The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaSeptember 2011 Vol. LXI, #9

a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes

CORD WORDWORDCORD

President’sReport

3

GovernmentRelations Report

4

Service Officer’sReport

5

Sports & Recreation

6

VA News7

New EnglandVAMC News

9

Washington Update

12

More than 600 disabled Veteran ath-

letes competed in a variety of sport

competitions at the 31st National

Veterans Wheel-

chair Games in

Pittsburgh, Aug.

1-6. The event is

presented each year

by the Department

of Veterans Affairs

(VA) and the Para-

lyzed Veterans of

America (PVA).

“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games

feature some of the most competitive and

accomplished wheelchair athletes in the world,”

said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K.

Shinseki.

Athletes competed in 17 different sports,

including: air guns, archery, basketball,

bowling, field events, handcycling, nine-ball, a

motorized wheelchair relay, power soccer, quad

rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, track,

trapshooting, weightlifting and wheelchair

slalom.

The weeklong event was webcast at

www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

Highlights for Aug. 1 included the 2011

Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness

Expo, plus the games kick-off and opening

ceremonies. The kick-off took place on the

Roberto Clemente Bridge and featured a slalom

exhibition, in

which wheelchair

athletes

maneuvered

around and

through difficult

obstacles.

Opening

ceremonies,

also Aug. 1, took place in the David L. Lawrence

Convention Center. The lighting of the Games

torch marked the official start of the 31th

National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Hundreds of Veterans with Disabilities Compete in the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games

InsideWhat’s

The National Veterans Wheelchair

Games feature some of the most

competitive and accomplished

wheelchair athletes in the world.” Eric K. Shinseki,

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

”

continued on page �

Sports Director Brad Carlson sprints the track.

Cord Word September 2011

www.nepva.org

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081

TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: info@nepva.org

web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Debra FreedSecretary, Debra FreedTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella

EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter FarringtonPeter Moore Wayne RossDustin SorokaJim WallackNeal Williams

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C

BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607

Fax: (617) 723-7467

Sr. Benefits Advocate, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace

Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081

Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.

PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWeb Master, Thomas DoddWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, Richard FranoWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Al FentonTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams

STAFFCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design, Harley Freedman

2

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER

BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330

Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont

TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911

National Service Officer II, John StansburySecretary, Wendy Glidden

9 MONTH DRAWING

AuGusT WINNeRs

$100Edward Hellman

Mayville, NY

$100John BrakoActon, MA

$100Caleb LeBoeufWoodstock, CT

$100Imelda YorkusWhitefield, ME

Cord Word

www.nepva.org

September 2011

3

by Craig C. Cascella

NEPVA PresidentPresident’s Report

On July 27th, I attended a

Chapter sponsored pizza

party at the Brockton, MA,

LTC Unit. As usual, there was a great

turnout. It is always a good time to

socialize with the residents, volunteers,

and the VA Staff, as well as to listen to

or address any concerns they may have.

A few days after the Brockton pizza

party, it was time for Chapter members

and volunteers to make their way to

Pittsburgh, PA for the 31st National

Veterans Wheelchair Games. The

event is presented each year by the

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

and the Paralyzed Veterans of America

(PVA). NEPVA typically has a large

number of members and volunteers

attending the NVWG each year.

There will be an article regarding

the event in our next newsletter.

For more information about the

National Veterans Wheelchair Games,

visit the NVWG web site: www.

wheelchairgames.va.gov.

In early August, I traveled to

Minneapolis and attended a 3-game

series between the Boston Red Sox and

Minnesota Twins. Target Field, the

new home of the Twins, is only one

year old. I came away very impressed

with the new ballpark, especially the

accessibility aspects of the stadium. The

Minnesota Chapter has season tickets,

with the intent of utilizing them for

their membership, in-patients at the VA

hospital, recreational therapy, and other

Chapter related aspects. The Minnesota

Chapter was instrumental with input

regarding accessibility for fans with

disabilities when the ballpark was in the

design phase.

Aside from enjoying baseball and

sightseeing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul

area, Minnesota Chapter President Tom

Fjerstad took me on a tour of the new

SCI Unit, Recreation courts, and the

gazebo picnic area located just outside

the SCI facilities at the Minneapolis VA

Medical Center. I was very impressed

not only with the SCI Unit, but also the

other areas nearby such as the Chapter’s

office, PVA Service Officer’s office, PT

and OT area, gymnasium, meeting

room space, and therapeutic swimming

pool. Another great item of note is that

accessible light-rail transportation is

available in the city, which has a train

stop just outside the VA hospital. This

is undoubtedly extremely helpful with

assisting veterans in getting to and from

medical appointments. Much thanks

to Tom and the Minnesota Chapter for

their hospitality.

On the 17th, I attended a Chapter

sponsored ice cream party held on the

SCI Unit at the West Roxbury, VAMC.

While NEPVA

rotates monthly

pizza parties at

the Brockton and

West Roxbury

SCI Units, in the

warm, summery

days of August

it’s a nice time to

cool off with some

delicious ice cream.

It is always a good

time to socialize

with the patients,

volunteers, and

the VA Staff, as

well as to listen

to or address any

concerns they may

have.

During the week of August 22nd, I

will be attending PVA’s 65th Annual

Convention. The weeklong convention

will be held in The Woodlands, TX

and I imagine it will be extremely

warm down south. As usual, I expect

a very busy schedule and many, many

PVA related business matters will be

taking place. As the Chapter’s National

Director, I will have an article related

to the convention upon return from the

business trip.

As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s

web site (www.nepva.org), PVA’s web

site (www.pva.org), and the VA’s web

site (www.va.gov) for up to date and

recent news. If you have any questions,

comments, or concerns please contact

our office or your local NSO.

Tom Fjerstad (front left) and his family with Craig Cascella at Target Field in Minneapolis.

Cord Word September 2011

www.nepva.org4continued on page 12

by Debra Freed

Government Relations DirectorGovernment Relations

NEPVA, PVA, & VA

As we get ready for the chang-

ing of the seasons, it’s hard to

imagine Summer coming to

an end, but end it will. The sports will

change, some legislative initiatives will

also change but one thing that will not

change is NEPVA’s commitment to

its members, its National organization

PVA or to the VA.

The first week of August found sixteen

Chapter members in Pittsburgh for the

31st National Veterans’ Wheelchair

Games (NVWG) winning a combined

41 medals. The Games were and are

a collaboration between our parent

organization PVA and VA. To the best

of my knowledge, this event remains

the largest wheelchair sporting event in

the world, not just in the U.S, but in

the world with nearly 600 participating

athletes. The Board voted to allow the

Chapter bus to assist with transporting

medical equipment for our in-patient

members as well as sporting equipment

for some of our members who were

either flying or driving but didn’t have

the room to bring the equipment.

Airlines no longer allow sports

equipment so the cost can become quite

steep. The VA almost always has to ship

equipment and supplies well in advance

and the cost is not cheap, sometimes

over $500, so it was nice the Chapter

could help out.

Speaking about the bus, its main

purpose is to provide accessible

transportation to members and

veterans who do not qualify for VA

transportation, don’t have local transit

options, or have no other means to

keep appointments. NEPVA continues

to work with VA Boston in getting

an accessible transportation program

up and running. I would really like

to thank Mr. Robert (Bob) O’Leary,

the new Chief of Transportation for

the Boston VA Healthcare System for

taking the time to meet with me, make

suggestions and

recommendations

in helping

NEPVA get

this program

rolling. Here

again is another

opportunity to

collaborate to

assist veterans.

Because NEPVA

has a good and

in some cases

better than good

relationship

with VA Boston,

the care of our

members and

veterans overall

has seen marked

improvement.

Although medical

care was always supposed to be veteran

centered, it was not always that way.

I had heard that the West Roxbury

SCI Center was at the bottom of the

list of SCI centers. Now, it is near the

top. NEPVA will share the credit with

PVA and VA Boston. Without this

collaboration the health and wellbeing

of our members and veterans would

again falter.

It is a good time to mention PVA’s

Vice President Laura Ellington, who

is NEPVA’s Chapter VP liaison, was

in for a Chapter Check-up. It was

very short notice but she met with

Dr. Zahn at Brockton and with Dr.

Sabharwal at West Roxbury. The VA

Boston Healthcare System is one of the

better systems that work with PVA and

NEPVA to bring the best care possible

to current and future members.

Collaboration is the key to making

things work and work better. It

continues to amaze me the stories we

hear about how other VAs refuse to

work with PVA Chapters believing PVA

Chapters have no say. However, we all

want what is best for the veteran so

working together would seem a good

solution. At least NEPVA can say it has PVA National Vice President Laura Ellington visited NEPVA on August 9 and toured the Brockton VA Medical Center. Shown left to right are: NEPVA Vice President Debra Freed, Laura Ellington, and SCI Senior Physician Dr. Emma Zahn.

Cord Word

www.nepva.org

September 2011

5

service Officer’s Report by Thomas Ricks Senior National Service Officer, Newark, NJ

Any Veteran needing assistance

who is an amputee or in need

of artificial limbs is covered under

the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility

Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-

262. Also any veteran enrolled in the

VA Healthcare System is eligible for all

needed prosthetics, medical equipment

and supplies. There are certain veterans

eligible for needed prosthetics, medical

equipment, and supplies even if they

are not enrolled. For example, veterans

with a service connected disability

rated at least 50% would not need to be

enrolled in the VA Healthcare System

to be eligible.

Amputee Clinic teams provide

treatment by examining veterans

requesting or requiring major prosthetic

appliances and determining when

a prosthetic appliance is no longer

serviceable or needs to be replaced.

They also conduct clinical evaluations,

inspect new prostheses and conduct

follow-up examination treatments.

Veterans requiring artificial limbs

are referred to the nearest Amputee

Clinic when they reside within the

Primary Service Area (PSA) or another

VA facility which does not have an

Amputee Clinic Team.

The Amputee Clinic Team consists

of providers with combined expertise

of the Physician Chief and Chief

of Prosthetic and Sensory Aids

Service(P&SAS). Other members

may include a Podiatrist, Physical

Therapist, Occupational Therapist,

The Amputee Clinic Teams and Artificial LimbsKinesiotherapist, Preservation

Amputation Care and Treatment

(PACT) Coordinator and Prosthetist.

The Prosthetic Representative of

each Amputee Clinic Team arranges

appointments for veterans to appear

before the clinic team. Follow-up

examinations are scheduled as needed

during the initial prosthetic fitting.

Hospitalized or domiciled veterans

may be referred to the Amputee

Clinic Teams at other facilities after

arrangements have been made with the

prosthetic representative of the facility

in which the team is located.

Artificial limbs, parts and repairs

must be procured and issued to

eligible veterans by prescription from

a designated physician assigned to the

Amputee Clinic Team or from the

Prosthetic Representative in accordance

with policies outlined in VHA

Handbook 1173.1, VHA Handbook

1173.2, and VHA Handbook 1173.3.

Eligible veterans in VHA Handbook

1173.1 who have previously received

artificial limbs from commercial sources

may have a choice of vendors contracted

with VA or their own-contract

Prosthetist, providing the Prosthetist

accepts the VA preferred provider rate

for the geographic area.

Terminal devices such as hooks

and hands must be provided with

replacement artificial arms. When

a terminal device is prescribed, the

selection of a particular type of hook

and/or hand may be based on the

patient’s lifestyle or vocational needs.

Recreational artificial limbs that allow

the amputee to participate in specific

recreational or athletic activity may

be provided. The physician assigned

to the VA Amputee Clinic Team

must prescribe the prosthesis. The

prescription may indicate therapeutic,

rehabilitative or psychological benefit

to be expected or achieved through

participation of the veteran’s specialized

activity.

Prosthetic equipment must be replaced

after there is a determination that the

equipment is no longer serviceable or

that physical change of the veteran’s

limb renders the equipment unsuitable

for further use. The determination

for replacement will be made and

documented by the Chief of P&SAS

based on a physical examination of

the equipment for which replacement

is requested. If the prosthesis is lost,

destroyed or damaged other than by

normal use as determined by the Chief

of P&SAS the appliance will not be

replaced until the veteran receives

counseling.

Spare Artificial Limbs may be furnished

after clinical decision; each case is

made based on factors such as where

the veteran lives or works and the

availability of repair facilities in a

geographical area.

If you have any questions concerning

this benefit provided by the VA, please

contact your local PVA Service Officer

for assistance.

Cord Word September 2011

www.nepva.org6

sports & Recreation Brad Carlson Sports Director

Where did Summer go? It

already feels like Fall. Let’s

start with last month’s Vet-

erans Games. Roughly 34 of us attended

the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair

Games in Pittsburgh, PA. Out of the

34 that attended 16 were athletes. The

remaining 18 attendees were VA Staff,

family members, or aides. A big thank

you goes to all of them and especially

Coach Eileen Craffey. She is the back-

bone of our team. Eileen always writes

her own article on the Games which

will include the total medal count for

our team. In my opinion, the standout

athlete on our team this year would be

Wayne Ross. Wayne medaled in all five

of his events. Congratulations Wayne

for a job well done. All-in-all, the

Games were very organized and every-

one seemed to have a great time. Next

year’s Games will be held in Richmond,

Virginia, June 25-30, 2012. This means

we only have 10 months to get ready.

So, think ahead, and plan on attending

for another great year.

As far as football goes, I have had no

response for team players. I would like

to start the program in September, but

this is not possible without athletes.

For all interested, golf clinics are going

on throughout New

England. Horseback

riding will be starting

this Fall in the

Brookfields. For those

who like shooting

sports, two shooting

dates are planned

on Cape Cod this

fall: September 23rd

at Shawme Gun

Club; and October

7th at Bass River

Gun Club.

For shooting

information,

contact Joanie

Lynch (Joan.

Lynch@va.gov).

Finally, the NEPVA Bass Trail will

wrap up in September with our

final NEPVA tournament on September

10th and 11th (TOC) on Lake

Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

The following weekend, PVA National

will also be hosting a Bass Tournament

on Lake Winnipesaukee at the same

location (Camp Robindel.) To sign up

for the NEPVA tournament, visit www.

nepva.org and follow the link to the

Bass Trail page. Registration for the

PVA tournament is through the PVA

website, www.pva.org.

In closing, there are so many programs

available to you, please take advantage

of all that is offered. Please contact

the NEPVA office or me for more

information on any of the above events.Wayne Ross medaled in all five of his events.

Other highlights included Kids Day on Aug. 5 at Shady

Side Academy, where local children with disabilities met

the athletes and learned about wheelchair sports.

For more information about the National Veterans

Wheelchair Games, visit the Games website at: www.

wheelchairgames.va.gov. For additional information about

the NEPVA team and competition results, see the next

issue of Cord Word.

Vet Gamescontinued from page 1

Debra Freed and the Pittsburgh Steelers Mascot at the Veteran’s Games Track and Field Events Cookout.

Cord Word

www.nepva.org

September 2011

7

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out

to inform Veterans of recent changes made by Congress

to the Post 9/11 GI Bill that take effect in 2011.

General Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, said

“The Post 9/11 GI Bill is incredibly important because it

reduces the financial burdens of higher education so that

Veterans have an opportunity to achieve their education

goals. VA believes it is important for Veterans to be aware of

changes to the GI Bill this year and learn more about how

these changes may affect them.”

“It’s hard to believe how far we have all come with the Post-

9/11 GI Bill the past two years,” stated General Hickey.

“Today, more than 537,000 students have received over $11.5

billion in GI Bill benefits to help them take charge of their

future.”

Upcoming changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill effective August

1, 2011 include paying the actual net cost of all public in-

state tuition and fees, rather than basing payments upon the

highest in-state tuition and fee rates for every state; capping

private and foreign tuition at $17,500 per academic year; and

ending payments during certain school breaks, to preserve

Veterans’ entitlement for future academic semesters. Also,

certain students attending private schools in select states can

now continue to receive benefits at the same rate payable

during the previous academic year.

Beginning October 1, 2011, eligible individuals will be able

to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for programs such as non-college

degrees, on-the-job training, and correspondence courses,

and they will be eligible to receive a portion of the national

monthly housing allowance rate when enrolled only in

distance learning courses.

VA is implementing the latest round of changes to the Post

9/11 GI Bill and has already begun processing fall 2011

enrollment certifications. Outreach by VA has helped to

increase participation by colleges and universities in the

Yellow Ribbon program, which helps students avoid out-

of-pocket costs that may exceed the benefit. Today, more

than 2,600 schools are participating in the Yellow Ribbon

program.

“VA is committed to ensuring Veterans have the

information and tools they need to succeed,” General

Hickey concluded.

Complete information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available

at: www.gibill.va.gov. VA’s education information

phone number is: 1-888-GIBILL-1. For ongoing benefit

information, Veterans and Servicemembers can log into

the VA eBenefits website: www.eBenefits.va.gov. To ask

a question in a secure e-mail, use the “Ask a Question”

tab at: https://www.gibill2.va.gov/cgi-bin/vba.cfg/php/

enduser/ask.php.

VA Reaches Out to Veterans to Explain Upcoming Changes to GI BillEncourages Veterans to Visit VA Website to Learn More

VA News

Ms. Yasmin Garcia & Mr. Sam Wang, from the Human Engineering Research Lab out of the University of Pittsburgh are working with the VA Pittsburgh to better the lives of SCI/D patients. They were conducting studies of vibration on wheelchair users to help develop new and better cushions.

Cord Word September 2011

www.nepva.org8

Symptom Cold Flu

Fever Rare Common

Headache Rare Common

Aches and Pains Slight Moderate

Tiredness Mild Moderate

Suddenness ofSymptoms a few days a few days

Stuffy nose Common Sometimes

Sneezing Usual Sometimes

Sore throat Common Sometimes

Chest discomfort Mild to moderate Common; can become severe

Coughing hacking, mucus dry, hacking

Chills uncommon mild/moderate

Is it a Cold or Flu?

Flu Season Fall 2011

The Summer is quickly coming

to an end and soon the leaves

will be turning. This also

means that the Flu season will soon be

here. The SCI Service Staff would like

to remind you of the importance of an

annual Flu vaccination! As we have each

year, the Spinal Cord Clinic at the West

Roxbury Campus of the VA Boston

Health Care System will be providing

flu shots, when vaccine is made avail-

able this Fall. The VA recommends

that EVERY veteran with a spinal cord

injury, regardless of age, get a flu shot

every year. Influenza is a serious disease

caused by a virus that spreads from

infected persons to the nose or throat

of others. Although good hygiene and

frequent hand washing can decrease the

spread of the virus, vaccinating against

influenza is an important preventative

health measure. The influenza season

in the U.S. is from November through

April each year. It is far more dangerous

than just a bad cold. Influenza is a dis-

ease of the lungs that may lead to pneu-

monia and in some cases death.

The symptoms may include:

• fever • sore throat

• cough • headache

• chills • muscle aches

Persons with a spinal cord injury have

more hospitalizations and death from

lung problems than any other persons,

regardless of age. The influenza vaccine

can provide protection to most people.

The viruses in the vaccine are killed,

so you cannot get influenza from the

vaccine. While no vaccine is 100%

effective, you are likely to be far less

sick than you would be without the

protection of the vaccine. The flu

vaccine will not protect against other

viruses that may feel similar to the flu.

The risk of the vaccine causing serious

harm is extremely small. Almost all

people who get the influenza vaccine

have no problem from it. Some may

experience mild redness or soreness at

the injections site which usually resolves

within 1-2 days. It is also possible to

have a mild fever or muscle aches for

1-2 days. These symptoms are generally

relieved with a few doses of Tylenol.

The risk of developing a complication

from the flu is much greater than the

risk of reaction

from the flu

shot.

Viruses

change often,

therefore, the

flu vaccine is

updated each

year to make

sure it is as

effective as

possible. This

is why it is

important to

vaccinate each

year. The flu

vaccine may

be given at the

same time as

other vaccines,

including the

pneumococcal

vaccine. You

should not take

the flu vaccine if you are ill with a high

fever or have had a severe reaction to

the flu vaccine in the past.

The Spinal Cord Clinic at the West

Roxbury Campus of the VA Boston

Health Care System is open Monday

through Friday from 8a-4p. Both flu

and pneumoccocal vaccines will be

available in the Fall. We will send

notice to veterans once the vaccine is

confirmed available for distribution at

the facility. Please make every effort to

protect yourself and others this season.

If you have any questions, please

contact the SCI clinic at 857-203-6455

Cord Word

www.nepva.org

September 2011

9

New england VAMC News

FREE TO MEMBER

Motorized Wheelchair in good condition;

used 6 months;

for average size person.

Pick up in North Tonawanda, NY

Call NEPVA- 508-660-1181

Quickie 225 Power ChairClean, excellent shape,

with charger

3 year old battery,

needs seat cushion

Pick up in Westford, MA.

Call NEPVA.

Recliner with lift up feature,

lifts you up out of the chair,

Available in Upton, MA

Call the NEPVA office

Inflatable Air MattressHas motor unit; is programmable;

Designed to prevent pressure sores

Available in Wells, ME

Call NEPVA

Manual Quickie WheelchairShower/commode wheelchair

CushionsAll available in Mansfield, MA

Call NEPVA

MANCHESTER VAMC SCI-D CLINIC 5th ANNUAL BARBECUE By Theresa Ciulla, RN, BSN, MSCN, SCI-D Program Manager

Mr. Ken Lipton, Paralyzed

Veterans of America Voca-

tional Rehab Counselor,

kicked off the start of the 5th Annual

Barbecue. He discussed the goals of the

PVA program to assist SCI-D Veterans

with career counseling, job training or

placement, educational retraining, and

resume preparation. Services are also

available to caregivers and dependents.

Mr. Lipton is located at West Roxbury

VAMC (857-203-6091; kenl@pva.org).

While Paul managed the grill, guitar

duo & singers, Dr. Dave Hallinan and

Jim Settle provided 2 hours of non-stop,

foot-tapping entertainment. Pat Far-

rington supplemented the meal with

several delicious cold salads. Stoneyfield

satisfied everyone’s sweet tooth with a

generous donation of smoothies and

ice-cream which were delivered by Jim

Wallack. Dr Marc Levenson, Medical

Center Director stopped by to chat with

several attendees. An outcome of one of

the discussions was a request for secure

e-mail messaging with the SCI-D clinic.

This is now available through MyHeal-

the Vet. All SCI-D Clinic Veterans were

mailed information and instructions on

how to sign-up!

To NEPVA for their support and

to all who helped with serving and

clean-up, a big THANK-YOU!From Top: Jim Wallack arrives with Stoney-field smoothies and ice-cream. Brent Cote giving Paul a hand at the grill . Dr. Dave Hal-linan and Jim Settle provided entertainment.

Cord Word September 2011

www.nepva.org10

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has been a stepping stone for a number

of PVA clients throughout the country

who are now gainfully employed and

are now no longer on social assistance.

Over the past year we have built

relationships with a number of

employers including Citizens and

TD Banks, Raytheon, Verizon,

Walgreen, SAIC, Northrop Grumman,

Department of Labor, Department

of Justice, Massachusetts State

911 Department, University of

Massachusetts Medical School, Boston

Fire Department, Beth Israel Deaconess

and Massachusetts General Hospital,

and a number of colleges. PVA is

also working closely with Vets Inc. in

Worcester which has a free Microsoft

Training Program for veterans (www.

veteransinc.org). We are also in contact

with a number of colleges including

their career centers, veteran liaison

officers, and disability departments

should you be interested in going back

to school and/or training. Remember

also we are able to also work with your

spouse and dependents should they

be interested in pursuing vocational

possibilities.

For more information please contact

Ken Lipton, at 857-203-6091, kenl@

pva.org

Our office is in Room AG60, at the

West Roxbury VAMC. If you can’t

come here, we can meet you at another

VA, your home, apartment, library,

coffee shop and/or whatever mode of

contact and communication is easiest

for you.

Ticket to Work Employment Program

Ken Lipton discusses employment at a recent PVA function.

Cord Word

www.nepva.org

September 2011

11

With dozens of fabulous high-quality brands, Frank Webb’s Bath Centers are the showrooms

of the F.W. Webb Company, the largest plumbing supplier in the Northeast. This means more products,

expertise and value in bath and kitchen plumbing fi xtures and lighting.

Home to dozens of quality brands including...

Accessible living & style are not mutually exclusive. A bathroom must be accessible, secure and supportive in order for us or our loved

ones to live comfortably. Our new Methuen showroom includes 2,000 square feet of accessible living and aging-in-place bath design ideas, proving that accessibility doesn’t mean giving up style! Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, comfort-height toilets, hand-held showers, grab bars and more. Our array of products and expertise create

a bath that supports privacy, comfort and dignity – all without sacrifi cing style.

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Visit our Accessible Living Idea Center in Methuen!

It’sabout

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Visit frankwebb.com for all locations & directions.

Frank Webb’s Bath CentersPageStop 4 “Freedom”Showroom: Methuen ShowroomPublication: Paralyzed Veterans of America NewsletterSize: Half Page Horiz (7.5” x 4.125”)Created: 11/7/08 Jim McCoy | 508-478-5322 | mccoygroup@comcast.net

freedom.freedom.

NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations

Please

Donate that

Auto, Boat,

or RV that’s

No Longer Needed

to New England

PVA. NEPVA is cur-

rently accepting

vehicle donations from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and

New Hampshire. For further information, call Toll Free: (866)

2-GIVING or (866) 244-8464, or visit the NEPVA website:

www.nepva.org

Call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING to Donate

FOR sALeQuickie G424 Power Wheelchair

Includes good battery and chargerWorks well. In Warwick, RI.Asking $500.00 or best offer

Invacare Micro Air 65Hospital Bed with Air Mattress

In Warwick, RI.Asking $2400.00 or best offer

Call the NEPVA office for seller information.

Cord Word September 2011

www.nepva.org12

Washington update Produced by PVA

Government Relations Department

See www.nepva.org for more

Gov. Relations Reportcontinued from page 4

On June 30, the Senate

Committee on

Appropriations approved

its version of H.R. 2055, the “Military

Construction and Veterans Affairs

Appropriations

Act for FY 2012.”

The bill was

approved without

amendment

as originally

moved by the

Subcommittee

on Military

Construction

and Veterans’

Affairs that same

week. The bill passed the Committee

unanimously.

While the bill did not fully meet the

recommendations of The Independent

Budget for FY 2012, it did closely

mirror the Administration’s budget

request released earlier this year in

virtually every area. Fortunately, earlier

this year funding for the Department

of Veterans Affairs (VA) health-care

system for FY 2012 was completed as a

part of final approval of P.L. 112-10, the

“Full Year Continuing Appropriations

Act for FY 2011.” That legislation

provided funding for FY 2012 for

VA medical care that matched the

recommendations of the Administration

from last year.

Meanwhile, the Senate version of the

bill includes advance appropriations

recommendations for VA health-

care for FY 2013 that matches the

Administration’s request. For FY 2013,

the bill includes approximately $52.5

billion for total medical care, to include

more than $41.3 billion for Medical

Services. While

The Independent

Budget co-

authors—

AMVETS,

Disabled

American

Veterans,

Paralyzed

Veterans of

America, and

Veterans of

Foreign Wars—are generally pleased

with this recommendation, Congress

and the Administration must remain

vigilant to ensure that this level of

funding is sufficient when FY 2013

demand is reevaluated next year.

PVA was pleased to see that the Senate

version of the legislation included

approximately $581 million for

Medical and Prosthetic Research. The

Administration had proposed to reduce

research funding by approximately $72

million from the FY 2011 appropriated

level to $509 million. Earlier this year,

the House approved approximately

$531 million for research. Meanwhile,

The Independent Budget called for

$620 million for VA research programs.

Additionally, we are very concerned

about the significant reductions

recommended for funding Major

and Minor Construction. The

appropriations bill calls for $590

million for Major Construction,

approximately $610 million less than

the FY 2011 appropriated level. Also,

the appropriations bill provides for

$550 million for Minor Construction,

approximately $153 million less than

the FY 2011 appropriated level. Without

adequate funding to invest in new

infrastructure and upgrades to existing

buildings, added pressure will be placed

on the VA to provide even greater

benefits and health-care services to

veterans with less capacity.

PVA will continue to monitor the

work on H.R. 2055. While we are

hopeful that both chambers have

already approved this bill, the Military

Construction and VA appropriations bill

often is held up by political wrangling

to move other appropriations measures.

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES MIL CON-VA APPROPRIATIONS BILL

a great working relationship with the

VA Boston Healthcare System and our

parent organization.

Finally, I would like to mention the

Chapter has a new Board member.

Peter Moore is taking a hiatus and Gil

Broberg will be joining us as of October

1, 2011. Oh, and congratulations to all

our members who participated in this

year’s Games - 41 medals among 16

athletes, two of which were novices.

PVA was pleased to see

that the Senate version of

the legislation included

approximately $581

million for Medical and

Prosthetic Research.

Cord Word

www.nepva.org

September 2011

13

15F International Drive, East Granby, CT 06026 (877) WHEELS-3

www.advancedwheels.com

MOBILITY OPTIONS -Full Size Conversions-

-Wheelchair Lifts- -Scooter Lifts-

-Hand Controls- -High Tech Driving Systems-

-Pedal Extensions- -Turning Automotive Seating-

ACCESSIBLE MINIVANS -Chrysler T & C-

-Dodge Gr. Caravan- -Toyota Sienna-

-Honda Odyssey-

“Wheels for Independence, Service for Life”

-Serving Connecticut & Massachusetts since 1988-

-NMEDA Charter Member and QAP certified-

-Winner of the Toyota Ichiban customer service satisfaction award for the- Toyota Sienna Rampvan

-VA Assistance Support-

-24/7 Roadside Assistance-

PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS’ MOBILITY NEEDS SINCE 1988.

• S. 277, the “Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of

2011.” This legislation would require the VA to furnish

hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care

to veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North

Carolina, while the water was contaminated at Camp

Lejeune. While PVA supported the intent of this legisla-

tion, we believe that the Department of Defense should be

responsible for this care.

• S. 572, a bill to repeal the prohibition on collective bar-

gaining with respect to matters and questions regarding

compensation of employees of the Department of Veterans

Affairs other than rates of basic pay. PVA supported this

legislation.

• S. 745, a bill to protect certain veterans who would oth-

erwise be subject to a reduction in educational assistance

benefits. PVA supported this legislation.

• S. 894, the “Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living

Adjustment Act of 2011.” PVA supported this legislation.

While the COLA is tied to increases in Social Security, it

is unclear whether or not Social Security beneficiaries will

receive a COLA this year.

• S. 914, the “Veterans Programs Improvement Act of

2011.” This legislation would waive the collection of co-

payments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans.

PVA supported this legislation.

• S. 951, the “Hiring Heroes Act of 2011.” This legislation

would improve Federal transition, rehabilitation, voca-

tional, and unemployment benefits to members of the

Armed Forces and veterans. PVA supported this legisla-

tion. Companion legislation was considered by the House

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on July 15.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS APPROVES LEGISLATION

The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs approved legislation it

previously considered on June 29. The following bills were voted on

together as one block and passed favorably out of the Committee:

Cord Word September 2011

www.nepva.org14

Cord Word

www.nepva.org

September 2011

15

Cars have progressed from here...

...how about your hand controls?

New Digital Accelerator Ring adapts itself to your speed

DARIOS lets you drive with both hands on the wheel.Just press the ring to accelerate. Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash-board.

Your knee area remains free of metal parts. The steering wheel can still be tilted and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.

DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car:- At low speed the acceleration is smooth and progressive- At high speed the acceleration is responsive and dynamic.

Users’ comments: “It’s amazing how precise it is!”“It’s 100 times better than any accelerator I’ve used in 30 years!”

“. . . the system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”

DARIOS is VA accepted.

KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.

KEMPF is a member of NMEDA.

www.kempf-usa.comCall for a free demo-DVD and brochure1-888-4-KEMPF-US 1-888-453-6738

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Leominster, MA

Permit No. 17

New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081

tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412

Email: info@nepva.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

Sept. 10 & 11 Lake Winnipesaukee, Camp Robindel Moultonborough, NH & TOC Sept. 16–18 National PVA Bass Tournament Lake Winnipesaukee, Camp Robindel

Moultonborough, NH

Any questions may be directed to:

Tiny LaFontaine (H) 781-935-2480 (C) 978-479-8147

Jim Marino (H) 978-365-3112 (C) 508-523-5668

Bob Soupy Campbell (H) 781-935-2266

See www.nepva.org for other bass trail info or to sign up.

2011 NePVA Bass Trail schedule

Hold the Date, NEPVA Annual Banquet

October 21, 2011 Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA