Special Notice
If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT NOW, call this toll-free number 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential.
Vietnam Era Medal Medallion and certificate
The Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs has selected the design for the Vietnam Era Medal Medallion and certificate. The agency is in the process of soliciting bids for the production of the medallion. Individuals who served in the military during the Vietnam War era are eligible for the Medal, Medallion, and Certificate.
Applications for the Medal/Medallion and Certificates will be held at the KCVA central offices. Delivery will begin as funds become available. Applications are processed on a first come first serve basis.
You may apply by completing a simple application form and faxing, along with a copy of your DD-214, to (785) 296-1462 or mailing it to:
Kansas Commission on Veterans' AffairsDirector of Veterans Services
700 SW Jackson Ave. Suite 701
Topeka, KS 66603
It's always nice when the good guys win!
Case in point: recently, the KCVA sought a wartime exemption from the membership cost in The Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (KAHSA) for the Soldiers' Home at Fort Dodge and the Veterans' Home at Winfield. KAHSA is a statewide organization that provides a range of services, including advocacy, education, and cost containment programs to its members. On November 1, 2009, KAHSA President Debra Zehr sent letters to the Superintendents informing them of complimentary membership for 2010! This is enormous...
"Thank you, Debra, for your advocacy, and thank you, KAHSA, for your decision!"
State Treasurer's Office offers Patriots Property Program
Treasurer McKinney partners with the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs to return unclaimed property to Kansas' Veterans.
Just in time for Veterans Day Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney has announced that his office is bringing the Patriots Property Program to Kansas. Modeled from a Missouri initiative, Kansas now has a system in place to reunite Kansas Veterans with their unclaimed property. The Patriots Property Program was created through a partnership between the State Treasurer's Office and the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs.
"These veterans have served our country well and we owe it to them" said Dennis McKinney. "Finding and returning their property is the least that we can do."
The State Treasurer's office will begin immediately looking for 35,000 veterans that may have unclaimed property. Names of Kansas Veterans with property being held by the state will also be published on the State Treasurer's website at www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/patriotsproperty.
"When a name or address of the veteran matches a name or address in our unclaimed property database, then the veteran's most current contact information will be used to get in touch with them and make them aware of their lost property," explained McKinney.
"We are proud of our veterans and we want to make every effort to return the favor of the great sacrifice that they have made for our country," McKinney said. Each year thousands of people lose track of their bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds, royalties, safe deposit boxes and other property.
People move and forget to furnish their bank, broker, employer or insurance company with a forwarding address. It is the Treasurer's charge to locate the rightful owners and heirs to the over $209 million in unclaimed assets currently being held by the State of Kansas.
To search for unclaimed property please call the State Treasurer's office at 1-800-432-0386 or visit www.KansasCash.com.
VA Operating Behavioral Health Recovery Services Annex In Kansas
The Wichita (KS) Business Journal (12/4, Moon) reports the US Department of Veterans Affairs "has opened a behavioral health recovery services annex at Parklane shopping center in southeast Wichita. The 3,500-square-foot clinic, which provides mental health and intensive case management services, opened last week and has begun seeing its first patients, says Ken Allensworth, facility planner for the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita." The VA "already houses some administrative functions at Parklane and in August opened an eye care clinic there."
Secretary Shinseki Announces New Gravesite Locator For National Cemeteries and Veterans Buried in Private Cemeteries
WASHINGTON (Oct. 16, 2009) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made the gravesites of more than 6.7 million Veterans easier to locate using handheld devices with Internet capability, such as "smart phones." "This innovative program continues VA's commitment to use the latest technology to provide Veterans and their families with information they need," said Secretary Shinseki. "It will simplify and enhance the experience of many who visit our national cemeteries."
Read the entire press release here: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1800
Popular VA Websites:
• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• VA's Budget Request for 2010
• ALS Statement
• Prescriptions
• Military Records
• Health Care Benefits / Eligibility
• Endoscopic Report
• Find a VA Form
• Jobs at VA
• Benefits Booklet
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Patient Care Group Scam
I have received many reports that Veterans are being contacted by "Patient Care Group" representing that they are helping administer VA prescriptions and stating that the pharmacy billing procedures have changed and they are therefore requesting Veteran credit card numbers for prescription payments in advance of filling their prescriptions. This is false.
VA does not call Veterans asking to disclose personal financial information over the phone. VA has not changed its processes for dispensing prescription medicines.
Kevin Secor, Veterans Service Organizations Liaison, Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC.
Veteran's Pension
The KCVA has received a number of inquiries regarding VA pension and widow's pensions. We would like to answer some basic questions. There is a lot of misinformation out about this benefit. We recommend that you visit with the KCVA veteran service representative in your area, or a accredited representative of one of the many veteran service organizations that will represent you at no cost. While we do not encourage it, if you choose to deal with an individual that is not KCVA or a representative of a service organization, make sure they have VA accreditation so they can represent you to the VA.
Clicking here you can find some simple answers to your questions or for more information contact one of the accredited representative listed on our Website.
Priority Group 8 Enrollment Relaxation Changes
VA eligibility rules changed on June 15, 2009, making it easier for more Veterans to enroll in VA’s health care system. Under this new regulation, VA relaxed income restrictions on enrollment for health benefits. While this new provision does not remove consideration of income, it does increase income thresholds. A web–based calculator is available for Veterans to enter their income information, dependents, and zip code to assess if their income would fall within the proposed income threshold adjustments. Veterans are encouraged to contact VA’s Health Resource Center at 1–877–222 VETS (8387) or visit the VA health eligibility website for more information.
NATIONAL GUARD AND DISABLED VETERANS HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES AVAILABLE
Applications available at KDWP website or by clicking herePRATT -- A program created by the Kansas State Legislature and administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) offers active members of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard who are Kansas residents the opportunity to receive free Kansas hunting and fishing licenses, as well as free state park permits.
Like other KDWP permits and licenses, 2009 National Guard permits are available now and will be valid for the remainder of 2009. To receive free licenses and permits, Kansas guardsmen apply to KDWP's Pratt Operations Office. Depending on the particular licenses and/or state park permits they request, they will be required to submit appropriate documentation.
Application forms for 2009 licenses and permits can be downloaded from the KDWP website at www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click "Other Services," "Publications," "Hunting," then "Application 2009 KS National Guard Hunting, Fishing, and Park Vehicle Permit." The forms must be signed by the National Guard member's unit commander and mailed to KDWP with photocopies of appropriate documentation. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, a portion of the program will be extended to include all Kansas veterans who have been certified by a physician as at least 30 percent disabled. Disabled veterans who enlisted as regular servicemen will be able to apply for free hunting and fishing licenses (not applicable for park permits).
Lottery Supports Kansas Veterans with Special Instant Scratch Tickets
TOPEKA, KAN. - Did you know the Kansas Lottery supports Kansas military veterans with the sale of special instant games that provide direct funding for Kansas Veterans' programs, Kansas National Guard scholarships, and the Museum of the Kansas National Guard? As of June 30, 2008, the Lottery has generated more than $3.8 million in net profits from sales of these games. Read the news release here.
OIF/OEF have 90 days from date of discharge to finish there dental work
Is it true that newly-separated veterans can receive free dental care from VA?
What is the eligibility for this service? FAQ Recently discharged veterans whose discharge record (DD214) clearly indicates either that dental services were not provided within 90 days of discharge or that dental treatment was not completed who served on active duty 90 days or more and who apply for VA dental care within 90 days of separation from active duty, may receive a one time treatment for dental conditions and follow up treatment for that specific dental condition.
DoD's Transition Assistance Program
TurboTAP.org is the Department of Defense's official website providing information for servicemembers on transitioning from military service. This site is also supported by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs. TurboTAP.org is intended to supplement the services offered by the Transition Assistance Offices and other groups.
The DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was developed to assist in the transitioning of military personnel and family members leaving the service. Returning to civilian life is an exciting time, but is also a complex undertaking. There are many steps to take, with questions to be answered. The DoD Transition Assistance Program is here to help. TAP services are provided on major military installations by Transition Assistance Offices. For Army installations, services are provided by ACAP Centers. On Navy and Marine Corp installations, the transition assistance office is typically located at the Family Support Service Center. Air Force TAP services are provided through the Airmen and Family Readiness Flight centers. Coast Guard TAP services are offered through the Work-Life offices. Use our search engine to locate the transition assistance office near you.
New VA Survivor Benefits Web site
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has created a new Internet Web site for the surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military. The web site is organized into two broad categories – death in service and death after service. It provides visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel. The site also has information from -- and links to -- other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents. The new web site can be found at www.vba.va.gov/survivors or by clicking the “Survivors Benefits” button on the left panel of www.vba.va.gov. For more information on these and other benefits visit www.military.com/benefits.
