Volume 17 Number 6 November - December 2003

Transcription

1 Volume 17 Number 6 November - December 2003 VA Seeks Former POWs For Possible Benefit Awards The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is asking former prisoners of war not currently using VA benefits to contact VA to find out if they may be eligible for disability compensation and other services. More than 23,000 former prisoners of war (POWs) already receive compensation from VA. This year, the department mailed information about benefits to another 4,700 known ex-pows not on its rolls. However, VA estimates there could be as many as 11,000 more POWs for whom it does not have an address. VA is asking former POWs not receiving benefits who did not receive a VA letter recently to call the department at Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi said VA has expanded policies to cover increasing numbers of former POWs as new illnesses have been found related to captivity. The administration currently is pressing to get even more compensation and medical care benefits for former POWs. Nine out of ten former POWs are veterans of World War II, and their service predates the use of Social Security numbers as a military "service number." That, coupled with the decades that have elapsed since their service, makes it difficult for VA to track down those who have not opened a file with VA in recent years. "On this POW-MIA Recognition Day, VA is asking veterans and all Americans who know of a former POW to help spread the word that benefits and services may be just a phone call away," Principi said. These veterans sacrificed for their country in time of war, and it's the nation's turn to serve them, to help them determine if they are entitled to compensation, health care or other services, Principi said. The most recent expansion of VA benefits for former POWs was a July regulation that added cirrhosis of the liver to the list of diseases to which entitlement to disability compensation is presumed in former POWs. Similar policies making it easier for former POWs to obtain compensation have been enacted for POWs detained for 30 days or more who develop specific illnesses. Former POWs have a special eligibility for enrollment in VA medical care and are exempt from making copayments for inpatient and outpatient medical care. They have the same copay rules as other veterans for medications and for extended care. Free dental treatment for any dental condition is available to former POWs held for more than 90 days. More information about VA services for former POWs is available at Government Study Says Doubling of Military Health Care Costs Possible by 2020 According to a new study released by the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of military health care could increase by 50 to 100 percent by 2020 if current trends continue. They base this on the fact that defense health care spending almost doubled between 1988 and this year. The study states that the dramatically rising costs are due to both the early age at which most service members retire, and the high rate at which DoD beneficiaries use health care services. The study looked at how future health care costs might be affected under various scenarios, including one in which retirees over age 65 could trade reduced health care benefits for cash payments. Retirees would be given the choice of the current TRICARE for Life benefit or a cash payment equal to half the present value of TRICARE for Life. But the choice would have to be made before they retire. While this is not a proposal that has been made, the mere fact that this kind of change in retirement health care means we must continue to be on guard to protect our earned retirement benefits. AMS will keep a close watch to see if any actual legislative proposals come as a result of this study.

2 Sen. Graham to Attempt to Lower Reserve Retirement Age Sen. Lindsey Graham Sen. Lindsey Graham (R- SC) is attempting to lower the age at which retired members of the military reserve components can begin receiving retirement checks. Currently, reservists must wait until age 60 before receiving retirement pay. Under Graham s legislation, the age at when a retirement check would first be received would depend upon length of military service. Those who serve the minimum 20 years needed for retired pay would still have to wait until age 60, but for every two years of additional service beyond 20, a reservist would get the first check a year earlier. For example, someone who completed 34 years of service would get a check as early as age 55. According to reports, Graham appears to have enough support to get his legislation included in the Senate version of the Iraq reconstruction budget, but it s not clear of its chances in the House. However, even if both Houses pass it the Bush administration, which has tried to stall work on reserve benefits legislation while working on its own proposal, is likely to oppose the legislation. AMS supports Senator Graham s proposal and we ll fight to get it passed this year. Battle for SBP Changes Continue AMS and other military associations are continuing to fight for changes in SBP the Survivor Benefit Plan. Four bills to modify SBP have been introduced in Congress, two in the House and two in the Senate. H.R. 548 was introduced in the House by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) and its companion bill, S.451, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME). These bills would incrementally increase the minimum Survivors Benefit Plan basic annuity for surviving spouses age 62 and older over a four year period. A bill introduced by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) would incrementally increase the basic annuity that is provided under the Uniformed Services Survivors Benefit Plan for surviving spouses who are at least 62 years of age over a 10-year period. Finally, H.R. 1653, introduced by Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), would change the effective date for paid-up coverage under SBP from 1 Oct 08 to 1 Oct 03. The so-called Social Security offset is unfair to military retirees, because no other federal employees have their survivor benefits reduced in the same way. The increasing budget deficit makes this issue a difficult one to win, but AMS will continue to fight to change this very unfair system. TRICARE Changes DEERS Verification Care Number The Social Security number (SSN) used to verify TRICARE eligibility in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) for unremarried former spouses has changed. On October 1, DEERS reflects TRICARE eligibility for these beneficiaries using the unremarried former spouse s own SSN and not the former sponsor s. Health care information will be filed under the unremarried former spouse s own SSN and name. These beneficiaries will now use their own name and SSN to schedule medical appointments and to file TRICARE claims. The current Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, DD Form 1173, held by the unremarried former spouse is still valid until it expires. Upon renewal, the unremarried former spouse will be issued a replacement, Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, DD Form The Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office is sending a letter to all beneficiaries affected by this change. The letter explains the new DEERS eligibility verification procedures and serves as official notification from DoD regarding this change. The letter does not, however, provide proof of continued eligibility for TRICARE health care benefits. Unremarried former spouses may contact or visit the nearest identification card issuing facility (locations may be found online at osd.mil/rsl) for questions or assistance. Unremarried former spouses should always keep their DEERS information current and up-to-date. For questions regarding their medical records, they should contact the Military Treatment Facility and medical records department where their DoD medical records are stored.

3 PRESIDENT S COLUMN DOUG RUSSELL The Department of Defense mailed a 16-page survey to 52,361 military retirees in August, containing 120 questions. They cover such topics as retirees health, adjustment to retirement, advice they would give to young people about the military, and their use of commissaries and exchanges. However, the survey also includes questions about very personal subjects, including personal and family finances. If you have received one of the surveys and have not yet responded, AMS is urging you not to complete the personal finance information. We have joined with the Military Officers Association of America in warning about the possible use of the financial information. Specifically, we are concerned there may be some in DoD or Congress who might use the information to push for major modifications to the military retirement system, including means testing, which could lead to phasing out of military retirement for those with higher incomes. However, even before that point is reached it is likely the information could be used to try and block concurrent receipt of full military pay and veterans disability payments. It is important that all military retirees remain vigilant, because the high costs of the Iraq operation and the increasing budget deficit mean the federal government is looking for as many ways as possible to cut spending in other areas of the budget. And because the Iraq operation, the Afghanistan operation, and much of the anti-terror effort is being conducted by DoD, other parts of the Pentagon budget are being looked at more and more closely. AMS will keep a close watch on these issues in the coming weeks and months. AMS is also in the process of mailing out petitions to thousands of military retirees and warning them about new plans being talked about in the Pentagon that would do away with the military retirement system for future military retirees. Although those plans do not now contemplate doing away with retirement for current retirees, we believe that eliminating the current retirement system for future military retirees would severely damage the political strength of those who are now part of the military retirement system and could jeopardize our retirement pay. We will have more information for you on this issue in the future, and we will keep a close watch on it here in Washington. Finally, this is our November-December issue, so I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year. We sincerely appreciate your support of AMS and our work on your behalf. May you be blessed with good health and good fortune, may you have a special time with your family and friends, and may the New Year be prosperous for all of us. However, let s all remember those who are serving and are away from home this time of year. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and do whatever you can to show them your support.

4 Concurrent Receipt Victory May Be at Hand An announcement in mid- October by House Republican leaders leads AMS to believe that a major victory for military retirees may be close at hand. According to the leadership, they are supporting new legislation that will allow more retirees to collect both full retirement and disability benefits. The proposal would be phased in over 10 years and retirees with a 50 percent or greater disability rate would be covered. It is estimated that 250,000 retirees would be affected by this change. Concurrent receipt has become a political football in recent months as Democrats used the issue to woo the veteran and retiree vote, while Republicans sought for ways to pay for the measure. Estimated costs for the legislation is $22 billion. In their statement, the Republican leaders acknowledged the bill is only a partial measure, but stated it would cost $67 billion to cover all disabled retirees. Under the plan, retirees with total disability would receive $750 a month in disability pay, while those with 50 percent disability would receive $100 per month. DoD Approves use of Ceremonial Bugle The Department of Defense announced that it has approved the use of the ceremonial bugle as an alternative to the recorded version of Taps played on stereo at military funerals. The decision was made by the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Charles S. Abell based on positive survey results from a six-month test of the bugle. The ceremonial bugle consists of a small coneshaped device inserted deep into the bell of a bugle that plays an exceptionally high-quality rendition of Taps that is virtually indistinguishable from a live bugler. The department worked with private industry to invent the bugle. Missouri was selected to test the bugle because of its well-established state-run military funeral honors program. The test was conducted from Nov to May Fifty prototype bugles were distributed to military units and other authorized providers of funeral honors, such as veterans service organizations. During the test, family members and honor guard members were surveyed to gauge the dependability and acceptability of the ceremonial bugle. The resulting data indicated that the system is reliable and endorsed by over 96 percent of the families surveyed. The ceremonial bugle will be offered to families as an alternative to the prerecorded Taps played on a stereo, but will not be used as a substitute for a live bugler when one is available. Live buglers will continue to play at veterans funerals whenever available. The Department of Defense provides military funeral honors free of charge to thousands of veterans families each year. The ceremonial bugle is intended to enhance the dignity of military funeral honors. These honors demonstrate the nation s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have honorable served their country. The ceremonial paying of respect is a final tribute to their service. For more information on the bugle, click on COLAs Announced The COLAs for 2004 have been announced by the federal government. Military retirees will receive a 2.4 percent COLA, which is based on the increase in the consumer price index over a 12 month period. The 2.1 percent increase compares to a 1.4 percent increase for The increase in gasoline prices during the past year is given as the main reason for the increase in consumer price inflation. Social Security recipients will receive the same 2.1 percent increase.

5 Coast Guardsman Sees Increased Emphasis on Homeland Security Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Lynn Fabbo said she's watched her service undergo an exciting sea change with its increased focus on homeland security. At the unit level, Fabbo, a training petty officer at Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, N.J., said the Coast Guard's transfer from the Department of Transportation to the new Department of Homeland Security has been almost seamless. Much more dramatic, she said, has been a change in the types of missions Coast Guard members now perform on a regular basis. In addition to conducting search and rescue, drug interdiction and other law enforcement missions, as well as the lower-profile buoy-tending and recreational boating safety missions, Fabbo said Coast Guard members now regularly monitor high-interest vessels that pose potential national security threats due to their cargo or the personnel on board. Nearly all Coast Guard members, she said, conduct coastline and harbor security patrols with extra attention to large commercial carriers, including cruise ships, entering and departing U.S. ports. The Coast Guard either sends a boarding party to these ships or escorts them into port. Fabbo said the Coast Guard has stepped up its force protection role, escorting more aircraft carriers, submarines and other military vessels operating within U.S. waters. While serving as executive petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter MAKO, she helped escort the USNS Comfort from its home port in Baltimore and down the Chesapeake Bay when it departed in January for the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She and her shipmates also enforced security zones around military vessels in North Carolina and In addition to conducting search and rescue, drug interdiction and other law enforcement missions, as well as the lower-profile buoy-tending and recreational boating safety missions, Coast Guard members now regularly monitor high-interest vessels that pose potential national security threats due to their cargo or the personnel on board. Virginia as munitions were loaded and service members boarded for deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. They also accelerated their security patrols in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia during high-threat periods. Since 9-11, there's been a big increase in the number of these missions we do, she said. If nothing exciting happens along the way, then it means we did our job right. Fabbo said the increase in homeland security missions makes our work more diverse than ever, and that's really exciting to the new people coming into the service. It s one more thing we do that you can really feel good about and know that you're making a difference. by Donna Miles American Forces Press Service Good Eating Habits Key to Keeping Fit Exercising is only one of several elements needed to live a healthy lifestyle, according to Staff Sgt. Cristina Saguin. She is the noncommissioned officer in charge of nutrition programs at the health and wellness center at the Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base. Exercise alone cannot improve a person s health, Saguin said. Unfortunately, there are those who think that if they exercise, it s a license to eat whatever they want. This thinking leads to poor eating habits like skipping meals, not eating from all the food groups during the day and fad diets, she said. Skipping meals can slow the body's metabolism, said the nutritionist. Later, they'll overeat, typically on the least healthy of foods. The first step in improving eating habits, Saguin said, is for people to write down everything they eat during the day, and when they eat. This allows people to assess their current eating habits and see what they can change. Continued on page 6.

6 Gulf War Service- ALS Link Confirmed Good Eating Habits Key to Keeping Fit Continued from page 5 Snacks should include wholegrain breads, cereals, rice and pastas, plenty of vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy products and lean meats. Products made from refined sugar or those loaded in fat, such as pastries and candy bars should be eaten in moderation, she said. Eating the appropriate foods (helps) to give us the energy we need for daily activity and additional fitness activities, Saguin said. Those frequent, small meals or snacks go a long way in helping us perform our normal duties and enabling us to exercise, too. Experts at each base s wellness center can provide further information on nutrition and fitness, including directions about weight, cholesterol and blood pressure management. Also, dieticians at the base hospital can give effective tips on how to make lasting changes towards healthy eating habits. By 1st Lt. Mae-Li Allison Air Armament Center Public Affairs Arecent scientific study supports a 22-month policy by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recognize amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) among veterans of the Gulf War as a service-connected illness. Based upon preliminary research available in December 2001, I felt it was appropriate for us to act swiftly, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. I'm gratified that the final study supports that decision. The study found that veterans who were deployed to the combat theater during the Gulf War were nearly twice as likely to develop the disease as veterans not deployed to the Gulf, accounting for 40 of the 107 cases identified among military personnel. The incidence of ALS was especially high among deployed Air Force personnel, who were 2.7 times more likely to develop ALS than nondeployed Air Force personnel. Earlier research did not provide a definitive answer to this issue, said lead author Ronnie D. Horner, Ph.D. Horner was with VA s Epidemiologic Research and Information Center in Durham, N.C., when the research was conducted, and is now with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. We now have compelling evidence that service in the Gulf is associated with the occurrence of ALS among veterans of the Gulf War. Another recent study by Dr. Robert W. Haley of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas also supports VA's decision to officially recognize ALS as a service-connected illness for VA benefits. The new ALS study, published in the Sept. 23 issue of the scientific journal Neurology and funded by VA and the Department of Defense (DoD), does not identify a cause for the disease or the increased occurrence in this group of veterans. ALS, or Lou Gehrig s disease, kills cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement, resulting in gradual wasting of the muscles. Fatal in most cases, the disease usually strikes people between ages 40 and 70. The cause of the disease is unknown. Earlier this year, VA established a national ALS registry to identify veterans with the disease -- regardless of when they served -- and track their health status. Veterans with ALS who enroll will complete an initial telephone interview covering their health and military service and will be interviewed twice yearly thereafter. For more information about VA s ALS Registry, based at the Durham VA Medical Center, call DIAL-ALS ( ) or ALS@med.va.gov. The ALS Association and researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised the study leaders. Numerous medical, academic, veteran and voluntary health organizations provided assistance in conducting the study. Since 1994, the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services have spent $213 million on 224 research projects relating to the health effects of military deployment. VA plans to spend up to an additional $20 million by the end of fiscal 2004.

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8 American Military Society P.O. Box Washington, D.C Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Washington, DC Permit No Sen. Graham to Attempt to Lower Reserve Retirement Age page 2 Battle for SBP Changes Continue page 2 TRICARE Changes DEERS Verification Care Number page 2 Concurrent Receipt Victory May Be at Hand page 4 DoD Approves use of Ceremonial Bugle page COLAs Announced page 4 Coast Guardsman Sees Increased Emphasis on Homeland Security page 5 Good Eating Habits Key to Keeping Fit page 5 Gulf War Service-ALS Link Confirmed page 6 Make sure you don t miss a single issue of the Advocate. Send change of address information to: Membership Department American Military Society P.O. Box Washington D..C