1. Obtain a copy of DD Form 293, "Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States."
2. Complete personal information in Section 1.
3. If you are making the application on behalf of another individual, complete Section 2.
4. Indicate the action you wish the board to accomplish in Section 3.
5. In section 4, indicate whether you wish to appear before the board in Washington D.C., wait for a traveling board, or have a records only review.
6. If you are being represented by another person, complete section 5.
7. Complete Section 6 if you elect not to be represented by counsel.
8. List supporting documentation in Section 7.
9. In Section 8, tell the board exactly why they should consider upgrading your discharge.
10. Sign and Date the Form in Section 9.
11. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the reverse side of the DD Form 293.

God, the Army, and PTSD
Is religion an obstacle to treatment?
 
by Tara McKelvey

When Roger Benimoff arrived at the psychiatric building of the Coatesville, Pennsylvania veterans’ hospital, he was greeted by a message carved into a nearby tree stump: “Welcome Home.” It was a reminder that things had not turned out as he had expected.

In Faith Under Fire, a memoir about Benimoff’s life as an Army chaplain in Iraq, Benimoff and co-author Eve Conant describe his return from Iraq to his family in Colorado and subsequent assignment to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He retreated deep into himself, spending hours on the computer and racking up ten thousand dollars in debt on eBay. Above all, he was angry and jittery, scared even of his young sons, and barely able to make it through the day. He was eventually admitted to Coatesville’s “Psych Ward.” For a while the lock-down facility was his home. He wondered where God was in all of this, and was not alone in that bewilderment and pain.

VA POLICE COWED AS INTERNATIONAL "SUPER-BANKER"

AND CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JOIN PROTEST OVER LAND THEFT

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor

For 2 years, veterans have protested the misuse of veterans land, not "government" land, land donated to build housing for vets long ago.  Instead, you see private swimming pools, tennis courts and a running track behind a million dollar fence.  The words on the fence read, LOS ANGELES VETERANS PARK.

Ever since Armistice Day was declared at the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month of 1919, Americans have paused every November 11 to salute the service and remember the sacrifice of those who have protected and defended our Nation.

Throughout our history, Americans have never faltered.  Whether in epic battles, the names of which are known to many, or in little-known skirmishes, remembered only by those who fought them, men and women of our Armed Forces have pledged themselves to preserve the strength and assure the survival of our Nation.  Time and again, the men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard answered each call to serve and safeguard our way of life. 

Two VA Employees Slain, One Wounded during Shooting

WASHINGTON - - In the midst of providing mental health services and other support to the Ft. Hood community following the recent shooting, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) learned about its own losses from the violence.  Two VA employees, both serving on active duty with their Army Reserve units, were among the slain.  A third VA health care worker on reserve duty was seriously wounded.

Lester and Mary Gentry made a wonderful, magnanimous gesture to the San Fernando Valley 57 years ago. The couple donated 160 acres they owned in North Hills so the government could build a veterans hospital.

So many returning World War II and Korean War veterans were settling in the San Fernando Valley to work and raise families that it only made sense to have a nearby hospital and medical treatment and care facility for them. By 1993, with the Vietnam War adding to the caseload, more than 275,000 veterans a year were treated at Sepulveda VA. Then everything changed in 1994. We had a major earthquake.

WASHINGTON – Today, at the “VA National Summit Ending Homelessness among Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector. “President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Shinseki.  “Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.”

STALKING AND THREATS REPORTED

CALMER HEADS NEED TO PREVAIL

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor

Few understand the root of the years old protest in Los Angeles, especially the VA security forces, often outnumbering the octagenarian protestors 2 to 1.  Billions, yes billions, not millions, in land was donated for homeless veterans but is now being given to private schools, corporations and political insiders.  Veterans who try to walk across their own land, try to sit and read a book or enjoy the outdoors are immediately arrested for loitering.  If they were students at a posh private school or a rich Brentwood housewife, they could spend the day in peace.  The issue at hand is discrimination against veterans.

COMMUNIST TACTICS USED TO COVER LAND SCAM 

By Maxine Flam for Veterans Today

I attended two protests at the West Los Angeles VA, one in August and one in October.  At both protests, the American flag was flown upside down.  In August, we drew a crowd of 40, while in October we only had 14.  We peacefully marched on the sidewalk with our signs or flags while passing motorists sounded their horns in solidarity.  My sign simply read, “Veterans Land for Veterans Use.”  I stayed two and a half hours at each protest before leaving.

PROSECUTOR TELLS COURT:  "VETERANS TORE AND STOMPED FLAG IN WILD PROTEST"

THE FACTS TELL A VERY DIFFERENT STORY

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor

Assistant US Attorney, Sharon McCaslin screamed at the aging disabled veterans across the Federal Courtroom in Los Angeles.  Representing the American Legion and Military Order of Purple Heart, these vets have been protesting in support of the Legion resolution opposing veterans land seizure by friends of powerful Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman.  The words McCaslin said were not only utterly untrue but an assault on the American Legion, Gathering of Eagles, MOPH and a dozen or more other groups standing against greedy developers and their powerful political machine.

Fighting our brave veterans, alongside the bizarre accusations made in court, are VA security guards driving around Los Angeles, armed, out of control and, according to LAPD, Homeland Security and legal experts, "off the reservation."

These are Dangerous Times to be an American Veteran!

By Robert L. Rosebrock, Staff Writer

Sharon McCaslin, prosecuting attorney for the United States Department of Justice, officially declared war on America’s Veterans when she defiantly pronounced in federal court that it is “desecration” and a “crime” for a Veteran to hang the American Flag in the “Distress” mode alongside the POW / MIA Flag.

She declared her act of warring defiance even when Veterans are in full compliance with the VA’s approval and the U.S Flag Code, and while lawfully protesting against the U.S. Government for abusing and misusing their sacred and sovereign land for the benefit of commercial and non-Veteran special interest groups, which is a flagrant violation of the Congressional Act of 1887 and the Land Grant Deed of 1888.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the addition of four new Veterans Law Judges to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), which will enable the board to increase the number of cases being decided.

Law and Orders, The Horrible Misadventures of Deborah Scott at the VA

by Deborah Scott, U.S. Veteran 

This is part 3. To the feature story "Deborah Scott, VA Horror Story, Part 1, dated August 12, 2009, and Part 2, dated April 6 2009.  Let's call this "Laws and Orders" 

1. "Duty to assist"- to provide assistance to veterans in gathering evidence to support their claim, so they might received a favorable decision.
2. Medical misconduct-altering medical reports so the veteran is denied a claim.
3. Malfeasance- misconduct or wrong doing, by a public official.
4. Misfeasance- a form of wrong doing, especially the doing of something lawful in an unlawful way so that the rights of others are infringed.
5. Paper reduction act- getting rid of evidence pertaining to veterans claims.
6. Timely fashion- a sentence of 1 to 2,  2 to 5, 5 to 10. 10 to 20, 20 to life.
7. Bonus scandal- VA representative receives keeping government spending down; which means they deny more veterans claims. 

After reading this article, see if any of these laws pertain to your va claim for benefits.  I guarantee, you'll find one or another that relates to your case, or someone you know.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will sign a memorandum of understanding to officially announce their new partnership. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki and USOC Chief of Paralympics Charlie Huebner will be joined by Paralympians, veterans and Members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, including Chairman Bob Filner and Ranking Member Steve Buyer.

[Editor's note: This updates and expands a story we ran yesterday from the VA. Bob Higgins]

By Kimberly Hefling The Washington Post

Troops serving in dangerous roles behind the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan have long said that it was hard to prove their combat experience when applying for disability for post-traumatic stress disorder.

But the Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed reducing the paperwork required for veterans to show that their experience caused combat-related stress. Even just the fear of hostile action would be sufficient, as long as a VA psychologist or psychiatrist agreed.

By Ashlee Clark Kentucky.Com

[Lexington, Ky] A federal judge has released from jail a nurse charged in the death of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center patient.

Maria K. Whitt, 32, was placed on house arrest and released to her mother, who lives in Mount Sterling. Whitt's mother, Bonnie Whitt, testified Wednesday that she had a list of 24 people who would be willing to randomly check on her daughter, including Mount Sterling Mayor Gary Williamson, if U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Todd decided to release her.

By Adam Levine CNN

The Department of Veterans Affairs is still struggling with an enormous backlog in claims for medical and educational benefits that are piling up despite efforts to diminish the paperwork, the secretary of the department admitted Wednesday.

The VA has implemented an electronic records system, but faces a flood of medical claims each month. In July alone, the VA processed 92,000 claims, but another 91,200 came in. The department has 400,000 claims in the works, with more than a quarter of them left unprocessed for more than 125 days.

By Richard M. Hutchins Elgin Courier Online
Bastrop County Veterans Service Officer

The State of Texas offers outstanding benefits for veterans, their families and survivors. One of those benefits is eligibility to apply for personal property tax exemptions based on the percentage level and degree of disability awarded by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Disabled veterans, their surviving spouse and the spouses and minor children of a person who dies on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for property tax exemptions on the appraised value of their property. Eligible veterans must have a minimum of 10% service-connected disability rating by the VA or a branch of the Armed Forces. Veterans with a rating of 10% or less are not entitled to a property tax exemption.

From the House Committee On Veteran's Affairs Newsroom

• Chairman Bob Filner Releases Statement on Agent Orange Decision
• Hall Leads Discussion on Proposed Regulation Change Regarding PTSD Determinations for Veterans
• Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Advances Bills to Enhance Veteran Protections

From Reuters: Secretary Shinseki's written statement:

Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, Distinguished Members of the Committee:

Thank you for this opportunity to report on the state of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We appreciate the long-standing support of this committee and its unwavering commitment to Veterans -- demonstrated, yet again, through your support of advanced appropriations legislation for VA. Let me also express my thanks to the Committee and the President for a remarkable 2010 Budget that provides an extraordinary opportunity to begin transforming the Department. We deeply appreciate your confidence and the confidence of the President in building on the 2008 and 2009 Congressional enhancements to VA's budgets in those years. We are determined to provide a return on those investments.

Facilities Will Be Reserved for Homeless Veterans

WASHINGTON - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has announced a an agreement with local homeless providers in Sepulveda, Calif., which will ensure Veterans occupy 150 apartments created on the campus of the local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility.

Lexington's Veterans Affairs Medical Center had a 25 percent death rate in 2008 for patients transferred into its intensive care unit from other wards. Photo: Pablo Alcala

By Jennifer Hewlett Kentucky.com

Insufficient nurse staffing levels, a lack of communication and planning, and significant gaps in key leadership roles may have contributed to a higher-than-expected mortality rate among patients treated in the intensive care unit at Lexington's Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Cooper Drive, according to a consulting firm.

As a public service we here at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center would like to inform you of the medical benefits you have earned for serving our country and offer you our services. To find out more about Jesse Brown VA we have attached our website for you to browse thru.

If you should have any questions or comments please feel free to respond on this e-mail or call us at 312-569-8837 and ask for Leo Flores. To determine eligibility requirements for VA Healthcare open website and click on the “Priority 8 Calculator Are you eligible?” button.

Caught wind of this via Dan Cedusky's e-mail (great stuff there as always).

From Ryan Singel in Wired.

The inspector general of the National Archives and Records Administration is investigating a potential data breach affecting tens of millions of records about U.S. military veterans, Wired.com has learned. The issue involves a defective hard drive the agency sent back to its vendor for repair and recycling without first destroying the data.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is issuing advance educational benefit payments to Veteran-students in the form of US Bank business checks. These emergency checks are issued in amounts not to exceed $3,000 for Veteran-students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their VA payment. VA's 57 regional offices began issuing these checks to eligible Veteran-students across the country on Friday, October 2, 2009.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki has announced that 19 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will share more than $17 million in grants to community groups to create 1,155 beds for homeless veterans this year.

WASHINGTON - On Oct. 5, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chief of Staff John Gingrich celebrated Veteran-artists at the opening banquet of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in San Antonio , Texas . The festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts competition involving nearly 3,500 participants nationwide. It is open to all Veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities.

"I salute each of our Veteran-artists-from our 'Greatest Generation' to our latest generation-for your service to America," said Gingrich. "The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival not only showcases the very 'best of the best' in the creative arts, but also VA's outstanding medical care and rehabilitative techniques."

WASHINGTON -- Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould told federal government managers at an "Excellence in Government" conference today that translating the skills of political campaigning into governance is a major challenge many newly appointed agency leaders face in implementing the President's reform agenda.