by Bob Pappas,

The 50th Anniversary Cuban Revolution celebration is in a word, LAUGHABLE! For fifty years the communists on the Island and their fellow travelers in the U.S. media, education and Hollywood have applauded Castro for the will and tenacity to stand up to the “terrible” and “treacherous” “bully” to the North, namely the United States. The truth is, the only ones who should care, and they don’t anymore because they have an infinitely better life in the U.S., are the expatriates. How many U.S. citizens are beating the door down to immigrate to Cuba?

If the U.S. had any desire whatsoever to impose its will on the “cigar and sugar factory,” it would be a cakewalk. Castro is a flea looking for a rat to infest and he found it in Venezuela’s Chavez.

Castro and his thugs accuse the U.S. of expansionist imperialism, what a crock! To him and to all his allies wherever they may be, that accusation would be more apt by looking in the mirror. And oh! What joy liberals love to spout, “Castro has outlasted ten U.S. Presidents!” Right, that’s because he is a dictator and the U.S. is a Constitutional Republic that limits the term of the President to two terms of four years.

If the U.S. ever did have imperialistic designs on Cuba it would have kept Cuba following the Spanish-American War. It was probably a mistake to cut Cuba loose rather than make it a state which would by now have become a flourishing, habitat and vacation spot! Look at just about any other island in the Caribbean, most are flourishing, but not Castro’s Communist Cuba. For cogent observers, there’s a message in that, but who ever said, “liberals are cogent?”

The U.S. media had most observers in the U.S. convinced that it was a good thing for Castro to overthrow Batista because he was such a bad guy, which he was, but what they failed to tell us was that Castro was a communist, who in typical communist/socialist totalitarian style, killed and imprisoned far more political enemies than Batista ever did. But you fawn at Castro’s feet then have the temerity to complain about the Bush Administration water-boarding (a non fatal procedure) proven mortal enemies of the U.S. who are confined at Guantanamo [for liberals that is an enclave of U.S. territory on the southeast coast of Cuba].

A lot has been made of Castro’s progress in health care and education. Okay. However, Cuba has done pathetic little if any in the realm of advanced treatment, production of medication, development of surgical techniques, design and production of non-invasive diagnostic equipment or the myriad of other medical advances that its “bully” neighbor to the North has developed and has been using for most of the five decades since Castro’s dictatorship of the proletariat “descended” to power. Treating the entire population although laudable, with decades-old technology is hardly a noteworthy advance except in the vacant minds of “Change” idiots.

Cuba’s system is based on “Primary Care?” Then what? To her everlasting credit, my less than high school trained mother, with no formal medical training did “primary care” on four kids that was as good as the vaunted Cuban system and neither she nor we thought anything of it. Hey, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, where is the laudatory study on her and other similarly situated women?

As far as education is concerned, if Castro’s wonderful education system, reforms and advances are so great, where are the results manifest in everything from farming to space technology that an advanced educational system should produce? Castro has had 50 years, where are the results? The world except those who embrace his dictatorship, knows the answer: ZERO.

All Castro has managed to do is cling to power through propaganda, intimidation and force. Wow! What a wonderful accomplishment! Now he has turned the reins over to his brother, let’s celebrate! Where is the liberal outrage for such an abuse of power, where are the free and open elections, where the maligning, where the hate-filled rhetoric for Castro and his brother’s self-serving behavior? Come on “libs,” how about some self-immolation to “protest” the Cuban “revolucion?”

For the mindless, pathetic, sick, hate-filled creatures in Hollywood and elsewhere who harbor deep affection for the Dictator, why don’t you move your families and take your wealth to Cuba, or for that matter anyplace else in the world? But, alas, you are gutless cowards whose agenda is so dishonorable as to reek of treason. You never had it so good, and, the fact is, if you had the integrity to move there, the moment you were to step foot on the Island your wealth would become property of the State and “spread around” to other equally deserving peasants. Then what would you think of your hero? What a bunch of jerks, that is: Castro, you and your ilk!

In the final analysis, the great 50th Anniversary Celebration is for the communist elite who have managed to disenfranchise Cubans of their freedom, keep them under the constant pressure of a non-existent threat, and provide no benefit for the Cuban people who Castro and his communist thugs have utterly dominated and economically bled dry, that is, kept in economic slavery for fifty years. Typical of socialists’ “spread the wealth around” mantra, Castro’s pathetic efforts at leadership has been a smoke-screen that obscures his lust for domination, privilege and power.

And, for all sophomoric individuals who drink the “Kool-Aid,” “from each according to his ability, to each according to his need,” Castro would like to take care of you too, so, find your way to Cuba, and please, don’t come back.

Semper Fidelis
www.theveteransvoice.com
Copyright © 010209, by Robert L. Pappas. With proper attribution, this essay may be quoted and redistributed. It may not be used in any way, in conjunction with any advertisement without the author’s expressed written permission.

Handbook for Wounded Vets

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/content/view/549/

Handbook for Injured Service Members
For Immediate Release

Wounded Warrior Project
Tracey Pisciotta
757.340.7425

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
David Falkenstein
212.957.7042

Wounded Warrior Project and Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund Publish a Handbook for Injured Service Members and Their Families

August 14, 2007 – Wounded Warrior Project and Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund announce the publication of “A Handbook for Injured Service Members and Their Families.” The purpose of the handbook is to assist injured service members and their families by providing information about what lies ahead, an overview of resources at their disposal, and a discussion of certain issues they are likely to confront. The handbook is a supplement to the information provided directly by the various branches of the military, as well as governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Davis Polk & Wardwell, a New York-based law firm with offices around the world, prepared the handbook pro bono on behalf of Wounded Warrior Project and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

Individual chapters include: immediate concerns that the service members and their families will face, disability evaluation and disability rating systems, disability compensation, heath care and education benefits, tax issues, legal rights and assistance, and available state resources. The handbook gives information on resources provided by the military service branches, the Department of Veterans Affairs, federal and state governments and non-profit organizations like Wounded Warrior Project and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. All content serves as a starting point/reference guide and assists injured service members and their families to take full advantage of resources at their disposal. Each chapter contains lists, including websites and telephone numbers, of organizations that can provide more information and further assistance.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this handbook in connection with our continuing mission to support wounded and recovering service men and women and their families,” said Bill White, President of the Intrepid Foundation.

“WWP is very excited to add the handbook to the collection of resources provided in our backpack program, and we also expect it to be a great reference for our WWP liaisons, who help America’s wounded warriors in their recovery process every day,” said WWP Executive Director John Melia.

The Handbook is available at www.fallenheroesfund.org. Questions with respect to topics discussed in this handbook should be addressed to Wounded Warrior Project at 877-TEAM-WWP (832-6997) or info@woundedwarriorproject.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund at (800) 340-4376 or info@fallenheroesfund.org.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund:

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund. 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund’s Trustees.

From 2000 to 2005 the Fund provided close to $20 million to families of United States military personnel lost in performance of their duty, mostly in service in Iraq and Afghanistan. In January 2007 the Fund completed construction of a $40 million world-class state-of-the- art physical rehabilitation center at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. The “Center for the Intrepid” serves military personnel who have been catastrophically disabled in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and veterans severely injured in other operations and in the normal performance of their duties. The 60,000 square foot Center provides ample space and facilities for the rehabilitation needs of the patients and their caregivers. It includes state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment and extensive indoor and outdoor facilities.

About Wounded Warrior Project:

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a 501©(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting those men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been severely injured during the wars on terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. Beginning at the bedside of the severely wounded, WWP provides programs and services designed to ease the burdens of these heroes and their families, aid in the recovery process, and smooth the transition back to civilian life. To find out more please visit woundedwarriorproject.org, or call 1-877-TEAM.WWP.

Marnie Mowles
http://www.theveteransvoice.com

NVLSP Launches Lawyers Serving Warriors ™ Program in December 2008
The Lawyers Serving Warriors ™ program offers pro-bono legal help to veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan facing administrative separation, going through a mental evaluation board or physical evaluation board, received an inappropriate discharge characterization, filed a claim with the VA for disability compensation, or having difficulty with a claim under Traumatic Servicemembers Life Insurance.

http://www.lawyersservingwarriors.com/

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won’t tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you – and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.

Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
Board of Veteran’s Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6/ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also,
Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
Guide to Gulf War Veteran’s Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran’s Illnesses Q&As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&amp Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M10 for spouses and children http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson’s Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf and,
http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans’_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www.publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT’S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html

Title 38
Index
Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl

Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl

Title 38
Part 3 Adjudication
Subpart Aa"Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38
Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief
(also A 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here)
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38
PART 4–SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart B–DISABILITY RATINGS
target=_blank>
ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38

Title 38
A 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the
individual. PART 4a"SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart Aa"General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1.96.11&idno=38

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook a” Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http://www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veteransa™ Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

Marnie Mowles
http://www.theveteransvoice.com

VA Expands Protections for Veterans with Missing Paperwork

November 17, 2008

Peake: Benefit of Doubt for Vets, Accountability for VA Staff

http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfnov08/nf111808-4.htm

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced special procedures for processing claims from veterans, family members, and survivors whose applications for financial benefits from VA may have been mishandled by VA personnel.

These special procedures come after an audit by VA’s Inspector General found documents waiting to be shredded at some of VA’s regional offices that, if disposed of, could have affected the financial benefits awarded to veterans and survivors.

“I am deeply concerned that improper actions by a few VA employees could have caused any veterans to receive less than their full entitlement to benefits earned by their service to our nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

“In rectifying this unacceptable lapse, VA will be guided by two principles – full accountability for VA staff and ensuring veterans receive the benefit of the doubt if receipt of a document by VA is in question,” he added.

VA worked with the six largest veterans service organizations in developing these special new procedures. The procedures will assist veterans and survivors in establishing that an application or another document was previously submitted to VA, but was not properly acted upon by VA and was not retained in the veteran’s records.

The special procedures cover missing documents submitted by a veteran or other applicant for VA benefits during the 18-month period between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008.

VA will process any missing applications or evidence resubmitted under these special procedures as if the document had been originally submitted on the date identified by the claimant.

Veterans and other applicants have one year, or until November 17, 2009, to file previously submitted documents under these special procedures.

Veterans not covered by these special rules who believe relevant material is missing from their files can submit additional documentation at any time. An award of benefits earlier than April 14, 2007, may be established if there is credible corroborating evidence supporting an earlier date of document submission.

When this problem of mishandled documents was uncovered on October 14, 2008, VA immediately ceased all shredding activities while it established tighter controls over all claims documents and conducted special training for all employees who process veterans’ applications.

All regional office shredding equipment and operations are now under the strict control of the facility records management officer. Every employee has been given a separate receptacle for papers appropriate for shredding. These receptacles are subject to review by supervisors and other officials.

Before any claims document can be shredded now, it must now be reviewed by two people and the facility records management officer.

VA’s Inspector General is continuing to investigate a small number of cases where inappropriate shredding may be traceable to a specific employee. Legal and disciplinary action will be initiated to hold accountable any employee who has acted improperly.

Veterans and others who are concerned about missing documents and want more information on the special processing procedures may call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance or go to our website at http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/specialprocedures_qa.asp.

They may also send an e-mail inquiry through IRIS@va.gov or visit their local VA regional office.

VA representatives will review VA’s record systems to verify receipt of applications and supporting evidence and will assist anyone desiring to file a claim under the special processing procedures for missing documents.

————————-

————————-

Here is the link to the VA’s “shredder” website…

http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/specialprocedures_qa.asp

And the content is posted below (for safekeeping):

—–

Benefits - Veterans Benefits Administration

Information About Document Shredding Incident

Questions and Answers About Document Shredding Incident

1. What happened?

An audit of mail processing procedures at four VA regional offices by VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) found 36 claims documents had been inappropriately placed in shred bins for disposal. VA immediately ceased all shredding activities while a nationwide review was conducted of all documents in shred bins. Approximately 500 documents that could potentially affect a claimant’s entitlement to benefits were found improperly placed in shred bins at various regional offices. These regional offices are taking appropriate action on all of the documents found.

2. What is VA doing to keep this from happening again?

VA has established tighter controls over all claims documents and conducted special training for all employees who process veterans’ applications. All regional office shredding equipment and operations are now under the strict control of the facility records management officer. Every employee has been given a separate receptacle for all papers determined appropriate for shredding. These receptacles are subject to review by supervisory personnel and the records management officer. Before any duplicate claims document can be shredded, it must now be reviewed by two persons and the facility records management officer.

3. How do I know if any of my claims documents were destroyed?

You may contact VA on our toll-free number, 1-800-827-1000, or send an inquiry through IRIS.VA.GOV. You may also review your claims folder at your local regional office. VA electronically tracks documents for currently pending claims and can verify receipt of your documents through its tracking system. VA also retains your claims applications and supporting documents in your VA claims file. Public contact representatives will review VA’s record systems to verify receipt of applications and supporting evidence.

4. What is VA doing about missing documents?

VA has special new procedures to assist claimants in establishing that an application or other claims document was previously submitted to VA, but was not properly acted upon by VA or retained in the veterans’ claim record. The special procedures cover any missing documents submitted by a veteran or other claimant during the 18-month period immediately preceding the date VA ceased all shredding activities, or between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008.

VA will process any missing applications or evidence resubmitted under these special procedures as if they were received on the date originally submitted, as identified by the claimant. Claimants have one year, or until November 17, 2009, to file previously submitted documents under these special rules.

5. If I believe that some of my documents are missing, what should I do?

If VA does not currently have one or more of the documents you submitted between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008 in connection with your claim for VA benefits, you should submit a request for consideration under VA’s Special Claims Handling Procedures for Missing Documents.

6. How do I submit a request for consideration under these special procedures?

If you submitted an application or other supporting evidence between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008, and you believe VA does not have the document, you should submit a request for consideration under VA’s Special Claims Handling Procedures for Missing Documents. Your request should be made in writing and sent to your local regional office or through your veterans service officer.

Your request should include the date the document was originally submitted to VA. To support your statement, please include copies of any of the missing documents, if available, such as a copy of your application form, a dated transmittal or cover sheet from your veterans service officer, or confirmation from the mail deliverer.

VA public contact representatives are available to assist anyone desiring to file a claim under the Special Claims Handling Procedures for Missing Documents. You may call our toll-free telephone line (1-800-827-1000) or visit any of VA’s regional offices for assistance.

7. What if I don’t have a copy of the previously submitted document(s)?

If the missing document is a completed application form for VA benefits, and you have not yet re-filed that application, you should complete another application form and submit it with your request for consideration under the Special Claims Handling Procedures for Missing Documents.

If you have already resubmitted your application form, but want VA to consider that application from the earlier date of your original submission, you should state that in your request for consideration under the Special Claims Handling Procedures for Missing Documents.

If the missing document is a VA or private medical record or other supporting evidence, please provide as much information as possible to specifically identify the missing document. VA will assist you in obtaining a duplicate copy.

8. What if I submitted my claim through my Veterans Service Officer?

If you think claims-related documents submitted through your representative were lost, you should contact your representative to obtain more information. If your representative has a copy of the evidence previously submitted, you may submit that documentation along with your request for consideration under VA’s special claims handling procedures.

9. What if I have new evidence to submit?

If you have additional evidence related to your pending claim that you have not previously submitted, please send that evidence to your local VA regional office as soon as possible. VA will consider that evidence along with all other evidence in making a decision on your claim.

10. How long do I have to submit a request for consideration under the Special Claims Handling Procedures for Missing Documents?

You have until November 17, 2009 to submit previously submitted documents.

11. If VA determines I am entitled to benefits, will VA pay me from the date I originally submitted the missing documents?

VA will process any missing applications or evidence resubmitted under these special procedures as if they were received on the date originally submitted, as long as the date of original submission is between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008.

12. What if the missing claim document was submitted before April 14, 2007?

To support your statement that you originally filed your claim before April 14, 2007, please submit any documents you have that show you previously submitted this claim, such as a copy of your claim with a VA date stamp or date stamp of your representative, a dated transmittal or cover sheet from your representative’s office, or confirmation from a deliverer of mail. We ask that, in addition to proof that you submitted a claim previously, you submit copies of whatever documents you submitted with that claim. If you did not retain copies of the documents that accompanied the claim you previously submitted, please clearly describe the documents. VA will consider your claim based on all evidence received, including evidence already in your claims folder. Effective dates earlier than April 14, 2007 may be established based upon receipt of credible corroborating evidence supporting the earlier date of document submission.

Marnie Mowles
“http://www.theveteransvoice.com”