rt Vicky Garrison
It never cease to amaze me how quickly summer fades into fall. I’m sure I’m not alone in that sentiment! As we enter this new fiscal year for our chapter, I want to share with you my excitement for the year ahead! With the valued experience of our returning directors, as well as new ones, we stand ready to serve you! A new addition to our team comes with our newest staff member, Liela Brown. She began training in the office on October 25. You’ll be hearing more about Liela in our next edition of our newsletter. We are sure you’ll like her as much as we do! And in case you are wondering, the pronunication of her beautiful name is “Lee-La”, so
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If you call the office anytime soon, please welcome her aboard! Speaking of office, while our office is currently staffed, we have limited occupency restrictions. For office visits, please call 612-467-2263 to schedule an appointment. If you are in the VA already, we can generally accomodate you, but require a phone call. I look forward to our annual meeting, and although I am sad that it is virtual, I hope that many of you will join us. If you have an email address, look for the link in your email, otherwise, the link was sent out in our most recent letter. As I mentioned in my previous article, one our goals this year is more contact with our members. We will be in touch very soon and would like your input and suggestions for activities, gatherings, and staying in touch with each other. We’re excited to get your ideas!
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PVAction Force is a national grassroots advocacy network, led by Paralyzed Veterans of America, that actively takes action on vital issues affecting Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, and diseases, like MS and ALS. Free and open to all Americans, the group takes part in petitions, receives important legislative alerts, and more! Join PVAction Force today and help PVA “Make An Impact Today and Everyday.”
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L e g i s l at i v e R e p o rt Tim Valentin, Vice-President
V e t e r a n s B e n e f i t s /S o c i a l S e c u r i t y COLA A n n o u n c e d The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on October 13 that Social Security benefits will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase starting in 2022. This increase represents the most significant COLA in nearly 40 years. SSA’s COLA serves as a baseline for other federal benefit increases such as military and federal employee retirement pay and certain veterans’ disability compensation programs which will also rise by that amount.
PVA P a rt i c i pat e s
in
R o u n d ta bl e D i s c u s s i o n s
In late September, PVA participated in a roundtable conversation with several of its veterans service organization (VSO) partners and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) to discuss ways Congress can best meet the evolving needs of veterans and their families. Much of the discussion centered on supporting veterans amid the ongoing pandemic, curbing veteran homelessness, providing benefits to veterans suffering from conditions related to hazardous exposures during military service, and delivering critically needed mental health services. Several participants, including PVA, urged the Chairman’s support of bills that would automatically re-enroll eligible veterans in VA’s clothing reimbursement program, allow adult children to remain under the Civilian Health and Medical Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) until age 26, and increase mammography accessibility for paralyzed and disabled veterans.
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PVA’s National Legislation Director Morgan Brown urged Chairman Tester to support S. 444, the “AUTO for Veterans Act,” which would grant eligible veterans a second auto allowance giving them access to reliable, safe transportation and allowing them to take advantage of innovative automobile design and mobility equipment advancements. Mr. Brown also expressed PVA’s concern with the extremely limited availability of home and community-based services through VA, including the urgent need to expand the Veteran Directed Care program to all VA’s medical centers. Morgan also identified some of the difficulties PVA members have in finding suitable workers to provide home health services and recommended that VA be properly resourced to administer its own programs to incentivize direct care workers for veterans.
VA E x t e n d s P r e s u m p t i v e
period for
Persion Gulf War Veterans
VA has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026 for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans to ensure benefits established by Congress are fairly administered. Limiting entitlement to benefits due to the expiration of the presumptive period would be premature given that current studies remain inconclusive as to the cause and time of onset of illnesses suffered by Persian Gulf War Veterans. VA presumes certain medically unexplained illnesses are related to Persian Gulf War service without regard to cause, including, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, functional gastrointestinal disorders. Also included are undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms that may include but are not limited to abnormal weight loss, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders and sleep disturbances. Persian Gulf War Veterans who are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and other unexplained medical issues are encouraged to file a compensation claim for them. (excerpt from: VA Vantage Blog)
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Volunteer
c a ll
Are you looking for a way to serve at your comfort level? MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas. If you don’t see anything that works for you, call us today to see where there is a perfect fit - we’ll make one! See the list below for current needs.
Volunteer Assistant Coordinator Skilled Web/Social Media Assistant Sewing Enthusiast Fundraising Committee Member Sports and Rec Volunteers Guest Article Writers
“Turn your face
to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” -Author Unknown
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AUGUST
2021
Trapshooting R e p o rt Scot Poehler, Membership Director
The MNPVA has a trap team, and they’re more than pretty good. We are in the ten-person “A” league at Metro Gun Club in Blaine. We compete against able-bodied teams, and this year, we came out on top. The summer league splits into three sessions—six weeks each for a total of 18 total weeks. Your MNPVA team swept all three sessions to take home 1st place. Most shoot ahead in the fall 10-week season due to the unpredictable fall weather. None of us enjoy shooting “for the book” in cold, windy, or rainy conditions. Besides, hunting season is now just beginning for a lot of us Minnesotans. Our team travels to National PVA sanctioned events in Cedar Rapids, Green Bay, and Sioux Falls each year. We are always trying to recruit new trap shooters for our team. I would encourage all who are interested or on the fence to give it a try. Every year, we also send a team to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, where we compete as individuals against others in the same injury class and age group to keep it fair for all. It is always the highlight of the year for many of us, especially those who have competed for a lot of years. We would encourage all our members of all disabilities to give it a try and experience the camaraderie and competition of the NVWG Games next summer in Tempe AZ.
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SWS: 2021
Building Healthy Military Communities
Spiritual Wellness Summit
a link between a higher sense of purpose and suicide Registration Required: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLXBQ2D
November 8th 9:00 AM-12:30PM central time
POC: tiffany.r.kovaleski.ctr@mail.mil
R e pa i r G u i d e l i n e s
for
Vehicle Adaptive Equipment
by Jason Stephenson, Senior Benefit Advocate
For those that have a 21-4502 Application for Auto Grant on file (from a service connected condition that has resulted in the complete loss of use of at least one hand or at least one foot) with a vehicle on record with Prosthetics; and for those who are non-service connected and have received a conversion through the Prosthetic major med committee; the following is a guideline from the Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program (VHA Directive 1173.4) regarding repairs. VHA Directive 1173.4 defines repairs as a means to restore to sound working condition. An example of this is a rebuilding of an automatic transmission. The 1173.4 states that representatives within the Prosthetic department will carefully review the veteran’s repair history prior to authorizing any repairs. Attention will be given to the frequency and costs of prior repairs. If there is suspected abuse of a particular piece of adaptive equipment, it may be referred to VHA Central Office in Washington DC prior to a decision to whether or not authorize a repair. Authorization for, or reimbursement of repairs to the vehicle(s) of record includes only the basic components authorized as adaptive equipment. An example are power brakes; only repairs to the power boost option may be approved. All repairs to conventional components of the brake system, i.e. brake shoes or pads, rotating brake drums are the responsibility of the veteran. Routine service such as brake linings, front end alignment, lubrication and fluid replacement, i.e. automatic transmissions and power steering are not considered to be repairs to adaptive equipment. The maximum amount authorized an eligible veteran for repairs will be the amount of the invoice. However, reimbursement will not exceed the cost of the parts and labor for similar repairs as to what is listed in the current Mechanical Parts and Labor Estimating Guide for Domestic Cars. A 10-1394 Application for Motor Vehicle Adaptive Equipment must be completed when requesting authorization or reimbursement for approved repairs to adaptive equipment. An invoice must also be submitted to Prosthetics along with the 10-1394. It is recommended to have a service advisor at the place of repairs list the following with his or her signature: “The amounts charged do not exceed amounts customarily charged for services of this type.” Prior to commencing any repairs to what VA Prosthetics considers adaptive equipment in accordance with VHA Directive 1173.4; you must contact a Prosthetics representative to ensure approval. Once Prosthetics has been contacted, the approval will be put with your vehicle on record in their system; you will get notified of the approval in writing. Please contact your local PVA National Service Officer if you have any questions regarding VA approving reimbursement for repairs to authorized vehicle adaptive equipment.
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Introducing - coming soon to the North Star Bullet
Do
y o u h av e a s t o ry t o s h a r e ?
North Star Bullet wants to highlight the unique road that led you to today! If you are willing to share your military stories or the mountains you have climbed due to being “differently-abled,” - we’d like to highlight it. Maybe you have a favorite chapter story to tell the newer members who may not have heard it. By telling our stories, we keep history alive. Struggles and accomplishments, however large or small, serve as inspiration for many others. We invite you, our members, to be a part of our publication by sharing today. So many experiences that shape us into the people we become wait patiently to be heard. Share your best memories with our chapter members, and who knows, you may find a new connection with another. Call our office at 612-467-2263 if you’d like to help us keep the past alive!
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M i d w e s t PVA F i s h i n g 2021
Despite the current health concerns and forest fires in the area, the 2021 Midwest PVA Fishing Event was a huge success! This annual event is a joint effort between the Minnesota and Iowa Chapters. Twenty veterans and their caregivers enjoyed a wonderful week on the Lake Resort in Ely, Minnesota. Additionally, we want to thank the 25 volunteers who assisted with a multitude of jobs. Mark your calendar for next year. Don’t miss the Midwest PVA Fishing 2021, scheduled for 8/21 through 9/27.
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V ET E R A NS DAY
Decorated Vehicle Parade November 11, 2021
HONORING ALL WHO SERVED New Start Time – 11:00am
Parking Lot #11 (Enter off 54th Street) Will be circling the whole VA and also the Minnesota Veterans Home Bring your own flags, ballons, signs or any other decorations
Contact Greg Arrigoni with Questions: Gregory.Arrigoni@va.gov
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Connect With What Matters
Being there makes a difference It could be a simple trip to the mall, a ride to the movies or just a visit to friend’s home. The little things in life can make a big difference. It’s why MobilityWorks® has been helping veterans connect with who and what matters most since 1997. Veteran have unique needs so we treat each of them as individuals. First of all, we listen. Then, we work together to find the best solution. MobilityWorks considers it a privilege to help our nation’s veterans. Every day we work with local VISNs and service organizations to make the process of securing accessible vehicles, lifts and driving equipment for veterans as easy as possible.
Certified Mobility Consultants Provide Comprehensive Needs Analysis
MobilityWorks has more than 90 locations across the country with the largest selection of accessible vehicles and adaptive solutions: • Converted minivans and full-size vans,— Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda and Toyota • Pre-owned accessible vehicles • The latest in adaptive technology including transfer and turning seats, scooter lifts and hand controls • Complete maintenance and service on adaptive driving equipment, lifts and conversions • Daily, weekly and long term rental vans • Financing options to fit your personal needs • 24-hour roadside assistance with wheelchair transportation
MobilityWorks is committed to serving you. Contact us today so we can evaluate your needs and find a solution that best fits your lifestyle. Eau Claire 3115 Oak Knoll Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-438-4030 www.mobilityworks.com
Roseville 1915 W County Rd. C Roseville, MN 55113 651-364-7600
Waite Park 1425 Division St. Waite, MN 56387 320-403-9494
Scooter lifts, turning seats, and driving accessories
Professional Sports Tickets Fall and winter sports tickets have returned! Get on the list now. For each home game for the Vikings and Wild, we have two tickets for a veteran and companion to use. We use our typical chapter policy of awarding tickets using a combination of request, drawing, and preference given to a veteran who has not yet attended. We try to allocate tickets 10-14 days before the game, and we will notify you if your name has come up. Please call our office (612-467-2263) if you would like to have your name on the list for tickets.
C o n g r at u l at i o n s ! Kudos to the National PVA Scholarship winners this year. Two of them from the Minnesota Chapter! We’d like to recognize and congratulate both home-state students! Best of luck with your studies. Matthew Barton, son of Tim Barton Jakob Edwards, Son of Jeffrey Edwards
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Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exclusion (Minnesota) Recent changes the Legislature made to the disabled Veteran homestead property tax exclusion will help the spouses of deceased Veterans remain in the home they raised their family in without the fear of being forced out because they reached the limit on the property tax exclusion. Spouses of deceased, disabled Veterans will also be allowed to move to a smaller home and keep the property tax exclusion if they can no longer maintain the home they currently own. Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled (100% T&P) are eligible for a valuation exclusion of $300,000. Veterans who are not totally and permanently disabled but who have a disability rating of 70 percent or higher are eligible for an exclusion of $150,000. Suppose a qualifying veteran does not own a house but has a designated “primary family caregiver” who does own a home. In that case, the caregiver can receive the exclusion for the time they continue in that role. In some circumstances, surviving spouses may continue to receive program benefits after the qualifying veteran has died. Application for benefits under this program must be filed with the county assessor before December 31 to take effect for taxes payable next year.
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®
The ReWalk ExoskeletonSuited for Your Mission
Retired Army Sergeant Terry Vereline crosses the finish line of the 2019 New York City Marathon after walking 26.2 miles in her ReWalk Exoskeleton. She received this device in 2014 and has used it to take nearly 1,000,000 steps in the past five years.
Did You Know That Paralyzed US Veterans May be Eligible For a ReWalk Exoskeleton? Contact ReWalk for More Information rewalk.com/contact or 508.251.1154 Option 2
What is Your Mission? Whether your goals include experiencing the proven health-related benefits of exoskeleton assisted walking, standing to hug a loved one or completing an entire marathon, ReWalk can you help you achieve them. ReWalk Robotics 200 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Marlborough, MA 01752
www.rewalk.com
Don’t miss this upcoming November deadline for the Winter Sports Clinic. Applications must be postmarked by 11/30/2021. Find your application by going to wintersportsclinic.org and register today. To find out more information, call our chapter office at 612-467-2263.
“For more than three decades, the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic has helped many of our nation’s most profoundly disabled veterans overcome obstacles and challenge their perceived limitations. The event is held in Snowmass (near Aspen), Colorado.” It includes Nordic and downhill skiing, sled hockey, rock wall climbing, scuba diving, and a wide variety of other sports and educational workshops. It is the largest rehabilitative event of its kind in the world and will host nearly 400 participants this year. The clinic is made possible through a longstanding partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans).”
-Excerpt from website
36th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
W h at
is
PVA V e t e r a n s C a r e e r P r o g r a m ?
By Lauren Lobrano, Director, Veterans Career Program Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Veterans Career Program (formerly PAVE) was launched in 2007 to ensure that PVA members, their spouses, and caregivers, have access to meaningful employment, educational, and volunteer opportunities. Our team of certified vocational rehabilitation counselors and employment analysts provide hightouch, one-on-one assistance to guide Veterans through the process. Studies have found that there are significant benefits for individuals who are engaged, including improved quality of life, enhanced self-confidence, expanded social network, a sense of community and increased income for those who are employed. Veterans Career Program staff are specially trained to work with Veterans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and other government benefits. We work hand in hand
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with PVA national service officers to take into consideration other benefits a Veteran may be receiving from the VA. Despite the positive attributes of regular engagement, Veterans with significant service-connected disabilities are not currently seeking employment. More than 62% of Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 60% or higher either struggle with or opt out of joining the civilian workforce. When layered with the added challenges of managing a new injury or medical diagnosis, many may feel that the barriers to gainful employment are overwhelming. Veterans Career Program Counselors and Employment Analysts continue to be leaders in dispelling the myths and challenging stereotypes of those with disabilities. Working with dedicated employment partners, we will continue to create opportunities for quality and sustainable careers for those with significant and catastrophic injuries. PVA Member Sean Ferry recently found success returning to work through the Veterans Career Program. In late 2018, Sean decided that he was ready to pursue employment opportunities again. He did not have a great deal of success working on his own and reached out to the Veterans Career Program in spring of 2019. Sean worked one-on-one with Veterans Career Program Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Genia Hachenberg, M.S., CRC, to explore his areas of interest and review the necessary accommodations at work. In September, Sean returned to work for the first time since his injury and shared the following about his experience working with the Veterans Career Program: “After my injury in 2014, my life was turned upside down. It was not easy to transition from being a Mechanical Engineer, and a rather avid hunter and fisherman, into a wheelchair dependent individual. After five years of unemployment, I turned to the Veterans Career Program and its employees for assistance in getting back into the workforce. They were a great asset to me and a resource that helped me get my job and gain back my independence and self-confidence. Thank you, Veterans Career Program!” If you, your spouse, or caregiver, are interested in career support including paid employment, education, or volunteer opportunities please visit pva.org/Veteranscareerprogram or email Veteranscareerprogram@pva.org for more information.
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September
Cindy Pantoja Lawrence Becker Nicky Hofland Bradley Smith Cynthia Sjoberg Suzanne Byrne Dale Tyson Mark Garrison Monica Stanton John Christensen Richard Stang Scott Little Tim Barton Michael Diedelich Barry Pockrandt Matthew Bachman Robert Hanson Steve Despiegelaere Shannon Matthews Tyler Gangestad Sean Nichols Dennis Engel Zachary Frizzell
Donna Stillman Wayne Ledin Kenneth Baltes Dennis Louis David Matthews William Thorson Ken Bucher Mary Rahn Tom Boettcher Fred Woodward Cheryl Johnson Walter Dochow Gregory Schleifer Terrence Sisk Pat Hallis David Vetter Cecil Noggle Rickie Dahn Edward Palmer Mark McGarvey Daniel Anderson
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October
November
Duane Broten Gerald Myers Harry Carlson Gary Lehmeyer Paul O’Brien Michael Nelson Clark Forte Dave Langsdale Barry Shoop Jeffrey Larson Eric Poehler, Sr. Daniel Couture Hannah Johnston Michael Malm Chris Johnson Richard Smith Ernest Jones Steven Kotten John Novicki Lloyd Jones Kevin Miller Ricky Hartman Carol Graske Dale Walters Kris Kluge Monique Skewes Kenneth Janusz Eric Sousa David Sullivan-Nightengale Joel Chapin Robert Krone
Eugene Gruber Dean Nesley Norma Blankenship Gary Winter Jerome Goodrich William (Bill) Abler Orie Beltz Richard Petron Richard Evans Allen Kingsley John Ivens Bruce Hochstetler Timothy Hansen James Karels Bonnie Haugen Brian Walstad Katherine Dordal James Moriarty John Conner Harry Davis Kenneth Yates Mark Lattin Jeffrey Kittock James Salisbury Karl Olson Mark Pocernich David Funk Christine Marston
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November Puzzle - Sudoku (Medium)
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Note From the Editor We want The North Star Bullet to serve you, our chaper members, and reflect the items of interest to you! If you have suggestions or features you’d like to see in future editions, please email vickygarrison@mnpva.org or call, 612-682-3691.
“Some people succeed becuase they are destined to,
but most people succeed because they are determined to.” -Unknown Author
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North Star Bullet November 2021 Please help us keep our membership list up to date. Contact the office if you have recently moved, updated your phone number, or email address. This ensures our ability to pass on the latest news to our members. Remember, any updates you may make with the VA are not sent to us since we are not connected. MNPVA 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417
office@mnpva.org 612-467-2263