Health Benefits for Service Members and Their Families: Determining What Services our Nation's Heroes Can Access When They Return HomeJuly 18, 20121:00 2:30 EST

www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Todays SpeakersKristina KaufmannCode of Support Foundation

Suey LeeDisabled American Veterans

Kristina KaufmannCode of Support Foundation

Suey LeeDisabled American Veterans

Connecting Service Members to CareBenefitsServicesChallenges

LEST WE FORGETIf you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save a backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can never goMaj. Michael OConnell, KIA 3/24/70. Dak To, VN

Suey M. Lee

Transition Service OfficerDisabled American VeteransDAV TAP OfficeMCAS MiramarArea 5MCCS LibraryBldg. 5305Mitscher/Miramar WayPhone: (858) 689-9637FAX: (858) 689-9942

What is the DAV?We are a non-profit veterans service organization headquartered in Kentucky, with our legislative branch in Washington, D.C.Our services are at no cost to the Veteran. This also means that appeals for denial of service connection are free-of-charge to the veteran.Our service officers are available in all VA Regional Offices, most VA Medical Centers and Transition Service Offices at major military facilities.We have over 91 years of experience dealing with veterans issues.

Voluntary ServiceBecome a volunteer - help our brothers in armsVeterans Helping Veterans

Free Services Provided By Disabled American Veterans

Review of service medical records to identify potential service connectable conditions Assistance with forms completion

File pre-sep claims/original claims under stated guidelines

Representation during claims adjudication process

Representation during possible appeals process

What is a Service Connection?

It is a diagnosed illness or injury, that is physical or mental, that leaves a residual impairment.Surgeries, broken or fractured bones, cuts/lacerations that leave a visible scar.Conditions that are chronic in nature,( i.e persists for 6 months or longer).Certain diseases and conditions

PSYCHIATRIC (Depression, PTSD, Anxiety)MUSCULOSKELETAL (Fractures, Arthritis, Instability)SKIN (Psoriasis, Urticaria, Dermatitis, Skin Cancer) Other conditions affecting the following body systems:CARDIOVASCULAR RESPIRATORYENDOCRINE (Thyroid Conditions, Diabetes)SPECIAL SENSES (Diseases of the eyes, ears, nose and throat)REPRODUCTIVE GENITOURINARYDIGESTIVE (GERD, Peptic Ulcers, Irritable Bowel) CONDITIONS THAT MAY WARRANT SERVICE CONNECTED BENEFITS

Conditions that are usually NOT service connectableConditions that YOU dont documentAdjustment or personality disordersPPD converters, drug sensitivities, seasonal allergiesElective Surgeries such as vasectomies, tubal ligations and rhinoplastiesBumps, bruises, sprains, pains, shin splintsMinor hearing loss, loss of visual acuity(minor eyesight loss)Routine Dental work

VA Benefit Programs Compensation Vocational Rehabilitation Education Home Loan Guaranty Medical & Dental Insurance Burial Survivors

Where Service Connection can make a differenceFederal Benefits

Compensation, tax free monthly payment for the residuals of a service connected disability 10% and above.Medical Care/Womens ClinicFederal Employment PreferenceEducation benefits/ Vocational RehabVA Home Loan Guarantee/Waiver of funding fee Life insurance (SGLI/VGLI)Veterans Preference PointsNational Park Pass ( Golden Access Passport)

Where Service Connection can make a difference State and Local benefitsGo to www.va,gov // partners // state benefitsHunting / Fishing LicensesAccess to State ParksAdaptive Living ChangesProperty TaxesState/Local Income TaxesFee-Basis CareEmployment Preferences

Real Estate Property Tax Exemption

Benefits vary by state

DAV WEBSITEwww.dav.orgGo to Legislation----- Legislative Action Center---------- Take Action

ResourcesVeteran support & resources - www.maketheconnection.netGuide to VA Mental Health Resources for Veterans and Families - http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/Guide_to_VA_Mental_Health_Srvcs_FINAL12-20-10.pdfCode of Support Foundation www.codeofsupport.org Disabled American Veterans - http://dav.org/ MHA Webinar Recordings - http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/action/policy-issues-a-z/recorded-presentations/webinars-and-presentations

Contact InformationKristy Kaufmannkristina.kaufmann@codeofsupport.org

Suey LeeSLee@davmail.org

Sarah Stevermanssteverman@mentalhealthamerica.net

****Introduction - Introduce yourself and co-presenter. Give a short background on yourself and what makes you a subject matter expert. (e.g. retiree, recently attended a seperation/retirement briefing just like this)*****The DAV Legislative Program is headquartered at out National Service and Legislative Headquarters in Washington D.C. With a purpose to promote and endorse Legislation that is beneficial to veterans, their spouses,and dependents. Our Legislative team is there on capitol hill ensuring the voice of the Disabled Veteran is heard by our Legislators****Inform the class to disregard the term disability and think in the term of service connectability*****Explain percentage evaluations and how compensation effects retirees. Explain that two service connected disabilities at 0 % can be paid at 10%.***Introduction - Introduce yourself and co-presenter. Give a short background on yourself and what makes you a subject matter expert. (e.g. retiree, recently attended a seperation/retirement briefing just like this)*