Paralyzed Veterans of America
Minnesota Chapter
Seth Thomas (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice-President)
Linda Hooker (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
1 Veterans Drive SCI 238
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org
Jose Garcia Board of Directors
Vicky Garrison (Immediate Past President)
Todd Kemery (National Director)
Chapter Staff
Ginny Grabowski Office Assistant 612-467-2263 Sarah Little Executive Assistant 612-699-8551
MS Contact
Rich Scott: 612-467-2263
Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Little
Assistant Editor: Ginny Grabowski North Star Bullet
Volunteer Coordinator
Ginny Grabowski
Mission
Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheU.S.ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease.By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA.
John Novicki
Ron James
Bruce Henderson
National Service Officers
Jason Stephenson Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022 jasonS@pva.org
Tami Anderson Sr 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 202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609
jamesA@pva.org
Ellie Smith Administrative Assistant I Federal Building Room G915 ellieS@pva.org
President's Post
Seth Thomas Editorial
Fall is upon us! The leaves are changing, and the bitter chill is creeping in. Other changes you may notice involve the 2 position alterations within the executive board. Linda Hooker has taken over the secretary position and I have assumed the President position. I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for all those who voted to elect us both into our respective new titles. I personally look forward to what this year has in store for the chapter.
MNPVA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Seth Thomas - President
Tim Valentin - Vice President
Linda Hooker - Secretary
Karl Olson - Treasurer
Vicky Garrison - Immediate Past President
Todd Kemery - National Director
John Novicki - Membership Director
Ron James - Sports and Rec Director
Bruce Henderson - Director
Jose Garcia - Director
Jose Garcia
Todd Kemery
Karl Olson
Linda Hooker
Avoid Unnecessary Stress; Organize!
Tami J. Anderson, Area Manager
On this journey that is called life, we have many accomplishments, adventures, tragedies and triumphs that we experience. From birth to high school graduation, to college graduation, military, to marriage, maybe divorce and everything in between; if we sit down and put it all together, then a lifechanging event becomes less stressful.
What do I mean? Let’s say we begin our adult journey with an organization system, maybe a 3-ring binder, a pend flex file system or a safe. We could put our birth certificate, social security card, DD214 (certified copy), graduation certificates, life insurance policies, banking information, marriage and divorce decrees in this filing system. Then when a life changing event happens, a death, accident, or needing to file for social security or VA compensation or pension, all of the pertinent information needed is at your fingertips.
As human beings, we like to think that we go through life and all will be good. Then your husband/wife gets into an accident and needs extensive care or receives a terminal diagnosis, and we are now in a stress mode. It may be more difficult to concentrate and get things together. What are they going to need? Or you may ask yourself, “How do I stay healthy and focused to help them”?
The following are questions that should be answered in your organizational tool system:
1.If my husband/wife/significant other works outside the home, who is their boss and contact information? Who in HR can I contact for assistance? Who is their medical insurance company? What does it cover? What are your benefits with your company if you need to take time away, in addition to FMLA?
2.Be sure there is a copy of your auto and home insurance policy in the binder, including contact and document date, time, who you spoke with regarding questions? Are there forms for the individual to complete? Does the individual want or need a lawyer? If it was a car accident; get a copy of an accident report from the police department.
3.Is it a catastrophic illness/disease? Is there insurance to cover any or all of the expenses? Contact Social Security Administration for determination of benefits, both medical and monetary. Document the date, time, who you spoke with and the information received.
4.Put all original financial documents or a copy in your organizational tool for easy access. This includes bank name and contact number, routing number, account numbers and any other financial information to include investments. Contact your financial advisor if there is one. On all of your banking and insurance documents, be sure to have a pay on death or a person on the account who can access for you if needed.
5.What household expenses need to be paid while the person is in a hospital or rehab facility. Make a list and discuss with individual how to take care of them, if possible? This could include a mortgage, car payment, credit card payments etc. What expenses will be incurred while in the hospital or rehab facility?
6.In case of a death, does he/she have a life insurance policy? If so, who is the beneficiary? Even if you are married to the person, check the beneficiary. I have seen a situation where the person who had passed away had been married previously and thought he had changed the beneficiary and did not. It was the ex-spouse who received the life insurance, even after 25 plus years of marriage to their current spouse.
7.Is the person coming home with physical changes which require modifications either temporary or permanent to the home? Make a list of what is needed to be done for them to come home including any structural changes, home care, home health care, and equipment needed. What services are available to get things modified in the home? What is the timeline for projects that need to be completed?
An area of high stress in the face of a life changing event is finances. It is important to understand what income you have coming in and what expenses going out. This needs to include new expenses like home health care, adult daycare and home care.
Make a list of all of your income (example below):
Salary – employer
VA compensation or pension
Social Security
Pension – employer
Make a list of all of your expenses (example below):
Mortgage/rent
Utilities /cell phone/internet
Car payment/insurance
Medical insurance
Student loan debt
Credit card debt
Other expenses
The above list is a tool to get all of your income and expenses together.
As we all know, society advertises spending versus saving. When a lifechanging event happens in our life, most are not ready for it financially. When we document and know daily, weekly, or monthly what we have coming in and going out; it may decrease stress in the middle of chaos.
In addition to understanding your finances, it is important to know what other resources may be in your community. If the person is a veteran, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs:
1.Does the person qualify for care at the VA Medical Center?
2.Are there volunteer programs in the county that will assist with home care or home health care?
3.Does the person qualify for Social Security Disability?
Another difficult question regarding finances, is what if the person passes away? As the spouse/significant other, what if any of their income will come to you? Are you the beneficiary on the life insurance and bank accounts? This information is very important for the person or persons left behind. We want to know that we can stay living in our home or will have to move, as well as any other life questions that come up when a loved one passes away.
It is also important to have a will or trust filed as well. The guidance that a will or trust gives is valuable. It answers questions and gives direction on where the person wants their finances and personal possessions to go upon their death.
The example below gives some understanding on how finances can affect a person/family:
-A veteran who is service connected and in receipt of special monthly compensation due to needing aid and attendance due to loss of use of bowel and bladder receives VA compensation in the amount of $9,534.47.
-A spouse, who is caregiving for their veteran and in receipt of bowel and bladder care may receive a monetary amount that will vary depending on need (estimate an additional $3,000 in income).
When the veteran passes away and if the primary or contributory cause of death is due to his/her service connected condition, the spouse could be eligible for DIC in the amount of $1,612.75. If the person is not a veteran, there may only be Social Security, or in some cases, no income.
This is just a small example, but a big reason why it is important to be organized with documents that will be needed at some point in our life time. It will help us know exactly what our financial situation is either on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. By having your own organization tool, and discussing these important topics with them, when a life changing events happens, you will be better prepared to do what needs to be done and know what your life situation is at that time.
All
Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!
Recent changes to PVA membership criteria have opened up our membership to all veterans with MS. Call us today to find out more information. If you know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them!
If you have MS (or know someone who does) and have any questions about MNPVA, please contact our office!
Volunteer Coordinator
We can always use volunteers! Please reach out to Ginny to find out how you can join the team of valuable volunteers serving SCI/D veterans.
Volunteer Opportunities
We always use volunteers in many different areas such as fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, mailing help, sewing, IT assistance or to provide support at events. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer team leader, please contact our office and speak with Ginny.
“NO ONE CAN DO EVERYTHING, BUT EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING.”
-Author Unknown
Have an Unused Vehicle?
Consider supporting PVA by donating your unused vehicle! For wheelchair accessible vehicles, contact us at the MNPVA office at 612-467-2263. Your vehicle will be matched with one of our veterans in need of accessible transportation.
For all other vehicles, go to pva.careasy.org/home. Donations through National PVA also benefit our chapter.
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!
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 1:30pm
Phone or Voicemail
Office Phone
612-467-2263
Office Assistant: ginnygrabowski@mnpva.org
Executive Assistant: sarahlittle@mnpva.org
President: seththomas@mnpva.org
Call or Text
Executive Assistant (Sarah)
612-699-8551
President (Seth)
320-390-0219 Social
Facebook: @MinnesotaPVA
Instagram: pva.mn
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mnpva X (formerly Twitter): @pvamn1993
Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.
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Puzzle Lovers!
Congratulations to our August puzzle winner David Vetter. Could you use a $25 Gift Card? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of your completed puzzles for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month. Thanks to all for sending in your entriesparticipation is growing! Next drawing date: 11/25/2024.
All members are invited to join us at our monthly board meetings. These meetings are hybrid (both in person and virtual) so you can choose what works for you!
Please call the office at 612-467-2263 for details. We'd love to see you!!
“JUST ONE SMALL POSITIVE THOUGHT IN THE MORNING CAN CHANGE YOUR WHOLE DAY.”
-Dalai Lama
Come join us for an evening of fun, food, and learning! This popular event is open to inpatients, outpatients, family, and caregivers. 4:00 PM 4:00 PM
Next Date: 10/30/2024, 11/27/2024
Oct 30
Calendar at a Glance
Nov 11 Veteran‘s Day - Office
Nov 21 Adaptive Sports/Recreation @ Northern Star Basecamp
Nov 27
Nov 28Nov 29
Stay Active! Activity Reimbursement Activity
MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! like concerts, sporting events, and theater!
Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. Contact the Contact the office for a more information or reimbursment form. office for a more information or reimbursment form.
Please note: FY24-25 shall not exceed $750/member. Availability of funds are subject to change at anytime. Reimbursement amount is set each year in October by the Board of Directors based on budget.
Itemized receipts required and must be accompanied by a signed reimbursement request form. Some restrictions apply. Participation as an athlete may be covered differently. Please contact the office ahead of time to request assistance and information.
“IF YOU WANT SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER HAD, YOU MUST BE WILLING TO DO SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER DONE.”
MNPVA Members Sports Tickets
Includes two great accessible seats. Save your itemized parking, snack, and non-alcoholic beverage receipts to request reimbursement from us. Bring a family member, friend, or caregiver for the second seat! For ticket recipients who want to say thanks, share a photo with us! Tickets are drawn and awarded about ten days before each game.
Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James, at 218-252-8035 or call the office at 612-467-2263
Upcoming Vikings Games
las vegas raiders at cleveland browns at philadelphia eagles
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at new york giants san francisco 49ers
houston texans at green bay packers new york jets (london) bye
detroit lions at los angeles rams (tnf) indianapolis colts at jacksonville jaguars at tennessee titans at chicago bears arizona cardinals
atlanta falcons chicago bears (mnf) at seattle seahawks green bay packers at detroit lions
Vikings home games in bold // Select game times subject to change due to flexible scheduling
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follow the vikings
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.
If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and would like to join a more local bowling group, let us know! We're looking into starting a group in the Bloomington area.
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.
Research Corner
Opportunities for Participation in Research
Discover ongoing research in our community aimed at enhancing life quality for individuals with spinal cord injury or disease. Each study includes contact info, inclusion criteria, and status. MNPVA invites you to review these opportunities, contact the researchers with queries, and discuss with your physician if they suit you. Thanks to the amazing local researchers for their vital work in the SCI/D field!
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.
Investigator: Dr. Leslie Morse, morsel@umn.edu, 612-301-3072
Coordinator: Liza Nowlin, rehablab@umn.edu, 612-301-3072
“RESEARCH: THE QUEST FOR IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM.” -Lailah Gifty Akita
VA Research Study seeking veterans with spinal cord injuries who use wheelchairs and who use a lift to transfer to their wheelchair.
The purpose of this research study is to assess and refine our CMAP system (Comprehensive Mobile Assessment of Pressure), a seated pressure mapping system. Participation will last about 4 weeks.
Participants must have a smart phone and a home wifi connection.
Participants will use a pressure mapping device in their wheelchairs at home – this device sends seating information to a research therapist who will monitor activity and make recommendations for pressure injury prevention.
Participants will complete surveys and participate in interviews. The study provides up to $100 compensation to participants.
The principal investigator of this study is Dr. Byron Eddy. Anyone interested can call the study coordinator at 612-467-4806.
THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Washington Update
Check out the PVAction Force page to view alerts and a list of key legislation.
IMPORTANT VA FUNDING PDATES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR AMILIES U F
Earlier this year, the VA informed Congress that the department needed an additional $2.9 billion in funding to pay veterans’ pension and disability benefits for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which ends on September 30. VA also requested an extra $12 billion in order to provide medical care for veterans and support their caregivers in FY 2025.
In light of significant advocacy from the veterans community, including from our own PVAction Force advocates, Congress approved, and the President has signed, H.R. 9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024. This legislation provides the additional funding needed for VA to pay critical benefits for an estimated seven million veterans, their families, and survivors on October 1.
Before leaving town last week, Congress also approved a continuing resolution (CR) which, with just a couple of exceptions, maintains the government’s current spending levels through December 20. Despite the Administration’s request, the CR offers no additional cash for the Veterans Health Administration. Lawmakers wanted more time to determine the cause of the deficit, as well as where the needed funds would come from due to caps on federal spending. However, it does allow
the department to spend the $142 billion it received through advanced appropriations faster, to ensure it can meet veteran’s healthcare needs.
SVAC H H VA B OLDS EARING ON UDGET SHORTFALL
On September 18, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a hearing addressing current and future VA budget challenges. This hearing followed a similar hearing in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee earlier in the month. As in the House hearing, the Under Secretary for Health (USH) Dr. Shereef Elnahal and Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) Josh Jacobs testified on behalf of the VA.
Senators on the committee pushed for answers as to why the VA is experiencing such a drastic budget shortfall, especially in light of significant pressure from Senate appropriators encouraging the VA to request more funding. The department defended their initial budget requests claiming they were accurate but that rising enrollment and benefits authorized by the PACT Act were the culprit for increased costs. Both the USB and USH stood by VA’s decision to eliminate the additional eligibility cohorts, which were spaced out in two-year windows over the next 10 years and authorized in the PACT Act, instead allowing those eligible veterans to enroll in VA this year.
Another topic discussed by multiple senators were the improper authorizations of critical skills incentive (CSI) payments, which the Office of Inspector General published a report on in May of this year. Senators from both sides of the aisle fired off aggressive questions for VA leadership about the CSI payments, the budget shortfall, and budget mismanagement by the VA.
EGISLATIVE PRIORITYCLEARS THEHOUSE
On September 17, several pieces of veteran-focused legislation were passed out of the House. A few of the bills are of direct interest to PVA members. One of the bills, H.R. 777, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2024, would increase compensation rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities, the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors, and other related benefits. The COLA would match any increase in Social Security benefits.
Another bill, H.R. 6324, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act, would authorize the VA to carry out major medical facility projects during FY 2024 and the maximum amounts that can be spent on each project. $3.3 billion was already appropriated to fund major construction across VA, including $3.12 million for the new SCI/D building in San Diego and other facility improvements such as seismic corrections. However, the funding has to be authorized before it can be expended.
Finally, H.R. 7342, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024, was also voted out of the House. This bill would create a Federal Advisory Committee dedicated to accessibility across the VA system and would ensure that several veterans service organizations have a seat at the table when analyzing the disparities and barriers faced by disabled veterans. This bill was a top priority during PVA’s Advocacy Legislation Seminar in June. The bill is now in the Senate and we encourage folks to reach out to their senators and urge them to support it on PVAction Force.
ENATE
With limited options and time running out, the Senate opted not to vote on the Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this year. Instead, they took their bill and a small package of amendments that the chamber could agree on and went straight to an informal conference with the House. The move allows the two chambers to meet informally and work out most of the details of a compromise bill prior to the election. If they are successful, only a handful of tougher issues would have to be formally negotiated when everyone returns in mid-November.
Unfortunately, few veterans-related issues were accepted into the amendment package. The ones that were included would direct VA to create a toll-free helpline to provide information on VA benefits and services to veterans and their families; only allow licensed health care professionals to perform medical disability exams; and make spouses eligible for the disabled veterans’ outreach program. A fourth provision directs the VA to report to Congress on the status and timeline of the VA Airborne Hazards & Open Burn Pit Registry 2.0.
PVA had hoped the chamber would consider adding amendments that would allow combat injured veterans to receive their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without offset (Richard Star Act), and future surviving spouses of veterans who pass from ALS to receive the “Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Kicker” (Justice for ALS Veterans Act). A third, and arguably more important provision that was extracted from the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act 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. While the NDAA is not the normal vehicle to advance provisions like these, we greatly appreciate Senators Crapo, Coons, and Moran’s efforts (respectively) to try and insert them in the bill.
Fortunately, the individual measures for each of these issues remain active until the end of this Congress, so we will continue our efforts to get them passed as stand-
alone measures or as part of another piece of advancing legislation.
Under Secretary for Benefits Josh Jacobs who was invited but did not attend.
On September 18, the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) Subcommittee for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing evaluating the contracted examiners used by the VA to conduct the Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Representatives from VA, the Government Accountability Office, and the VFW were present and provided in-person testimony. PVA provided a statement for the record which you can read here
Over 90 percent of disability compensation exams are now performed by contracted exam vendors. It is VA's job to implement contract requirements and processes to ensure that contractors are appropriately scheduling veterans for exams, and that veterans are not being forced to attend the same exam more than once. Some of the issues that were repeatedly addressed were distances traveled by veterans to their examinations, lack of expertise by the examiners, timeliness of exams, and unclear procedures from the VBA. The Medical Disability Examination Office has been proactive as-oflate in modifying contracts and implementing new processes meant to improve the C&P experience. However, much is still left for improvement. You can watch the hearing here.
On September 26, the Economic Opportunity (EO) Subcommittee for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing titled, “Digital GI Bill in Disarray: Holding the Biden-Harris Administration Accountable for VA’s Costly Mismanagement.” Representatives from VA, the VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Accenture were present and provided in-person testimony. Noticeably absent was
In March 2021, the VA began to create a digital platform for the GI Bill. The platform would allow GI Bill claims processing and is intended to provide capabilities to improve timely and accurate delivery of educational payments and determine real-time eligibility and benefit information. Further, the platform would also provide the ability for GI Bill students to engage with VA through electronic outreach, intake, and upgraded communication tools for on-the-spot service. However, since that time, there have been significant cost overruns in the creation of the new platform and the timelines for implementation have been pushed back. The cost has more than doubled from the initial $453 million to the current $932 million. The OIG listed some of the contributing causes as poor contract oversight and planning, incomplete test environments, and unclear/unrealistic goals for implementation. During the hearing, Congress made clear that they would not tolerate any more cost increases and cited a definite concern with a lack of leadership accountability.
S V C C
On September 25, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) held a hearing to examine support of veterans and their caregivers through programs like VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Much of the conversation focused on PCAFC, the unavailability of respite care, the Veterans Health Administration’s budget shortfall, and the urgent need for Congress to pass the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act.
During the hearing, it was apparent that VA’s assessment of the availability of respite care differed greatly from the committee members and other witnesses. The department said the use of respite has increased exponentially in the past couple of years. According to them, it’s risen 222 percent since fiscal year 2022. Normally, veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) are placed in one of VA’s acute or long-term care SCI/D centers for respite. But in many parts of the country, insufficient funding coupled with
the elimination of staff positions and unfilled vacancies has severely limited the availability of respite care.
HVAC Chairman Mike Bost (IL-R) also noted that for the past 18 months or so, VA has been working on changes to the current PCAFC regulation. An announcement about the proposed regulatory reform was expected months ago. The chairman discussed this in his opening comments and urged the Administration to release its proposed changes as quickly as possible.
Finally, RAND, a research organization, briefed the committee about the results of their new study on caregiving. The study was released the previous day. One of their key findings was that military and veteran caregivers incur an estimated $8,583 in annual out-ofpocket costs associated with their caregiving responsibilities. Others demonstrated the urgent need for Congress and the VA to increase access to mental health and substance use treatment for caregivers and their children. The video recording and relevant documents which include a statement for the record that PVA submitted can be viewed here.
H H O H
In July 2022, the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) partnered with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a national emergency response line intended to be a critical resource for people experiencing a mental health crisis. When a veteran caller presses “1,” they are connected to the VCL.
On September 18, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC), Subcommittee on Health held an oversight hearing examining the operations and effectiveness of the VCL. Testifying on behalf of the VA was Dr. Matthew Miller, Executive Director of Suicide Prevention. The panel also included Dr. Julie Kroviak, Principal Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections on behalf of the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Recent data shared by Dr. Miller in his testimony illustrated the demand for well-trained VCL staff and for
robust mental health services offered by the VA. In the two years since standing up the 988 line, the VCL has seen an increase of 22.7 percent in calls per day, a 76.7 percent increase in texts per day, and a 27.5 percent increase in the chat feature offered through the platform. The higher utilization of the VCL has led to increased demand for staffing. Currently, the VCL has 1,078 full time employees. Additionally, the number of Crisis Responders has increased from 542 in February 2021 to 1,084 in August 2024.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the VCL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 356 days a year by call, text, or chat features. You can press 1 to be connected to the VCL or stay on the line to be connected to a counselor.
N N
NDRN to Hold Virtual Premiere for Documentary on Barriers to Voting
On October 10, the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) will be premiering their film, “Accessing Democracy.” This interview-style documentary allows voters with disabilities to communicate the barriers they face when performing activities of daily living and receiving necessary services. The non-partisan documentary also provides voters with disabilities with the platform to express what they want from their next commander in chief. Registration for the virtual premiere is now open.
SSA Releases 2024 Action Plan Detailing its Efforts to Improve Operations
On August 14, the Social Security Administration (SSA) released its 2024 Action Plan The plan lays out 27 of the SSA’s top priorities for the remainder of the year. SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley states that action on each of the initiatives has already begun and some of the strategic initiatives will need beyond the end of the year to be fully accomplished. These priorities stem from over 5,000 recommendations made by employees and internal and external stakeholders.
The initiatives include strategies to improve the employee and customer service experience, reduce occurrence of overpayments, harmonize policies and communications with other government agencies, and more. As part of this plan, the agency has already finalized rulemaking to simplify programs related to disability insurance. While the plan is active, the Commissioner O’Malley notes that the SSA’s efforts require enactment of the Administration’s fiscal year 2025 budget request for SSA and other important investments.
DOD Commits $500 Million for Women's Health Research, Supports Better Care for All Women
On September 23, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced it was committing $500 million to women’s health research in hopes that the research conducted would help address women’s health disparities. DOD plans to further the research effort by collaborating with the VA through the joint DOD/VA Health Executive Committee and the Women’s Health Research Collaborative to explore opportunities to promote joint efforts to advance women’s health research and improve evidence-based care for women in uniform. You can read the press release here.
EO Subcommittee Ranking Member Meets with Veterans Organizations
In late September, Associate Legislative Directors
Jeremy Villanueva and Julie Howell participated in a quarterly stakeholder engagement meeting with House Veterans’ Affairs, Economic Opportunity (EO) Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Levin (D-CA) to discuss policy areas relevant to the subcommittee. Topics addressed were the need for Congress to pass H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, the need for increased oversight on disabled veteran employment and appropriate workplace accommodations, and policy areas that might take center stage in the next session of Congress.
SAccessible Air Travel: Survey
The Human Engineering Research Laboratories in Pittsburgh is conducting a national survey about accessible air travel. The study aims to estimate the pent-up demand for air travel among mobility device users and identify the specific needs and pain points experienced during their travel. Your participation will provide valuable insights that can help improve the accessibility and overall travel experience for mobility device users. The survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. To take the survey, please click here
Veterans’ Committee Activities
Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on previous and upcoming hearings and markups.
&H URVEYS EARINGS
John Adamek
Duane Broten
Harry Carlson
Daniel Couture
Paul Decora
Fred Falk
Clark Forte
Lynn Fulton
Carol Graske
Ricky Hartman
Kenneth Janusz
Chris Johnson
Lloyd Jones
Kris Kluge
Robert Krone
Jeffrey Larson
Michael Malm
Kevin Miller
John Novicki
Curtis Peterson
Eric Poehler
Monique Skewes
Richard Smith
Franklin Star
David SullivanNightengale
Dale Walters
Codii Young
Michelle Zapata
Richard Ybarra
8 5 1 7 2 9 9 5 8 3 9 6 5 6 7 4 9 3 4 7 4 9 6 4 5 7 6 8 2 3 1 8 5 9
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.
Mail completed copy to office to enter drawing for $25gift card.
