MNPVA North Star Bullet - August 2023

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Minnesota Chapter

612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org

Executive Officers

President: Vicky Garrison

Vice President: Tim Valentin

Secretary: Scott Little

Treasurer: Seth Thomas

National Director: Todd Kemery

MS Contact:

Scott Little (952) 200-5715

Leave a message if no answer

Chapter Staff

Lauren Catlin

Executive Assistant m: 612-699-8551

North Star Bullet

Editor-in-Chief: Vicky Garrison

Associate Editor: Lauren Catlin

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

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

Mission

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

Jim Arndt

Vocational Rehab Program

Federal Building Room G915 St Paul, MN 55111

202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609

jamesA@pva.org

Vicky Garrison Editorial

Happy August! Although the summer is drawing to a close too quickly, the warm months brought many good things for the chapter! MNPVA sent several athletes to Oregon for the NVWG, and they returned with good memories and many medals. The annual MNVPA chapter picnic returned on August 2 with a great turnout of members, SCI inpatients, and VA staff. Due to parking lot construction, we moved the location to Richfield Veterans Park. Great food and fun visiting made the picnic a smashing success! Our Adaptive Sports/Rec Program held at Basecamp proved highly popular and will return for another 12 months. Our VA SCI center is returning to normal after several years of restrictions, and especially exciting - member involvement is increasing!

With the new SCI parking lot to be completed soon, we'd like to unofficially request members to implement that famous Minnesota "nice" when coming to the SCI center. The same amount of parking should be available but fewer spots close to the door. If members come to the VA with a caregiver and the weather is inclement, we suggest getting dropped off under the canopy and saving those closer spots for SCI veterans traveling alone.

The new fiscal year, October 1, will be upon us soon! Opportunities for member activities and involvement in all areas of the state will be a strong focus We are looking for several members in the state's north and south regions to serve as coordinators/contact for these regions. Our membership is far-reaching in our very tall state of Minnesota. Because travel is difficult for some, we'd like to bring activities and events to all three areas of the state, north, central, and south. We also welcome the involvement of our volunteers, caregivers, and spouse in this effort. If you are interested in helping get this program started, please let me know. Stay tuned for more information in next month's newsletter.

Like a child, be happy for no reason!

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 us!

Scott Little

scottlittle@mnpva.org

(952) 200-5715

Leave a message if no answer

Seeking Chapter MS Coordinator

MNPVA is seeking a member to function as our chapter MS Coordinator. This volunteer position would involve staying connected with the National MS PVA committee, assisting with coordinating the MNPVA involvement with the annual MS Walk, advancing MS resources, and keeping the board of directors informed of all things MS related.

If you are interested, please email Vicky at vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Understanding the Application of the new Advancing Uniform Transporatation Opportunities Act of 2022

By Jason Stephenson, Senior Benefit Advocate

Recently, there was an article in the PN magazine regarding the Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities (AUTO) for Veterans Act of 2022. This now allows for those that are entitled to the auto grant, can receive a second grant every ten years. As a reminder, in order to qualify for the auto grant, one of the following criteria must be service connected:

Loss or permanent loss of use of at least one foot

Loss or permanent loss of use of at least one hand

ALS

other miscellaneous conditions such as visual acuity, burns, and ankylosis (immobility of joints). If you feel you meet this criteria, please contact a PVA NSO.

This article is meant to clarify as to when a second auto grant can be utilized. The AUTO Act was signed on January 9, 2023. One of the provisions under section 21 allows for a veteran to utilize a second grant now, if it has been 30 years since the veteran utilized the grant. The other provision if it has been less than 30 years, allows for a second auto grant to be utilized 10 years after this law has been enacted. As an example, if someone utilized their entitlement in 2018, or after January 1994, a second grant cannot be obtained until January 2033.Entitlement can be used repeatedly every 10 years.

This new law does not have any impact on the adaptive equipment program under 1173.4 where two vehicles can be modified every four years.

For those that are not service connected; The 2022 AUTO Act continues entitlement if determined to be medically appropriate for adaptive equipment which includes modifying a van for ingress and egress involving lifts, raising of doors or roofs, air conditioning, and passenger tie downs. In some instances, if there is a change in medical conditions, a second vehicle can be obtained but it is a case by case basis and has to be approved through the major medical committee.

This new law does not have any impact on the adaptive equipment program under 1173.4 where two vehicles can be modified every four years.

If you have questions regarding the above, please reach out to your local PVA National Service Officer.

The human spirit is one of ability, perseverance, and courage that no disability can steal away

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

Executive Assistant (Lauren) 612-699-8551

President (Vicky) 507-273-5261

Email

Office Assistant: office@mnpva.org

Executive Assistant: laurencatlin@mnpva.org

President: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Social Media

Facebook Messenger: @MinnesotaPVA

Instagram: pva.mn

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mnpva X (formerly Twitter): @pvamn1993

In Person

Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday 8a-noon, 1p-4p

Thursday and Friday - 8a - 1:00p

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

(Due to current staffing issues, please call ahead to make sure office is open)

Puzzle Lovers!

Congratulations to our July puzzle winner, Richard Evans!

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 entries - participation is growing!

Next drawing date: 9/1/2023

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!!

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

We need every one of your unique contributions to make MNPVA work. Thank you for your tireless efforts to support SCI/D Veterans!

Volunteer Opportunities

MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas such as fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, mailing help, IT assistance or to provide support at events. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer team leader, please contact our office. -Author Unknown

Volunteers are love in motion!

Election News

Election ballots will be mailed by July 15th. This mailing will include two return envelopes. One will be an “inside” security envelope, marked "ballot envelope" Another will be a postage-paid, pre-addressed return envelope. Follow these steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Fill out your ballot with your choices

Place your ballot in the "Ballot Envelope" and seal

Place the ballot envelope in the postage paid envelope provided. All addresses are already on the envelope

Mail your ballot to be postmarked by August 29

Important Notes:

Ballots must be received in the provided return envelope, stamped, and postmarked, if mailed.

Ballot will not be counted if any part of the return address is blacked out. If your address is incorrect, please contact the office right away. Ballots must be postmarked by August 29th.

Chapter fiscal year

Term for Executive Officers

Term for board members

Nomination time frame

Ballots Mailed to the members

Ballots Due in MNPVA Office

October 1- September 30

1 Year

3 Years

June 1 - July 1

By July 15th

Postmarked By August 29

Aug 15

Calendar at a Glance

Board meeting 10:30am

Aug 27- Sep 2

Midwest fishing Event

Aug 29

Election Ballots Due

Sept 16

Metro Fun Shoot - Open to the Public

Sept 25 Fall Member Meeting

MNPVA Members Sports Tickets

Upcoming Twins Games

Includes two accessible great seats. Save your 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!

Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James or call the office at 612-467-2263

2023AnnualPicnic

We sure enjoyed gathering for the return of MNPVA's annual picnic on August 2nd! Greeting old friends and making new ones is always so much fun! A special thank you to our volunteers for helping us with this great event!

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

On Break for the Summer

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.

2023 Summer VA Outpatient Recreation Therapy Programs

Please RSVP to Recreation Therapy Staff if interested in these opportunities as the pro- grams have limited space and need to be signed up for! If attending, please screen yourself for covid-19 prior to participating in any outpatient group!

Jenna Stade: 612-258-9073 or Joleen Peterson: 612-946-2519

Adaptive Kayaking:

Clinics will be from 9:30am – 11:30am Various Three Rivers Park District

Locations

Once Signed Up you will receive more details on locations.

• Friday, August 11th

• Friday, August 25th

• Friday, September 8th

• Friday, September 22nd

PGA Golf:

Clinics will be from 9:00am-11:00am

Lost Spur Golf Course

2750 Sibley Memorial Hwy

Eagan, MN 55121

• Monday, June 12th—August 21st

Project Healing Waters

Fly-fishing education, fly casting, fly tying and rod building

To learn more contact:

David.Winkler@projecthealingwaters.org

2023 Minneapolis Veterans

Creative Arts Competition

See flyer for details

PVA Virtual Events

Adaptive Yoga

Nutrition Classes

Fitness Training

Adaptive Boxing

PVA.org/adaptive-sports/online-events

Member Action Item

Home Health Care Shortage

Thank you for all who have responded to our call for action! If you haven't yet shared, please help us gather the ammunition we need to enact change! Home caregivers are ESSENTIAL to us!

Direct stories from our veterans function as a driving force to help inform and advocate for change and improvement in the vital area. If you have authorized home health care and are experiencing difficulty filling the hours due to staffing shortages or have recently experienced staffing difficulties, please get in touch with a member of the MNPVA Advocacy Legislative team or call the office.

Share your story today!

Vicky: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Tim: timvalentin@mnpva.org

Todd: toddkemery@mnpva.org

Office: 612-467-2263

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

RESEARCH STUDY

on how to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury...

Do you want to find out?

The Brain Body Mind Lab is recruiting participants with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury to compare the effect of Remotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation versus Remotely-delivered Exercise to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

•Be18-75yearsofage

•Beabletohearandcomprehend theEnglishinstructionsgiveninthestudy

•Haveacompleteorincompletespinal cord injury(>1year)

•Beabletoself-transferwithsome assistanceandpushacall button

•Haveanavailablecare-partnertoassist withtheinterventions

•Notbepregnant

•BemedicallystableandnoMRI contraindicationsParticipantswill:

•Eitherreceive12weeksofphysical therapywithRemotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation OR Remotely-delivered exercise, 3x/week, 45min/sessionfor12weeks

•Have2MRI scansofthebrain+3clinical assessments

•Fill inquestionnairesrelatedtofunction, qualityoflife, andbodyawareness

FIND OUT MORE

Dr. Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MSPT, PT avandewi@umn.edu (preferred) 612-406-2500 or 612-625-1191

"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 " - expiration date 10/16/2024

Researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN) are conducting an anonymous online survey to gather information about individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) who have used psychedelic drugs after their SCI. Participation involves completing an online survey. This survey will take about 20-40 minutes to complete, depending on how you respond.

https://tinyurl.com/SCI-Injury-survey

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

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. Support

Washington Update

HOUSE COMMITTEE MOVES ELIZABETH DOLE HOME CARE ACT FORWARD

In the final days before August recess, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee marked up one of PVA’s top priorities for 2023. Action on the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542) had been delayed since last Congress because of a very high price tag placed on it by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) concerning the cap on VA purchased home care. Under current law, VA is prohibited from spending on home care more than 65 percent of what it would cost if the veteran was provided nursing home care. When VA reaches this cap, the only alternatives are to place the veteran into a VA or community care facility or rely on the veteran’s caregivers, often family, to bear the extra burden.

PVA urged the Veterans’ Affairs committees in the House and Senate to work with VA to provide accurate data to CBO as we believed the score was incorrect. After a bipartisan, bicameral effort, CBO adjusted the cost of the provision. This allowed the bill to move forward. If passed, the bill would take the cap from 65 percent to 100 percent of the cost of nursing home care. It would also allow the VA Secretary to go above 100 percent of the cost of such care for veterans with ALS, spinal cord injuries, and other similar conditions.

The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act would also expand VA’s home and community-based programs, including the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program. It would

further require VA to allow catastrophically disabled caregivers in the VDC program to pay their caregiver when hospitalized. Although PVA was able to get VA to move forward and implement this provision without legislative action, we want to ensure the requirement is in law.

The next step is for the bill to pass both the House and Senate. We will be working with Congress to ensure that this legislation continues to move forward.

DOT ISSUES LONG-AWAITED LAVATORY RULE AT WHITE HOUSE GATHERING

On July 26, the Department of Transportation (DOT) released the long-awaited rule on accessible lavatories on larger single-aisle aircraft. PVA’s Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley was at the White House for the announcement. The release of the final rule, which still needs to be officially published in the federal register, represents decades of advocacy by PVA and other disability organizations to require a wheelchair accessible lavatory on single-aisle aircraft. Twin-aisle aircraft are already required to have such a lavatory.

The rule reflects much of the agreement reached during a 2016 negotiated rulemaking between airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and disability stakeholders. PVA participated in the negotiated rulemaking. The agreement required at least one wheelchair accessible

lavatory on larger single-aisle aircraft (maximum seating capacity of at least 125 seats) reachable by an on-board wheelchair. The lavatory must accommodate a passenger with a disability, a caregiver, and the onboard wheelchair behind a closed door. Airlines were given approximately two decades to comply, which we accepted in 2016 in order to have a date certain after which the requirement would finally go into effect.

In the final rule released at the White House, DOT retained the lavatory requirements previously outlined but decreased the amount of time airlines have to comply. We had asked DOT to recognize the lengthy delay from the date of the agreement to the final rule in assigning a timeframe for compliance. The final rule requires airlines to comply within 10-12 years. We are pleased that DOT shortened the compliance time.

The final rule also includes required features for onboard wheelchairs, including the need for a padded seat and backrest and arm supports that are structurally sound but permit unobstructed transfers. The on-board wheelchair must also be the height of the aircraft seat and have wheel locks that permit safe transfers. These chairs will be required on planes with a maximum seating capacity of 125 passengers for planes delivered on or after three years from the date the final rule is published in the federal register. If the on-board wheelchair won’t fit in a non-accessible lavatory with the passenger and allow the door to close, then airlines must provide a visual barrier to allow the lavatory to be used with the door open. Flight attendants will also need to be trained to assist passengers on the on-board wheelchair to and from the lavatory.

To read the final rule, click here.

PVA PARTICIPATES IN VSO ROUNDTABLE WITH HOUSE MINORITY LEADERS

On July 17, PVA attended a veterans organization roundtable hosted by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA). Much of the conversation focused on the PACT Act (P.L. 117168), which expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other

toxic substances. PVA’s Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley urged the Minority Leader to place emphasis on passing the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which greatly expands access to VA’s home and community-based services and increases other long-term care options for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders Independent Budget partner VFW expressed the need to invest in VA infrastructure. This is also a top priority for PVA as we seek to protect access to VA specialty health care.

HOUSE COMMITTEE SCRUTINIZES VA DISABILITY EXAMS PROCESS

PVA was invited to submit its views for a July 27 House Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing looking at VA’s disability exams process. Our statement for the record highlighted a noticeable difference in quality and accuracy between disability exams conducted by VA’s specialty providers and those conducted by VA’s contracted claims vendors.

When a veteran with MS or ALS receives a VA conducted exam, they are normally evaluated by a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system. From our experience, this greatly enhances the likelihood of getting a proper exam, and significantly decreases the chance of errors. However, in the case of VA contracted exams, a veteran with MS may be examined by a family practitioner, pediatrician, obstetrician, or other provider who may have little to no expertise with the disease. These inadequate contractor exams can result in lengthy claim processing times, VA Rating Decisions that provide a lesser degree of benefits, and necessitate the need for lengthy appeals.

We expressed our belief that disability claims examinations for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders and other complex disabilities should only be conducted by VA providers specializing in the field of medicine for the disability being claimed. In the instances where they are not, a veteran should have the right, and VA contractors should have the ability, to schedule them with a provider actually practicing in the field of medicine for the condition under consideration.

You can view a recording of the hearing here.

HOUSE PASSES MILCON/VA BILL

The House approved its version of the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Act (MILCON/VA) (H.R. 4366) on July 27, making it the first appropriations bill to clear either chamber of Congress. The $317.4 billion measure funds VA as well as military construction projects. The full chamber considered and accepted 40 amendments lawmakers had posed to the bill prior to holding their final vote. Some of these additions to the final bill could be beneficial to PVA members. They include provisions encouraging VA’s Office of Rural Health to increase efforts to improve transportation to medical care for rural veterans; providing increased funding to improve accessibility for in-home health care services for veterans; additional funding for medical and prosthetic research for veterans; and providing greater support to states for the construction of facilities to care for veterans.

The next stop for this important measure is the Senate, which is presently developing its own version of the bill. The upper chamber could continue with their own efforts, amend the House bill and send it back, or pass the House bill as is. The first two options would eventually lead to a joint conference, so the two chambers can resolve their differences and agree to a final bill. Regardless which option they choose, Congress has already started its August recess so we will have to wait until the fall before the MILCON/VA bill is finalized.

SENATE HEARING CONSIDERS PENDING LEGISLATION

On July 12, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing examining several veterans’ health-related bills. PVA submitted a statement for the record. Bills considered included S. 495, the Expanding Veterans' Options for Long Term Care Act. This legislation would require the VA Secretary to carry out a pilot program to provide assisted living services to a rapidly growing population of aging and/or disabled veterans who are not able to live safely at home, but who do not yet require skilled nursing care. This legislation is a priority for PVA as we seek to expand access to VA long-term services and supports.

Other bills addressed included those that would require the VA to implement a series of reforms and improvements to the new electronic health record system before it can deploy it to other VA medical facilities. The Committee also considered three bills that address access to community care. PVA expressed concern about expanding access to community care and codifying access standards as we believe such care should only be offered when needed services are unavailable at VA facilities, or when it is based on sound medical judgement in the best interest of the veteran. We are concerned that such efforts could actually harm the ability of VA to continue providing critically needed specialty health care services.

The complete list of bills reviewed by the Committee and a video of the hearing can be found here

ADDITIONAL HVAC HEARINGS

July has been a busy month for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC).

On July 12, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (O&I) held a pending legislation hearing Some of the legislation discussed focused on topics, such as restoring the VA Accountability Act, which would allow the VA to remove staff that fails to perform adequately; improving the disability benefits questionnaire to improve the benefits claims process, and enhancing training for the VA Office of Inspector General.

On July 13, the Economic Opportunity (EO) and the Technology Modernization subcommittees held a joint hearing on oversight of the Digital GI Bill program. In this contentious hearing, the subcommittees grilled folks from the VA Education Division and the tech companies that have built the updated systems. Congress questioned VA about the delayed rollout schedule despite receiving adequate funding to ensure its timely execution.

A little later in the month, on July 18, there was an HVAC legislative hearing. The legislation discussed impacts veterans living with a fiduciary and their access to firearms as well as a bill that seeks to change the

effective date for the discontinuance of pension in the event of a veteran’s death.

Finally, on July 20, the O&I and Technology Modernization subcommittees held a joint oversight hearing titled, “VA Contracting: Challenges in Competition and Conflicts of Interest.” The subcommittees challenged VA on contract diversity and questioned if the Department is free of conflicts of interest.

NEWS OF NOTE

Veteran Volunteers Wanted

The Quality of Life (QL+) Program is seeking veterans with disabilities who would benefit from having custom specialized devices built for them to help with their active lifestyle or simply to enhance their everyday life. The QL+ program has helped everyone from Paralympic athletes to veterans looking to improve their ability to return to the everyday activities that may be tougher for them as a result of their injuries or illnesses. Some projects have included hiking prosthetics, kayak and bike lifts, wheelchair tire cleaners, specialized archery equipment, and even a rollerblading attachment for a prosthetic leg. Any veteran with a disability (it doesn’t have to be service-related) is eligible to apply for this free program. Click on the link to learn more.

Important PACT Act Deadline Approaching Rapidly

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 or “PACT Act (P.L. 117-168) is the biggest expansion of veteran health care and benefits in generations. VA is encouraging all eligible veterans and survivors to file a claim — or submit their intent to file a claim — for PACT Act-related benefits now. If you notify VA of your intent to file before August 10, 2023, you may be able to get retroactive payments to August 10, 2022, when the PACT Act became law. Click here to learn more or contact your PVA service officer.

ADVOCACY AND COMMITTEE ACTION

Advocacy During August Recess

Congress has officially departed for its August recess, which traditionally is a 5+ week-long break from legislative activity that allows members of the House and Senate to reconnect with their constituents, spend time with family, and travel independently or as part of congressional delegations (CODELs) on diplomatic or fact-finding efforts. Much of the time, they will be working out of their state and local offices, which makes it a lot easier for PVA members to meet with them. We will be running a number of campaigns on key legislative priorities through PVAction Force during the break, but encourage members and chapters to take the extra step to meet face-to-face with their elected officials.

Upcoming Veterans’ Committee Activities

Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on upcoming hearings and markups.

VA Suicide Prevention Resources for Veterans and Their Supporters

Resources for Veterans

VA Mental Health Care

VA’s repository of mental health resources, information, and data, including materials specifically for women Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans, Veterans transitioning from service, and older Veterans.

Emergency Medical Care for Veterans

VA provides, pays for, or reimburses emergency care for certain Veterans and individuals—including ambulance transportation costs, follow-on inpatient or residential care related to the event for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days, including social work.

Veterans Crisis Line

Available 24/7 to Veterans in crisis and their loved ones. For free, confidential support, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

How to Apply for VA Benefits & Services

Veterans and service members can apply online for VA benefits and services, such as health care, education and training, housing, and burial.

Keep It Secure

Promotes awareness about the simple steps Veterans can take to protect themselves and their family, including information about secure gun and medication storage, the warning signs of suicide, and how to find support.

VA Resource Locator

Find VA facilities, Vet Centers, suicide prevention coordinators, and other VA resources.

Safe Home Environment One-Pager

Highlights ways to create a safe home environment and protect yourself and others during a crisis.

Don’t

wait. Reach out.

Use this site to find support and resources designed specifically for Veterans. Family members and friends can also find resources for the Veteran in their life.

Together With Veterans (TWV)

TWV is a community-based suicide prevention program for rural Veterans. TWV involves partnering with rural Veterans and their communities to implement community-based suicide prevention.

Make the Connection

VA’s premier mental health literacy and anti-stigma website highlights Veterans’ real, inspiring stories of recovery and connects Veterans and their family members and friends with local resources.

Patient Care Services for LGBTQ+ Veterans

Learn more about available health care services for LGBTQ+ Veterans and download helpful resources.

VA Homeless Programs

If you are or know of a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.

Uniting for Suicide Postvention

This website provides resources and support for everyone touched by suicide loss.

August August

John Lewerke

Gerald Bremer

Ted Naspinski

Donald Meyer

Brian Warzecha

Brandon Price

Dale Dordal

Richard Anderson

Daryl Rudquist

Paul Hanks

Charles Myers

Michael Fosnot

Rober Melberg

John Albert

Richard Docksteader

Donald Simons

David Anderson

David Pedersen

Aaron Hilde

Members

Patricia Schaniel

John Jensen

Karlyle Brings Plenty

Todd Kemery

David Larson

Scott White

Cooper Tenney

Philip Rolfe

Nicholis Martin

David Globe

David Williams

Francis Augustson

Jacob Olson

Mallory Young

Solaida Reckinger

Naomi Lorence

Shawna Lasiuk

Steven Hallis

Timothy Jones

September September

John Christensen

Richard Ybarra

Matthew Bachman

Barry Pockrandt

Richard Stang

Walter Dochow

Richard Scott

John Hutterer

Ellen Austin

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North Star Bullet

August 2023

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. office@mnpva.org 612-467-2263