thedrifter
12-20-02, 07:11 AM
Subject: RAO Bulletin Update: Presidential Memorial Certificate, VA
Compensation Rate Tables 2003, CHAMPVA Update, VA Insurance Dividend
2003, VA Disability Claim - Reasons to File, & Embassy Closures in RP
[Temporary]
Presidential Memorial Certificate: A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans who have not been convicted of a capital crime. This program was initiated in March 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and has been continued by all subsequent Presidents. Statutory authority for the program is Section 112, Title 38, of the United States Code. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the PMC program by preparing the certificates which bear the President’s signature expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the veteran’s service in the United States Armed Forces. Eligible recipients include the deceased veteran’s next of kin and loved ones. More than one certificate may be provided. Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for a PMC in person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail only. Requests cannot be sent via email. All requests must be in writing. There is no form to use when requesting a PMC however, a copy of the veteran's discharge and death certificate must be included with the request. These documents will not be returned. You can Fax your request and supporting documents to (202) 565-8054 or mail it to: Presidential Memorial Certificates (402E12), National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420-0001. If you have any questions about a certificate you have received, a request you have already sent in, or about the program in general, you may call (202) 565-4964 or email PMC@mail.va.gov. [Source: www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm 11 DEC 02]
VA Compensation Rate Tables 2003:
Basic Disability Rates - 10%-100% Combined Degree Only (Veteran Only Rates)
Monthly Rating & Percentage Benefit
10% $104 ~ 20% $201 ~ 30% $310 ~40% $445 ~ 50% $633 ~ 60% $801 ~70% $1,008 ~80% $1,171
90% $1,317 ~100% $2,128
Additional amounts payable for spouses, children and parents to veterans with ratings of more than 30%
Dependency And Indemnity Compensation [DIC] For Surviving Spouses
Veteran’s Death Was On or After 1 January 1993: Basic Monthly Rate = $948
Additional Allowances:
~ Add $204 if at the time of the veteran’s death, the veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based on individual unemployability) for a continuous period of at least 8 years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for those same 8 years (Combined amount $1,152)
~ Add $237 per child allowance for each dependent child under age 18
~ Add $113 if the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound
Veteran’s Death Was Before 1 January 1993
E-1 through E-6 $948 ~ E-7 980 ~ E-8 1,035 ~ E-9 $1,080
W-1 $1,001 ~ W-2 1,042 ~W-3 1,072 ~ W-4 $1,134
O-1 $1,001 ~ O-2 1,035 ~O-3 1,107 ~ O-4 1,171 ~ O-5 1,289 ~ O-6 1,453 ~O-7 1,570 ~O-8 1,722 O-9 1,843 ~ O-10 $2,021
Additional Allowances:
~ Add $204 if at the time of the veteran’s death, the veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based on individual unemployability) for a continuous period of at least 8 years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for those same 8 years
~ Add $237 per child allowance for each dependent child under age 18
~ Add $113 if the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound
To inquire concerning the status of compensation, DIC, pension, burial, accrued, clothing allowance, automobile, specially adapted housing, or Spina Bifida claim or to ask any general Compensation & Pension (C&P) benefit question, call the VA toll-free number 1-800-827-1000 [Source: NAUS Update for 27 November 2002]
CHAMPVA: Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs [CHAMPVA] is the VA version of Tricare Standard. The VA shares with eligible beneficiaries the cost of covered health care services and supplies. Due to the similarity between CHAMPVA [administered by the VA] and CHAMPUS [administered by DoD] the two programs are easily and often mistaken for each other. Only the CHAMPVA Center, PO BOX 65023, Denver CO 80206-5023 is authorized to process applications, determine eligibility, authorize benefits, and process claims. Veterans can speak to a benefits counselor from 09-1330 and from 1430-1700 EST at [800] 733-8387
The VA Outpatient Clinic, Manila is now authorized to provide medical care to CHAMPVA eligible beneficiaries on an outpatient basis. However, this care must be administered at the clinic and will not be provided through the Fee-Basis Care Program. The benefit of obtaining care from the clinic is that the cost to the patient will be limited to travel only. The VA will absorb the cost of pharmaceuticals and medical care If you have any questions contact the VA Clinic Coordinator at (02) 833-4566 to 69 EXT 201.
Eligibility - Those eligible for CHAMPVA benefits, providing they are not eligible for CHAMPUS or Medicare Part A as a result of reaching the age of 65 are:
- the spouse or child of a veteran who has been rated by a VA regional office as having permanent and total service-connected disability.
- The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died as a result of a VA rated service-connected condition(s); or who at the time of death, was rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition(s),
- The surviving spouse or child of a person who died in the line of duty and not due to misconduct within 30 days of entry into active military service.
- Surviving spouses who remarry after age 55. There is a 1-year open season from date of enactment of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002 for
otherwise eligible spouses to apply for benefits. Effective date is 60 days after enactment of Act.
Note: Survivors of USAFFEE, Guerillas and New Scouts are not eligible for CHAMPVA. Survivors of Filipinos with US service are eligible for CHAMPVA under the exact same criteria that applies to survivors of any other veteran!
Individuals 65 or older, who lose CHAMPVA eligibility by becoming potentially eligible for Medicare Part A or who qualify for Medicare Part A benefits on the basis of disability, may re-establish CHAMPVA eligibility by submitting documentation from SSA certifying their non-entitlement to or exhaustion of Medicare Part A benefits.
Application - Applicants for CHAMPVA must submit a completed "Application for Medical Benefits for Dependents or survivors - CHAMPVA [VA Form 10-10d.]. Upon receipt by the Center it will take approximately 60 days to gather the supporting records necessary to verify eligibility and make notification to the applicant. The Center will also verify the applicant's eligibility status with the local VA Regional Office that has the sponsor's VA claims folder. To ensure there is no CHAMPUS entitlement, these records will also be verified through DEERS. [Source: CHAMPVA Handbook Jun 95 & Veterans Benefit Act of 2002]
VA Insurance Dividend 2003: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced its distribution of more than $568 million in dividends to 1.5 million active policyholders of veterans life insurance. Over the next year, veterans will receive the payments on the anniversary date of their policies, with the specific dividend amount varying according to age, type of insurance and length of time the policy has been in force. Recipients will automatically receive their annual dividend through one of the nine payment options they have selected in advance.
For current active-duty servicemembers and reservists covered by Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, no dividend is paid. Dividends cover only veterans with government life insurance policies who served between 1917 and 1956. Veterans of subsequent eras are covered by government insurance programs that do not pay dividends. Only those with policies that have been kept in force when premiums were required are eligible for the payout.
Inaccurate stories periodically surface suggesting that those who have not maintained insurance are eligible for a special distribution if they contact VA, but this is false. Dividends are automatically sent to eligible policyholders. The largest group receiving 2003 payments will be 1.3 million veterans of World War II with National Service Life Insurance (“V”) policies. Total payments are expected to reach $461.5 million. Dividends totaling $2.2 million will be paid to the 12,499 veterans holding U.S. Government Life Insurance (“K”) policies. Some 206,367 veterans who have maintained Veterans Special Life Insurance (“RS” and “W”) policies can expect to receive dividends totaling $88 million.
Veterans who hold Veterans Reopened Insurance (“J”, “JR” and “JS”) policies, currently numbering 57,048, will share a $17.2 million dividend. Although VA also administers a special life insurance program for disabled veterans and a program offering mortgage life insurance coverage, neither pays dividends. Veterans who have questions about their policy may call the VA Insurance number: 1-800-669-8477, or can send their e-mail to: VAinsurance@vba.va.gov <mailto:VAinsurance@vba.va.gov>. [Source: VA News Release dtd 10 DEC 02]
continued..............
Compensation Rate Tables 2003, CHAMPVA Update, VA Insurance Dividend
2003, VA Disability Claim - Reasons to File, & Embassy Closures in RP
[Temporary]
Presidential Memorial Certificate: A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans who have not been convicted of a capital crime. This program was initiated in March 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and has been continued by all subsequent Presidents. Statutory authority for the program is Section 112, Title 38, of the United States Code. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the PMC program by preparing the certificates which bear the President’s signature expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the veteran’s service in the United States Armed Forces. Eligible recipients include the deceased veteran’s next of kin and loved ones. More than one certificate may be provided. Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for a PMC in person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail only. Requests cannot be sent via email. All requests must be in writing. There is no form to use when requesting a PMC however, a copy of the veteran's discharge and death certificate must be included with the request. These documents will not be returned. You can Fax your request and supporting documents to (202) 565-8054 or mail it to: Presidential Memorial Certificates (402E12), National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420-0001. If you have any questions about a certificate you have received, a request you have already sent in, or about the program in general, you may call (202) 565-4964 or email PMC@mail.va.gov. [Source: www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm 11 DEC 02]
VA Compensation Rate Tables 2003:
Basic Disability Rates - 10%-100% Combined Degree Only (Veteran Only Rates)
Monthly Rating & Percentage Benefit
10% $104 ~ 20% $201 ~ 30% $310 ~40% $445 ~ 50% $633 ~ 60% $801 ~70% $1,008 ~80% $1,171
90% $1,317 ~100% $2,128
Additional amounts payable for spouses, children and parents to veterans with ratings of more than 30%
Dependency And Indemnity Compensation [DIC] For Surviving Spouses
Veteran’s Death Was On or After 1 January 1993: Basic Monthly Rate = $948
Additional Allowances:
~ Add $204 if at the time of the veteran’s death, the veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based on individual unemployability) for a continuous period of at least 8 years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for those same 8 years (Combined amount $1,152)
~ Add $237 per child allowance for each dependent child under age 18
~ Add $113 if the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound
Veteran’s Death Was Before 1 January 1993
E-1 through E-6 $948 ~ E-7 980 ~ E-8 1,035 ~ E-9 $1,080
W-1 $1,001 ~ W-2 1,042 ~W-3 1,072 ~ W-4 $1,134
O-1 $1,001 ~ O-2 1,035 ~O-3 1,107 ~ O-4 1,171 ~ O-5 1,289 ~ O-6 1,453 ~O-7 1,570 ~O-8 1,722 O-9 1,843 ~ O-10 $2,021
Additional Allowances:
~ Add $204 if at the time of the veteran’s death, the veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based on individual unemployability) for a continuous period of at least 8 years immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for those same 8 years
~ Add $237 per child allowance for each dependent child under age 18
~ Add $113 if the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound
To inquire concerning the status of compensation, DIC, pension, burial, accrued, clothing allowance, automobile, specially adapted housing, or Spina Bifida claim or to ask any general Compensation & Pension (C&P) benefit question, call the VA toll-free number 1-800-827-1000 [Source: NAUS Update for 27 November 2002]
CHAMPVA: Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs [CHAMPVA] is the VA version of Tricare Standard. The VA shares with eligible beneficiaries the cost of covered health care services and supplies. Due to the similarity between CHAMPVA [administered by the VA] and CHAMPUS [administered by DoD] the two programs are easily and often mistaken for each other. Only the CHAMPVA Center, PO BOX 65023, Denver CO 80206-5023 is authorized to process applications, determine eligibility, authorize benefits, and process claims. Veterans can speak to a benefits counselor from 09-1330 and from 1430-1700 EST at [800] 733-8387
The VA Outpatient Clinic, Manila is now authorized to provide medical care to CHAMPVA eligible beneficiaries on an outpatient basis. However, this care must be administered at the clinic and will not be provided through the Fee-Basis Care Program. The benefit of obtaining care from the clinic is that the cost to the patient will be limited to travel only. The VA will absorb the cost of pharmaceuticals and medical care If you have any questions contact the VA Clinic Coordinator at (02) 833-4566 to 69 EXT 201.
Eligibility - Those eligible for CHAMPVA benefits, providing they are not eligible for CHAMPUS or Medicare Part A as a result of reaching the age of 65 are:
- the spouse or child of a veteran who has been rated by a VA regional office as having permanent and total service-connected disability.
- The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died as a result of a VA rated service-connected condition(s); or who at the time of death, was rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition(s),
- The surviving spouse or child of a person who died in the line of duty and not due to misconduct within 30 days of entry into active military service.
- Surviving spouses who remarry after age 55. There is a 1-year open season from date of enactment of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002 for
otherwise eligible spouses to apply for benefits. Effective date is 60 days after enactment of Act.
Note: Survivors of USAFFEE, Guerillas and New Scouts are not eligible for CHAMPVA. Survivors of Filipinos with US service are eligible for CHAMPVA under the exact same criteria that applies to survivors of any other veteran!
Individuals 65 or older, who lose CHAMPVA eligibility by becoming potentially eligible for Medicare Part A or who qualify for Medicare Part A benefits on the basis of disability, may re-establish CHAMPVA eligibility by submitting documentation from SSA certifying their non-entitlement to or exhaustion of Medicare Part A benefits.
Application - Applicants for CHAMPVA must submit a completed "Application for Medical Benefits for Dependents or survivors - CHAMPVA [VA Form 10-10d.]. Upon receipt by the Center it will take approximately 60 days to gather the supporting records necessary to verify eligibility and make notification to the applicant. The Center will also verify the applicant's eligibility status with the local VA Regional Office that has the sponsor's VA claims folder. To ensure there is no CHAMPUS entitlement, these records will also be verified through DEERS. [Source: CHAMPVA Handbook Jun 95 & Veterans Benefit Act of 2002]
VA Insurance Dividend 2003: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced its distribution of more than $568 million in dividends to 1.5 million active policyholders of veterans life insurance. Over the next year, veterans will receive the payments on the anniversary date of their policies, with the specific dividend amount varying according to age, type of insurance and length of time the policy has been in force. Recipients will automatically receive their annual dividend through one of the nine payment options they have selected in advance.
For current active-duty servicemembers and reservists covered by Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, no dividend is paid. Dividends cover only veterans with government life insurance policies who served between 1917 and 1956. Veterans of subsequent eras are covered by government insurance programs that do not pay dividends. Only those with policies that have been kept in force when premiums were required are eligible for the payout.
Inaccurate stories periodically surface suggesting that those who have not maintained insurance are eligible for a special distribution if they contact VA, but this is false. Dividends are automatically sent to eligible policyholders. The largest group receiving 2003 payments will be 1.3 million veterans of World War II with National Service Life Insurance (“V”) policies. Total payments are expected to reach $461.5 million. Dividends totaling $2.2 million will be paid to the 12,499 veterans holding U.S. Government Life Insurance (“K”) policies. Some 206,367 veterans who have maintained Veterans Special Life Insurance (“RS” and “W”) policies can expect to receive dividends totaling $88 million.
Veterans who hold Veterans Reopened Insurance (“J”, “JR” and “JS”) policies, currently numbering 57,048, will share a $17.2 million dividend. Although VA also administers a special life insurance program for disabled veterans and a program offering mortgage life insurance coverage, neither pays dividends. Veterans who have questions about their policy may call the VA Insurance number: 1-800-669-8477, or can send their e-mail to: VAinsurance@vba.va.gov <mailto:VAinsurance@vba.va.gov>. [Source: VA News Release dtd 10 DEC 02]
continued..............