ordord word - nepva.org · executive director, debra freed cord word editor, judy goldstein...
TRANSCRIPT
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President’sReport
3
Executive Director’s Report
4
Service Officer’s Report
5
Sports & Recreation6
WashingtonUpdate
8
9-Month Drawing Winners
9
VA Town Hallin Plymouth
11
VA News12
InsideWhat’s
continued on page 14
Vol. LXV, #6 The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaJune 2015
a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes
CORD WORDWORDCORD Paralyzed Veterans of America Wraps Up 69th Annual Convention With Renewed Commitment to Support Disabled Veterans
Paralyzed Veterans of America wrapped up its 69th annual Convention in San Diego on May 9, 2015, with a commitment to ensure veterans of every era have access to the
care, benefits and jobs they have earned and
deserve. The annual Convention gathers leaders
and representatives from Paralyzed Veterans of
America’s 34 chapters and national organiza-
tion to discuss major issues facing veterans with
disabilities, including accessing quality health
care, obtaining benefits and transitioning into a
civilian job after military service.
“The national board of directors and executive
leadership of Paralyzed Veterans of America
have worked together all year to determine the
organization’s most viable course as we look
ahead,” said Sherman Gillums, Jr., deputy exec-
utive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America.
“Our programs are stronger than ever, and I’ve
never seen a more collegial tone as we deliberate
on confronting the challenges and uncertainties
that impact our members, starting with access to
quality healthcare and full benefits.”
The weeklong event formally kicked off on
Tuesday, May 5, with an opening keynote by
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob
McDonald, who used the platform to touch on
critical topics, including the backlog, ending
veterans’ homelessness, the VA Choice Program
and improving the culture at VA
to provide better experiences for
veterans.
McDonald also urged Congress
to appropriate sufficient fund-
ing in the areas of construction,
information technology and staff
to meet the needs of an aging
veteran population.
“In 40 years, we will have the
same issues we have now,” Mc-
Donald said. “When Iraq and
Afghanistan veterans get older,
VA Secretary Robert McDonald spoke during
the opening ceremonies of the 69th PVA An-
nual Convention in San Diego, CA.
”
”
During the convention, we
established a solid founda-
tion that we’ll build upon
in the coming year.Sherman Gillums, Jr.,
Deputy Executive Director of PVA
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Cord Word June 2015
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: [email protected]
web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Wayne RossSecretary, Peter MooreTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Neal Williams
EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter FarringtonMike Guilbault Jim WallackNeal Williams
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 WallackWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein
Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Mike GuilbaultWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams
STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman
2
of our Chapter Members
Frank T. Della Penna
Norman E. Houle
Ray S. Mason
Paul D. Sones
We deeply regret the passing
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) 723-7467Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. Badzmierowski
Senior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace
PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER
BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330
Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermontTEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829
TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911Senior National Service Officer, John Stansbury
Secretary, Violet Bates
PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEBROCKTON VAMC
940 BELMONT ST., BLDG. 3 ROOM 207BROCKTON, MA 02301
TEL: (774) 826-2219FAX: (774) 826-3167
National Service Officer III, Heather CherniackEast-North Area Manager
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By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President
President’s Report
continued on page 7
On this past May 4-8, I at-tended PVA’s 69th Annual Convention in lovely San Diego, CA. Also in attendance with me
at the Convention was Chapter Execu-
tive Director and Government Relations
Director Debra Freed. PVA conducts
many different forms of business dur-
ing the Convention, such as discussing
past, recent, and future activities, PVA
policies and procedures, business resolu-
tions, and election of PVA Officers.
Many of PVA’s staff were in attendance
at the meeting and PVA staff in Wash-
ington, D.C. were able to give reports
and answer any questions posed by the
National Board of Directors via video
teleconferencing. Some highlights of the
meeting included:
PVA Speedy Award (Member Cat-
egory - both posthumously):
Jerry Dugan and David Fowler
PVA Speedy Award (Non-Member
Category): Siro DeGasperis and
Doug Vollmer
Guest Speakers: The Honorable Bob
McDonald, Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs and Lu Lastra, Master
Chief SEAL (Ret.). The day prior to
the start of the Convention, Secretary
McDonald had the opportunity to tour
the San Diego VAMC SCI Unit with
PVA President Al Kovach and PVA
Deputy Executive Director Sherman
Gillums. In speaking to meeting attend-
ees, Secretary McDonald elaborated on
how important it was visiting the SCI
Unit as it gave him a unique perspective
of the care provided by SCI staff, and
needed for SCI/D veterans. Secretary
McDonald was very cordial and sincere
in discussing many issues facing our
Nation’s veterans and also answered
many questions posed by National
Directors in attendance.
Other items mentioned by Secretary
McDonald were:
* 70% of all U.S. doctors have trained
within the VA. Future hopes are that
many who have done so, will decide
to remain with the VA medical
system.
* The VA is the largest employer of
nurses, with the number totaling over
23,000.
* There were over two million VA tele-
health visits in 2014, serving over
700,000 veterans.
* 60% of VAMC’s are more than 50
years old. U.S. Congress has unfor-
tunately under-funded the VA infra-
structure budget by more than $7.9
billion. This is simply unacceptable,
as it detracts from advancements in
healthcare delivered and received at
various VAMC’s across the coun-
try. U.S. Congress has also refused
to close unused areas of various
VAMC’s across the country, which
has cost taxpayers over $25 million
annually.
* On a positive note, VA claims back-
logs are down by 71%, said backlogs
are considered more than 125 days.
The second guest speaker, Lu Lastra,
Master Chief SEAL (Ret.), gave a terrif-
ic motivational speech to all attendees.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1981 and
graduated SEAL Training Class 118 in
1982. He has received numerous awards
and recognitions.
He was credited
with being
the young-
est SEAL
ever selected
to SEAL
Team Six.
Among other topics
he broached during his
speech, he drew analogies between
when many of those in attendance
served in the military and experienced
the need for teamwork while serving
our country, and similarly, business or-
ganizations such as PVA and its Chap-
ters also being a team, to best serve our
membership and fellow veterans and
co-workers.
One major business matter worth not-
ing was that PVA has received a major
bequest of $3 million from the Jeffrey
M. Carlton Trust. In fiscal year (FY)
2016, PVA will use the donation in the
following areas: Fundraising Diversifi-
cation Expenses: $900,000; TV/Media
Program: $750,000; PVA Web Site
redesign: $500,000; Salaries/Benefits
for 4 Future Full-Time Employees:
$400,000; New York PVA Office (to
serve members in the NY/NJ Region,
formerly territory of the past Eastern
PVA Chapter); Capital Campaign
Expense: $100,000.
PVA Awards were as follows:
* Dwain Taylor Volunteer Services
Award: Steven Kirk (Central Florida
Chapter) & Letitia Simons (Iowa
Chapter)
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Cord Word June 2015
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Executive Director’s Report
continued on page 5
By Debra FreedExecutive Director
PVA Convention & the ADA Symposium
The first half of May was very busy. I was honored to attend PVA’s 69th Annual Convention. This year’s Convention was held in San Diego, CA. I hadn’t been to San Diego since 1987. I went to visit an Air
Force buddy - Calvin Williams III (Willie) and my kid sister
Donna who was in the Navy and stationed on the U.S.S.
Jason. The ship happened to be docked in San Diego at the
time. It was great that she was allowed to give us a tour!
Our sister chapter, Cal-Diego was host for this year’s conven-
tion and put on quite the opening reception. We were treated
to a great time on the U.S.S. Midway. They had a band, three
parachutists - one with the American Flag and one with the
PVA Flag (photo below). It was pretty iffy if they were going
to be able to pull off the jump because of wind, as they had
to jump from about 2,000 feet. However, Mother Nature
held up the wind long enough for us to enjoy the jump and
watch them float down to the deck of the ship safely.
PVA deals with a lot of business in four days’ time. There
was only one time where the National Board of Directors
went into executive session and the remainder of the week
was open to Chapter delegates. On Wednesday May 6th, the
Association of Chapter Executive Directors (ACED) held
its meeting. There were four speakers: Dan Pattee- Navy
Federal Brokerage Services; Mindy Walker – PVA’s Wheels
Helping Warriors Program Director; Jason Clausen – CPA;
and Mark Dowis – PVA’s Development Director. All of the
National Vice Presidents and Immediate Past President Bill
Lawson were also present. A primary issue was why Chapter
Fundraising
Requests were
being held up
by PVA for
approval. What
we wanted
were the basic
reasons why
annual requests
that were ap-
proved in years past were not being granted
and what PVA was going to do about it.
PVA takes very seriously what it shares
with Chapter Delegates. I stated I
believe we were in agreement that
none of the other E.D.s wanted
privileged information, but help us
out here, what was it PVA wanted
and why the changes? Immediate
Past President Bill Lawson apologized
to the group and shared enough of the whys
and stated PVA was responsible for becoming lax on its re-
quirements for fundraising requests, as well as responsible for
its lack of communication between PVA and Chapters and
vowed to do better. Mr. Mark Dowis handed out a Power-
point presentation on what will now be required between
Legal & Development departments.
From San Diego (May 10th), I flew to Atlanta to attend
the ADA Symposium held in Atlanta, Georgia. There were
a number of changes made that will take affect between
this year and next – mostly the adoption of the ADA &
IBC (International Building Code). Because the ADA will
celebrate its 25th Anniversary this July, a record crowd was
in attendance. According to Jim de Jong, the Executive
Director for the Great Plains ADA Center and sponsor of the
annual symposium, every state of the union was represented
along with Guam, the Marianas Islands, and several foreign
countries. PVA’s Minnesota & North Central Chapters sent
delegates as well. PN Magazine was also in attendance.
While we are on the subject, I would like to remind ev-
eryone if you have any ADA issues, the Chapter does have
its own certified ADA Coordinator – Mr. Neal Williams.
Even though Neal does live in Maine, he would be able
to assist you with some issues. Please know the Chapter
wants everyone to have the same rights and freedoms as
any able-bodied person, and we do not deny anyone their
right to file a complaint and or even a lawsuit, but we abhor
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Service Officer’s Report By Heather CherniackNational Service Officer III, MA & RI
Calculating one’s income for
purposes of the travel benefit
can have many variables. It is
important to look at all of them.
Do I Qualify For Travel?
One of the most difficult things that a veteran who has an SCI/D will face is the issue of travel. If a veteran is not able to drive or unable to afford a vehicle, the loss of independence can be staggering. Many
veterans rely on VA to inform them of their travel eligibil-
ity. However, it may be that many veterans with non-service
connected (NSC) SCI/D are being improperly informed that
they are not eligible for travel to and from their VA appoint-
ments. In this article we will inform the veteran of what the
travel regulations actually are and how you may qualify for
travel.
Basically there are some main qualifications for travel. If you
qualify under any of these categories then you also qualify for
special mode travel if your doctor deems it medically neces-
sary. According to 38 USC § 111 a veteran may qualify for
travel if a veteran has a service connected rating of 30 percent
or more, receives NSC pension, is traveling to the VA for
service connected treatment, or has an income that is under
the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). The first three
requirements are pretty standard. It is the last requirement
that is often not applied correctly.
The MAPR has many different variables. In order to see
the MAPR for a given year or situation you can check the
following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/cur-
rent_rates_veteran_pen.asp. A veteran who has an SCI/D
who has been deemed catastrophically disabled does meet
the criteria for Aid and Attendance (A&A) regardless if that
veteran is receiving pension. This means that the MAPR
for this veteran if the veteran is single is currently $21,466
annually not $12,868. This means that this veteran who is
catastrophically disabled could be receiving Social Security
and qualify for travel. This means that a veteran who before
had great difficulty traveling to the Spoke for routine care or
the Center for his or her annual exam may now qualify for
Special mode travel free of charge.
It should also be noted that dependents status and the de-
pendents need for A&A can also be taken into account when
calculating the MAPR. Just like calculating the MAPR for
pension, unreimbursed medical expenses can also be taken
into account. If a veteran has unreimbursed medical expenses
for his or her family, it is possible to claim those against the
veteran’s income in order to offset any income the veteran is
receiving. This may qualify the veteran for this travel benefit
as well.
Calculating one’s income for purposes of the travel benefit
can have many variables. It is important to look at all of
them. If you have questions regarding travel benefits or any
other benefit you should contact your local Paralyzed Veter-
ans of America National Service Officer.
frivolous suits. They detract from legitimate issues and waste
time and money for all parties. Before filing, please do your
homework. The ADA and DOJ websites are great and if you
believe there is a problem, then give us a shout!
Finally as May comes to a close, the weather is getting better
and outdoor activities will expand. The Veterans Games are
fast approaching – June 21 through June 26 in Dallas, TX.
The Chapter will again rent a truck, transport medical equip-
ment, medical supplies, and sporting equipment. If there is
room, we will also take luggage so individuals who are flying
will only have to deal with their carry on. I get asked this ev-
ery time we rent a vehicle: What happens if the truck breaks
down? Trust us, we have that contingency well covered. Look
for the Vet Games winners on the Chapter website and in the
August newsletter.
continued from page 4Exec. Director
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By Brad Carlson Sports Director
Sports & Recreation
Sail to PrevailJune 27-28, 2015 “PVA Weekend”
In collaboration with New England Paralyzed Veterans of America, this is a once-a-year event (usually in June) for disabled Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces to enjoy a weekend of sailing in beautiful Newport Harbor – the sailing capital of the world. Veterans or active military personnel with any type
of disability are encouraged to participate, including but not limited to paraplegics,
quadriplegics and amputees.
Location & LogisticsSailing is operated from our docks at
60 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI.
Participants in the PVA Weekend are
responsible for their own lodging.
However, depending on funds received
for this program from year to year, a
limited number of hotel rooms might be
available at no cost to participants who
request this financial assistance, on a
first-come, first-served basis.
At the docks, participants who need
assistance are boarded onto the sailboats using a transfer lift. They are then safely
secured into specially designed pivoting seats, allowing them the freedom of move-
ment to sail the boat. (Max. 5 sailors, plus a certified instructor, per boat.)
Bottled drinking water is provided while sailing. Please bring your own sunscreen,
hat, sunglasses and wet wear. We will provide sandwiches and beverage for lunch;
and a group dinner Saturday evening.
ScheduleArrive at the docks at 11:00 a.m.
Sailing will start at 12:00 noon.
For more information, contact
Sail to Prevail at 401-849-8898.
New England Summer Sports Clinic Providence, RI – July 20-24
NEPVA Bass Trail
September 11-13Lake Winnipesaukee
October 3-5Camp Pine Tree, Rome, Maine
Shooting Events8/21Monument Beach Club, Bourne 9/5Bellingham Police Range9/18Shawmee Rod and Gun Club9/24Pembroke Old Colony10/2Bass River Rod and Gun ClubContact [email protected]
GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER
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* VA Volunteer Service Award: Freddy
Tamez (Dallas, TX VAMC)
* Bob Webb Excellence in a Newslet-
ter Award:
Kentucky-Indiana Chapter
* Chapter Web Site Award: Cal-Diego
Chapter
* Corporate Patriot Recognition
Award: Permobil, Larry Jackson, CEO
& Barry Steelman, Marketing Man-
ager
* Individual Giving Patriot Award:
Mike & Donna Buxton, on behalf of
the Jeffrey M. Carlton Trust
* Cliff Crase Award for Professional-
ism: Todd Kemery (Minnesota Chap-
ter)
* Harry A. Schweikert, Jr. Disability
Awareness Award: Eddie & Amanda
Riveira, Absolute Mobility
* President’s Award: Buckeye Chapter
PVA Election of Officers were
as follows:
* President: Al Kovach
* Senior Vice President: David Zurfluh
* Vice Presidents: Charles Brown, Joe
Fox, Ken Weas, & Hack Albertson
* Treasurer: Tom Wheaton
* Secretary: Larry Dodson
Lastly, on a lighter moment during the Convention, those familiar with me being a Chapter represen-tative at PVA meetings for many years,
know I am a Patriots fan & season ticket
holder since 1993. The Patriots & Tom
Brady “issue” of deflating footballs had
and have been major news in pro sports.
Just before taking a 15 minute break,
President’s Reportcontinued from page 3
Chapter 126 Sports & Fitness of Bristol, CT and Oak Hill of Hart-ford, CT recently held a wheelchair lacrosse clinic. For more infor-mation on future events, call 860-769-7051 or visit them on the web at www.chapter126.com and www.oakhillct.org
VA Expands Choice Program Eligibility, Effective ImmediatelyVA Will Now Determine Eligibility Using Driving Distance
WASHINGTON (April 24, 2015) – In order to expand eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it will determine eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program based on the distance between a Veteran’s place of residence and the nearest VA medical facility using driving distance rather than straight-line distance. This change has been published in the Federal Register and is effective immediately.
“VA is pleased to announce the distance calculation change from straight-line to driving distance for the Veterans Choice Program,” said Secretary Robert McDonald. “This update to the program will allow more Veterans to access care when and where they want it. We look forward to continued dialogue with Veterans and our partners to help us ensure continued improvements for Veterans’ to access care.”
The change from straight-line to driving distance roughly doubles the number of eligible Veterans. Letters are being sent to the newly eligible Veterans to let them know they are now eligible for the Veterans Choice Program under this expansion. If a Veteran does not remem-ber receiving a Veterans Choice Card or has other questions about the Choice Program, they can call (866) 606-8198.
Effective immediately, VA is also changing the mileage calculation for beneficiary travel. The change will ensure consistency in VA’s mileage calculations across the two programs. The beneficiary travel calculation will now be made using the fastest route instead of the shortest route.
For more details about the department’s progress and related information, see www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/factsheets_and_details.asp.
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Cord Word June 2015
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FREE TO MEMBER
for contact info on these itemsCALL THE NEPVA OFFICE
Power WheelchairExcellent Condition
Needs batteriesPick up in Warwick, RI
Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department
On April 23, 2015, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to receive input
on several pieces of pending health care
legislation that are being considered
by the Subcommittee. Blake Ortner,
Deputy Director of Government Rela-
tions, testified on behalf of PVA.
PVA strongly supports the draft legisla-
tion to provide assisted reproductive
technology (ART), such as in-vitro
fertilization (IVF) to certain disabled
veterans. This legislation reflects a high
priority for PVA and our membership.
These services would ensure that veter-
ans are able to have a full quality of life
that would otherwise be denied to them
as a result of their service. While the
Department of Defense does provide
ART to service members and retired
service members, VA does not. When a
veteran has a service connected repro-
ductive injury they must bear the total
cost for any medical services should
they attempt to have children. For more
than a decade, improvements in medi-
cal treatments have made it possible to
overcome infertility and reproductive
disabilities, and veterans who have a
loss of reproductive ability as a result of
a service-connected injury should have
access to these advancements.
PVA generally supports draft legisla-
tion to require a yearly evaluation of
overall effectiveness of the Veterans
Health Administration in improving
access to care and the quality of it. In
order to improve this bill, PVA strongly
encourages adding language to rein-
state the reporting requirement on the
capacity of VHA to provide specialized
services to disabled veterans. VA has not
maintained its capacity to provide for
the unique health care needs of severely
disabled veterans as mandated by P.L.
104-262, the “Veterans’ Health Care
Eligibility Reform Act of 1996.”
PVA understands the intent of and
generally supports the “Toxic Exposure
Research Act of 2015.” This bill would
establish a national center for research
on the possible health conditions of
descendents of individuals exposed to
toxic substances while serving in the
Armed Forces.
PVA also supports H.R. 271, the
“COVER Act.” This legislation would
establish a commission to examine VA’s
current mental health therapy model
and the potential benefits of incor-
porating complementary alternative
therapies. It is PVA’s position that all
VA mental health care should meet the
specific, individual need of the veteran
seeking medical services, on a consis-
tent basis.
PVA supports H.R. 627, legislation that
would expand VA’s definition of “home-
less” to match the definition used by
the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) since 1987. As
currently defined by VA, a veteran flee-
ing domestic violence, stalking, sexual
assault or the threat of, is not consid-
ered homeless and is unable to access
resources for homeless veterans. No
veteran should have to choose between
enduring violence and homelessness.
Without the change outlined in this bill
that is what they are forced to do.
PVA generally supports H.R. 1369,
the “Veterans Access to Extended Care
Act of 2015.” This bill would modify
the treatment of VA agreements with
service providers to furnish extended
care services, also known as Long-Term
Services and Supports (LTSS). H.R.
1369 would allow veterans to obtain
non-VA LTSS from local providers. The
bill would also allow LTSS providers
to enter into VA Provider Agreements,
rather than contracting with VA,
thereby avoiding the complex processes
required under the Service Contract
Act. The bill also includes VA review
requirements of provider licensing and
facilities. Finally, PVA supports H.R.
1575, a bill to make permanent the
pilot program on counseling in retreat
settings for women veterans newly sepa-
rated from service in the Armed Forces.
PVA’s full written statement can be
viewed at www.pva.org.
Washington Update PVA Testifies on Pending Legislation
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June 2015Cord Word
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Karen Butler Named Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts
Congratula-tions go out to NEPVA Bass Trail participant
Karen Butler who was
named Ms. Wheel-
chair Massachusetts on
March 21, 2015. “I am
honored and humbled
to have the opportu-
nity to continue my mission by educating leaders
and local communities by promoting awareness,
advocacy and change in public policy for individu-
als with physical disabilities,” said Karen in a letter
received by NEPVA.
Diagnosed with MS at the age of 18, Karen went
on to receive a BS in Psychology from Stonehill
College in 1994. For over ten years Karen worked
for Cerebral Palsy of MA/Options Program and
later with her partner Tom Lee, founded Butlee’s
Handicap Outdoor Adventures. She also serves the
National MS Society as a peer counselor.
Karen will go on to compete in the Ms. Wheel-
chair America pageant in Des Moines, Iowa, July
27th-August 2. The competition includes personal
interviews, platform speech presentations and on-
stage interviews.
We wish Karen the best of luck!
There’s Still Time to Join the Nine Month Drawing
The Nine Month Drawing began in April, but there are still many tickets available. It’s not too late to purchase your tickets for some great cash prizes up to as much as $1000.00 in the December
drawing. Tickets are $25.00 each. Purchase one ticket and you are
eligible to win every month until the final drawing in December.
Mail your check payable to NEPVA to the address below, along with
your name, address, phone number and your preference on ticket
number (subject to availability). Please indicate 9 Month Drawing on
your check memo. Thank you and good luck!
Mail your check to:
Paralyzed Veterans of America
New England Chapter
1600 Providence Hwy. Ste 143
Walpole, MA 02081
(If you’ve already purchased your tickets, thank you!)
OurNine Month Drawing
May winners
$50Thomas E. Joyce
Dover, NH
$25Kevin HilleryMedway, MA
$25Timothy Kelly
South Hadley, MA
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Cord Word June 2015
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House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health Examines Staffing at VA
On May 13, 2015, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sub-
committee on Health held a hearing entitled, “Overcoming Barriers
to More Efficient and Effective VA Staffing.” A goal of the Veterans
Access, Choice and Accountability Act was to address the staffing needs
across VA. According to the panelists, some of the most prominent causes of
understaffing are weak Human Resources departments, insufficient nursing
education opportunities, and an overly complicated application process.
The Veterans Health Administration is facing a shortage of corporate experi-
ence and HR staffing to support the hiring processes of health care profes-
sionals. Some highly qualified health care applicants were made to wait five
months for HR to process their applications. As a result, the applicants ac-
cepted non-VA jobs, forcing VA to recruit again. Support personnel have en-
dured unchanging pay structures for years. Downgrading of some positions,
such as Surgical Technicians, who were brought as GS7 level and recently
downgraded to GS5, makes it difficult to competitively recruit and retain.
PVA has long identified staffing challenges faced by VA, particularly in the
spinal cord injury service, through our annual site visits. We continue to
work with Congress and the VA to ensure that VA takes all steps available to
expand staff and improve capacity to deliver services.
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June 2015Cord Word
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“(Ride-Away) knew what to do. Dave made all the phone calls to the VA... saving me $25,000!”
Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.
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VA Leadership in MA Invites Veterans, Familiesand Public to Joint Town Hall in Plymouth
VA Boston Healthcare System along with the Regional Office of Veterans Ben-efits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration is hosting an opportunity for Veterans, family, media and community partners to provide feed-back on VA operations and give recommendations for improvement. Employees will be on hand to assist Veterans with addressing specific questions or concerns regard-ing Veteran healthcare, benefits and burial.
WHO: Leadership from VHA, VBA, NCA and staff membersWHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.WHERE: Plymouth Council on Aging, 44 Nook Road, Plymouth, MAMedia are Invited to Attend - RSVP to [email protected]
This town hall is the fourth held by the VA in Massachusetts and is intended to provide local Veterans an open forum and for VA officials to hear directly from those who seek care at the medical center, receive benefits and utilize cemetery services. It is a step toward two-way communication that strengthens our partnership with the community and our Veterans.
The meeting is open to families, public, media, Congressional stakeholders, Veteran Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other community partners.
VA Boston Healthcare System is comprised of three main campuses located at West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain and Brockton with five community based outpatient clinics in Boston (Causeway Street), Framingham, Lowell, Plymouth and Quincy.
Make a Donation Today!
100% of your
tax deductible donation
goes to Chapter programs.
Mail your check payable to:
NEPVA
1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143
Walpole, MA 02081
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Cord Word June 2015
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President’s Reportcontinued from page 7
VA NEWS
WASHINGTON (5/15/15) – In order
to make it easier for Veterans and their
families to receive their GI Bill benefits
where they choose, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs has used his authority
to waive the provisions of Section 702 of
the Veterans Access, Choice and Ac-
countability Act of 2014 (Choice Act).
This action will ensure all GI Bill®
students are able to continue training at
their chosen institutions. Under Sec-
tion 702, VA must disapprove educa-
tion programs at public institutions for
Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI
Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD) benefits
if a school charges certain individuals
tuition and fees in excess of the resident
rate for terms beginning after July 1,
2015.
VA recognizes that the time allotted
for states and territories to comply with
Section 702 of the Choice Act is chal-
lenging for some states and schools due
to the process required to make legisla-
tive and/or policy changes. This limited
waiver by Secretary McDonald covers
programs that are not in compliance
for all terms beginning prior to Janu-
ary 1, 2016, in order to allow time for
non-compliant states and territories to
make the requisite legislative and policy
changes. VA is requesting all currently
non-compliant states and territories to
submit their plans to become compliant
to VA, through their State Approving
Agency, no later than June 15, 2015.
“Our military members and their
families make sacrifices that require
them to pack up and move with little
notice,” said Bob McDonald, Secretary
of Veterans Affairs. “They shouldn’t be
penalized after they leave military ser-
vice by burdensome residency require-
ments. This waiver will allow students
to continue receiving the GI Bill benefits
they’ve earned as states work to comply
with this important law.”
VA has provided technical assistance to
numerous states and many have reached
compliance. A list of states that are in
compliance is posted on the GI Bill
website. VA will update the list as states
become compliant.
VA Secretary Waives Resident-Rate Requirements of the Choice Act through December, 2015Ensures Continued GI Bill Benefits for Students While States Work to Comply with New Law
In general, the resident-rate provisions
of the Choice Act cover Veterans, as
well as their spouses and children, using
Post-9/11 GI Bill or MGIB-AD who
live in the state where they are attend-
ing school and who enrolled within
three years of the Veteran’s qualifying
discharge. To remain approved, schools
must charge tuition and fees at the resi-
dent rate to these covered individuals.
For more information on GI Bill
resident-rate requirements and to see
which states comply, visit the GI Bill
website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/
gibill/702.asp. Updates will also be
posted on the GI Bill Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/gibillEdu-
cation.
PVA President Al Kovach addressed the attendees with a personal mention and
specifically to myself. President Kovach stated with a slight smirk on his face,
“New England, and Craig, all I have to say is…sorry.” There was an immediate
loud laugh & applause throughout the gathering, as all of us knew it was a dig
at me & the New England Patriots, and seconds later on the video screens the
staff displayed a photo of Tom Brady. I then mentioned on the microphone, “Yes,
the Golden Boy seems to have lost a little bit of shine.” Well done indeed by my
fellow PVA friends.
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.
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June 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 13
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Cord Word June 2015
www.nepva.org14
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continued from page 1PVA Convention
we’re not going to be there for them. You can’t keep kicking
the can down the road.”
Coming out of the convention was a laundry list of targeted
priorities for the coming year, at the top of which will be
advocacy to ensure VA health care is fully funded. Other
top priorities include expanding spinal cord injury/disease
(SCI/D) long-term care options, advocating for Polytrauma
and Traumatic Brain Injury care and research, and preserv-
ing Social Security benefits for veterans.
Paralyzed Veterans of America national and chapter leader-
ship also will work together in the coming year to reach out
to women and Native American veterans, reduce barriers
to access for all persons with disabilities, and work towards
finding a cure for SCI/D.
Meanwhile, a first-ever Convention forum co-sponsored with
the Elizabeth Dole Foundation on May 7 also spotlighted
the unique needs and challenges of caregivers who support
disabled veterans. Ensuring pre-9/11 and post-9/11 caregiv-
ers are offered support, services
and resources was among the
top three priorities for advocacy
marked at this year’s Conven-
tion.
The hope, Gillums said, is that
Paralyzed Veterans of America
will see progress on many of
its goals before 2016, when it
celebrates its 70th anniversary.
The nonprofit organization,
which was founded in 1946,
remains the only congressionally
chartered veterans service orga-
nization that represents veterans
with SCI/D.
“During the convention, we es-
tablished a solid foundation that
we’ll build upon in the coming
year,” Gillums said. “I anticipate
reaching great milestones as we
near our 70-year anniversary,
and I intend to do my part to
get us there.”
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June 2015Cord Word
www.nepva.org 15
Enjoyboth hands on the wheel !
KEMPF is a NMEDA member.
Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find videos and com-ments from users and to request a quotation.
Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.
DARIOS is VA accepted.KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.
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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: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games Dallas, TX – June 21-26, 2015
New England Summer Sports Clinic Providence, RI – July 20-24
Bass TrailSeptember 11-13 – Lake Winnipesaukee TournamentOctober 3-5 – Camp Pine Tree, Rome, Maine
Shooting Events8/21 – Monument Beach Club in Bourne 9/5 – Bellingham Police Range9/18 – Shawmee Rod and Gun Club9/24 – Pembroke Old Colony10/2 – Bass River Rod and Gun ClubContact [email protected]
Mark Your Calendar