Tell Congress To Stand Up For Vietnam Veterans
Right Now, Congressional conference committee members are deciding which provisions will remain in the final version of S. 4049, The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). Senate Amendment 1972 to this bill would provide the life-saving care and benefits needed for Vietnam Veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism. Take action today to urge your Senator and representatives to ensure Senate Amendment 1972 remains in the final version of the NDAA. Hold Congress accountable to do the right thing for our Vietnam Veterans.
VA Cost Of Living Adjustment For 2021
Veterans receiving government benefits will see a cost of living increase take effect Dec. 1 and will be reflected in the Dec. 31 payment. This is equal to the increase granted Social Security benefits, which will be 1.3 percent for 2021.The increase will be for wartime disability compensation, compensation for dependents, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity companion to surviving spouse and children.
Tricare Open Season
TRICARE Open Season is currently open through Dec. 14. This is the time when beneficiaries can enroll in or change their healthcare coverage. Any changes will go into effect on Jan. 1. This year it is important to note that TRICARE Select Group A retirees will be required to pay an enrollment fee beginning Jan.1. Beneficiaries must set up an allotment with the regional contractors for the enrollment fee to begin Jan.1. Individuals who do not set up their allotment by the deadline will be unenrolled due to nonpayment.
November Is National Family Caregiver Month
Resources for caregivers have significantly increased since the passing. Of the VFW-supported VA Mission Act of 2018. In October of this year, the application process for caregivers of veterans injured in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975, opened eligibility for the program of Comprehensive Assistance for family caregivers. The VA Caregivers Support Program offers a collection of tools and information for both caregivers and the veterans they serve. Additionally, Building Better Caregivers provides an online workshop with self-paced lessons and a connection with the caregiver community.
Army Settles Court Case On Bad Conduct Discharges
Last Wednesday, the U.S. Army announced that it had reached a nationwide settlement in a case brought by veterans who received other that Honorable discharges. As part of the settlement, the Army agrees to review decisions of the Army Discharge Review Board (ADRB) issued on or after Oct.7, 2011, for certain veterans with mental conditions, including PTSD and TBI. The Army will automatically reconsider all eligible ADRB decisions issued on or after April 17, 2011. Veterans who received a decision issued by the ADRB between Oct. 7, 2001 until April 16, 2011, will be permitted to file for reconsideration.
Blood Donations Need Still Critical
This holiday season, the Red Cross strongly urges healthy individuals who are feeling well to give blood, platelets or plasma to help maintain a sufficient supply for those battling COVID-19, cancers, other infections or trauma victims. Those who donate between Nov. 25 to 28, will receive and exclusive long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt. Please schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting www.REDCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.
