Showing posts with label Transition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transition. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Invisible Injuries of War: What Heals and Who's Listening?
By: Joseph Bobrow
Founder of the Coming Home Project
Founder of the Coming Home Project
We all know the story of the Three Little Pigs: The house made of bricks proved to be the strongest. The flagship DoD facilities built by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio, Tex., and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence or NICoE, in Bethesda, Md., are state-of-the-art facilities. I have visited them, met their leaders, and seen the service members receiving excellent care. Having also contributed the invaluable Fisher Houses for service members' families, the Fund is now planning to build a total of nine treatment centers for brain injuries and psychological disorders at the largest military bases, at a cost of over $100 million, which they will raise as they did the previous $150 million.
By catalyzing public attention, the Fund is not averse to using public embarrassment as a motivator. Martin Edelman, an original Fund Board member, said that building things for the military could "force it's balky bureaucracy to act." Given the urgency of the issue, the thousands needing care and the tens of thousands soon to be needing care, I have no argument with the Fund's tactics.
But stop and think a minute. How long has it taken governmental health entities, Congress, the military, private and public funders and the general public to even begin to recognize and address the dangerous tendency to see only the visible injuries of war and to ignore the unseen wounds? We humans privilege what we can see. It is far more difficult to grasp the powerful impacts that escape the eye such as the PTS continuum and mild-moderate TBI. Might this factor now be at play in what kinds of resources are funded? I think the answer is yes.
In five years of caring for thousands of post 9/11 vets and families, our data has convinced me that most potent force in combating PTS and related unseen impacts of war trauma is hidden in plain sight: the experience of community and a trustworthy network of peer support. Why? Because this is what bonds service members to one another in the war zone and family members and caregivers on the homefront. We can and must leverage it to facilitate the most healing and empowering transition to civilian life.
The DoD medical command is strapped for staff and funds and this situation will become worse not better over the next few years. According to the recent Institute of Medicine report, the Department of Defense has "a woeful lack of information on the effectiveness and related costs of its post-traumatic stress disorder treatment programs, despite having spent millions of dollars on various initiatives to address psychological health and traumatic brain injury." Programs must address the whole person, including the family and wider support systems such as the community.
Although forcing the Pentagon's hand is not in itself objectionable, the question I raise is a pragmatic one: Is the 100 million dollars for the nine centers on military bases, and the hundreds of additional millions of dollars needed to properly staff, fund and maintain excellence at these centers for decades to come, the best use of these massive financial investments? I maintain that the answer is no.
The New York Times article refers to these nine centers as a "network." We need networks alright: real, empowering and durable support networks of veterans, spouses, parents, teens and other family members. Networks of professional care providers and family caregivers. Isolation kills and community heals. Troops come home to a community, not a series of isolated services. A safe place of welcome, belonging, and understanding, without judgment -- a true home -- is a palpable but ignored and therefore invisible factor. Brick and mortar structures in no way guarantees a real home.
READ MORE HERE
Monday, August 6, 2012
GUIDE: GI Bill, Employment and Education Program
Which program is best for me or my dependent?
- Try out the "Road Map For Success" application here that will help you decide which program meets your needs!
~or~
- Check out VA's "Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VetSuccess Programs" here, if you are a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 20% or more and are interested in other options for employment, education and independence!
What if I already know which program I want to use?
- If you are ready to start the application process to receive or transfer education benefits, you can get started here!
What if I need to verify my monthly attendance for benefit payment?
- You need to verify your attendance every month before payment is issued if you are attending an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) or Non-College Degree (NCD) program and are receiving one of the following:
- Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty
- Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program - REAP
- Veterans Retraining Assistance Program - VRAP
How Much Money Will I Get Under The Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill reimburses your tuition & fees to your school and makes housing and other payments directly to you.
Your school will receive a percentage, as determined by your length of active duty service, of the following:
- For resident students at a public Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) all tuition & fee payments are reimbursed.
- For private and foreign IHLs tuition & fee reimbursement is capped at $17,500 per academic year (that amount will change to $18,077.50 August 1, 2012).
- For students whose tuition & fees exceed this maximum amount per academic year who are attending a private IHL in AZ, MI, NH, NY, PA, SC or TX and have been enrolled in the same program since January 4, 2011 schools will be reimbursed either the actual cost of the program or the maximum in-state tuition & fee reimbursement rate for the 2010-2011school year, whichever is greater.
- For reimbursement information for on-the job or apprenticeship programs click here
- For reimbursement information for vocational flight training programs click here
If you are attending a public IHL as a non-resident student or a private IHL that is more expensive than the annual cap you may be eligible for extra payment under the Yellow Ribbon program.
You may also be directly paid:
- A monthly housing allowance (MHA) equal to the basic allowance for housing (BAH) amount payable to an E-5 with dependents, in same zip code as your school. This allowance is paid proportionately based on your enrollment.
- If you are attending school at the 1/2 time or less rate or are on active duty or the spouse of an active duty member receiving "Transferred Benefits" you will not receive any MHA.
- If you are attending school overseas you will receive a MHA of $1,346.88 a month for 2011 which is the average amount for all CONUS locations (that amount will change to $1,368.00 for the 2012 academic year.
- If you are enrolled solely in distance learning you will receive a housing allowance equal to 1/2 the national average.
- A yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 paid proportionately based on enrollment
- A one time payment of $500 may be payable to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.
How Much Money Will I Receive if I am using the Montgomery GI BILL?
Educational Assistance Allowance for trainees under the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Ch. 30 of title 38 U.S.C.). The following basic monthly rates are effective October 1, 2011.
For trainees on active duty, payment is limited to reimbursement of tuition and fees for the training taken. If you participated in the “$600.00 buy-up” rates can be found HERE
The following rates apply to those completing an enlistment of three years or more.
| Institutional Training | |
|---|---|
Training Time
|
Monthly rate
|
Full time
|
$1,473.00
|
¾ time
|
$1,104.75
|
½ time
|
$736.50
|
less than ½ time more than ¼ time
|
$736.50**
|
¼ time or less
|
$368.25 **
|
OJT Rates effective October 1, 2011
| Apprenticeship and On-Job Training | |
|---|---|
Training Period
|
Monthly rate
|
First six months of training
|
$1,104.75
|
Second six months of training
|
$810.15
|
Remaining pursuit of training
|
$515.55
|
Correspondence and Flight - Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $1,473.00 paid.
Cooperative - $1,473.00
** Tuition and Fees ONLY. Payment cannot exceed the listed amount.
The following rates apply to those completing an enlistment of less than three years.
| Institutional Training | |
|---|---|
Training Time
|
Monthly rate
|
Full time
|
$1,196.00
|
¾ time
|
$897.00
|
½ time
|
$598.00
|
less than ½ time more than ¼ time
|
$598.00 **
|
¼ time or less
|
$299.00 **
|
| Apprenticeship and On-Job Training | |
|---|---|
Training Period
|
Monthly rate
|
First six months of training
|
$897.00
|
Second six months of training
|
$657.80
|
Remaining pursuit of training
|
$418.60
|
Correspondence and Flight - Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $1,196.00 paid.
Cooperative - $1,196.00
** Tuition and Fees ONLY. Payment cannot exceed the listed amount.
Basic Institutional Rates for persons with remaining entitlement under Chapter 34 of Title 38, U.S.C. Chapter 30 Category II rates effective October 1, 2011.
| Institutional Training | ||||
| Training Time |
Monthly rate
| |||
No
Dependents
|
One
Dependent
|
Two
Dependents
|
Each additional dependent
| |
Full time
|
$1,661.00
|
$1,697.00
|
$1,728.00
|
$16.00
|
¾ time
|
$1,246.25
|
$1,272.75
|
$1,296.25
|
$12.00
|
½ time
|
$830.50
|
$848.50
|
$864.00
|
$8.50
|
Less than ½ time; more than ¼ time
|
$830.50**
| |||
| ¼ time or less | $415.25** | |||
Cooperative Course
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training period | Monthly rate | |||
No
Dependents
|
One
Dependent
|
Two
Dependents
|
Each additional dependent
| |
Oct. 1, 2011 - Sept. 30, 2012
|
$1,661.00
|
$1,697.00
|
$1,728.00
|
$16.00
|
Correspondence - 55% of the approved charges
Flight - 60% of the approved charges
** Tuition and Fees ONLY. Payment cannot exceed the listed amount.
Apprenticeship and On-Job Training
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training Period |
Monthly rate
| |||
No
Dependents |
One
Dependent |
Two
Dependents |
Each additional dependent
| |
First six months of pursuit of program
|
$1,207.50
|
$1,219.88
|
$1,230.75
|
$5.25
|
Second six months
|
$866.53
|
$875.88
|
$883.58
|
$3.85
|
Third six months
|
$539.35
|
$545.48
|
$550.20
|
$2.45
|
Remaining pursuit of program
|
$527.45
|
$533.23
|
$538.48
|
$2.45
|
How Do I Chose A School? Is it Approved?
- To find a school or program please use this very helpful VA provided tool HERE!
For handouts, information and brochures to print and share, please click HERE!
What Are My Other Options- Click HERE for information on the below?
- Other Programs
- Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP)
- Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA)
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Educational Assistance Test Program
- National Call to Service Program
- Veterans Retraining Assistance Program
To Contact VA or Have Your Questions Answered:
Contact Information
Ask A Question
- You can send us a secure email that will usually be answered within 48 hours or less. You can also search for answers to frequently asked questions and register to be notified of any updates to the information. This contact method is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can also be utilized worldwide.
Click HERE to enter the "Ask A Question" website.
Telephone
1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Be advised this line only accepts calls from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time Monday - Friday and you may experience long hold times.
Overseas
If you are overseas you can contact us via telephone during business hours, M - F 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EDT. Students and School Certifying Officials calling from outside the United States may call the Buffalo Regional Office at 716-857-3196 or 716-857-3197. Once connected, the caller can immediately enter "option 1" to be placed in a special priority queue. This is not a toll-free number but the caller will be routed to the next available Customer Service Representative for priority service. This is for Overseas customers only, all others should call the toll-free number or contact us via the Questions & Answers section of this website.
Information used above was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs websites
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Women Veterans Services (Part 1)
Our nation’s current military force is comprised of nearly 15% women. Given this fact and the changing roles women are playing in the military, the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are implementing new programs designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s servicewomen and women veterans.
Services 101:
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has established services which address the unique needs of women veterans. The Women’s Program includes the Women's Primary Care Clinic, Gynecology Clinic, Reproductive Clinic, Breast Clinic, Mental Health Services and The Sexual Trauma Treatment Center.
The Veterans
Health Care Act of 1992 enabled the VA to significantly improve its programs
for women veterans. VA has established state-of-the-art facilities which focus
on women’s health, as well as create an environment that is warm, comfortable
and private. It is important to note that under the “Patient Care Bill of Rights” you are entitled to request a different physician at any time. If
you feel you are not receiving the highest quality of care VA has to offer, or
if you are uncomfortable with seeing a male doctor, you may request to be seen
by a female doctor for your gender specific care.
Examples of Women
Veteran’s Primary Care Services (PCS ):
- Family Planning and Birth Control
- GYN & Maternity Care
- Infertility Evaluation & Treatment
- Midlife and Menopause Issues
- Cancer Screenings
- Wellness and Healthy Living
- Mammograms
Your Primary Care Physician (PCP ) may also refer you
for mental health services. Mental health services can help with:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Intimate partner and domestic violence, sexual trauma, elder abuse, or neglect
- Parenting and anger management issues
- Marital or family-related stress
- Post-deployment adjustment
VA also provides
free confidential counseling and treatment for mental and physical health
conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST). If you feel you have experienced MST you may
receive free care at any Vet Center,
regardless of your enrollment in a VA healthcare system or combat status. Some
problems associated with MST include:
- Disturbing memories or nightmares
- Difficulty feeling safe
- Feelings of depression or numbness
- Problems with alcohol or other drugs
- Feeling isolated from other people
- Problems with anger or irritability
- Problems with sleep
- Physical health problems
VA provides
pregnancy care and services through arrangements with community based
providers. VA will pay for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care if you
meet the eligibility requirements. You should contact your Women Veterans Program
Manager as soon as
possible to discuss local processes relating to your prenatal care, and to
explore options for healthcare services for your baby. Currently, VA is not
equipped with the resources needed to provide care in a Veterans Affairs
Medical Center (VAMC).
Your Primary Care
Physician can also make referrals for:
- Management and screening of
chronic conditions
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Home-bound therapy
- Long-term care
VA Services are Provided to any Veteran, Active Duty Military, National Guard or Reserve Member who:
· Completed active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during WW II), or
·
Was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, or
·
National Guard members and Reservists who have completed a federal
deployment to a combat zone.
~Please note that only emergency services can be received through VA until your enrollment is processed. For more information, and to apply for VA healthcare services, complete the Online 10-10EZ Application.
If you are
currently serving in the military, and need assistance with your transition from
DoD healthcare to VA healthcare, you may get assistance from a military liaison. Military liaisons
are present at Base Readiness Centers and are instrumental in providing a multitude
of connections between the military and civilian communities. Liaisons are
responsible for ensuring that military orders are in place and all
service-related transitional needs are addressed in a timely manner.
SERVICES:
Every VA Medical
Center (VAMC) in the country has a Women Veterans Program Manager. This person
is your advocate. S/he can help you access VA services and programs, state and
federal benefits, and resources in the area where you live. If you need help,
call your local VA and ask to speak to the Women
Veterans Program Manager.
Currently the VA
is offering women veterans the following additional services and programs:
·
~ Women's Stress Disorder Treatment Teams (WSDTT’s), which are
special outpatient (not live-in) mental health programs. They focus on
treatment of PTSD and other problems related to trauma,
·
~ Specialized Inpatient and Residential Programs for Women, which
include live-in programs for women veterans who need more intense treatment and
support. While in these programs, women live either in the hospital or in a residence
with other women. For help locating a program, ask your Women Veterans Program
Manager,
~ Cohort Treatment or Separate Wings for Women, which are like the
live-in programs discussed above, except these programs treat both men and
women. Some locations accept women in groups that start treatment together,
while others offer a separate wing, or space set apart for women,
~ Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Centers, which are complete
health centers for women veterans located in many VAMC's around the country.
They provide outpatient mental health services to women veterans. Check with
your local Women Veterans Program Manager to see if there is a women's health
center that provides mental health services near you,
~ Women Veterans Homelessness Programs can help you find shelter if
you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Certain VAMC locations have
programs for homeless women veterans and homeless women veterans with children.
Contact your Women Veterans Program Manager for resources near you. You can
also contact the Social Work Services department at your local VAMC. For more information, go to Homeless Veterans.
Please note
services and programs vary from one location to another. For example the Palo
Alto VAMC is currently leading the way in the development and implementation of
services, programs and facilities dedicated to women veterans.
The Women's
Prevention Outreach & Education Center (WPOEC), was created to provide gender specific services
to women veterans regardless of service era. Located in Menlo Park, CA, WPOEC
provides preventative healthcare services such as; screenings and assessments,
case management, promoting healthy living, mental health, outreach, and
education. Women veterans can choose to participate in group and individual
treatment.
All VAMCs offer gender
specific counseling services such as:
- Sexual trauma counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Psychological support groups
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
- Programs for survivors of domestic violence
- Evaluation and treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Current research involving stress, end of life issues, depression, medical, spiritual, social, and wellness issues.
Getting Your Benefits?
Any woman veteran
already enrolled in the VA healthcare system is eligible for treatment and
benefits relating to gender specific care, programs and benefits.
If you are not already enrolled in the VA healthcare system,
but are entitled to care and benefits, you need to enroll by using VA Form 10-10EZ.
The 10-10EZ may be obtained by visiting, calling, or writing any VA healthcare facility or benefits office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS
(1-877-222-8387).
Any veteran in need of immediate assistance due to Military Sexual
Trauma (MST) may be seen, free of charge, at any Vet Center, regardless of
enrollment in the VA healthcare system. You may be seen on a walk in basis, or
through the scheduling of an appointment. No veteran seeking help for sexual
trauma will be denied care. You can locate a VA Vet Center by zip code
utilizing the Vet
Center Locator Directory.
IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM:
The Patient Advocacy Program is for all veterans and their families who receive care atVeterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities and clinics. We want to be sure you have
someone to go to with your concerns in a timely manner and to help you receive care.
If you need help getting care or getting your problems resolved, talk to the Patient
Advocate at your VA Medical Center. We want to provide you with world-class veteran
customer service and this is just one important way in which we do that!
The Patient Advocate works directly with management and employees to facilitate
resolutions. You may contact the Patient Advocate at your facility. FIND YOURS HERE!
Sources:
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