Monday, August 20, 2018

STAND UP FOR BILL (And Other Veterans and Their Families)


STAND UP FOR BILL
(And Other Veterans and Their Families)

I would like to create state and federal legislation that does the following:

1.  Directs the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services to create free, accredited continuing professional education (CPE) for civilian health care workers and paramedical case workers (including social workers and chaplains) on veterans health issues. 

2.  Directs all health care providers to change their intake forms and health questionnaires to ask if patients “had any US military service” in order to “begin the conversation”.   Self identified veterans should be asked to fill out an additional military questionnaire.  A proposed format is available.

3.  Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to require that all health care workers (including VA health care workers and CHOICE doctors) be familiar with compensable diseases and disabilities so they can refer Vets and their families to the VA benefits office for evaluation and additional assistance. 

4.  Directs the VA and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services to use public service announcements and other media to reach out to veterans and their families to inform them about presumed connected disabilities and report back to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Nevada state governor and the veterans legislative committee annually on the effectiveness of these techniques.  

5.  Directs the VA and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services to prominently display flyers and other media on presumed connected disabilities to all offices that work with veterans and their families, including VA cemeteries.

6.  Directs the VA and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services to prominently display flyers and other media about survivor benefits to all offices that work with veterans and their families, including VA cemeteries.

7.  Directs the VA and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services to contact civilian support groups that routinely work with people who have one of the presumed connected disabilities (e.g. the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and work with them to identify veterans, children and grandchildren who have a disease presumed connected to military service. Identified veterans and family members should be referred to designated VA resources.  Records of these referrals should be rolled up to the governor, state legislative affairs committee and the Secretary of  Veterans Affairs on a yearly basis. 

8.  Directs each state to keep records and prepare a yearly report to the governor, the veterans legislative committee and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs evaluating the effectiveness of the training delivered, contacts made and media used to provide information to veterans, spouses and health care professionals.

WE MUST ACT NOW
   We must make sure that Vietnam Veterans who have a presumed connected disease take full advantage of the benefits that they earned by their service to our country.
   We must make sure that Vietnam Veteran survivors have access to the benefits that their loved one earned by their service to our country.
   We must make sure that veterans from other conflicts such as the Korean War, the Gulf War, Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan, certain defense department projects and Camp Lejeune know about the diseases and disabilities presumed connected to their military service.
    We must act now to protect the children and grandchildren of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service.

The VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for benefits for these diseases.

          AL Amyloidosis
          A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters tissues or organs
          Chronic B-cell Leukemias
          A type of cancer which affects white blood cells
          Chloracne (or similar acneform disease)
          A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like common forms of acne seen in teenagers. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides.
          Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
          A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inability to respond properly to the hormone insulin
          Hodgkin's Disease
          A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia
          Ischemic Heart Disease
          A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart, that leads to chest pain also called coronary artery disease
          Multiple Myeloma
          A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow
          Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
          A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue
          Parkinson's Disease
          A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects muscle movement
          Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset
          A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of herbicide exposure
          Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
          A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA's rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides
          Prostate Cancer
          Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among men
          Respiratory Cancers  (includes lung cancer)
            and cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus
          Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or mesothelioma) A group of different types of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues
          Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s disease causes the death of neuron controlling voluntary muscles.  This disease is associated with service in Vietnam.

If you would like to help me in this effort, or if you have ideas  on how to spread the word about presumed connected disabilities, please feel free to contact me.  I am Barbara Rodgick and I am the widow of an Agent Orange Vet.  My phone number is 425-442-7563 and my email address is barbara98065@gmail.com.  8/18/18
    

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

The VA is apparently being secretly run by a Mar-a-Lago shadow triumvirate


3:16 a.m. ET


Even before Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkiewas sworn in July 30, he discovered what his predecessor, David Shulkin, had known: The real power at the VA resides at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump's private club in Florida, wielded by a triumvirate of Mar-a-Lago members led by Ike Perlmutter, the almost comically reclusive CEO of Marvel Entertainment, Isaac Arnsdorf reports at ProPublica.
When Trump asked Perlmutter, a friend and confidante, to help put together his government in December 2016, he agreed to be an outside adviser, selected veterans as his focus, and roped in two other friends, Palm Beach doctor Bruce Moskovitz and lawyer Marc Sherman, Arnsdorf says. The "Mar-a-Lago Crowd," as they're known among VA insiders, have secretly exerted sweeping influence on the VA ever since — even though none of the three has ever served in the U.S. military or government and appear to have no special knowledge of veterans issues.
Perlmutter, Moskowitz, and Sherman have pushed the VA to start new programs, some of which could benefit them personally, and essentially forced out or vetoed jobs for top officials — including Shulkin — who don't accede to their wishes, Arnsdorf says, basing his report on "hundreds of documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and interviews with former administration officials." Shulkin, Wilkie, and other officials have flown down to consult with the triumvirate at Mar-a-Lago, at taxpayer expense. "Everyone has to go down and kiss the ring," a former administration official tells ProPublica.
The three men said through a crisis-communications consultant that they have "offered our help and advice on a voluntary basis" but "did not make or implement any type of policy, possess any authority over agency decisions, or direct government officials to take any actions." According to emails, VA officials treated the Mar-a-Lago Group's constant "advice" as orders. Read more about the bizarre arrangement Arnsdorf calls "without parallel in modern presidential history" at ProPublicaPeter Weber

Friday, July 27, 2018

15 Military Discounts ONLY Veteran, Retired And Active Duty Members Are Entitled To

Veteranssavings.com Personal Finance  Veteran Discounts

15 Military Discounts ONLY Veteran, Retired And Active Duty Members Are Entitled To
 Saturday, July 14th, 2018
Military veterans, retired and active duty members deserve the many discounts available to them. As a thank you, our country and plenty of companies offer steep discounts and even free products and services only to military and immediate family members.
There are private companies and federal programs that many of our past and present servicemen know of, but there are plenty that exist that are relatively unknown, until now. That's why we are here. To show you what you might be missing and to help you save on things you may not have known existed. Enjoy our list and please share this with others you know might be interested.

1. $42,000 MORTGAGE REDUCTION

When veterans and active military homeowners visit the VA Refinance Survey website they are surprised their benefits qualify them for a huge mortgage reduction, that can save them on average a whopping $42,000 on their mortgage.
Millions of savvy veterans are taking advantage of VA benefits that drastically reduce monthly mortgage payments by an average of $3,100 each year. These benefits serve as a big pay day for our veterans, but millions of veterans miss out on these huge savings by simply being unaware of their eligibility for this program.
All veterans and active military can qualify for this refinance program and the process is very simple.

2. CONSOLIDATE ALL YOUR EXISTING DEBT INTO ONE SIMPLE PAYMENT

Members of the military run into unavoidable factors – constant relocation, financial inexperience and unemployment among spouses – that make them more vulnerable to falling into debt than civilian peers.
Do you owe more than $10,000 in credit card debt? Here is an amazingly effective debt relief program available for Veterans, Retiress and Active Military Members by Freedom Debt Relief that not only consolidates your loans, but will also reduce the amount you owe. Amazing right?

3. MILITARY DISCOUNTS ON APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES FROM LOCAL RETAIL SHOPS
From local shops to national chains, a range of clothing and accessories stores offer special prices and deals for military personnel. Get some great discounts from these participating companies:
§  Bass Pro Shops: Eligible military members receive a 5 percent discount every day on select products and Cabela’s gear with a valid military ID.
§  Champion: Military personnel and veterans get 10 percent off.
§  Big 5 Sporting Goods: Active-duty and reserve military personnel, retirees, and veterans receive a 10 percent discount on their in-store purchase.
§  Foot Locker: Qualified military personnel can get a 20 percent discount off most purchases on Footlocker.com.
§  Michaels: Get 15 percent off your purchase — including sale items — every day with a military ID.
§  MLBshop.com: Military personnel and first responders, along with their spouses and close family members, get a 15 percent discount on their purchase.
§  NBA Store: Military service members receive a 15 percent discount on their order.
§  Nike: Receive a 10 percent discount at Nike.com and at Nike stores as an eligible military member.
§  NFL Shop: All eligible military personnel enjoy a 15 percent discount to use when purchasing products on NFLShop.com.
§  Under Armour: For eligible military personnel, the sports retailer offers a 10 percent discount with verification.

4. VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY: NEVER PAY FOR HOME REPAIRS AGAIN

You never know what will happen with your home. That's why it's important to get a home warranty. Think of it as taking vitamins to prevent future disaster. You won't feel the benefit right away, but you won't feel what you are trying to prevent. Plus the peace of mind a home warranty provides is priceless.
A home warranty will not only save you money, but it protects all appliances and other systems put under coverage. Choice Home Warranty offers rock solid protection when something inside or outside of your house goes wrong.
They cover a number of appliances and systems, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and more. Choice Home Warranty has a claims hotline open 24/7. Once a claim is filed, a local technician is sent to fix it. A home warranty gives protection when the unexpected happens.

5. SAVE UP TO 70% ON LIFE INSURANCE

Need more than SGLI to help protect your family’s financial future? LifeInsurance.net has affordable plans to fit any budget. Try the 20 year plan. The price you pay the first month is designed to remain level for the first 20 years. Sign up soon – the younger you are, the lower the rate!
Many Veterans and active duty servicemen also have a hard time qualifying for a new policy once they reach a certain age. The best way to get the cheapest life insurance policy possible is to compare quotes from multiple carriers. Luckily, LifeInsurance.net will automatically use your information to find you the best life insurance policy for your needs at much lower prices.

6. GREEN DRINK TURNS VETERANS INTO "YOUNG BUCKS"

Secret “Green Drink” once reserved for Military elite, restores youthful energy, stamina & pain-free movement. For a limited time you can claim 7 free sample packs of this powerful green drink that U.S military members swear by...

7. FREE ADMISSION TO NATIONAL PARKS FOR MILITARY MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Yosemite, Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, Zion, The Everglades & More
With this amazing perk, veterans and active military can tour America’s National Parks for free, for life.
Military members and their families and their dependents are now eligible to receive a free annual pass to U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands. Beginning May 19, 2012, all active duty military members and their families can receive the free annual pass with proper identification – a Common Access Card (CAC) for the military member and DD Form 1173 for dependents (see more info about getting a replacement military ID card if you need a new one).
How to get a free annual pass: You must apply for the free pass in person at the National Park or Federal Recreation Land with your ID in hand.
What is covered with the free pass?
Passes cover entrance to Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service sites that charge Entrance Fees, and Standard Amenity Fees at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation sites. The pass covers admission for the annual pass owner and the passengers in their vehicle (up to 3 adults per vehicle, age 16 and over; no charge for children under age 16).
Are free passes available for veterans?
Unfortunately, no. This offer is good for active duty service members and their dependents.
There may be discounts for veterans depending on location.
So get out and see America!

8. MILITARY HOTEL AND TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
Active-duty personnel and veterans can land big deals on train, plane and bus fare. Take advantage of these military fares and don’t forget to book a hotel with a discount to enjoy when you arrive at your destination. These companies offer some of the best veteran discounts and military travel discounts:
§  Amtrak: Active-duty military personnel, their spouses and dependents can receive a 10 percent discount on the lowest available fare price on most Amtrak trains, as well as permission for uniformed military personnel to skip to the front of ticket lines. This offer is invalid on non-Acela business class, first class or sleeping accommodations.
§  Best Western Hotels & Resorts: Veterans and active members enjoy at least 10 percent off the flexible rate at Best Western locations in North America. This offer is also extended to Canadian military members who are on official government business travel.
§  Greyhound: Veterans Advantage card members receive 10 percent off tickets purchased online or at a Greyhound station.
§  Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Active-duty and retired military members receive a discounted room rate at participating Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Search by the military base, government building or local attraction to check availability and view exact discounted room rates.
§  Motel 6: Get a 10 percent discount on a room with a valid military ID.
§  National Car Rental: While traveling on official business, U.S. government travelers can enjoy benefits, including a loss damage waiver, discounted rental rates and no fees for additional or underage drivers.
§  Red Roof Inn: Active military members and their loved ones can enjoy 10 percent off their room. A 20 percent discount is available to those carrying a VetRewards card.
§  Sandals: Take advantage of an additional 10 percent savings on top of current promotions when you book a Sandals luxury all-inclusive vacation.
§  Travelers: Members of PenFed Credit Union could save an average of $550 on auto insurance.
§  United Airlines: Veterans Advantage members receive up to 5 percent off tickets for United- and United Express-operated flights purchased on United.com.

9. SAVE ON CAR INSURANCE

Think you're already paying a low auto insurance rate? Think again. Recent studies show that just 5% of Veterans and active duty servicemen pay less than $50 per month for auto insurance. If you pay than $50 per month, and have had no accidents or tickets in the past two years, odds are you can secure a far lower car insurance rate. The best way to do this? 
Compare quotes from multiple insurers. It's really the only way to ensure you're paying the least possible.
Age and other factors always play a roll, but military members could get a BIG discount on their car insurance. With Genius Auto Insurance, you fill out a simple form and you'll instantly receive multiple quotes from top insurers. It's that easy! So give it a shot and get the savings you deserve with Genius Auto Insurance.

10. AMERICA'S #1 TRADER (FORMER HOME DEPOT CLERK) WANTS TO SHOW OUR MILITARY READERS HOW HE DID IT

Watch Him Become $1050 Richer In 15 Seconds
You've never seen anything like this, nor will you ever see it again. It's insane and anyone can do it. First read a little about it, then watch the video. It's truly amazing and he wants to show our readers his tricks, as well as show actual profits as they are happening, in real-time.

11. MILITARY SPECIALS FROM MOBILE AND TECH COMPANIES
From hardware and software to monthly payment plans, some mobile and technology companies offer deep discounts to veterans and active service members. Start saving today with these deals:
§  Apple: For eligible military members and their families, discounts and promotions are available. You can purchase or “sponsor” up to three system bundles or displays, three iPads, three iPhones, three watches, and up to 10 iPods each full calendar year from January 1 to December 31.
§  AT&T: Qualified active-duty military and National Guard service members, reservists, veterans, and spouses of active-duty or deceased service members can receive 15 percent off their monthly service charge under qualified plans.
§  Boost Mobile: Temporarily suspend service and service charges under the Deployed Military Program.
§  Samsung: Military Discount Program members can save 20 percent on a Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note8 smartphone.
§  Microsoft: Enjoy a 10 percent discount on various Surface devices as an active, former or retired military member. Former service members who are business owners are eligible to receive discounts on Microsoft products they need for their business.
§  T-Mobile: All U.S. military and veterans receive 50 percent off family lines.

12. THEME PARK AND ENTERTAINMENT DISCOUNTS
From local theaters to giant theme parks, entertainment venues of all kinds offer discounts for active military men and women, as well as former and retired veterans. Here’s where to have more fun for less:
§  Busch Gardens: All eligible military personnel and up to three of their dependents receive one free admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place.
§  Cinemark: Go see a movie for less with a government-issued military ID. Contact your nearest Cinemark theater to find out exact discount days, rates and times.
§  Disneyland Resort: Eligible service members and their spouses enjoy discounted rates for select rooms valid on most nights from now until Dec. 19, 2018.
§  Knott’s Berry Farm: Get into one of California’s favorite theme parks for just $52 with a military ID. The offer excludes junior tickets, senior tickets, and Knott’s Scary Farm or any other special or private events.
§  Legoland: Active-duty military members receive a discount on admission tickets at Legoland California. Also, score exclusive military savings on Legoland California resort hopper and Legoland California Sea Life hopper tickets by visiting the resort’s military promotions website.
§  Massage Envy: At participating locations, all active-duty military personnel can join Massage Envy at a savings of $60 annually.
§  National Park Service: Get free entrance into national parks across the U.S. with the free annual pass for U.S. military, which you can obtain by showing a military ID. Standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver are also waived with the pass.
§  Showcase Cinemas: All active-duty military members and their dependents can receive discounts on movie prices. Get a general admission ticket for $7.50 and bargain matinee, children, and senior tickets for just under $6.
§  Universal Studios Hollywood: Excluding blackout days, discounted ticket prices are available for all active-duty and retired military personnel all year with a valid military or U.S. government I.D. at time of purchase.

13. FIND YOUR MATCH AT MILITARY CUPID

Amazing Military singles site brings over 600,000 military members and civilians together. It's FREE to join for our readers!
MilitaryCupid is a leading military dating site, helping thousands of military singles and civilians find their perfect match in uniform. With a remarkable member base of over 600,000+ military personnel and civilians, whether you’re looking for a military penpal or love in the armed forces, you can find it right here. Whether you're active, retired or a veteran, you'll have plenty of options to meet your match. So sign up for free today.

14. RETIRED OR VETERAN OVER 50? SOCIAL SECURITY MAY OWE YOU $23,441

Audits by the U.S. Inspector General Reveal Tens of Thousands of Americans Have Been Underpaid...
If You're One of Them, You Could Get a Lump-Sum Check within Five Days...
Social Security is America’s most important safety net. And if you are nearing retirement, or already retired… you can’t let accounting errors, employee oversight, or government neglect take one penny away from you.This is what is happening. So watch this video to find out how to claim what may be rightfully yours. Your social security money..

15. ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY OR VETERAN? GET A FREE 72 HOUR SURVIVAL FOOD KIT

There has been a huge increase in political turmoil, as well as extreme weather conditions like tornadoes, hurricanes and flood. We all know that. As a result, Food4Patriots has created survival food kits for everyone. Because you never know. These kits are selling FAST because they currently have a special promotion for to get a free 72 hour survival food kit (just pay the S&H fee).
The recipes were created to stay fresh and edible for up to 25 years. So give this free 72 hour supply a shot. It's cheap and delicious food that can be counted on to help you and your family survive any natural or human disaster.