Before a veteran dies
To ease the burden at the death of a veteran loved one, survivors should ensure easy access to important documents needed to prove benefits eligibility:
• A legible copy of the veteran’s military discharge certificate (DD 214),
• Copies of all marriage certificates and divorce decrees (if any previous marriages),
• Insurance policies, including beneficiary designation and
• Address and phone number of nearest State Veterans Services Office.
Veterans and servicemembers who die on active duty or with discharges that are “other than dishonorable” are entitled by law to:
• Gravesite in any veteran’s cemetery with available space.
• Government headstone, marker, urn or medallion.
• U.S. flag to drape the casket and to present to the surviving spouse or next-of-kin.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by the president of the United States.
• Military funeral honors consisting of flag folding/presentation and the playing of Taps.
Women-specific disability conditions
For the first time since 1945, the VA has updated its schedule for rating disabilities. The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is the federal regulation used by claims processors to decide claims and determine the severity of disabilities related to military service.
No conditions were removed; however, women-specific conditions including gynecological conditions, disorders of the breast and Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) were added. These new rating schedules guarantee both men and women veterans are evaluated equally.
Source: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/48293/va-updates-compensation-rating-criteria-additional-body-systems/
TriCare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) ends
The current DoD TriCare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) will end Dec. 31, 2018.
Effective Jan. 1, 2019, retired members of the uniformed services and their families, and family members of active duty service men and women, will be eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Eligible individuals must enroll during the 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season (Nov. 12, 2018, to Dec. 10, 2018) to have coverage starting Jan. 1, 2019. Individuals who enroll are responsible to pay the entire premium in addition to the full cost of any copayments. Enrollment is voluntary.
For more information about this new opportunity to join FEDVIP, please visit www.tricare.benefeds.com.
VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)
Veterans enrolled in the VA health-care system and beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) can enroll in the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).
VADIP offers eligible individuals the opportunity to purchase discounted dental insurance coverage, including diagnostic services, preventive services, endodontic and other restorative services, surgical services and emergency services.
Individuals who enroll in one of the dental insurance plans are responsible to pay the entire premium in addition to the full cost of any copayments. Enrollment is voluntary and does not affect eligibility for VA outpatient dental services and treatment.
For more information, visit www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vadip/ or call 877-222-VETS (8387).
Security job positions on Kauai
Veterans preferred. Must be able to obtain “Guard Card” from the State of Hawaii. Call Roger Jensen at (808) 284-1543.
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Sgt. Maj. Tony Elliott USMC (Ret.) is a member of the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services on Kauai.
