If you or a deceased family member was prevented from separating or retiring between September 11, 2001, and September 30, 2009, because of Stop-Loss, you may be entitled to $500 for each month you were stop-lossed (retained). YOU MUST APPLY with your respective service no later than October 30, 2010,…
The Congressional Budget Office posted the changes for TRICARE as proposed by Congress in the Health Care plan of 2009-10. At the same time politicians scream the country needs Health Care, the same politicians are silently taking away health care benefits earned by retired military men and women. Men and…
B cell leukemias, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic heart disease are now presumptive diseases / illnesses for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. On October 13, 2009, the Department of Veterans Affairs in a news release announced the VA is extending VA benefits to Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the herbicide…
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Suicide is not the answer, according to this clip. Unfortunately, many wounded and disabled veterans carry the burden of depression, loneliness, fear of the unknown future, and just want to give up. I understand all too well. For the disabled veteran their world has turned upside down. They…
In order to help you understand why you need to file your application for benefits, pension, or DIC the following information is provided from 38 U.S.C. §5110: Effective Date — usually this is the date that the application for benefits is received by the VA. There are exceptions, however, to…
Memorial Day brings back a lot of memories to me of serving overseas and in a combat zone. Friday meant just two more workdays until Monday. For me, as an aircraft commander or Mission Director, even time in the tent meant I was thinking about the upcoming operations or missions…
4. Health Care Affecting Weapons Buy Military retiree health care has long been a source of tension for active duty personnel and the retirees’ needs. In 1997, then USAF Surgeon General, Lt. General Charles H. Roadman II, discussed the impact of military need and budget on health care: I also…
Part 1 introduces the DoD’s plan to increase fees on retirees, but this is nothing new. In 2007 DoD attempted to force fee increases on retirees by creating a deficit in the DoD budget for TRICARE payments. The following Parts 2 & 3 are my commentary on DoD’s plan to…
TRICARE fees for retirees are once again under attack. Tom Philpott of Military.com reports Defense Sec. Gates believes “Retiree TRICARE Fees Should Rise.” http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,189145,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl Sec. Gates is quoted as saying TRICARE fees have not increased since 1995, and “the department is to spend $47 billion in health care in 2010,…