Hot off the Press

(NEW 13 Sep 08)  Veteran Council Updates -- click here for Aug 08 updates

(NEW 26 July 08) Oklahoma National Guard Family Program Office. Family assistance offices are the "one stop shop" for resources supporting military members and their families. These offices are located statewide and assist military members and families from all branches of service. These offices have a vast pool of resources, such as: Military One Source, churches, civic organizations, private citizens, VFW, AMVETS, Blue Star Mothers, and Family Readiness Groups. The Family Assistance Offices are available 24 hours a day to provide additional help. Lawton Office contact information: 600 NW Cache Road, Lawton, OK 73507-5403. (580)-595-4455 or 595-4406

(16 Jul 08) VA veterans centers coming to 39 communities. Click here for the full article. 

(16 Jul 08) VA Announces On-Line Claims Applications.  WASHINGTON (July 16, 2008) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that on-line applications are now accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for
disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application.
Effective immediately, VA will now process applications received through its on-line application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's signature. The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant's application for benefits. Normal development
procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications.

VONAPP (www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm ) is a Web-based system that benefits both internal and external users. Veterans, survivors and other claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints
of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery.

VONAPP reduces the number of incomplete applications received by VA, decreasing the need for additional development by VA claims processors. The on-line application also provides a link to apply for VA health care benefits and much more.

Over 3.7 million veterans and beneficiaries receive compensation and pension benefits from VA and approximately 523,000 students receive education benefits. Approximately 90,000 disabled veterans participate in VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.

For more information about VA benefits, go to VA's website at www.va.gov
<http://www.va.gov/> or call our toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000.

(NEW 16 Jul 08)  2007-2008 Oklahoma State "Senator of the Year" and "Representative of the Year".  The Oklahoma State Veterans Council is pleased to announce the 2007-2008 Oklahoma State "Senator of the Year" and "Representative of the Year". Senator Don Barrington of Senate District 31 and Representative Ann Coody of Houses District 64.

This award is given to the elected officials that demonstrate their deep commitment to Oklahoma Veterans, their families and survivors. Senator Barrington was selected for his guidance and leadership with veterans legislation. Representative Ann Coody was selected for her Legislative Initiatives and support in the House of Representatives.

The Oklahoma State Veterans Council will also be recognizing Phillip Driskill, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and Mike Seymour, Director of the State Accrediting Agency both of whom are retiring after many years of outstanding service to Oklahoma Veterans.

Senator Barrington, Representative Coody, Phillip Driskill and Mike Seymour will be given their awards at the Oklahoma State Veterans Council Meeting on September 2, 2008. The Oklahoma State Veterans Council meets at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs building, 2311 North Central, Oklahoma City. The meeting will begin at 10:00am. Please contact Scott Ellis at 721-7168 for more information.

(NEW 16 Jul 08)  Veteran Council Updates -- click here for July 08 updates

(4 Jun 08)  If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT NOW, call this toll-free number 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential.

(4 Jun 08) Welcome to the first issue of the DFAS Retired Pay Newsletter for 2008. This issue contains information on the complete elimination of the Social Security Offset for annuitants, as well as updates on recent legislation and CRSC.... To read more from the director, see www.dfas.mil/rna-news/apr2008/directorscorner.html

(4 Jun 08) Listed is the web site for Reynolds Army Community Hospital Web site: http://wwwrach.sill.amedd.army.mil/    Reynolds Electronic Formulary
http://wwwrach.sill.amedd.army.mil/Departments/PHARMACY/druglist.pdf  

 (4 Jun 08)  Veteran Council Updates -- click here for Jun 08 updates

(18 May 08)  VA Awards $12.7 Million to Oklahoma Veterans Home

WASHINGTON (May 5, 2008) – To make sure the state veterans home in Sulphur remains a comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding a grant of $12,675,000 for improvements at the Oklahoma state facility.

"This grant honors our commitment to care for the men and women of Oklahoma who have served in uniform," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Our federal-state partnership helps to provide housing and care for veterans in a compassionate community."

The VA grant, for safety renovations, covers 65 percent of the cost of the project, which includes construction and purchase of equipment. Total cost of the upgrades is $19.5 million. Most residents receive nursing care.

Oklahoma has seven veterans centers providing intermediate to skilled nursing care and domiciliary care for wartime veterans and their spouses. The centers are located in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulphur and Talihina. The Sulphur Veterans Center is located on 17 acres in Southern Oklahoma, overlooking the scenic Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Last year, VA spent nearly $1.4 billion in Oklahoma to serve more than 338,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Muskogee and Oklahoma City and five outpatient clinics across the state.

For more information on the Sulphur Veterans Center, visit

http://www.ok.gov/ODVA/  or call (580)622-2144.

(5 May 08)  Veteran Council Updates -- click here for May 08 updates

Veteran Council Updates -- click here for April 08 updates

(25 Mar 08)  VA to Open 14 New Clinics in Seven States 

WASHINGTON -- Veterans in seven additional states will have easier access to world-class health care under a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plan to open 14 new outpatient clinics in 2008. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today announced that VA will establish new clinics in Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Washington.
“VA is dedicated to providing the best in health care to the men and women who have served this nation in uniform,” Peake said. “These new clinics will bring that care closer to veterans who have earned it through their service.”
Locations for the new clinics are:
• Arkansas – Phillips County
• Illinois – Coles County
• Indiana – Scott County
• Kentucky – Carroll County, Christian County and Graves County
• Oklahoma – Stillwater
• Tennessee – Bolivar, Campbell County, Dyer County, Roane County, Sevier County and Warren County
• Washington – Lewis County
The new clinics are scheduled to activate in 2008. The exact locations of the new facilities, along with their opening dates and the health care services they will provide, have to be determined. VA has previously approved 50 additional clinics that will begin providing services in 2008 for a total of 64 new clinics throughout the country this year.
With 153 hospitals and more than 700 community-based clinics, VA has the nation’s largest integrated health care system. The Department’s health care budget of over $36 billion this year will provide care to about 5.5 million veterans.
“Community-based medicine is better medicine,” said Dr. Michael Kussman, VA’s Under Secretary for Health. “It makes preventive care easier for patients, helps doctors have closer relationships with their patients and permits easier follow-up for patients with chronic health problems.”
Many of the new clinics were designated as priorities under VA’s Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) plan. CARES, completed in 2004, was intended to ensure that VA uses its resources as effectively and efficiently as possible. March 20, 2008, Department of Veterans Affairs.

(14 Mar 08) ‘IRS Free File’ available for non-filers receiving stimulus payment.

WASHINGTON (AFRNS) – Individuals who normally do not file a tax return, but must do so this year in order to receive their 2008 economic stimulus payment, can use a free filing tool. IRS officials announced these individuals can use the IRS Free File program to help them file returns for 2007.

The IRS and several of its partners in the Free File Alliance can now accept returns submitted by people who have no legal requirement to file other than to receive their payments. People in this category should take care to use only those companies listed on the Free File section for the payments under “Online Tools” at www.irs.gov .

“If you are only filing a return to receive your economic stimulus payment, Free File is a great option for you,” said Linda E. Stiff, acting IRS commissioner. “All you need to do is follow the simple instructions provided by the software. It’s easy, and it’s free.”

Individuals and families must have at least $3,000 of income from any combination of earned income, Social Security retirement or disability benefits, certain Railroad retirement benefits, or disability compensation, disability pension, or survivor benefits paid by Veterans Affairs. The minimum economic stimulus payment is $300 for individuals and $600 for married couples.

To obtain a payment, all people who are eligible for payments of up to $600 for individuals ($1,200 for married couples) must file a tax return in order for the IRS to know their name, address and eligibility. Parents also may qualify for a $300 payment for each eligible child younger than 17. Valid Social Security numbers are required.

Taxpayers who normally file a tax return and want to use Free File should simply go to the main Free File page on the Web and click “Start Now” to see a list of the 19 companies offering free preparation and electronic filing to the IRS. Free File is available to 97 million taxpayers who earn $54,000 or less.

There is no charge for using IRS Free File. With just a few answers, people can complete a simple form and use IRS e-file. IRS officials also urges all filers to use direct deposit, if they have a checking or savings account, because it is the fastest way to receive an economic stimulus payment.

Once people file a tax return, they do not need to do anything more. The IRS will do the rest and begin issuing payments in May. (Courtesy of the IRS)

Air Force Retiree News Service Mailing List, afpc.retiree@randolph.af.mil , Release No. 03-03-08, March 12, 2008


(NEW 14 Mar 08) IRS outlines economic stimulus payments for veterans, their families.

WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- “Leave no man behind” is a proud military tenet. It has a sacred meaning on the battlefield for the men and women of our armed forces, but it also has application in everyday life. Hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors are at risk of being left behind when it comes to the economic stimulus payments that will be paid this summer.

Congress passed, and President Bush signed into law, a provision to pay so-called “rebates” to Americans who file tax returns. In so doing, they also extended the payments to include veterans and Social Security recipients who ordinarily do not have to even file a tax return. The minimum payment for those who qualify is $300 for individuals and $600 for married couples filing a joint income tax return.

The payments will be calculated by the Internal Revenue Service based on tax returns filed now through the end of 2008 reporting income received and taxes due for the 2007 tax year. But since some veterans and their survivors do not make enough income to have to file a tax form, there is great concern that they might miss the opportunity to receive money coming to them.

This year, veterans who do not otherwise have to file anything with the IRS will want to send in a tax form in order to receive a stimulus payment, according to IRS officials. This applies to veterans and their survivors who receive certain pension and disability payments which are not taxable.

Veterans who have income other than veteran’s benefits and are required to file a tax return and pay taxes for 2007 have nothing more to do. Beginning this summer, they will automatically receive their economic stimulus payments after they file their tax forms. This would include people who receive non-taxable pension or disability payments from the VA, but who also work and earn enough to have to file and pay taxes.

But veterans who receive VA pension or disability payments, sometimes in combination with Social Security or Railroad Retirement Tier I payments (generally none of which are taxable) will need to file an abbreviated tax form this year so the IRS can send them the stimulus payment they are entitled to receive.

Here is how it works -- Those who have no tax liability and are not required to file a tax return may qualify for a minimum payment of $300 ($600 if filing a joint return) if they send the IRS a simple tax return that reflects $3,000 or more in qualifying income. For the purpose of the stimulus payments, qualifying income includes veterans’ disability compensation, and pension or survivors’ benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. Specifically, compensation or pension received under Chapter 11, Chapter 13, or Chapter 15 of Title 38, U.S. Code will qualify.

The compensation under those code sections includes:

-- Monthly payments to veterans of the armed forces who are disabled as a result of injuries or diseases incurred or aggravated during active service, i.e., who have “service-connected disabilities.” Payments vary with degree of disability and numbers of dependents (spouse, children).
-- Monthly payments to surviving spouses; children (if no qualified surviving spouse); and low-income parents of members who die in active service, or veterans whose deaths are “service connected” (the result of service-incurred or service-aggravated injuries or diseases).
-- Monthly benefits paid to surviving spouses, or to children if there is no qualified surviving spouse, of veterans whose deaths are not service connected but who suffered from total, service-connected disability for specified periods immediately before their deaths.

Also included are those who receive a disability pension which is monthly need-based payments to certain wartime veterans who suffer from permanent and total, nonservice-connected disability, or who are age 65 and older. Death-pension payments are the final category which are monthly need-based payments to surviving spouses, or, if no qualified surviving spouse, children, of certain wartime veterans.

Here is what to do -- Those who are not required to file a 2007 return but whose total qualifying income (including earned income, Social Security, certain Railroad Retirement and any of the veterans’ benefits stated above) would equal or exceed $3,000, should file a simple tax return reporting the income and benefits to establish eligibility. You can use a Form 1040A and report the total of your benefits on Line 14a, or you can use a Form 1040 and report the total of your benefits on Line 20a. Please note that both of these lines refer only to Social Security, but you should enter the total of all your benefits received there, whether your only benefits were veterans’ benefits, or a combination of any of the three (Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or veterans’). If you have any earned income, it is reported on a separate line, Line 7, of either form.

Your name, Social Security number and signature (those entries for both you and your spouse if filing jointly), as well as your address, filing status and whether or not you would like to receive your payment via direct deposit, are the only other items needed on the tax return. No other lines need be filled in. A sample 1040A showing the minimal information needed can be viewed on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov and used as a model for completing the form.

Officials emphasized that people with no filing requirement who turn in a tax return to qualify for the economic stimulus payment will not get a tax bill. People in this category will not owe money because of the stimulus payment. The stimulus payments are not taxable.

More information on these economic stimulus payments is available on the Web at www.IRS.gov. Just click on “Rebate questions” link. IRS officials want to make sure that no one who is qualified for a payment gets left behind. (Courtesy of the IRS)

Air Force Retiree News Service Mailing List, afpc.retiree@randolph.af.mil, Release No. 03-02-08, March 10, 2008


(NEW 14 Mar 08) VA Fact Sheet
Click here for a fact sheet listing current facts and statistics covering benefits, health care and memorial affairs, plus a look at the veteran population and VA’s focus on OIF/OEF veterans. All that on both sides of a standard letter-sized sheet folded to pocket size; there’s even a section listing VA toll-free help and information phone numbers.


(16 Feb 08) Disabled veterans receive mileage reimbursement increase. WASHINGTON (AFRNS) – More than a million eligible veterans will see their mileage reimbursement more than double starting tomorrow, for travel to Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.The increase helps veterans -- especially those living in rural areas -- offset some of the gasoline costs for traveling to VA health care facilities, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Increasing the mileage reimbursement is one more step by VA to help veterans access the health care they deserve,” said Secretary Peake.The 2008 appropriations act provided funding for VA to increase the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile. The increase became effective Feb. 1.After little more then a month on the job, Secretary Peake used his authority to establish the first increase in the mileage reimbursement in 30 years, fulfilling a pledge he made during his Senate confirmation hearing in December.While increasing the payment, VA, as mandated by law, also equally increased the deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements. The new deductibles are $7.77 for a one way trip, and $15.54 for a round trip, with a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month; however, these deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran. (Courtesy of VA). Release No. 02-03-08. Feb. 14, 2008. Air Force Retiree News.


(NEW 16 Feb 08) New Retired Air Force Personnel Newsletter. The Air Force has just released their brand new version of their retired personnel newsletter - Afterburner. This edition has very good information regarding the paid up SBP. Click here to access the latest version.

New Prosthetics website. The new Web site at http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/index.asp provides information and access to veterans, their family members, VSOs, VA staff and the general public on the prosthetics and sensory aids programs VA delivers. The site offers prosthetics handbooks, staff directories, various articles and news about prosthetics care within VA. Veterans can download brochures, patient satisfaction information and applications for benefits. It also links to VA’s IRIS system which patients can use to ask questions, send comments/suggestions/complaints and even compliments; all answered directly by VACO Prosthetics staff.


24 Jan 08. New VHA Handbook 1173.06 - 15 Jan 08 - Wheelchairs and Special Mobility Aids. Click here to download your copy.

5 Jan 08. New members appointed to committee on women veterans. Click here to access the list.