All posts by Scott Cole

Veterans Radio

General News

Veterans Radio is dedicated to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America.

Their mission is to see that the world appreciates what extraordinary things ordinary people have done to gain and preserve the freedom we assume everyone enjoys—and the ultimate price that is often paid.

Veterans Radio includes listener’s stories and experiences, not only while in the service, but afterwards as well.

Interviews with guest speakers and authors are a weekly feature.

The content of the programs on Veterans Radio is ultimately determined by our listeners.

Veterans Radio feels it is time for local communities to know who among their neighbors was willing to pay the ultimate price to preserve and protect their basic freedoms.

Veterans Radio acts as an advocate for veteran’s issues. Politics has no place in determining what is fair for America’s veterans.

Veterans Radio encourages its listeners to get involved in the political process and to make their voices heard.

To find out more and to hear Veterans Radio, click here.

Chicago Injury Center’s Annual Scholarship Fund For Disabled Veterans

Scholarships

Here is a scholarship opportunity for those who have courageously served our country.

The Chicago Injury Center (CIC) is offering a series of scholarships available to disabled veterans enrolled in: community college, under-graduate, or graduate course of study.

Scholarship applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Enrollment or specific plans to attend in an accredited trade school, community colleges, college or university in the U.S.
  • In addition to a 500 word essay, applicants are to submit a short biography of any length they wish along with a recent photo
  • Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of a minimum of 2.5
  • Applications must be received by June 1, 2015 (this is an annual scholarship, and dates will remain for subsequent years)
  • Winner will be notified via email on or before July 1, 2015 (this is an annual scholarship, and dates will remain for subsequent years)
  • Proof of honorable discharge

 

For more information, you can visit their website at:

http://chicagoinjurycenter.com/cic-veteran-scholarship-fund/

Veterans Information

Benefits

Here are websites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them.

Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA.

Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won’t tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it.

You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.

Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc

Board of Veteran’s Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/

CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/

CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105

Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/

Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm

Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/

Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html

Classified Records – American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html

Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc

Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm

Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/

Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view

Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm

Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc

Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/

Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf

Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/

Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002

Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315

EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158

See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc

EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC

Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206 Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm

Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/

General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html

Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/

Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm

Guide to Gulf War Veteran’s Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf

Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A

Gulf War Veteran’s Illnesses Q&A’s http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf

Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc

Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/

HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/

Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm

Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/

Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/

M 10 for spouses and children < http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007

M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008

M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html

Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130..DOC

Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094

Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/

MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp

My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/ NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com/

National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/

National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp

Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc

OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/

Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/

Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131

Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html

Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003

This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232

Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006

Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans’_Illnesses_Appendices.doc

Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf

Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004

Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005

Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm

Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc

Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/

Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337

Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/

Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/

Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4

Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm

Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html

Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html

REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT’S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft

Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc

Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf

Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm

Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html

Title 38 Index Parts 0-17 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl

Part 18 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02…tpl

Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38 PART 4–SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B–DISABILITY RATINGS http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38

Title 38 § 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on un employability of the individual. PART 4 SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..96.11&idno=38

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/

VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf

VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html

VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp

VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html

VA Life Insurance Handbook Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310

VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm

VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp

VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/

VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/

VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp

VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/

VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/

VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http: //www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm

Vet Center Eligibility – Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm

Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/

Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/

VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/

VHA Programs – Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx >

VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/

VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp

Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc

VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

WARMS – 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html

Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110

War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center – New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/

Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/

What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3

WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

GWU Dog Tag Bakery Fellowship Opportunity | DEADLINE: 4/17‏

Jobs, Scholarships

Student Veterans of America is happy to notify you of a unique opportunity for veterans with disabilities. Thanks to HSC Foundation, SVA would like to share an exciting fellowship opportunity with Dog Tag Bakery in Washington, DC.

Dog Tag Bakery is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, dedicated to hiring veterans with disabilities, their caregivers, and surviving spouses to pursue a work/study program at our bakery in historic Georgetown.

The bakery has partnered with Georgetown University to create a customized Business Administration Certificate Program that will train veterans in all aspects of small business and entrepreneurship.

This fellowship begins on June 1st, and the application deadline is this Friday, April 17th. We understand that this deadline is quickly approaching, however, we hope that if you are interested and qualified, you will apply and share with other veterans.

This opportunity does not use GI Bill benefits, and the program also offers a $1,400 monthly stipend while enrolled. If you would like to apply or have any questions, please contact SVA’s Robert McGarity at robert.mcgarity@studentveterans.org or 202-223-4710.

An application and additional information can be found at:

http://dogtaginc.org/

Clerk’s Self Help Centers – Pinellas County

General News

The Clerk’s Self Help Centers are designed to assist Pinellas County citizens representing themselves (commonly referred to as a Pro Se individual) in court who are NOT represented by a private attorney and who are unable to otherwise afford an attorney. The Self Help Center is a collaborative effort between Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Sixth Judicial Circuit, the Community Law Program and the Clearwater Bar Association.

 

The Centers provide the citizens of Pinellas County access to affordable legal assistance.  Citizens can purchase forms and packets for Civil Court actions and/or schedule a consultation with an attorney for the very affordable fee of $1 per minute (in 15 minute increments).  There are no income eligibility requirements for the service which makes it available to all of our citizens.

 

The Clerk’s Self Help Centers are limited to providing assistance in the following areas:

 

  • Divorce
  • Alimony
  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Paternity
  • Name change
  • Residential landlord/tenant issues
  • Small claims

 

The Self Help Center has three convenient locations:  (1) Clearwater (in the Historic Old Courthouse); (2) St. Petersburg (in the Judicial Building) and (3) North County (in the North County Service Center). The Centers are open 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit our website at www.mypinellasclerk.org and click on the “Self Help Center” tab at the top of the page for additional information, phone numbers and appointment schedules.  Our knowledgeable staff will assist you with any questions that you have regarding the service.

 

The Clerk’s Self Help Center was selected as the national recipient of the American Bar Association’s 2011 Louis M. Brown Award.  This honor is awarded annually to programs that contribute to the delivery of affordable legal services in innovative ways and displays that dedication in their creation, development and implementation of those methods.  The Clerk’s Self Help Centers have scheduled over 23,000 appointments since its inception October 2007.

 

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 582-7941or 464-5150.  If your organization would benefit from learning about the Clerk’s Self Help Center, please contact Jeff Tomeo, Assistant Manager, Clerk’s Self Help Center at (727) 4645150 or Constance Daniels, Director at (727) 464-4815 to schedule a presentation.

 

We have a Spanish interpreter available by-appointment on Friday morning from 10-12.

Veterans Choice Program

Benefits

Due to the Veterans Choice Program, many veterans may now have the option to receive their health care from non-VA providers rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility.

Please see the short video below to learn more about accessing the program:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9nnsRlX5b8

Research among veterans being conducted for psychological trauma symptoms

Events

USF Health at the University of South Florida is conducting a research study for symptoms of psychological trauma using two physical activity programs: Brazilian Jiujitsu(martial arts), and muscular endurance/cardiovascular fitness.

The purpose of this research is to investigate whether Brazilian JiuJitsu(a form of martial arts), or a muscular endurance/cardiovascular fitness exercise program, are helpful in improving symptoms of psychological trauma that are due to distressing memories.

This study is being conducted by Dr. Alison Willing and Dr. Kevin Kip.

Interested in participating or want more information?  Call (813) 974-9310 or (813) 629-6159.