MNPVA North Star Bullet - Feb/Mar 2023

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Minnesota Chapter

Executive Officers

President: Vicky Garrison

Vice President: Tim Valentin

Secretary: Scott Little

Treasurer: Seth Thomas

National Director: Todd Kemery

Chapter Staff

Bridgit Michaud

Office Assistant

o: 612-467-2263

North Star Bullet

Lauren Catlin

Executive Assistant

m: 612-699-8551

Directors

Membership: Eric "Scot" Poehler

Fundraising: Karl Olson

Events: John Novicki

Sports & Recreation:

Ron James

Linda Hooker

National Service Officers

Jason Stephenson

Senior Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist

1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141

Minneapolis, MN 55417

612-629-7022

Editor-in-Chief: Vicky Garrison

Associate Editor: Lauren Catlin

jasonS@pva org

Tami Anderson

Senior National Service Officer

Federal Building Room G915

St. Paul, MN 55111

612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609

Mission

Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheUS ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA

tamiA@pva.org

Jim Arndt

Vocational Rehab Program

Federal Building Room G915

St. Paul, MN 55111

612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609

jamesA@pva org

President's Post Vicky Garrison

Greetings to all members and volunteers! As I sit down to write this message, my thoughts are rambling and reaching for focus. Many of you know I said goodbye to my mother last month after she fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Like I held my father’s hand five years ago, I held her hand as she transitioned to heaven. Mine is not the only loss experienced recently. Other board members, including our Vice-President and Secretary, faced the same loss and grief in their families. Recently our chapter lost a beloved founding father and friend, Tom Fjerstad, who many of you know so well from PN Magazine. And many chapter members face losses every day. Grief and sadness can quickly become allconsuming, wrapping us up in fear and despair if we allow it to.

My recent reflection and loss remind me of a saying I once heard. “Live each day as if it were your last; love each day as if you will live forever.” I’ve always felt that advice, light as it may be, offers such profound insights and wisdom about living our daily life. How differently would I live today if it were my last? I certainly would not waste time feeling such emotions as worry, sadness, fear, or despair. If today were my last day, I’d make it my mission to make as many smiles as possible for others, to tell those in my life how much I love them, to sing, dance, and be happy. And what about the second part of the quote? If I would live on this earth forever, how would I choose to live? It doesn’t take a lot of thought to realize my answers would be the same. Such light simple advice but so life-changing!

Short or long lives, youthful or aged, sailing through good times or facing struggles, finding the good and positive is always the right action. So in closing, I want to convey the following message. If you have joy, keep feeling it and share it. If you don’t feel joy, keep seeking it. Satisfaction and contentment take practice like everything else, but our human spirits possess the ability - yours for the shaping. Wrapping this into my role as President of MNPVA, I encourage all of you to take advantage of the many chapter opportunities to add enrichment to your lives. We’re just a phone call away if you have a particular interest or special need, are looking for a connection, or would simply like to talk. We're always here to help!

Like a child, be happy for no reason!

Connect with Us!

We love hearing from our members. If you have a question, a need, or just want to say hi, please reach out. The chapter is you and you are the chapter!

Phone or Voicemail

Office Phone: 612-467-2263

Mobile Phone - Call or Text

Office Assistant Mobile (Bridgit) 612-699-8542

President (Vicky) 612-430-6690

Email

Office Assistant: office@mnpva.org

Executive Assistant: laurencatlin@mnpva.org

President: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Social Media

Facebook Messenger: @MinnesotaPVA

Instagram: pva.mn

In Person

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8a 4pm, Friday - 8a - 1:30p

Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.

In Office Hours

In office hours for 3/2-3/17 will be 8am-12pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays while Bridgit is out on medical leave We wish her fast healing!

Puzzle Lovers!

Congratulations to Jeff Peterson our November puzzle winner!

Could you use a $25 Visa Gift Card?? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of each of your completed puzzles for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month. Thanks to all for sending in your entries - participation is growing!

Next drawing date: 4/1/2023

New Members

New Staff

A big welcome to our new Executive Assistant, Lauren. She is jumping right in while in training, bringing good skills, a heart to help, and lots of great insight. Please welcome her to the MNPVA support team!

Daniel Lehmann

Timothy Barrett

Thank you to all our donors, sponsors, and volunteers!

Your hard work and commitment to veterans allows MNPVA to support them in such important ways. Our mission isn't possible without you.

Volunteer Opportunities

MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas. We are currently looking for volunteers to serve on the fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, or to provide support at events and help with mailings. See page ten for more information on upcoming meetings

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

3 Months at a Glance

March 8 Virtual Volunteer Meeting

March 9 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

March 10 Registration deadline for Turkey Hunt

March 22 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

March 23 Virtual Volunteer Meeting

March 30 Vets Day on the Hill

April 5 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

April 5 Deadline for NVWG Registration

April 13 Spring Members Meeting

April 20 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

April 25-27 Disabled Veterans Turkey Hunt

May 3 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

May 18 Sports/Rec at BaseCamp

Meet Nicole Lane, a former commissioned officer in the U S Air Force. Nicole attended a Veterans Career Live session in December 2021, and began working with our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), Danielle Hetu, shortly thereafter.

Nichole had planned to spend her entire career in the military; however, after she had a serious complication from surgery that led to a stroke and long-term disability, she medically retired in 2011. She worked very hard to regain as much of her physical health as possible. Post stroke, Nichole has struggled to find her fit althoughshe had all of the skills and experiences that an employer would want Given the severity of her long-term illness and recovery, she lacked the confidence to truly pursue her next career. This is not an uncommon experience, and is something our counselors work with their clients to

IMPACT + OPPORTUNITIES

•11

•4

•13

•2

•3

•The average salary for the 8 clients placed in fulltime employment was $65,256; and the average income for the 3 clients placed in part-time work was $14,466.

VCP Launches Disabled Veterans SelfEmployment Pilot Program

According the National Disability Institute, 74% of people with disabilities do not participate in the labor force. For multiple reasons –including lack of accommodations and discrimination in the workplace -individuals with disabilities continue to turn to self-employment/small business development asa viable alternative that provides greater control, choice and flexibility in terms of work schedule, environment

overcome. and economic advancement.

Nichole had it all from the beginning -she just needed a sounding board and was able to have that while working with Danielle.

In January 2023, Nicole accepted a job as Associate Director for Proposals & Compliance at Caladwich Consulting, LLC –a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in Fairfax, VA Getting the job and starting a career she wanted was 100% the result of Nichole’s grit and determination.

Congratulations Nicole!

While entrepreneurship is an important employment option for people with disabilities, they are often hindered by scarcity of supports, services, programs, and affordable start-up capital tailored to their unique needs and challenges Thanks to a generous grant donation by the Wells Fargo Foundation, VCP will be launching a pilot program beginning in February 2023 to provide training, counseling and access to capital to veterans with spinalcord injury or disease (SCI/D) who are considering selfemployment We received an overwhelming 72 applications for 15 “seats” in the inaugural (virtual) class; and we look forward to providing updates on this class and its amazing participants.

MNPVA Members - Sports Tickets Upcoming Twins Game

Activity Activity Activity

Reimbursement Reimbursement Reimbursement

Stay Active!

MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! just for fun!

MNPVA wants to make it easier for members

Reimbursement is available for activities like Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! concerts, sporting events, and theater!

Reimbursement includes the cost of Reimbursement includes the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. MNPVA members.

The Fine Print

Limited to a max $3000 per year per member (subject to change)

Submit request within 30 days of expense

Receipts must be legible

Get a reimbursement form from the office to submit with your request

Eligible expenses are limited to: event ticket/admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food and non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members

If anticipated expenses for a single event are greater than $250, please notify a board member 7 days prior if possible.

MNPVA BOWLING

Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Bowling once a week has many benefits for both the body and mind. Current locations include:

Thursdays at 11am

McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes

590 Humboldt Dr Big Lake, MN

Fridays at 11:30am

Split Rocks Bowling

5063 273rd St

Wyoming, MN 55092

St. Croix Lanes

1153 St Croix St, River Falls, WI

If you're near - let us know

As we grow our bowling groups, we have many ideas for events, competitions, and gatherings. Our chapter's own famous "Minnesota" Bowling ramps are available for those desiring to bowl regularly

We are looking into starting a new group in the Mora area! Please contact the office if you’re interested in helping the group get started by volunteering or participating.

Please contact the office at 612-467-2263 if you’re interested in joining and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one.

Sunday, Mar 19 1 pm - 5 pm

McPete's Sport's Bar & Lanes

590 E. Humboldt Dr., Highway 10, Big Lake MN

Open to the Public

Prizes Awarded

Be Daring and Bowl from a Wheelchair Challenge a Wheelchair Bowler

Enjoy a game or two with your friends and family.

Six lanes reserved - all proceeds to MNPVA

Lanes for 9 Pin Available

Have a fun afternoon and support Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America

Research Corner

Opportunities for Participation in Research

This the place to learn about ongoing research in our community. These important studies focus on improving your quality of life as a person living with a spinal cord injury or disease. Details are included for each study pertaining to contact information, inclusion criteria and status. MNPVA encourages you to read through these opportunities, reach out the researchers for questions, and consult with your own physician to see if they are a good fit for you. We truly appreciate the critical work these awesome local researchers are doing in the field of SCI/D!

Title: A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Sensory and Motor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

ACTIVELY RECRUITING

The aim of this study is to evaluate two different interventions to improve sensation and movement in adults with spinal cord injury. Any Veteran with a SCI/D who is at least 3 months out (no end date limit) from a spinal cord injury, can self-transfer and some reduction of sensation and/or movement after their spinal cord injury.

Interventions: Either you will receive physical therapy, called "cognitive multisensory rehabilitation" (focusing on restoring body awareness during movements) or you will receive a membership for the adaptive fitness at Courage Kenny (Golden Valley) to train there with the adapted fitness equipment.

Testing: MRI of the brain (before and after the interventions); test of sensation and movements + questionnaires (before and after the interventions + 3 months after the intervention.

Contact information:

Dr Ann Van de Winckel: avandewi@umn edu or 612-406-2500

Bone Regulation of Energy and Male Fertility after SCI

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED!

Bone as Regulator of Energy Balance and Male Fertility after SCI: A Pilot Study

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants with or without a spinal cord injury for a clinical trial. We are interested in how bone health affects insulin sensitivity and sperm health in adult males with spinal cord injuries.

Participation in the research will take approximately 5 hours over 3-4 visits. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation.

Would this study be a good fit for me?

This study may be a good fit if:

• Males (18-50 years of age)

• With a spinal cord injury

• Have completed inpatient rehab and are living in the community

• Use a wheelchair OR

• Males (18-50 years of age)

• Without a spinal cord injury

What would happen if I took part in this study?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to:

• A blood collection

• A sperm sample collection

• A DXA bone scan

• Complete surveys

Register for the University of Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury Research Registry!

University of Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury Research Registry

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants living with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to participate in a research registry. This registry will help inform people living with SCI about upcoming research opportunities, news, and events.

“This is not VA research. It will not be conducted by VA, has not been reviewed by VA’s Institutional Review Board, and is not endorsed by VA. VA is not responsible for any costs incurred by a Veteran if the Veteran enters the study as a research subject. The announcement is being provided for information only.”

Would this registry be a good fit for me?

This registry may be a good fit if:

 You have a Spinal Cord Injury

 You are 18 years of age or older

What would happen if I took part in this registry?

Signing up for this registry will take around 15 minutes. We will send you periodic updates on clinical research studies and updates that impact the SCI community.

To participate in this study or for more information, please visit this website or contact: !!!"#"$%&"'($)*+,-'.'/-01

VETERANS DAY ON THE HILL 2023

WHEN:

MARCH 30TH, 2023

DAV of MN Presents: Free Veterans and Supporters Lunch

Doors Open@ 10:00AM FOR COFFEE

LUNCH@ 11:00AM

(One Block from Capitol at 600 Cedar Street, St. Paul)

Veterans March to the Rally @ 12:40

(Short Walk fromArmory to State Veterans Service Building 20 West 12th St, St. Paul )

CTF, UVLC, and MACVSO Present: Rally in the Rotunda 1:00-2:00pm

NO MEMBERSHIP IN ANY ORGANIZATION REQUIRED.

ALL SUPPORTERS ARE WELCOME!

Topics Include:

PASSSINGACLEAN VETERANS OMNIBUS BILL

ENSURING SURVIVNG SPOUSES HAVEACCESS TO PROPERTYTAX RELIEF

FIXING THE POST 9/11 SERVICE BONUS TO INCLUDEALL CURRENT RESIDENT VETERANS INCREASE THE AMOUNT FOR THE PROPERTYTAX VALUE EXCLUSION

ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT-

:

Advocacy/Legislative News

Tim Valentin, Vicky Garrison, Todd Kemery

Minnesota News

The chapter Advocacy & Legislative team remains committed to advocating for our members, veterans, and disability issues.

MNPVA is a member of the Minnesota Commander's Task Force, a group of nine congressionally chartered veterans service organizations. We meet regularly to discuss and advocate for changes to positively effect our Minnesota veterans and their families. We invite you to join us for this years Vets on the Hill event, March 30th at the state capital. Please see the flyer for full details.

Below: Minnesota Governor Walz takes a moment to visit with MNPVA Chapter President, Vicky Garrison (& Chase). at a recent gathering at the Capital.

Bottom: Members of the Commander's Task Force gather for a group photo at the quarterly meeting with Governor Walz & Commissioner Herke.

National News

2023 PVA Advocacy Legislation Seminar

PVA started 2023 with a bang by returning to in-person annual Advocacy Legislation Seminar, held virtually these past few years due to lockdowns & restrictions. #PushingAccessForward remains a steady focus of PVA, as they continue their never ending efforts to help improve the lives of SCI/d veterans.

The week started with a two day Seminar, bringing together chapters, along with the national team for discussion of the various critical issues. The group benefited from many guest speakers bringing expertise and information to share. This valuable seminar gave ample time for learning and strategizing to prepare our advocates for meetings with legislators.

Armed with information and resolve, the group headed to the US Capital to help our legislators become informed about the important issues facing our members. Sharing first hand experiences provides an impactful way to explain our issues and concerns. Read more about the national issues in The Washington Report, found in this edition. Please visit https://pva.org/researchresources/pva-action-force/ to find out how you can help.

Tim Valentin and Todd Kemery, two members of the MNPVA Advocacy team, traveled to our Nation's capital to address important policies and legislation critical to our Nation's disabled veterans

(left) PVA President, Charlie Brown testifies before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs

2023 POLICY PRIORITIES

For more than 75 years, PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA the nation’s premier nonprofit of choice for disabled veterans, their families, and caregivers—has led the fight for accessibility and provided a full circle of support from the point of injury or diagnosis to all of life’s milestones. With offices inside every Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) center across the U.S., PVA is unmatched. Staffed with licensed architects, medical professionals, legal experts, and leaders in research and education, PVA fights to help veterans with SCI/D or diseases, like MS and ALS, receive the benefits they earned, the specialized health care they deserve, the accessible homes and vehicles they need, and the meaningful careers they want.

For these veterans to thrive, they must have access to high-quality, comprehensive health care and timely delivery of all earned benefits. They must also have equitable access to the same opportunities and freedoms available to all Americans.

Protect Access to VA’s Specialized Health Care Services

To ensure access to VA’s health care system, it must receive sufficient funding. Without it, VA will be unable to provide veterans proper care, hire and retain health care professionals and support workers, and maintain and expand VA medical infrastructure.

PVA advocates for proper funding for the SCI/D system of care through the Independent Budget—a partnership with DAV, PVA, and VFW. In addition to adequate funding, other reforms are needed to ensure VA can meet veterans’ health care needs.

Staffing

VA must effectively use the pay and workforce provisions approved in Public Law 117-103 (RAISE Act provisions) and the PACT Act (Public Law 117-168) to recruit and retain necessary health care professionals. VA must also increase retention incentives and reform its hiring processes, including working with Congress to make needed reforms. Congress must also take additional action to boost pay caps for other providers not included in the RAISE Act provisions and Pact Act.

Infrastructure

VA’s infrastructure processes need to be reformed and staffing increased to allow the department to effectively use needed funding. VA also must develop a nationwide infrastructure plan to better address the SCI/D system’s unique care delivery model.

2023 POLICY PRIORITIES

Expand Access to VA Long-Term Services and Supports

VA’s services span the spectrum from facility-based care to home and community-based services. Increased availability of this range of resources is crucial to the long-term health of paralyzed veterans, as well as ensuring all veterans are able to receive the care they need throughout their lives in the setting of their choice.

Facility-Based Long-Term Care

VA must adequately assess the number of veterans with SCI/D who need facility-based specialty long-term care and implement reforms needed to prioritize these types of infrastructure projects.

Home and Community-Based Services and Caregiver Supports

VA must increase access to home and community based-services. VA needs to expedite expansion of the Veteran-Directed Care program. This program provides veterans with the ability to direct their own care and hire individuals, including family members, who will help them with their everyday needs. Veterans must also be able to continue receiving VA funds that allow them to pay their caregivers, even when hospitalized. Congress and VA must also prioritize efforts to increase the direct care workforce and allow VA to provide veterans with financial support for assisted living options.

VA must reform the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Restrictive eligibility criteria have kept some paralyzed veterans from being found eligible for this program. For those veterans who are not eligible for the PCAFC, VA should provide them with more information about other programs available to help them, including the general caregiver program.

The Administration and Congress must improve supports for caregivers as outlined in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, which was developed by the RAISE Family Caregiving Act and Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act advisory committees and focuses on the needs of all caregivers.

2023 POLICY PRIORITIES

Improve VA Benefits and Health Care Services for Paralyzed Veterans and their Survivors

Veterans and Survivor Benefits

Congress must increase VA Special Monthly Compensation/Aid and Attendance benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans to offset increased costs for home care and other needed supports.

Congress must continue to improve access to services and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.

Congress must pass legislation ending forfeiture of military retirement pay to receive VA disability compensation.

Congress must increase the rate of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving dependents and lower the eligibility threshold. Congress must also ensure survivors of ALS veterans have access to enhanced DIC benefits.

Transportation Programs and Supports

Congress must authorize veterans who have nonservice-connected catastrophic disabilities to receive adaptive equipment from VA to drive their vehicles. VA and Congress must also provide improved transportation services and supports that help veterans access needed health care.

Life Insurance Benefits

Congress must reform VALife to allow premium waivers for catastrophically disabled veterans and ensure ALS veterans’ survivors receive these critical benefits.

Home Modification Grants

Congress must raise the rate of funding available through VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant program to allow eligible veterans to access needed housing modifications due to their disabilities.

Health Care and Benefits for Women Veterans

VA must consider the unique needs of women veterans with SCI/D when delivering and developing services and benefits, including those that are gender specific.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Congress must repeal VA’s ban on IVF and authorize VA to provide assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, surrogacy, and gamete donation at VA for any veterans enrolled in VA health care.

2023 POLICY PRIORITIES

Protect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities

Protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities is important to ensuring their ability to access the opportunities and freedoms available to all Americans to allow them to live, work, travel, and fully participate in society.

Improve Access to Air Travel

Congress must make systemic changes in the next FAA Reauthorization to improve air travel for people with disabilities, particularly wheelchairs users, by reforming the Air Carrier Access Act to add standards for aircraft accessibility and improve enforcement of the law. Congress must also improve paralyzed veterans’ access to programs that facilitate the security screening process.

Increase Disability Access

Congress must enhance tax incentives to help businesses comply with their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, the Department of Justice must investigate more individual ADA complaints and issue long-overdue regulations related to hotel bed height and accessible medical equipment standards.

Industries creating new models and forms of transportation, including electric and autonomous vehicles, must ensure disability access as a matter of equity.

Improve Access to Social Security Benefits

Congress must end the five-month wait for Social Security disability insurance benefits to ensure people with disabilities have financial support when they most need it. Veterans must receive more information about Social Security benefits and assistance in applying for them. Also, Congress must ensure that caregivers who are not in the workforce because they are providing caregiving assistance are able to receive credit under Social Security.

Increase Employment Prospects for Veterans with Disabilities

Congress must increase access to employment opportunities for veterans with significant disabilities through tax incentives for employers and improvements to supports provided to veterans through the state workforce system. VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program must ensure veterans with catastrophic disabilities are able to fully access the services that allow them to return to work.

Washington Update

APPROVES NINE VETERANS BILLS

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) recently approved nine veterans-related bills in a closed-door session. They will now head to the full Senate for consideration. The bills include S. 10, the VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023, which would provide VA with more tools to compete for highlyqualified medical personnel, support training for current and future VA clinicians to ensure veterans receive the highest quality of care, and provide more oversight and public transparency on VA’s efforts to address vacancies. This legislation would also better prepare VA to manage care for the thousands of veterans newly eligible under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (P.L. 117-168).

Also approved by the Committee were S. 30, the Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility

Authorization Act, to authorize several VA major construction projects and S. 326, the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023, to allow VA to conduct research on the health effects of medicinal cannabis for veterans experiencing chronic pain and PTSD. Another bill approved by the Committee was S. 141, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023. PVA has been aggressively seeking passage of this bill to make a variety of improvements to access VA home care. One of

the sections in the introduced bill would raise the cap on how much the VA can pay for the cost of home care from 65 percent of the cost of nursing home care to 100 percent. Unfortunately, that section of the bill was set aside as part of the recent Committee action due to cost, but panel members pledged to work with VA and other stakeholders to find a way to pay for it hopefully in time to pass it with the remainder of the larger bill. Other provisions include directing VA to make key home and community-based services (HCBS) like Veteran Directed Care (VDC) and Homemaker and Home Health Aid available at all medical centers and certain U.S. territories; allow hospitalized veterans to retain their VDC payments for their caretakers; and instruct VA to assist veterans who are denied participation in the VA caregiver program with enrollment in other home health services for which they are eligible.

A fifth bill, S. 216, the Reinforcing Enhanced Support Through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Today (RESPECT) Act of 2023, would amend VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to make certain mental health professionals and neurological specialists participate in the evaluation and assessment process for veterans. It also creates an assessment waiver process for caregivers of veterans with chronic or degenerative conditions and ensures caregivers have access to valuable mental health resources in the community.

SVAC

The remaining bills approved by the Committee were S.106, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, which authorizes VA to distribute grants to states in order to help enhance veterans outreach activities, assist veterans in submitting claims, and increase the number of service officers serving in the state; S. 112, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida; S.132, the Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, which creates a pilot program to aid servicemembers returning to civilian life; and S.185, the Native American Direct Loan Improvement Act of 2023, to improve the program for direct housing loans made to Native American veterans.

HEARING FOR VA USB NOMINEE HELD

On February 16, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a nomination hearing for Joshua D. Jacobs to become the next VA Under Secretary for Benefits (USB). Mr. Jacobs has been serving in an acting role since July 25, 2022, and he brings extensive experience to the role. He previously worked as a legislative assistant in Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) office, was the Deputy Staff Director for SVAC, and has several years of experience working in VA leadership and advisor roles.

Senators posed a number of questions to Mr. Jacobs during the cordial session with the PACT Act and ensuring timely responses to veterans claims topping the list. Mr. Jacobs spoke of the department’s investments in training, improving process and efficiency, and increasing technology in order to avoid timely waits. He also plans to improve outreach and support programs to help ensure that veterans are not prompted to pay for legal assistance in order to obtain disability compensation or other benefits and services.

Several Senators asked how the nominee would ensure that the VA improves the accuracy and support for veterans filing military sexual trauma (MST) claims. Mr. Jacobs stressed consolidation of expert raters to guarantee that these complicated claims are handled by expert VA staff. He also assured the committee that VA

is working to embrace a patient-centric approach to each step of the claims process from improved language with outreach materials to well-trained staff handling claims and support services.

Senators thanked him for his willingness to collaborate with SVAC staff, acknowledging that Mr. Jacob’s experience on the Hill offers him insight to improved engagement and communication between the committees and VA. If SVAC votes favorably to advance his nomination, the next step would be a confirmation vote by the full Senate. If he is confirmed, it will be the first time that VA has had Senate-confirmed leaders in all its top leadership posts since late 2016.

EXPANDING VA LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS

VA is precluded from paying room and board fees at assisted living facilities. This policy hinders veterans from utilizing this long-term care option. Recently, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced S. 495, the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act. This legislation would create a pilot program to allow VA to pay room and board fees at assisted living facilities. The pilot will take place with eligible veterans at six Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs) nationwide, including at least two program sites located in rural or highly rural areas, and at least two sites must be State Veterans Homes. If successful, this pilot could set a model for the VA to expand that service to all qualifying veterans in the future.

EXPANDING CONCURRENT RECEIPT

PVA believes Congress should pass legislation allowing all military retirees to retain their full military retired pay and VA disability compensation without any offsets. Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and VA disability compensation payments, leaving behind medically retired combat veterans with less than 20 years of service. Recently, legislation was reintroduced in the Senate to provide combat-injured veterans with their

full, earned disability compensation and retired pay. S. 344, the Major Richard Star Act, would amend the existing policy for medically retired combat veterans, allowing them to receive their full VA disability and DOD retirement payments. More than two-thirds of Congress supported this legislation last year and a greater effort to pass this bill is expected in the 118th Congress.

BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO END SSDI AND MEDICARE WAITING PERIODS

On February 10, Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the long-anticipated Stop the Wait Act (H.R. 883/S. 320). This legislation would direct the Social Security Administration to phase out the fivemonth waiting period to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and allow those SSDI beneficiaries who are uninsured or unable to afford health insurance to immediately receive Medicare coverage rather than having to endure the current 24month wait for coverage.

A 2020 GAO study found that over a 10-year period, some 48,000 individuals filed for bankruptcy while awaiting a final decision from Social Security on their disability benefits application. Of nine million disability applicants who filed an appeal during that period, almost 110,000 died prior to receiving a final decision on their appeal. PVA has endorsed this legislation to ensure that SSDI and Medicare are immediately available to those who need this assistance the most.

SANDERS INTRODUCES SOCIAL SECURITY EXPANSION ACT

On February 13, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced a comprehensive Social Security improvement bill, the Social Security Expansion Act, S. 393. This measure would extend the solvency of Social Security until the year 2071 by removing the cap on payroll contributions and subjecting all income above $250,000 to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax. It increases retirement benefits for lowincome workers, would adopt the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) for future cost-of-living

adjustments (COLAs) and would restore student benefits up to age 22 for children of disabled or deceased workers. A fact sheet about the bill can be found here

UNH INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY RELEASES DISABILITY STATISTICS COLLECTION

On February 7-8, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Institute on Disability released its annual Disability Statistics Collection featuring the latest research on people with disabilities in America. As in past years, a chapter on veterans in the compendium contains data on prevalence of disabilities in the veteran population; the portion of the veteran population that experiences poverty, including the difference between the poverty rates of veterans with and without disabilities (poverty gap), by disability status. An infographic PVA collaborated on with the UNH Institute on Disability was released – the “Disability Experiences of Veterans Ages 18-64” – that illustrates the population of veterans with and without service-connected disabilities, those working full-time versus their nondisabled counterparts, and other economic statistics. A recording of the Disability Statistics Collection release can be found here

HUD ISSUES FINAL RULE IMPLEMENTING HOTMA EXCLUSION OF A&A AS INCOME

The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) that passed in 2014 excluded from income calculations expenses related to aid and attendance (A&A) received by low-income veterans for non-serviceconnected disabilities. However, until implementing regulations were issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Public Housing Agencies had to seek clarification from HUD if questions arose about the exclusion and requests had to be dealt with on a case by case basis. On February 14, HUD issued a final rule implementing various provisions of HOTMA, including the exclusion from income calculations of A&A payments to veterans for purposes of determining eligibility for HUD housing programs or calculating rent.

Home Modification Toolkit Released

The University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has published a toolkit in its resource collection on home modifications to improve access and safety for aging individuals and those with disabilities. The toolkit includes case studies, technical assistance briefs on partnerships and funding, fact sheets and videos tailored for diverse populations, and promising practices.

Concurrent Receipt Webinar

Concurrent receipt refers to when a military retiree receives both retired pay and disability pay. Only retired veterans who served 20+ years and have VA disability ratings of 50 percent or greater are allowed to receive both payments without offset. For many years, organizations like PVA have been working to increase the number of veterans eligible to receive both payments. One of our partners in this effort, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), will be hosting a webinar about concurrent receipt at 2:00 p.m. EST on March 14. To learn more or register for the webinar, click here

CFPB Cautions Veterans About Claims Help

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently cautioned veterans about organizations offering to help them submit their initial claims to VA for a fee. These organizations often call themselves “coaches” or “consultants” and advertise their ability to assist with a VA benefits claim but may not be accredited to practice before the VA. As a reminder, all of PVA’s Service Officers are accredited by VA and will assist veterans, dependents, and survivors free of charge.

HEARINGS & COMMITTEE ACTION President Brown Testifies on March 1

PVA’s National President Charles Brown will testify before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’

Affairs Committees on March 1. The hearing will start at 10:00 am ET and President Brown will testify on the second panel. Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on other upcoming hearings and markups.

What is a Veteran?

-Author

Unknown

A veteran is a person who fell in love with their country - for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.

A veteran is a person who is willing to lay down their life for the Statue of Liberty so that her poor, her huddled masses, her homeless, her tempest tossed may breath free and may enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A veteran is a person who does what he/she must - in spite of personal consequence - in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - for that is the basis of human morality.

A veteran is one who gets a lump in the throat when he/she sees our beloved flag. One who will fight to protect our beautiful flag from those who dare to dishonor it.

A veteran is one who pays their taxes, willingly; serves their country, honorably; and cherishes their freedom, passionately. A veteran is one well deserving of our appreciation, our love, and our prayers 365 days a year.

No, it's not Veteran's Day - but you didn't only serve just one day a year! Indeed your sacrifices go beyond your tour of duty and continue today. For that, we are eternally grateful!

December

Odell Frank

William Massie

Dale Berven

James Williams

Vernon Schreiner

David Campbell

Joseph Novotny

Charles Simons

Thomas Klis

Ernest Grabowski

David Kane

John Kilker

Robert Coulomb

Bruce Andrzejeski

Chris Butterfield

James Hallas

Bruce Brockopp

Dallas Hallis

Mark Mavis

Andrew Glazewski

Thomas Fjerstad

Timothy Guiosky

Craig Leaf

Victoria Garrison

Linda Hooker

David Sherman

John McCormack

Nicholas Suckow

Alexander Horned Eagle

Jay Johnson

Neil Altenhofen

Christian Hatleli

James Bumgartner

Carol Ostertag

David Ryan

Betty Janu

MaDonna Kufus

Bruce Hooker

Michael Haag

January

Joel Annen

Andrew Bernstrom

David Berscheit

Dwight Bierbrauer

Patrick Donley

Patrick Doyle

Harlan Ebert

Jeffrey Edwards

Ronald Ezuck

Robert Hawley

Gary Hieronimus

Glenn Jackola

Curtis Jorgenson

Joseph Jucknik

Robert Kilpatrick

Gregory Knudsen

Eric Larson

Mark Lewis

Richard Nolan

Mark Novak

Raymond Ostlund

Bradley Paulson

Michael Raphael

Bonnie Sampsell

Philip Schmitc

Eugene Striefel

Donald Thompson

Roger Tottingham

Tim Valentin

Lee Whitley

Bill Wicklow

Robert Young

February

Clifford Anderson

Michael Arnold

Gregg Asher

Mark Cecchettini

Colleen Cihunka

David Dew

Dale Haugen

Dennis Hendrickson

March

Mary Duchene-Rodenkirchen

Douglas Eckhoff

Launette Figliuzzi

Patrick Garza

Joshua Giese

Robert Greskowiak

Michael Hamlin

Lowell Johnson

Richard Jost

Michael Lanning

James Leither

Domingo Martinez

Anthony Hochstetler

Roger Illies

Ladonna Joseph

James Loven

Chad Randall

Peter Surkan

James Trueman

Aaron Wilson

Wayne McMath

Dan Orcutt

Jeff Peterson

Karla Peterson

Philip Ratzlaff

Matthew Ross

Gregory Seiger

Donal Tessmer

Christopher Walzel

John Winter

Robert York

WORD LIST:

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 shared with us.