Inside What's 22Nd Annual NEPVA Golf Tournament

CCORDORD WWORDORD July 2013 The Newsletter of the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America Vol. LXIII, #7 a member chapter of the paralyzed veterans of america – chartered by the congress of the united states 22nd Annual NEPVA Golf Tournament Warm and sunny weather greeted golfers at to win a vacation package for two at the Bethel beautiful Blue Hill Country Club in Canton, Inn Resort in Maine. NEPVA also sponsored a What’s MA for the 22nd Annual Sebastian DeFran- “$10,000 Cash Hole in One” but unfortunately Inside cesco NEPVA Golf Tournament, which was there was no winner. Two “Closest to the Pin” held on May 28, 2013. NEPVA wishes to thank President’s holes earned gift certificates for Gerry Moran Report our 2013 Platinum Sponsors ADTRAN, Inc., and Steve Thorn. Our thanks also go to the 3 and Telco Systems, A BATM Company for their players who took a chance on the “Betting Hole” support this year, as well as our Gold Sponsor which raised additional funds for NEPVA. Two Executive Director’s The Network Professionals, Inc. special guest players from the New England Report Patriots, Kyle Arrington and Zoltan Mesko, 4 At the 11:30 am check-in time, arriving golfers made appearances during the tournament but received complimentary jackets and then headed Service Officer’s unfortunately, neither player was able to stay for Report inside the clubhouse for a buffet luncheon before dinner. 5 the 1:00 pm shot-gun start. Volunteers were again busy selling tickets for the 50/50 draw- As tournament play ended, golfers returned to Curling ing and prize drawing. All funds raised at the the clubhouse for the cocktail hour and dinner. 6 tournament are in support of spinal cord injury As guests enjoyed the buffet dinner, NEPVA research. President Craig Cascella took the podium and Bass Trail on the Charles welcomed everyone, thanking everyone for their 7 With tournament play under way, special prize support. The 50/50 drawing was then held with holes offered added excitement. Once again this continued on page 6 VA News year, the “Volvo Hole 8 in One” hole offered a three year lease on Community a 2013 Volvo S-60, Outreach courtesy of Village 11 Automotive Group. Other prizes sponsored by Village Automotive Group were “Hole in One Vacation Pack- ages” on two different L to R: NEPVA President Craig Cascella, Paul Plante holes. Congratulations and Patriots punter Zoltan go out to Donnie Roaf Mesko share a moment on who shot a hole in one the golf course. Cord Word July 2013

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER Our NEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143 Nine Month Drawing WALPOLE, MA 02081 TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181 – May Winners – FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: [email protected] web: www.nepva.org $50 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm David Iverson NEPVA OFFICERS EXECUTIVE BOARD Boston, MA President, Craig Cascella John Brako Vice President, Dustin Soroka Brad Carlson $25 Secretary, Walter Farrington Mike Guilbault Timothy Kelly Treasurer, Charles Schena Peter Moore South Hadley, MA National Director, Craig Cascella Wayne Ross Jim Wallack $25 Neal Williams Timothy Kelly South Hadley, MA PROGRAM DIRECTORS Development Director, Craig Cascella Membership Officer, Craig Cascella EMBR REM ANC MS Liaison, John Brako IN E Community Outreach, Mike Guilbault NEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike Guilbault We deeply regret the passing Scholarship Chairman, Craig Cascella Sports Director, Brad Carlson of our Chapter Members: Assistant Sports Director, Mike Guilbault Bass Trail Liaison, Jim Wallack Women Veterans’ Liaison, Debra Freed Volunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein Ronald F. Abbott Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella Joseph A. Lagassee West Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig Cascella Northampton, MA VAMC, Tim Kelly Providence, RI VAMC, Craig Cascella Manchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington and extend our heartfelt sympathy West Haven, CT VAMC, Vacant White River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig Cascella to family and friends. Togus, ME VAMC, Dustin Soroka NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICE STAFF PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA Executive Director, Debra Freed BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICE Cord Word Editor, Judy Goldstein J.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C Government Relations Director, Debra Freed BOSTON, MA 02203 Administrative Assistant, Judy Goldstein TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607 Bookkeeper, Jeri Farinella Fax: (617) 723-7467 Cord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. Badzmierowski Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA Senior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m. PVA National Service Office Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Togus, VARO, 1 VA Center Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, Bldg 248, Room 112 MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA Augusta, ME 04330 entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Serving Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor TEL:(207) 621-7394, Fax: (207) 621-4829 guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Toll Free: 866-795-1911 Walpole, MA 02081 National Service Officer III, John Stansbury Secretary III, Wendy Glidden

2 www.nepva.org Cord Word July 2013 President’s Report By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President warm, friendly hello to our mem- ing to the local VAMC’s, PVA, and On the 20th, I visited Abers, volunteers, and friends! I’m NEPVA. Newport, RI and happy to see that the warm weather has went sailing with finally arrived here in New England On June 19th, I visited the West Rox- Sail to Prevail, after a rather awful and cold winter, bury VAMC for a Chapter sponsored a non-profit which had a hurricane preceding it to pizza party on the SCI Unit. As usual, disabled sail- boot. I hope our members take full there was a great turnout. It is always ing program advantage of the many, many programs a good time to socialize with the in- that runs available during the summer months. patients, volunteers, and the VA Staff, during the To see the many upcoming events or as well as to listen to or address any summer months. activities, please read our newsletter and concerns they may have. I later visited Over the past few also visit our web site. various departments elsewhere in the years, Sail to Prevail has set up a “veter- facility, speaking with members and ans only” weekend for disabled veterans As you may have read in last month’s VA staff. I had the pleasure of meeting interested in sailing in lovely Newport newsletter, VA Boston Healthcare and having a conversation with a newly Harbor. Although I was unable to System Director Michael Lawson has injured veteran on the SCI Unit, who attend the weekend event with fellow retired and a replacement has been ironically served in the same unit as I veterans due to prior commitments, named. Mr. Vincent Ng has been did in the U.S. Marine Corps, although other Chapter members were in atten- appointed as the new Director of the during different years than I. We each dance and I’m told had another terrific VA Boston Healthcare System. Prior served under different Presidents of time (see photo). to this appointment, Mr. Ng was the the United States, serving in the Presi- Director of the Providence, RI VAMC. dent’s helicopter squadron, known as As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s PVA Eastern Region Director Joe Badz- HMX-1 or Marine One. I am also glad web site (www.nepva.org), PVA’s web mierowski and I look forward to setting to mention that a bulk-purchase of new site (www.pva.org), and the VA’s web up a meeting with Mr. Ng in the near shower/commode chairs for the SCI site (www.va.gov) for up to date and future to say hello, introduce ourselves, Unit has arrived, replacing the older, recent news. If you have any questions, and discuss items and issues pertain- antiquated shower chairs (see photo). comments, or concerns please contact our office or your local NSO.

L to R: A new fleet of shower/commode chairs for the SCI Unit has finally arrived; Maine member George St. Hilaire at the helm of Speedy; Craig with Ray Anderson, who works in maintainence at the Fisher House (in background) and who also worked on the SCI Unit for years, stopped at the pizza party. www.nepva.org 3 Cord Word July 2013

Executive Director’s Report By Debra Freed Executive Director The Chapter and Commonwealth Support its Women Veterans

he Commonwealth of MA On June 15th, the 5th Annual Women transport seven continues to show outstanding Veterans Conference was held at women veterans Tsupport for its women veterans. UMASS Boston. Were it not for their from Western On June 14th, the first ever Women dedication to Mass Veterans and espe- Mass. They Veterans Day at the State House was cially to women veterans, events like were extremely held. There are so many names I did not this could not take place. Many thanks grateful for the get but I would be remiss not to men- and much appreciation go to Secre- opportunity to tion a few: Ms. Marie St. Catherine – tary Coleman Nee of the MA Veter- attend this event. Commissioner Boston Commission on ans Affairs office, Ms. Cheryl Poppe, The Chapter also spon- Women Veterans & Ms. Joy Cumming Deputy Director for Veterans Services, sored raffle prizes and the 2GB wrist – VFW State House office; Senator Sal and especially Ms. Viviana Cordoba flash-drives that were in the goodie bags Didomenico – Middlesex & Suffolk – Women Veterans’ Network Coor- presented to each participant. Counties, Senator Michael Rush, JD dinator. Ms. Cordoba not only brings – Chairman of MA Joint Committee together the people that make this event on Veterans & Federal Affairs, Senator shine but gives 110%. Richard T. Moore – Senate President Pro Tempore, Representative Linda I wish to add a special thanks to the Campbell - 5th Essex District. They Chapter Board of Directors. The Chap- were the sponsors for the day long State ter was able to provide transportation House event. assistance for four of the last 5 confer- ences. The Chapter bus was used to The 5th Annual Women Veterans Conference Attendees at The 1st Annual Women Veterans Day at the State House. Ms. Marie St. Catherine (far right) & Ms. Joy Cummings (not pictured) were instrumental in bring- ing about the day-long event on June 14th.

4 www.nepva.org Cord Word July 2013

Service Officer’s Report John Stansbury, contributor National Service Officer III, ME, NH, VT Objective Clinical Documentation Now More Important Than Ever

he adage “Medical support The core of the impasse, has been trans- legal aspects of veterans’ law but cannot wins claims” has been slowly lating medical determinations into legal by law make medical determinations. Toverwhelmed by a new dictate decisions. Medical facts are “weighed” So they are not legally able to translate “Current medical support written in in establishing how much medical medical facts into legal determinations disability terms wins claims.” Gone conditions impact abilities in finding unless they are perfectly clear that they are the days when a veteran can simply or maintaining gainful employment. meet the elements of law to grant ben- claim “I am worse,” and the VA would The majority of the medical facts are efits sought. Any medical doubt must order a C and P (compensation and recorded in medical terms by medi- be clarified by a competent medical pension) examination to see if the veter- cal professionals dedicated to treating authority to the point that these adju- an’s subjective feelings could be “objec- veteran’s conditions or for information dicators are clear that the legal require- tively observed in a clinical setting.” valuable for follow-on medical tests, ments are met. procedures, and decisions. Clinical The Veteran Affairs VBA Regional steps are recorded as reason for appoint- If this is the key, how can we help with Offices (RO) where claims are pro- ments/presentations, patient histories, claims? What I recommend is to con- cessed is genuinely working hard in observations, impressions/diagno- tact your Paralyzed Veterans of Amer- adjudicating claims in the midst of sis’, and plans. These facts of record ica National Service Officer. The law, overwhelming, competing priorities. are rarely directly translatable to the “38 USCS”, and the “Code of Federal For over 25 years the VA has tried to requirements of veterans’ disability laws, Regulations 38 CFR,” are governing break the backlog of claims and over but they need to be. documents available on the Internet. those years many well-intentioned man- PVA maintains high standards of pro- dated priorities have caused an even The Veteran Affairs Regional Office ficiency in advocating competently for larger backlog to develop. staffs highly trained adjudicators in the veterans. The VARO predominantly uses their procedural manual called the “M21-1MR”, which is also available on the Internet.

38 CFR Part 4, the schedule for rating disabilities lists the possible disabilities, each with a corresponding diagnostic code (DC). It is highly recommended for veterans who file claims to review the diagnostic codes found in 38 CFR, Part 4. Speak to your medical provider and ask him or her to document conditions in those diagnostic terms.

Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are the new C&P examina-

continued on page 12 www.nepva.org 5 Cord Word July 2013

golf continued from page 1 Team USA Curling at The Cape Cod Curling Club Dave Spinale taking home half of the he Cape Cod Curling Club and Paralympic Sport Club Southern Massa- cash raised, after donating $100.00 chusetts will be hosting its 4th Annual International Wheelchair Curling back to NEPVA. After the prize draw- Bonspiel (Tournament) July 25th – 28th, 2013. Countries participating ing, a live auction was held for a New T in this event will come from Russia, Korea, Canada and the United States. In all, England Patriots VIP Package, which seven to nine teams of four players each will compete in a round robin format included two New England Patriots to eventually determine the best six teams to compete for the Trophy on Sunday tickets, parking, and parties before morning the 28th of July. This would be a great opportunity for our Veterans to and after the game (compliments of witness first hand Team USA in action led by Patrick McDonald, a Veteran from All Pro Productions.) Once again, the Madison Curling Club located in Madison Wisconsin. Brett Chambers was the high bidder on the Patriots VIP Package. Team USA came in fourth in last February’s World Championship Games held in Sochi Russia and they are now in the final stages of their training for the Paralym- After tournament results were tal- pics which will also be held in Sochi Russia in March of 2014. We here in Massa- lied, the following winners were chusetts can be proud of the fact that two of the five person USA Team come from announced: in first place was the our state. The public is welcome to come and watch the games and cheer Team foursome of Gerry Moran, Donnie USA on to victory. The Cape Cod Curling Club is located at 37 Highfield Drive, Roaf, Martin Williams, and Mike Falmouth MA. For more information as to game times contact Tony Colacchio at Murphy; taking second place were 617-529-4533. Doug Brown, Ward Turner Jim Steen and Bob Kirk; and third place winners were Brett Chambers, Tim Swinson, Chuck Dean and Gerry Dilorio. Silver trophy bowls were awarded to all winners.

NEPVA would like to thank all participants and sponsors including: Plati- num Sponsors: ADTRAN Inc., and Telco Systems, A BATM Company; and Gold Sponsor The Network Pro- fessionals, Inc.; in addition to Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.; All Pro Productions; Village Automotive Group; Rosenstein, Halper & Maselli, LLP Our current Wheelchair Curling Team USA, they are from left to right: Patrick McDonald, Madison WI., Coach Steve Brown (standing), Madison WI., David Palmer, Mashpee MA., James Joseph, Utica NY., Penny Greely, Green Bay WI., Meghan Lino, East Falmouth MA.

6 www.nepva.org Cord Word July 2013 Sports & Recreation NEPVA Bass Trail on the Charles River By Mike Guilbault e held our 14th Annual Charles Congrats to all the winners and thanks WRiver Disabled Angler NEPVA This year the winners were: to our partners since the very 1st Tour- Bass Trail Tournament June 8th to st Place- Boater Roger Winn and nament, the Nam Knights Motorcycle start the year for this year’s Bass Trail. 1Larry Harris- (Total fish caught- 5; Club. They attend every tournament We had a total of 14 boats competing Total weight 7.82-Won by Big Fish, and expertly load and unload all the this year. Thanks again go out to the 2.29 Wt) mobility impaired safely. Rain or shine Newton Yacht Club for their hospital- they ride their bikes to each Tourna- ity and the great food and volunteers. It nd Place- Boater Rob Ramasci and ment and I was glad to see they got to was a fun event. 2Steve Carpenter- (Total Fish caught- ride home in sunshine after the not so 5; Total weight 7.82- Big Fish Weight dry nor enjoyable trip down early for Mother Nature even cooperated by 2.27) the loading to start the day. not raining all day as forecast. Driv- ing there in the rain it was nice to have rd Place- Boater Bill Church and If you enjoy fishing, you need to join the rain stop during registration while 3Anthony Rinaldi- (Total Fish us for one of the NEPVA Bass Trail having coffee and donuts. The fishing caught 4; Total weight 7.56) Tournaments. The volunteer boaters are was a bit slow in the high dirty water; all regional tournament fishermen with yet, a few boats returned with 4 or the The Lunker Award went to Anthony fantastic boats; you will have a blast. limit of 5 bass. There were others not Rinaldi who caught a 2.44 lb Large The Tournament at Lake Winnipesau- so lucky with only 1 or 2 and those few Mouth. kee, NH is the highlight of the year who got 0. For those of us who love and once you catch some of the nice fishing, there is never a bad day on the Left: 5 yr. old, Gavin Ford with Bob Camp- smallmouth bass there, you won’t want bell and his Dad Tom Ford. Middle top: to miss another! Check the NEPVA.org water! That’s also why they call it fish- 2nd place Steve Carpenter and Rob Ramasci. ing and not catching. Middle bottom: Gavin Ford front center, website for fishing info and registration with Nam Knights. Top right: 1st place Larry applications. Harris and Roger Win. Bottom right: Lunker Thanks to all the boat captains who winners, Anthony Rinaldi and Bill Church. volunteered their time and boats; without them these tournaments would not be possible. The Bass Trail staff did a great job as always. Tiny Lafontaine, Bob ‘Soupy’ Campbell, Gary Clawson and Laurie Campbell Morin- keep up the great work getting boaters and making these great tournaments always! Photos by Bob Abbott

www.nepva.org 7 Cord Word July 2013 VA News VA Processes Nearly All Disability Claims Pending Over 2 Years, Moves to Complete Those Older Than 1 Year quickly, if eligible. Veterans are able to Over 65,000 Claims Eliminated dedicated support of physicians from submit additional evidence for consid- from the Backlog in 2 Months the Veterans Health Administration eration a full year after the provisional (VHA), who expedited exams to pro- rating before VA issues a final deci- WASHINGTON (June 20, 2013) vide medical evidence needed to rate sion. If no further evidence is received The Department of Veterans Affairs these pending claims,” said Under Sec- within that year, VBA will inform (VA) announced today that as a result retary for Benefits Veterans that their of the initiative launched in April Allison A. Hickey. ratings are final to expedite disability compensation Over the past two and provide infor- claims decisions for Veterans who have The remain- months, VA has been mation on the a waited a year or longer, more than ing two-year-old standard appeals 65,000-claims – or 97 percent of all claims will be dedicated to provid- process, which can claims over two years old in the inven- finalized in the ing earned benefits to be found at http:// tory – have been eliminated from the coming days www.bva.va.gov/. backlog. except for those the Veterans who have If a Veteran that are out- waited the longest. disagrees with Veterans Benefits Administration standing due to VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki a final decision (VBA) staff will now focus their efforts unique circum- and chooses to on completing the disability claims of stances, such as appeal, the appeal Veterans who have been waiting over the unavailability of a claimant for a is entered into the appellate process- one year for a decision, while complet- needed medical exam, military service, ing system, and is not reflected in the ing the final batch of oldest claims in vacation, or travel overseas. claims inventory. progress. In May, VA announced that it was VA continues to prioritize disability “Over the past two months, VA has mandating overtime for claims proces- claims for homeless Veterans, those been dedicated to providing earned sors in its 56 regional benefits offices to experiencing extreme financial hard- benefits to the Veterans who have increase production of compensations ship, the terminally ill, former Prison- waited the longest,” said VA Secre- claims decisions, which will continue ers of War, Medal of Honor recipients, tary Eric K. Shinseki. “Thanks to our through the end of FY 2013. Today, and Veterans filing Fully Developed hard-working VBA employees, we VA has the lowest number of claims Claims, which is the quickest way for have completed nearly all claims that in its inventory since August 2011 and Veterans to receive a decision on their have been pending two years or longer. has reduced the number of claims in compensation claim (http://www.ben- We’ve made great progress, but know the VA backlog – claims pending over efits.va.gov/fdc/). much works remains to be done to 125 days – by 10 percent since the ini- eliminate the backlog in 2015.” tiative began. Claims for Wounded Warriors separating from the military for medical “The success of this phase of the effort Under this initiative, VA claims raters reasons will continue to be handled was due in part to the implementation may make final or provisional decisions separately and on a priority basis with of mandatory overtime for the Veter- on the oldest claims in the inventory, the Department of Defense through ans Benefits Administration’s (VBA) which will allow Veterans to begin claims processing staff, as well as the collecting compensation benefits more continued on page 12 8 www.nepva.org Cord Word July 2013

VA’s Home Loans are More Than Just Buying a Home By Curtis Coy, VA Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Opportunity

table housing leads to long-term efit in their home purchase may reuse exempt from the funding fee. This can stability, which factors into reli- that benefit to purchase another resi- be a considerable monthly or total sav- Sability and other characteristics dence, or to refinance to a lower rate. ings for the Veteran. On average, Veter- of successful employees. Are you aware This is referred to as an Interest Rate ans saved more than $200 per monthly that loans guaranteed by the VA Home Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) payment on IRRRLs last year, saving Loan Program have had the lowest fore- or Streamline Refinance Loan. No those Veterans over $900 million in closure rate in the past 19 quarters com- appraisal or credit underwriting is their first two years alone! pared to all other types of home loans? required. This is pretty significant given the trials Veterans may obtain a Certificate of and tribulations of the housing market Consider this: If a Veteran used their Eligibility online through eBenefits during the past several years. benefit, perhaps while on active duty, to or through their lender. I encourage purchase a home, they should compare Veterans to seek the advice of a finan- Many do not know that VA’s Home their interest rate with current rates in cial professional and to contact several Loan Program Benefit is not a one- their area. That Veteran can reuse their lenders for quotes to determine what is time benefit, but can be reused. Since VA benefit to refinance their home with in their best interest. If you have any 1944, more than 20 million Veterans “no money out of pocket,” as costs may questions, you can contact your closest and Service Members have enjoyed the be included in the loan. If that Veteran VA regional office with Loan Guaranty benefit of a home purchase through has since separated or retired from the staff by calling 877.827.3702. (visit the VA Home Loan program. Veterans military and receives disability com- www.va.gov for more information who have already used their VA ben- pensation of at least 10%, he or she is

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10 www.nepva.org Cord Word July 2013 Community Outreach By Mike Guilbault

n May 24 amputee Shawn them in wheelchairs and play. They all from themselves; we just do things a Delfino, NEPVA members get a chance to wheel through a small bit differently. That benefits any stu- OCharles Schena, Damon obstacle course and then try shooting dents and children they may encounter, Isles, Mark Sanders and I visited an a basket from the chair after shooting now knowing the only difference is the elementary school in Milton, MA. We standing up. They then realize why it’s chair; yet, the person is much the same presented our “What’s it Like” program called a “jump shot” as they realize how as them, loving sports, fishing, skiing to the students much you use your and more as we discuss all the activities for their disability Hi Mike, legs! we do. awareness week. j ust wanted to pass on to you and We met with four The question and They ask some very intelligent questions your crew a conversation I had different fourth I answer session and learn how we do things differently with one of the moms of a fourth grade classes and afterwards is very but so many of the same things they do. grader who attended your presenta- educated them on beneficial since Learning we still fly, drive and travel tion last week. Her son came home different types of they are now much along with going to see Patriot, Red disabilities and and told the family about each of more comfortable Sox, Bruins, Celtic and other sports how the disabled you, the injuries you sustained, and with the rolling games and concerts. They are very are active and enjoy your present active life style includ- strangers after play- observant at that age and have questions many of the same ing the accommodations you make ing games with us. ranging from how we drive and fly; activities they do. for activities of daily living. I feel that besides but also, they ask about many of our We also do a quick being comfortable activities of daily living like showering demo of wheelchair Y’all made quite an impression– with us, they will or going to bathroom as well as how we basketball too! nice work! be comfortable transfer from wheelchair to bed, furni- with any children ture and our cars! I believe this pro- Lisa their own age after gram is not only learning from us. I’d like to thank the school for their beneficial to the I do know they go donation and LisaBeth Weinstein for children but their parents also. I truly home and talk with their parents all coordinating our visit. I received a nice think that the students can go home about what they learned that day. In note from her after she spoke with the and educate their parents as well. Many the long run I believe they will not see parent of one child who was there! She adults can be uncomfortable around anyone in a wheelchair any different also supplied the pictures used here. someone in a wheelchair. I have wit- nessed a mom nearly separate her son’s shoulder, yanking him away after he asked why I was in a wheelchair while waiting for a flight in the airport. I told her I’d be happy to answer his question and did.

After speaking to them, we get them to “walk some in our wheels” as we put www.nepva.org 11 Cord Word July 2013

VA News Service Officer’s Report continued from page 8 continued from page 5

the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). tion forms. The DBQ’s are also available on the Internet. Wounded Warriors separating through IDES currently Your medical provider can complete these forms for you. receive VA compensation benefits in an average of 61 days Outside the VA it must be completed by a doctor but following their separation from service. inside the VA it can be completed by a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. These forms are written in dis- VA’s inventory is comprised mostly of supplemental claims ability terms and can help tremendously in determining from Veterans already receiving disability compensation if veterans meet the elements of law to receive benefits who are seeking to address worsening conditions or claim sought. additional disabilities. Regardless of the status of compensation claims, Veterans who have served in combat since I have written in previous articles about “Disability Ben- Nov. 11, 1998, are eligible for five years of free medical efits Questionnaires” and “Fully Developed Claims.” care for most conditions from VA. This eligibility was Submitting FDCs with DBQs are the best way in sub- enacted through the National Defense Authorization Act mitting VA claims today. I highly encourage all veterans of 2008. to be active participants in developing claims and always stay in contact with your PVA National Service Officer. Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov.

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Welcome To VOTED #1 Adaptive IN CUSTOMER Mobility Equipment SERVICE

If you can’t come to us we’ll come to you

-VETERAN SPECIALS- LIFETIME Free Veterans WARRANTY Maintenance Program* (Call or visit us for We work with the VA for you. New more information) van upgrades every 2 years saving you $25,000 on average and sometimes very little out of pocket. LARGEST RAMPVAN INVENTORY AT ONE 1-800-311-2849 LOCATION IN SOUTHERN www.amemobility.com NEW ENGLAND! 1551 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771 *Please call for details and qualiﬁ cations

14 www.nepva.org Cord Word July 2013 bothEnjoy hands on the wheel !

Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed

DARIOS is VA accepted. KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service. KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find videos and comments from users and to request a quotation. Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure. www.nepva.org 15 New England PVA Non-Profit Org. 1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143 U.S. Postage Walpole, MA 02081 PAID tel: 508 660-1181 Leominster, MA 800 660 -1181 Permit No. 17 fax: 508 668-9412

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA Bass Trail SHOOTING Sept. 7 NEPVA Bass Tournament EVENTS Lake Winnipesaukee, NH Sept 7 Visit nepva.org to sign up! Bellingham Police Dept. Range located at Bellingham dump

Sept 20 Shawmee Gun Club Shoot Sandwich, MA

Sept 26 Monument Sportsmanship Club Shoot Aug. 31 Bourne, MA Lake Hiawatha Fishing BBQ Oct 11 Bellingham, MA Bass River Rod and Gun Club Yarmouthport, MA