The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaMay 2013 Vol. LXIII, #5

a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes

CORD WORDWORDCORD

President’sReport

3

Washington Update

3

Executive Director’s Report

4

Service OfficeReport

5

Sports Report7

PVA News9

PVAScholarship

10

Veterans Job Fair11

InsideWhat’s

continued on page 3

Long time volunteer Lee Cianca poses with NEPVA President

Craig Cascella at a recent NEPVA sponsored Pizza Party

at the West Roxbury VAMC. Article by Craig C. Cascella

President’s Report

As many of you are aware, the past week or

so here in the New England area have been

just overwhelming and hard to put in a logi-

cal or sensible context. Since the horrific events

carried out by two sociopathic cowards on

Marathon Monday in Boston, the Boston area,

New England region, and people all over the

country have shown tremendous strength and

courage, with citizens having a feeling of cama-

raderie and uniting as one. “Boston Strong” has

become a common theme here in the region as

individuals try and recover as best they can from

the senseless, terrorist acts carried out on that

sad Monday. There has been a groundswell of

support from all over the globe. All of the four

major professional Boston sports teams have

given many fans an outlet to show their support

for those who passed away, are still recovering

from injuries, and the first responders and all

citizens who assisted those injured as the hor-

rible event transpired. The government, various

task forces, and local and State police have given

many Americans a sense of comfort in knowing

how professional they were in identifying and

capturing the suspects so quickly under tremen-

dously difficult circumstances. Our thoughts

and prayers are with all those affected by the

tragedy on Marathon Monday, God Bless.

By the time you receive this issue of our newslet-

ter, PVA National Medical Services team mem-

bers will have finished conducting its annual

hospital site visit locally at the West Roxbury

VAMC on April 23rd and 25th & at the Brock-

ton LTC Unit on April 24th. I will have a brief

report on the site visit in the next issue of our

newsletter. I am sure the site visit will have been

a productive and positive visit at each facility.

NEPVA was very pleased to present a certificate

of appreciation for Judith Gilman, who has been

working with the Maine Veteran’s hospital in

Togus, Maine as a spinal cord injury nurse for

over 20 years. The ceremony was held on March

28th at the Togus VA, which was also her 70th

birthday. Thank you very much Judy for many

years of tireless and dedicated work in assist-

ing our members and other veterans with their

healthcare issues and needs.

On April 17th, I visited the West Roxbury

VAMC for a Chapter sponsored pizza party on

the SCI Unit. As usual, there was a great turn-

out. It is always a good time to socialize with

the in-patients, volunteers, and the VA Staff, as

well as to listen to or address any concerns they

may have. I later visited various departments

elsewhere in the facility, speaking with members

and VA staff, and also distributing our Chapter

newsletter.

Cord Word May 2013

www.nepva.org

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081

TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: info@nepva.org

web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Dustin SorokaSecretary, Walter FarringtonTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella

EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonMike GuilbaultPeter Moore Wayne RossJim WallackNeal Williams

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C

BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607

Fax: (617) 723-7467

Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace

Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081

Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.

PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Dustin Soroka

STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman

2

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER

BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330

Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont

TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911

National Service Officer III, John StansburySecretary III, Wendy Glidden

$50Robert McCallOakdale, CT

$25Lou Giovino

Mansfield, MA

$25Timothy Kelly

South Hadley, MA

OurNine Month Drawing

– April Winners –

May 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 3

By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President

President’s Report

continued on page 12

continued from page 1

While there has been discussion on this topic for a few

years, PVA is in the process of having all Chapters modify or

change their logo. This is part of a branding process that will

likely help the general public in recognizing the PVA brand

and name, and its fellow Chapters. Below is a photo of what

our new logo will be.

There has been and continues to be

investigative and logistical work done

relating to the possibility that the

Veterans Games (sponsored by

PVA) may be in New England.

Providence, Rhode Island is a pos-

sible candidate as host city for the

Veterans Games in the future, no

year has yet been specified. If and when

any announcement is made on this subject

we will surely pass that along to our members.

As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s web site (www.nepva.

org), PVA’s web site (www.pva.org), and the VA’s web site

(www.va.gov) for up to date and recent news. If you have any

questions, comments, or concerns please contact our office or

your local NSO.

On March 20, the House Committee on Veter-

ans’ Affairs conducted a hearing to examine the

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) progress in

addressing the claims backlog. Only one witness was invited

to address the Committee for the hearing, the Honorable

Allison Hickey, under secretary for benefits. She informed the

Committee that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

has completed more than one million disability compensa-

tion claims the last three years in a row, the highest numbers

in the history of VA. Under Secretary Hickey did admit that

too many veterans wait too long to get the benefits they have

earned and deserve. She emphasized that VBA continues to

execute a transformation plan that will enable VA to meet

Secretary Shinseki’s goal of claims completed in 125 days at a

98 percent accuracy level with the overall goal of eliminating

the claims backlog in 2015.

PVA submitted testimony for the record for the hearing.

PVA addressed workload issues explaining that historically

VBA was funded based on workload demands and staffing

budgets were predicated based on the perceived need to pro-

vide quality service to veterans. The number of authorized

full-time equivalent employees (FTEE) was based on antici-

pated workload and could also include additional services

that were deemed to be of value to veterans. The allocation

of resources, as funded by Congress, was based on the need

to provide adequate and timely services. As this paradigm

shifted to a limited funding available budgetary process,

which formulated FTEE requirements based on available

funding rather than workload demands, the dynamics of

claims processing became intertwined with issues unrelated

to the quality of service.

As the pressure on VA to reduce the backlog of pending

claims has increased, employees were strongly encouraged to

maximize their productivity. Emphasis on greater productiv-

ity was followed by the reduction of training time, employee

turnover, and lack of processing expertise that resulted in

the error rate climbing significantly. The quality of claims

VA Committee Addresses Veterans’ Benefits Claims Backlog

Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department

Cord Word May 2013

www.nepva.org4

By Debra FreedExecutive Director

Executive Director’s Report

continued on page 6

No Time For Complacency

It’s amazing that May is already here

and so too the warmer weather.

Well, okay, almost warmer weather!

At least most of the snow is now gone.

At the Chapter’s Board of Director’s

meeting (held April 10th) a couple of

issues came up concerning air travel.

The first part of the issue concerns

accessible transportation to and from

Logan Airport via a commuter lot. A

Chapter member and his wife were leav-

ing on vacation and believed they made

all the necessary arrangements concern-

ing accessible transportation, well, they

thought they did.

The member stated they had contacted

Mass-Port as Mass-Port overseas air

and river traffic. They inquired about

special transportation at one of their

commuter lots. The answers to various

questions were answered in the positive:

Yes, all buses were lift accessible; Yes, all

drivers were required to know how to

operate the lift. All drivers were to test

the lift prior to leaving the bus garage

for their run.

Fearing possible mishaps, the member

and his wife arrived earlier than nec-

essary at the commuter lot. The bus

schedule said a bus would arrive every

half hour. The first bus, the driver

refused to operate the lift and left. The

next bus, the driver claimed he didn’t

know how to operate the lift or the

lift did not work. The third driver was

alarmed this had happened and got the

member and his wife to the airport.

Lucky for the member they made their

flight on time. This couple went to

Costa Rica. I asked if there were any

issues similar to what happened here

at “home.” The member said NO! On

the return journey, leaving the airport,

there were similar issues with lift acces-

sible transportation. The member paid

to park in a commuter lot and paid the

bus fare for himself and his wife. He

did everything in an orderly fashion and

was led to believe accessibility would

not be an issue, yet, it was and it almost

cost the member a lot more than the

parking and bus expense. The member

filed a complaint with the bus company,

Mass-Port, and the Attorney General’s

office. The person who refused to assist

the disabled person was fired and the

other person was re-educated in how to

operate the lift.

It is extremely important to not allow

companies to become complacent just

because the number of disabled people

who use their services may be minimal.

It is also important to file complaints

in a timely manner. This member was

not out to get anyone fired but he and

his wife did everything correctly by

contacting the bus company what their

needs were and were informed they

would not need to worry.

Another point to make here concerning

air travel is how many disabled veterans

are aware of the Transportation Security

Administration’s (TSA) program in get-

ting through security? It started out as

the TSA’s Wounded Warrior Screening

Program. It has advanced to include all

disabled veterans. What a veteran or

traveling companion

does is contact

the TSA’s Mili-

tary Severely

Injured Joint

Services Oper-

ations Center

at MSIJSOC@

dhs.gov or (1-888-

262-2396). This allows

the veteran to be escorted through the

security checkpoint and become eligible

for expedited screening through TSA

Pre-Check. The traveling companion

will have to go through the regular

screening process however.

During a conference call (April 8th)

with my Government Relations coun-

terparts around the country, we dis-

cussed this. One person stated that a

member inquired if this happens in

other countries. NO! This is a U.S.A.

program only. It is also not to be taken

for granted either. In some areas, TSA

will meet you at the curb but are not

required to. They do meet you at your

airline. Again, it remains very unwise to

become complacent with such a privi-

lege because that is what it is, a privi-

lege, not a right.

Finally, as we roll into Spring and

Summer, please remember that the

Chapter does not stop working on issues

concerning benefits, travel and the

Americans with Disabilities Acts in gen-

eral. Later this month I will be going to

San Antonio to attend the ADA Sym-

May 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 5

Service Office Report

continued on page 10

By Nona Nixon, PVA Service Office, Buffalo, NY

Basic Guide for Wheelchair Eligibility

The Veteran Affairs offers wheelchairs to veterans to

help in overcoming limitations caused by disabili-

ties. The Prosthetic Department at the Veteran

Affairs Medical Hospitals determines eligibility. According

to Public Law (Pub.L.) 104-262, The Veterans Health care

Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, eligibility rules are identical

for outpatient and inpatient services.

In the past, certain types of care could be administered “in

preparation for hospital admission or to obviate the need of

hospital admission” or “to complete treatment incident to”

nursing homes, hospitals, outpatient care or domiciliary. To

prove eligible for a wheelchair, veterans must be enrolled in

the VA Health Care System while receiving medical care

from a VA outpatient clinic or a VA hospital.

To qualify, one must have:• Lossofuseoflegs,anatomicallossoranatomicallossof

one leg in combination with loss of use and requires con-

tinued use of a wheelchair.

• Requirestheuseofawheelchaireventhoughonecan

transfer and stand or has a temporary disability and

no special modifications or features to a wheelchair is

needed.

• Haveanatomicallossorlossofuseofminimallyoneleg

that prevents participation in typical sports activities.

Telephone, e-mail or mailed requests for services and pros-

thetic appliances to a VA hospital are automatically directed

to the Prosthetics Department. Requests are referred to a

committee or prosthetic team for approval of the requested

prescription. If no team exists at the local VA hospital, a

designated VA doctor can provide examinations in deter-

mining specific needs and prescribe wheelchairs along with

accessories.

The typical process is as follows: • Patientprovidesmedicalprescriptionforwheelchair

and accessories.

• Evaluationandfittingprocessoccurs.

• Verificationofpatient’sprostheticeligibility.

• Wheelchairisordered

• ManufacturerdeliverswheelchairwiththeVAHospital

performing follow-up.

Veterans who require continued and constant use of a

wheelchair may receive up to three wheelchairs. The first

wheelchair issued is for primary use with a second wheelchair

issued as a spare. Both first and second wheelchair should

prove equal in quality. A third wheelchair may be issued

for use in sports activities. The VA will issue a sports-model

wheelchair as a third wheelchair, but veterans have to prove

he or she is actively participating in recreational or sports

activities. Even if patients do not require the continued and

constant use of a wheelchair, he or she can still obtain a

sports-model wheelchair from the VA if there is a loss or loss

of use of minimally one leg that does not allow for normal

sports activities.

Some of the accessories the VA can order for wheelchairs: • Largerfootrests

• Legextenders

• Seatcushions

• Modifiedpushrims

• Wheellocks

• Removablelegandarmrests

• Custombackrests

• High-pressuredorsemipneumatictires

• Andmanymore…

The VA holds the authority to repair veteran-issued wheel-

chairs if they are enrolled and receiving care from a VA clinic

or hospital.

Cord Word May 2013

www.nepva.org

Gov. Relationscontinued from page 4

6

The NEPVA Community Outreach team of volunteers including NEPVA Treasurer Charles Schena, Mark Sanders, and Damon Isles visited The Charles River School recently and spoke to 4th Grad-ers about disabilities. The following thank you letter was received by NEPVA.

Dear Mark, Charlie and Damon,Thank you for coming to our school! We had fun playing in the wheelchairs, and we enjoyed when you showed us how to use a wheelchair for sports, like teaching us how to shoot a basket from a wheelchair.

Thank you also for being open to telling us about your injuries. We really appreciated you sharing about your life. Since meeting you, we know that people in wheelchairs are just normal people. We told our families not to be afraid of people in wheelchairs, that you three were really nice, and that you do sports that we do.

This was a really special experience for us. We hope you have as much fun when you come back next year as you did this year.

Take care,The Charles River School 4th GradeDover, MA

posium. Although I have gone the past several years, there remains a great

deal to learn. There are a lot of new and different sessions. There is also a

lot of updated information that I look forward to bringing back and sharing

with everyone. It is up to all of us to make our world universally accessible

for everyone. I have said it before, I will say it again, please do not become so

complacent that you expect others to advocate on your behalf. I, the Chapter

Board of Directors, and the Chapter staff can only do so much to help you.

As stated above, the member who had transportation issues did his home-

work first and then informed those responsible what went wrong. I am happy

to add the voice of our organization when requested and appropriate.

NEPVA Community Outreach

For more infomation contact the NEPVA office at 800-660-1181For questions about the PVA National Trapshoot Circuit,

call PVA Shooting Sports at 800-424-8200 ext. 620Please call for Pricing and Hotel Information

Registration:Friday, June 21 from12 noon-4:00 p.m.

PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA17TH ANNUAL

JUNE 21 - 23, 2013Scarborough Fish and Game Association

Scarborough, Maine

INAUGURALNEW ENGLAND PVA

MICKEY EMERYMEMORIAL

TRAPSHOOT

Competition Open to All Shooters Sitting or Standing

PISTOL SHOOTRegistration 8:30 a.m. prompt

Starts at 9:00 a.m. (Additional Cost)

May 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 7

Sports & Recreation By Brad Carlson Sports Director

Summer is almost here and things

are already heating up with our

Sports Programs. Since coming

back from Las Vegas it seems like we

haven’t stopped getting ready for all of

the upcoming events.

Well let’s get started with our 6th

Annual Billiard Tournament. I cannot

believe it has been 6 years already. We

have had so many special surprises

during these Tournaments that I cannot

even count. The Tournament is spon-

sored by Budweiser and the American

Pool Players Association (APA) along

with several other sponsors that you

can see on our poster. The Tourna-

ment consists of two man teams and

is a double elimination Tournament.

The maximum handicap per team is 11

according to APA REGULATIONS.

If you are not an APA member, we will

start you off as a handicap of 4. This is

a fun event and APA has worked very

hard with me this year to make this one

very special. There are CASH PRIZES

along with TROPHIES to the top 3

teams. The Tournament will be held

at Break Away Billiards, 104 Sterling

Street, Clinton, MA. Registration will

begin on Friday night May 17th from

5 -10 pm and continue on Saturday

morning from 8:30 until 9:45 am. We

will start at 10:00 am promptly on Sat-

urday, May 18th and the Tournament

finals will be held on Sunday, May 19th

beginning at 10:30 am.

Let’s move on to June which is another

exciting and busy month. The NEPVA

Bass Trail will be hosting its fishing

tournament on the Charles River on

June 8th. For more information or to

sign up, please see our website.

Several shooting events are planned

at local gun clubs. On May 21st the

Seekonk Rod & Gun Club in Seekonk,

MA has invited us for a shoot begin-

ning at 2:00pm. On June 14th we are

invited to a gun shoot on Cape Cod in

Bourne, MA at the Monument Sports-

man Club. These shoots are always a

great day out and open to everyone. See

the NEPVA website for additional dates

and more information.

On June 21-23, a VERY special event

will be held in Maine. We will be host-

ing our First Annual “Mickey Emery”

PVA National Trap Shoot. This event

will be held at the Scarborough Fish

and Game Association in Scarborough,

Maine. The Tournament will start on

that Friday morning with a Pistol shoot

which will continue into the afternoon.

The pistol shoot is a separate cost. The

Trapshoot will

begin Satur-

day morning

at 8:30 am

and continue

into Sunday. If

you need more

information

please go to

the NEPVA

website or the PVA website. Applica-

tions and posters will be posted there.

The Trapshoot in Maine is very exciting

for our chapter because it is a National

Tournament!

Registration for the 33rd National Vet-

erans Wheelchair Games, to be held

July 13-18 in Tampa, FL, is now closed.

There are many other events coming

up in July thru September that I will

update you on in my June article.

Please come out and enjoy all of these

events, they are there for you! Have fun

and be safe.

Cord Word May 2013

www.nepva.org8

NEPVA Official Nomination Form – FY 2014

This is an official Nomination Form as approved by the Executive Board of the Paralyzed Veterans

of America, New England Chapter. Your nominees must be life members of New England PVA.

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the names of your nominees. Return this form to the NEPVA office

(address below). To be valid, this form must be signed by you and filed with the Secretary

before 4:30 pm, May 31, 2013.

Nominees For Officers

PRESIDENT:___________________________________________________________

VICE PRESIDENT:______________________________________________________

SECRETARY:__________________________________________________________

TREASURER:__________________________________________________________

Nominees For Executive Board

1.____________________________ 5.______________________________

2.____________________________ 6.______________________________

3.____________________________ 7.______________________________

4.____________________________

This official Nomination Form must be signed by the member making the nomination(s) in order to be valid. A letter

will be sent to all persons nominated as candidates to sign acknowledging acceptance. This will be done by the Secretary.

____________________________________ _________________________________

Print NEPVA Member’s Name NEPVA Member’s Signature

Mail Form to: NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143, Walpole, MA 02081

May 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 9continued on page 10

PVA NEWS

Four of the nation’s leading veterans

service organizations—AMVETS

(American Veterans), DAV (Disabled

American Veterans), Paralyzed Veterans

of America (Paralyzed Veterans), and

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United

States (VFW), are expressing their con-

cerns with the President’s Budget for

Fiscal Year 2014, for the Department

of Veterans Affairs (VA). The groups,

also authors of The Independent

Budget (IB), a comprehensive budget

and policy document, are urging the

Administration and Congress to recon-

sider the recommendations outlined in

the IB—which calls for $68.4 billion

to sufficiently meet veterans’ health

care and benefits needs. The President’s

budget proposal comes in just under

$2 billion short of that, proposing just

$66.5 billion for VA.

While the veterans organizations were

pleased to see that the Administration

has increased funding for areas such as

the operations of the Veterans Benefits

Administration, and for Information

Technology, they expressed serious

concerns with the reduction of funding

particularly for Major Construction,

where the Administration proposed just

$342 million, drastically under the $1.1

billion recommended in the IB. Also a

concern is the Administration’s fiscal

year 2015 advance appropriation request

which is approximately $2.8 billion less

than the IB recommendation of $61.6

billion.

Veterans Groups Say President’s FY14 Budget Falls ShortAuthors of Annual “Independent Budget” Urge the Adminis-

tration and Congress to Reconsider its Recommendations

The Independent Budget recommends

$58.8 billion total for health care for

FY 2014, $611 million for medical and

prosthetic research, and $2.25 billion

for all constructions programs.

The President’s budget proposes $54.6

billion for health care, $586 million for

medical and prosthetic research, and

just $799 million for all construction

programs.

The groups also note that while it is

not spelled out in the VA portion of

the budget, the President’s proposal

applies the chained CPI for determining

cost-of-living-adjustments for VA Com-

pensation Benefits and Dependency

Indemnity Compensation (DIC), as

well as Old Age, Survivors and Disabil-

ity Insurance for Social Security. The

only programs exempt are Supplemental

Security Income (SSI) and VA Pen-

sion for low income individuals. These

changes would affect millions of vet-

erans and mean real sacrifice for those

who live on fixed incomes and rely on

these programs to meet basic expenses,

attain quality of life and build a better

future for themselves and those who

depend on them.

All of the veterans groups expressed

some concern with the budget’s short-

comings.

“I am deeply concerned that the Presi-

dent’s budget falls far short of meet-

ing the needs of VA and the veterans

it serves, especially in the area of new

construction and maintenance for

VA’s medical facilities,” said AMVETS

National Commander Cleve Geer. “I

urge the President to take another look

at The Independent Budget and to

match the IB recommendations that

will guarantee the sufficient, timely and

predictable funding needed to care for

our veterans.”

“The President’s budget proposal con-

tains some positive aspects, particularly

the continuing commitment to fixing

VA’s broken claims process by convert-

ing to a modern, paperless IT system,”

said DAV National Commander Larry

A. Polzin. “While we also applaud

efforts to bolster programs for women

veterans, homeless veterans and mental

health care, the overall direction of

funding for medical services and health

care infrastructure raises serious ques-

tions about whether VA will be able to

meet the needs of America’s wounded

heroes in the future.”

“While we are pleased that the

President’s budget proposal calls for

increases in some areas, we are still

very concerned with the overall budget

proposal,” said Bill Lawson, national

president of Paralyzed Veterans of

America. “Funding cuts to VA will

have an enormous impact on the lives

of veterans and their families, and we

urge the Administration and Congress

to strongly reconsider its budget pro-

posal and fully implement the recom-

mendations of this year’s Independent

Budget.”

“The VFW is pleased that the Adminis-

tration continues to make veterans’ pro-

Cord Word May 2013

www.nepva.org10

continued from page 9continued from page 5Service Office Report

PurposeThe Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) primary

goal has been to assist its members and their families in

improving the quality of their lives.

This goal has been addressed through a variety

of activities, including the establishment of the

Educational Scholarship Program. This program assists

PVA members and their immediate family members

by providing scholarship funds to help with a post-

secondary education.

PVA will award scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to

full-time students and $500 to part-time students for an

academic year.

EligibilityApplicant must be either a PVA member, the spouse of

a PVA member, or an unmarried child (under 24 years

of age) who is dependent (as defined by the IRS) on the

member for principal support.

Applicant must be a citizen of

the United States.

Applicant must be accepted

and enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an

accredited US college or university.

Previous award recipients may apply.

Submission ProcessIndividuals who wish to apply for the scholarship program

can download the application at www.pva.org or request

an application be mailed to them via phone (800) 424-

8200 Ext. 776, or via e-mail christih@pva.org

Completed applications MUST be returned to PVA NO

LATER THAN June 17, 2013. Late applications will not

be accepted, no exceptions. In addition, any incomplete

applications will not be considered.

For more details, please visit www.pva.org

PVA EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

PVA news

grams a national priority and we appreciate that the President

understands that our nation has a solemn obligation to care

for our wounded, ill and injured veterans after they come

home from war,” said John E. Hamilton, commander-in-

chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. “The Inde-

pendent Budget partners are happy to see this year’s proposed

increases in funding for veterans’ programs, but we remain

concerned that VA will not be able to adequately improve on

their services to veterans without properly investing in major

infrastructure improvements. VA must have efficient facilities

in order to provide a continuum of quality care.”

In its 27th year, The Independent Budget is an annual com-

prehensive budget and policy document, written by veterans

for veterans detailing funding requirements for VA. The

Independent Budget aims to present a full picture of veterans’

needs—and how government can meet these needs.

Repairs include the following: • Modifications

• Alterations

• Partsreplacements

• Additions

The VA will repair a wheelchair if the cost to repair it proves

less than half the cost of replacing it. The Prosthetic Depart-

ment is the deciding factor on this issue. If a wheelchair

has been substantially damaged, an inspection will have to

be performed on the chair or arrangements can be made

for a repair shop to provide an estimate before the VA will

approve any repairs.

Any questions about the process of obtaining wheelchairs

from the VA Medical Centers, veterans should contact their

local Paralyzed Veterans of America Service Officer for guid-

ance through this sometimes tedious process.

May 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 11

With dozens of fabulous high-quality brands, Frank Webb’s Bath Centers are the

showrooms of the F.W. Webb Company, the largest plumbing supplier in the Northeast. This means more products, expertise and

value in bath and kitchen plumbing fi xtures and lighting.

A bathroom must be accessible, secure and supportive in order for us or our loved ones to live comfortably. Our Methuen showroom includes 2,000 square feet of accessible living and aging-in-place bath design ideas, proving that accessibility doesn’t mean giving up style! Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, comfort-height toilets, hand-held

showers, grab bars and more. Our array of products and expertise create a bath that supports privacy, comfort and dignity – all without sacrifi cing style.

Selection. Knowledge. We’re here to help.

Visit our Accessible Living Idea Center in Methuen!

Visit frankwebb.com for design and product ideas, and directions to over 30 showrooms.

Accessible living & style are not mutually exclusive.

Methuen, MA 98 Lindbergh Avenue • 781-325-7140Exit 47 off Route 93, right onto Mystic Street.

WEBB_PVAnewz_1_13.indd 1 1/11/13 4:54:10 PM

The Boston Red Sox are proud to host a Hiring

our Heroes Opportunity Fair for all military job

seekers from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Thurs-

day, May 23, 2013.

This hiring event is conducted with the U.S. Chamber of

Commerce; Massachusetts Committee, Employer Support

of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR); JobNet Career Boston;

and The Massachusetts Department of Labor and Work-

force Development. This exclusive hiring fair is open ONLY

to active duty military, veterans, members of the National

Guard and reserve components, and military spouses.

THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND.

JOB-SEEKERS WHO PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE ISSUED A COMPLIMENTARY GAME TICKET for the evening match-up between the

Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. When check-

ing in for this event, you will be given your admission ticket.

While you are an honored guest at this sporting event,

acceptance of this ticket means that you accept all of the

terms of attendance at the game in accordance of the rules

of Fenway Park. If attendance exceeds expectations, we

cannot guarantee ticket availability, so register early!

YOU WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF MILITARY SERVICE, whether this be a VA benefits card,

DD-214, active military ID, etc. Please make sure you bring

this with you. If you bring a DD-214 or other paperwork

that does not include a photo, please make sure you also

bring photo ID.

Job-seeker registration and service verification will begin

starting at 9:30 a.m. in advance of admission to the hiring

fair. The hiring fair will run from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Please plan accordingly - you will not be able to stay at the

venue between the time the hiring fair closes and the time

the gates open for admission to the game that evening.

Veterans Job Fair-May 23 @ Fenway Park

Hiring Our Heros Opportunity Fair

Cord Word May 2013

www.nepva.org12

15F International Drive, East Granby, CT 06026 (877) WHEELS-3

www.advancedwheels.com

MOBILITY OPTIONS -Full Size Conversions-

-Wheelchair Lifts- -Scooter Lifts-

-Hand Controls- -High Tech Driving Systems-

-Pedal Extensions- -Turning Automotive Seating-

ACCESSIBLE MINIVANS -Chrysler T & C-

-Dodge Gr. Caravan- -Toyota Sienna-

-Honda Odyssey-

“Wheels for Independence, Service for Life”

-Serving Connecticut & Massachusetts since 1988-

-NMEDA Charter Member and QAP certified-

-Winner of the Toyota Ichiban customer service satisfaction award for the- Toyota Sienna Rampvan

-VA Assistance Support-

-24/7 Roadside Assistance-

PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS’ MOBILITY NEEDS SINCE 1988.

continued from page 3

Washington Update

processing took a back seat to quantity of

claims processed.

PVA’s evaluation of the claims problem

was similar to the explanation given by

other veterans’ service organizations that

have witnessed the decline of the VA’s pro-

cessing capability.

Despite the assurances made by Under

Secretary Hickey to meet the goals estab-

lished for claims processing, House VA

Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL)

was not convinced that VBA is finally

gaining control of this massive problem.

He commented that he hopes she is right

about many of her predictions about

improvements, but history indicates a dif-

ferent result. He assured Under Secretary

Hickey that he will continue to hold regu-

lar hearings in order to track progress on

eliminating the claims backlog.

Are You Suffering with Pain?

The Translational Pain Research Group at the Brigham and Women’s

Hospital is seeking individuals with pain as a result of Spinal Cord Injury

to participate in a research study.

Volunteers must: • Bebetweentheagesof18and65

• Beabletomake4overnightvisitstothehospital

• Havehadpainforatleast3months

Volunteers who qualify for the study will be reimbursed for their time.

The cost of travel to and from BWH will also be reimbursed.

For more information please call 617-525-7246 (PAIN) or email

PainTrials@partners.org.

Are You Suffering with Pain?

The Translational Pain Research Group at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital is seeking individuals with pain as a result of Spinal Cord Injury to participate in a

research study.

Volunteers must: Be between the ages of 18 and 65 Be able to make 4 overnight visits to the hospital Have had pain for at least 3 months

Volunteers who qualify for the study will be reimbursed for their time. The cost of travel to and from BWH will also be reimbursed.

For more information please call 617-525-7246 (PAIN) or email PainTrials@partners.org.

May 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 13

“(Ride-Away) knew what to do. Dave made all the phone calls to the VA... saving me $25,000!”

Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.

-Steve Hodgkins Malden, MA

It’s no wonder why Ride-Away customers remain so loyal — Superior Support! Ride-Away — America’s #1 provider of modified vehicles for people with disabilities.

• VetsMobileOps Program• VA assistance support• All vehicle trade-ins accepted• 24/7 Roadside assistance• QAP Certified factory trained technicians

888-Ride-Away (888-743-3292)

www.Ride-Away.com

If you would like to receive your Cord Word via email,

please send us your email address. Email us at: info@

nepva.org or call the NEPVA office at: 800-660-1181.

2 Shower WheelchairsOne with removable pan

In Hampton, NH

FREE TO MEMBER

for contact info on these items

CALL THE NEPVA OFFICE

FOR SALE 2007 FORD E-250

ROLLX / TUSCANY CONVERSION with 36,000 Miles.

5.4 V-8, 8 inch lowered floor, heavy duty 800 lb. Ricon Lift,

6-Way Pwr. Transfer Driver Seat, KEMPF Hand Controls,

Looks and drives Like New. Loaded. Appraised at $42K,

Selling for $30,000.In Westfield, MA. Call for Details. 413-572-4454

NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations

Please Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV that’s No

Longer Needed to New England PVA. NEPVA is cur-

rently accepting vehicle donations from Massachusetts,

Connecticut, and New Hampshire. For further informa-

tion, call Toll Free: (866)

2-GIVING or (866) 244-

8464, or visit the NEPVA

website: www.nepva.orgCall Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING to Donate

Cord Word May 2013

www.nepva.org14

MobilityAdaptive

Equipment

VOTED #1IN CUSTOMER

SERVICE

LARGEST RAMPVANINVENTORY AT ONE

LOCATION IN SOUTHERNNEW ENGLAND!

Welcome To

Free Veterans Maintenance Program*

We work with the VA for you. New van upgrades every 2 years saving

you $25,000 on average and sometimes very little out of pocket.

-VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS-

www.amemobility.com1551 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771

*Please call for details and qualifi cations

1-800-311-2849

If you can’t come to uswe’ll come to you

LIFETIMEWARRANTY(Call or visit us for

more information)

May 2013Cord Word

www.nepva.org 15

Update your hand controls!

...drive with both hands on the wheel

It’s so comfortable!

Just press the ring to accelerate. Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash-board.

Your knee area remains free of metal parts. You maintain all adjustments of your steering column and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.

DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car.

DARIOS uses 2 sensors inside the steering wheel to be compliant with car manufacturers’ safety standards. It sends the information from the ring to its main controller under the dashboard using digital signals to be immune to electro-magnetic noise.

Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed

KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find comments from users accross the country or to request a quotation.

Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.

DARIOS let’s you drive with both hands on the wheel

DARIOS is VA accepted.

KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.

Users’ comments: “I feel like I’m in control of my vehicle again!”“The system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”

22nd Annual Sebastian DeFrancesco NEPVA Golf Tournament

May 28, 2013(the day after Memorial Day)

Blue Hill Country Club Canton, MA

Call the NEPVA office for further information.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Leominster, MA

Permit No. 17

New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081

tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412

Email: info@nepva.org

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

2013 NEPVA Bass Trail Dates

June 8 Charles River, Boston

Sept. 7 NEPVA Bass Tournament, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

May 18-19 6th Annual NEPVA Billiard Tournament Breakaway Billiards, Clinton, MA

June 21 NEPVA Pistol Shoot Scarborough, ME

June 21-23 PVA/NEPVA National Trap Shoot Scarborough, ME

UPCOMING EVENTS