NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER OFFICES

CHAPTER ELECTIONSEMERGENCY SPENDING?INSIDE THIS EDITION

Chapter Elections and New Leadership

The Chapter had a somewhat complicated, and uncomplicated, election for its Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

When all the nominations and acceptance

letters were received and reviewed by each

candidate, there were no contested position.

This meant in following the Chapter Bylaws and

under Robert’s Rules of ...continued on page 5.

Emergency Spending Authorized for VA - Is it Enough?

The day before the U.S. would lose two more American lives during combat operations in Iraq, President Donald Trump signed an emergency spending bill, the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act, that authorizes more than $2 billion for the Veterans Choice Program. At present, almost one-third of VA appointments are referred to the private sector,

up from fewer than 20 % in ....continued on pg 2.

CORDWORDThe Monthly Newsletter of the New England Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America

SEPTEMBER 2017

COPYRIGHT © 2017. NEW ENGLAND PVA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

CHAPTER ELECTIONS 5

VA ADVANCING ACCOUNTABILITY 7

WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE! 9

STABB VS. SEC. SHULKIN 11

PVA SPORTS CALENDAR 14

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES CALENDAR 16

Sherman Gillums, Jr. PVA Executive Director

www.newenglandpva.org2

Washington 8/14/17 - The day before the U.S. would lose two more American lives during combat operations in Iraq, President Donald Trump signed an emergency spending bill, the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act, that authorizes more than $2 billion for the Veterans Choice Program. At present, almost one-third of VA appointments are referred to the private sector, up from fewer than 20 % in 2014. The VA’s annual budget of about $180 billion will provide $2.1 billion in funding for veterans’ health care in the community at government expense.

While the new law will draw attention largely because of the urgency in which it replenished the VA’s healthcare budget — a budget that has been depleting faster than expected since 2014 — the new law also addresses other critical priorities aimed to improve the VA:

• A bilateral exchange program for employees in VA and the private sector to cross-train providers in both health care domains

• The development of training and annual performance standards for employees and preparing them for future leadership roles within the Department

• The establishment of promotion tracks designed to retain employees with special expertise• Provisions to attract transitioning service members and recently graduated college students into

employment opportunities with the VA• Training on recruitment and retention best practices for human resources professionals

These and several other initiatives will be funded for six months through offsets such as reduced pensions for some Medicaid-eligible veterans and the collection of fees for housing loans. The law also provides an additional $1.8 billion for core VA health programs, which includes leases for 28 new VA medical facilities.

Critics of the Veterans Choice Program, which had included this author in the past, insist that expanding care in the community is merely a slow walk to privatization. Others argue that offsetting the cost of expanded community care by reducing other veterans’ benefits is unconscionable and will lead the VA to a slippery slope where even more benefits will be cut. But these arguments ignore the more immediate problem created by understaffing in VA and the accountability vacuum, particularly among VA’s senior middle management tiers, that has eclipsed all the great work VA has been doing.

Critics also disregard VA Secretary David Shulkin’s focus on investing in “foundational services” that are part of VA’s national commitment to provide: spinal cord injury treatment and rehabilitation, blinded rehabilitation, inpatient mental health, prosthetics, and care coordination, some of which will be funded through budget apportionments at each facility at the direction of the Secretary.

As those debates continue, however, the bigger problem is what will happen when the Administration and Congress can no longer move the goal posts where funding VA health care is concerned. The six-month funding plan that was underwritten by the new law bought Congress more time to debate broader issues over VA funding and its future. But bad news doesn’t improve with age, and the challenges may actually worsen if an incremental approach to investing in veterans’ healthcare doesn’t pay off soon.

On a positive note, at least in my view, the status quo is dying a slow but certain death in VA. The newly signed law could be what keeps VA from dying with it. While it will do nothing for the two brave souls our country lost in Iraq on Sunday, it will give the health and wellness of the nine million veterans enrolled in the VA health care system a fighting chance.

Originally published 8/14 on LibertyNation.com

Emergency Spending Authorized for VA - Is it Enough?

CORDWORD 3

Quite a bit has happened this month. Most importantly Chapter Elections were held. We’ve added two additional permanent Members to the Board of Directors, and a new President will be leading the Chapter. See page 5 for election details. Congress has approved legislation effecting Choice Care, the GI Bill and Appeals processes. The VA has created a smartphone app to help manage and provide prescription information. The VA has also launched a site where you can see any disciplinary action taken again VA employees. This deserves at least a quick look by you. More is happening than you know in VISN1.

Sept. 22nd the Chapter will be hosting it’s 70th Annual Banquet at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, MA. Please check the Chapter website for ticket purchases and details. Also, please check the back cover for other activities in the New England area.

Please keep in mind, we’re continually looking for

member contributions for the CordWord. It can be of any subject, whether a written article or photo display that you feel might be of interest to other members.

If you’d like to submit something for the CordWord, please email it to media@newenglandpva.org. You can also send any feedback or suggestions to the same address.

Above all this though, please keep all those effected by hurricane Harvey in your thoughts and prayers. I can only image the trying time those with a SCI must be challenged with to overcome.

As always, I welcome any thoughts, feedback or suggestions you may have for the CordWord.

CordWord Editor and Paralyzed Veteran

From the Editor’s Desk

NEW ENGLAND PVA OFFICERS

President Wayne Ross Vice President Mike Guilbault Secretary Peter Moore Treasurer Charles Schena National Director Neal Williams ADA Coordinator Neal Williams

EXECUTIVE BOARD

John Brako Walter Farrington Michael Moran Michael Negrete Mark Sanders Jim Wallack

STAFF Debra Freed Executive Director Jerry Cole Admin/Bookkeeper

New England PVA Chapter1208 VFW Parkway, Suite 301West Roxbury, MA 02132T (617) 942-8678 or 1-(800) 660-1181F (857) 203-9685

CHAPTER ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM DIRECTORS PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICES

Michael G. Negrete Board of Directors Media and Communications Director

USMC and USCG Veteran Cold War and Persian Gulf Veteran

www.newenglandpva.orginfo@newenglandpva.orgOffice Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00am-4:30pm

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Bass Trail Liaison Jim Wallack Community Outreach Mike Guilbault Development Director Wayne Ross Media & Communications Michael Negrete Membership Officer Mike Guilbault MS Liaison John Brako NEPVA Peer Mentor Rep. Mike Guilbault Scholarship Chairman Wayne Ross Sports Director Mike Guilbault Assistant Sports Director Michael Moran Volunteer Coordinator Debra Freed Women Veterans’ Liaison Debra Freed

Boston VA Regional Office J.F.K. Federal Bldg. - Room - 1575 C Boston, MA 02203 T (617) 303-1395 or 1-800-795-3607 F (617) 303-1396 Joseph E. Badzmierowski Director of Field Services

West Roxbury VAMC 1400 VFW Parkway, Room AG 60 West Roxbury, MA 02132 T (857) 203-6091 Heather Cherniack, OFS Senior Veteran Health and Benefits Specialist

Togus, VARO, 1 VA Center Bldg. 248, Room 112 Augusta , ME 04330 T (207) 621-7394 or 866-795-1911 F(207) 621-4829 Scott Eggleston, National Service Officer Serving Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

www.newenglandpva.org4

Prior to leaving for the August recess, the House of Representatives and Senate approved legislation that would provide additional funding to keep the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Choice program operating. Due to significant increases in utilization of the Choice program over the last 6 months, the VA faced the prospect of the program running out of funding by August 15th. In an effort to relieve that problem, Congress approved a bill that provides approximately $2.1 billion to keep the Choice program running for an additional six months. The bill also includes funding to open 28 capital leases that have been held up for budget reasons for nearly two years, as well as provisions to improve workforce innovation, recruitment and retention of providers in the VA health care system.

Unfortunately, Congress will be forced to deal with this issue again six months from now. A long term solution for how VA will manage its

community care programs, which includes the current Choice program, has not been finalized. Meanwhile, the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs are already developing their own legislative solutions to community care. They range from VA coordinating all community care decisions to veterans having unfettered choice to decide when and where they will seek care.

PVA has already testified on a couple of occasions this year on the future of the Choice program. In the spring, the VA unveiled its own C.A.R.E. program that it hopes to make the basis of all of its community care going forward. However, much work remains to reach a consensus on the final program, to include how VA will invest in and sustain its “foundational commitments” (spinal cord injury/disease care, blinded rehabilitation, prosthetics, etc).

Congress Approves Choice Funding ExtensionPVA Washington Update Volume 23, No. 8

PVA Washington Update Volume 23, No. 8

The latest update to the Post-9/11 GI Bill made its way through Congress prior to the August recess and now awaits the President’s signature. The “Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017,” wielded strong bipartisan support throughout both chambers of Congress allowing the bill to be fast-tracked to the President’s desk. After a unanimous vote in the House, the Senate followed suit by passing the bill by voice vote.

The bill’s namesake, the Forever GI Bill, comes from the elimination of the “use it or lose it rule” that requires the benefit to be used within fifteen years. In today’s world, it is common for veterans to make career changes later in life. This makes it all the more important to retain education benefits that can help facilitate successful transitions. One significant change makes all Purple Heart recipients eligible for 100 percent of the benefit. Because the benefit percentages are based on time in service, veterans removed from service due to wounds sustained in combat were often unable to reach the full 100 percent rating.

The bill addresses a number of other inadvertent inequities as well. One deals with the Fry Scholarship. Surviving spouses and children of service members who die in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, who are utilizing the GI Bill to attend school are currently ineligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program which fills the gap between the GI Bill benefit amount and full tuition at private institutions. Another oversight in the original law precluded reservists mobilized in support of a Department of Defense (DOD) combatant command and when Governors’ request federal assistance in responding to major disasters or emergencies from

counting that service time for eligibility.

Other changes include a long-overdue increase in monthly payments for Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) by approximately $200. However, the eligibility time period will be reduced from 45 months to 36 months. Most, if not all, GI Bill benefits now cover 36 months of education time, which equates to approximately four school calendar years. The bill also encourages more students to enter into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, and it restores benefits to students whose schools closed or lost accreditation in the middle of a semester, costing the veteran a semester of eligibility without actually earning any credits.

While the provisions in the bill were far from controversial, the bill got off to a rocky start as VSOs battled over how it would be funded. The original proposal that had widespread support would have mimicked the Montgomery GI Bill, which required active duty service members to pay a nominal amount of their salary into the program to become eligible. Some groups, however, balked at forcing service members to pay for this benefit. The visceral backlash sunk the bill initially. It regained momentum, however, and was ultimately successful using a different funding mechanism which aligns Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for GI Bill users with current DOD rates for active duty service members. The GI Bill’s current rates were higher than DOD rates, and the reduction in amount will ultimately cover the cost of expanding the GI Bill.

Congress Approves Permanent Change to the Post-9/11 GI Bill

CORDWORD 5

The Chapter had a somewhat complicated, and uncomplicated, election for its Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

When all the nominations

and acceptance letters were

received and reviewed by

each candidate, there were

no contested position. This

meant in following the Chapter Bylaws and under Robert’s Rules of Order,

if there is no opposition there is no need for a formal vote. The matter is

decided by “acclamation” or by “unanimous consent.” This additionally

saved the Chapter approximately $1000 by not having to print and

distribute ballots.

With President Wayne Ross deciding not to run for re-election, Michael

Negrete was elected as the new Chapter President. A Marine Corps and

Coast Guard veteran of the Cold War and Persian Gulf, Negrete joined

the Chapter in 2008 and the Board of Directors in 2016. He currently

serves as the Media & Communications Director and CordWord Editor. In

addition to these duties he has represented the Chapter on Capitol Hill

in Washington, D.C., personally meeting with New England Legislators

during PVA’s Annual Advocacy and Legislative Sessions, as well as, also

attending PVA’s Annual Conventions in various capacities. At the National

level, Negrete currently serves as a Member of PVA’s Finance Committee.

He will continue to serve the Chapter and PVA in these capacities within

his Presidency.

“When I needed specialized SCI care, the New England Chapter was there

to answer my questions and quickly assist me in obtaining the benefits

I earned,” says Negrete. “That experience is what lead me to join the

Chapter and eventually the Board of Directors. It gave me the opportunity

to give back to the Chapter and help to change the lives and build brighter

futures for other veterans.”

Other than Negrete, as President, the Executive Committee remained

unchanged: Mike Guilbault as Vice President, Charlie Schena as Treasurer,

and Pete Moore as Secretary.

The Board of Directors had three additions, Wayne Ross and Neal

Williams and Mike Moran. Moran was added as an elected seat from an

appointed one. The remaining seats remain unchanged: John Brako,

Walter Farrington, Mark Sanders, and Jim Wallack.

MICHAEL NEGRETE - Board of Directors, Media & Communications Director

Chapter Elections and New Leadership

The Board of Directors and Staff invite you to come Celebrate the Chapter’s 70th Annual Banquet with an evening of dinner, music, dancing and our 1st Ever Silent Raffle!

Banquet will be conveniently held at Moseley’s On the Charles Ballroom & Banquet Facility located across the intersection from West Roxbury VAMC.

For more details and to purchase your tickets online go to www.eventbrite.com and search “New England PVA” or visit the Chapter website at www.newenglandpva.org and click 70th Annual Banquet link on the Home page.

New England PVA 70th Annual Chapter BanquetWHEN: Friday, September 22, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM - Dedham, MAWHERE: Moseley’s On the Charles Ballroom & Banquet Facility across from West Roxbury VAMC.

www.newenglandpva.org6

September is Suicide Prevent Month

IT’S YOUR CALLConfidential help for

Veterans and their families

The confidential Veterans Crisis Line, online chat, and text are available, and we are here for you.If you’re a Veteran in crisis, or are the family member or friend of one, VA offers help that can make a difference. The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified VA responders — some of them Veterans or family members of Veterans themselves — who understand what Veterans have been through. The Veterans Crisis Line, online chat, and text are available to all Veterans and their families and friends, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

VA responders are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide confidential support by phone or online chat. Assistance is only a phone call, click, or text away. You’ve served us. Now let us serve you.

Confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255

CORDWORD 7

Ask a Pharmacist: Get Answers to your VA Pharmacy Questions

Do you have questions about your medications? Now, VA has a new web application (app) that can help.

VA launched the Ask a Pharmacist app, which provides an easy way to find answers to questions VA pharmacists regularly hear from patients. Having to search through multiple VA sites to find answers or rely on sites outside of VA that may not be accurate is frustrating. Now, you can use Ask a Pharmacist to find information that you know is reliable and VA-approved.

“The Ask a Pharmacist app is a place for Veterans to find as much VA pharmacy information as we can provide,” said Eric Spahn, a pharmacist with VA Pharmacy Benefits Management. He has been involved in the app’s development from the beginning. “We are putting My HealtheVet pharmacy information in one place. It also includes trusted external resources to help Veterans learn about types of medication information that is available, and determine what information is important.”

Ask a Pharmacist can help you find a VA pharmacy close to you, and learn more about how VA pharmacies operate. You can also learn about the medications you take. This includes how to identify your pills by sight, how to read medication labels, how your medicines may interact with each other, and more.

You can access the app on your smartphone, tablet, desktop computer or any device with an Internet connection. Anyone can use it! Ask a Pharmacist links to many VA pharmacy resources. It also provides links to many trusted resources such as Pill ID for any medication-related question. Visit Ask a Pharmacist online.

From “In the Spotlight” posted on MyHealtheVet

Answers from a Pharmacist on Your Smartphone

Advancing our culture of accountability in Veteran care

At VA, we believe that Veterans and all American citizens have the right to

know what our organization is doing to hold team members accountable.

That’s why we’re now posting information regarding adverse employee

actions on a weekly basis.

This is a big step forward in our commitment to transparency and

accountability, as it makes us the country’s first federal agency to

publicize such data. By doing so, we’ll highlight opportunities for

improvement to help staff members continually grow as professionals. In

turn, we will raise the standard of care for our Veterans.

To learn more visit https://www.va.gov/accountability/

VA Advancing Culture of AccountabilityArticle first appeared on VAntage Point August 28, 2017

PVA Washington Update Volume 23, No. 8

On August 2, 2017, the Senate moved appeals modernization one step closer to becoming a reality. H.R. 2288, the “Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017,” was introduced and overwhelmingly passed in the House earlier this year. The Senate tacked on a few more technical refinements and passed the bill under voice vote just before the August recess. Despite being in recess, the House passed the appeals modernization bill by unanimous consent (meaning there were no objections to the minor technical changes) on August 11, 2017.

Once the bill is enacted into law, the earliest changes are expected to be seen approximately eighteen months after enactment. The massive overhaul of the disability claims and appeals process has long been in the works, but the new law will require extensive efforts to implement and widespread changes to the regulations that govern the process.

Senate Approves Appeals Modernization Act

www.newenglandpva.org8

Connect With What Matters

Being there makes a di� erenceRecently the Ride-Away team joined forces with MobilityWorks so that we could provide our veterans with the largest selection of mobility solutions that best � t their physical capabilities and lifestyle. Veterans have unique needs so we treat each of them as individuals. First of all, we listen. Then, we work together � nd the best solution. Collectively, Ride-Away and MobilityWorks will continue to build on our mission to help veterans connect with who and what matters most.

MobilityWorks has more than 50 locations across the country with the largest selection of accessible vehicles and adaptive solutions:

• Minivans, full-size vans and trucks

• The latest in adaptive technology

• Complete maintenance and service

• Rental vans — veterans receive a 10% discount

MobilityWorks is committed to serving you. Contact us today so we can evaluate your needs and � nd a solution that best � ts your lifestyle.

Trucks

SUVs

Lifts and stowage products Electronic control systems

www.mobilityworks.com

USA’s largest accessible van dealer!

Gray 32 Lewiston Road, Unit 2BGray, ME 04039207-747-2064

Essex Junction5C David DriveEssex Junction, VT 05452802-222-0265

Londonderry54 Wentworth AvenueLondonderry, NH 03053603-210-4610

North Attleboro57 George Leven DriveNorth Attleboro MA 02760508-859-0940

Norwood333 Boston Providence TurnpikeNorwood, MA 02062 781-222-3622

East Hartford104 Pitkin StreeetEast Hartford, CT 06108860-215-4100

NEW ENGLAND PVA NEEDS YOUR HELP!Volunteers do invaluable work that makes a real difference to Veterans, their communities and the Chapter. Volunteering can change your life, too! Your talents and time are always welcome.

The Chapter is looking for Volunteers to help out in the office, attend local awareness events, and assist with event planning. If you’re interested, please contact the Chapter office at 800-660-1181 for more details. Everyone can help somehow and in some way, at any place and during any time. If you might be too busy or can’t get out, think about a financial donation. Even if its only $5 or $10, every little bit helps.

To learn more about Volunteer or donation opportunities call the Chapter office at (800) 660-1181.

CORDWORD 9

September is here. With it will come the changes of the leaves and

possibly cooler weather. We should all get out and enjoy as much of it as

we can. Rumor has it the pending winter will be a snowy one.

Many of you are aware that the Chapter holds annual elections. The end

of fiscal year 2017 is no exception. Because there were no uncontested

positions, and the chapter could save money, the Chapter elections going

into fiscal year 2018 New England PVA are by acclamation. It is why you

didn’t see a ballot in the mail. I will tell you that it saved the Chapter about

$1,000 give or take. It just hurts to have to spend that kind of money to get

perhaps 10 to 12% of them back. So, please see the attached and learn

who your Chapter Board of Directors will be for fiscal year 2018.

Now, on to other matters just as important if not more so. We all know

about survival. Many of you have done well considering the catastrophic

injuries you initially suffered. You have never given up on yourself, no

matter the odds. Unfortunately, many of you have given up on your

organization.

Well, the following involves the very survival of this Chapter! No, I do not

believe I am being overly dramatic. I am, however, being as honest as

possible about our financial situation, the coming fiscal year which we

start in the red, and beyond.

Over the past several years, a number of programs have either changed,

been reduced, or eliminated altogether. There are only two active sports

programs, Bass Fishing & bowling. We moved, cut staff, and sold our last

chapter van. And Yes, we are fund-raising, 6 programs and we just made

the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC -11099) but that is for 2018.

Money! None of the above exists without it and it is why so many

programs have fallen to the wayside. Without money, any organization

will cease to exist. We as a non-profit are no different. Without money,

we cannot provide scholarships for nurses specializing in spinal cord

injury/dysfunction care. Without money, we cannot provide funds for

folks to attend any event from the Presidential Inauguration to a national

veterans sporting event or even being able to get funds if approved for a

night out.

So what can we do? Better yet, what can YOU do? We aren’t asking for

your bank accounts. We aren’t asking for more than any of us would

give. I know there are a few of you who are reading this and saying why

should Debra care, she gets paid. Yes, I do! But I gave up 10% of my salary

last year and I’m not getting any of it back any time soon. Most times,

I don’t take reimbursements in order to try saving the Chapter money.

Saving money allows the Chapter to assist more members. But who are

the members? Did you know we have 880 members throughout New

England? Yes maybe 100, and that’s being generous, participate!

We need YOUR HELP. We need you, our members to talk to people, inform

them of what we do and why. To pitch in now and then. We need all of

you to step up to the plate because I can tell you if you don’t, then we

will end up like the Chapter in the mid-west who lost its charter and had

its doors closed. It closed because too many didn’t care. There were a

few, but it was those few who did what they could to keep it going. It was

those few who took funds from their personal accounts to try and keep

their Chapter afloat while the remaining membership did NOTHING! PVA

gave that Chapter three years to turn itself around and it didn’t because

of a pure lack of interest. Their chapter is closed and I for one don’t want

the New England Chapter to be next.

What can you do? There are a few members that ask for financial

assistance but they also do things for the Chapter. They will speak at

monthly meetings of what it meant for them to get financial assistance

to attend an event. They will write an article for the newsletter to show

donors where their money is going and that the Chapter is doing all it can

to support its members.

Why should you care? The basic facts are these, we will no longer dole

out funds just because you are a member. We will no longer allow our

membership to be complacent while those few of us work to raise money.

How can you sit there and expect people to donate when you can’t

remember the last time YOU did?

So, you ask what’s the point of all this? The point is this, without donations,

more programs will be cut. There will be less to dispense amongst even

those members who do things for the Chapter. I will continue to fight for

this organization as long as I can but I, and those few of us who are here

fighting on a daily basis cannot continue to do it alone.

DEBRA FREED - Executive Director, New England PVA

What It Takes To Survive!

www.newenglandpva.org10

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

LIFETIMEWARRANTY(Call or visit us for

more information)

CORDWORD 11

MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TODAY!Mail your check of any amount to:

Paralyzed Veterans of America New England Chapter 1208 VFW Parkway, Suite 301 West Roxbury, MA 02132

Please write “CordWord” in the memo section of your check.

Richard Staab is an Air Force veteran living in Minnesota who is qualified

to participate in the VA health care system. In 2015, Mr. Staab suffered a

heart attack and stroke. He was rushed to a nearby, non-VA hospital and

received treatment. A portion of the care was covered by Medicare, but

Staab ultimately paid about $48,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses.

He submitted a claim to the VA for reimbursement of these expenses.

The VA denied claim on the basis of a 2009 regulation found at 17 C.F.R.

§ 17.1002(f). Under this regulation, the VA will only reimburse a veteran if

the “veteran has no coverage under a health-plan contract for payment

or reimbursement, in whole or in part, for the emergency treatment.”

So, because some of Mr. Staab’s expenses were partially covered by

Medicare, the VA denied his claim for reimbursement of the remaining

amount.

Essentially Mr. Stabb is being penalized for his additional insurance.

Naturally, Staab appealed the VA’s decision to the Court of Appeals for

Veterans Claims. The court not only granted Staab’s appeal, but also

struck down the VA’s regulation as invalid. The fact that the Court struck

down the VA’s regulation had a far-reaching impact. Staab was certainly

not the only veteran who sought reimbursement for emergency, private

healthcare.

The VA appealed the decision of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

to the next highest level — the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The VA is clearly nervous about the economic impact of the decision by

the Veteran’s Court. In its written argument, the VA informed the court

that it had suspended adjudication of 373,000 claims for reimbursement

of emergency, private health services until it could figure out how to deal

with the effect of the Staab decision. The agency estimated that, unless

overturned by the Federal Circuit, the Staab decision would result in a

financial cost of up to $273 million in 2017, and over $6.5 billion over the

next decade.

On June 15th Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin

said he was dropping VA’s appeal of the Staab case. Shulkin said that VA

has completed draft regulations to implement the new emergency care

benefit, sending them to the Office of Management and Budget. Draft

regulations must clear OMB and be published in the Federal Register for

comment before VA can begin reimbursements. That process could take

nine months or more, Shulkin advised the committee last week.

The Staab decision reflects the tension that lies beneath the surface of

many issues facing our nation’s treatment of its veterans. Unfortunately,

this issue will come down to the money.

Stabb vs. ShulkinSCOTT EGGLESTON - National Service Officer, Serving Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

www.newenglandpva.org12

CORDWORD 13

The Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans And The Women Veterans’ Network

Cordially invites you to its 30th Annual Luncheon

A TRIBUTE TO WOMEN VETERANS’

Saturday, October 21, 2017

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Luncheon Served at 12 Noon

Lombardo’s 6 Billings Street Randolph, MA

Tickets - $25.00 per person New England Roasted Turkey Dinner

Jewelry Sale and Drawing

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Please complete the registration below and return with your check or money order to:

Stephanie Landry

290 Newport Road Hull, MA 02045

781-925-4486 Stephanie.Landry@comcast.net

or June Newman 12 Strathmore Road

Braintree, MA 02184 781-849-3226

juniebug@beld.net

Make checks payable to “Women Veterans Committee”. Your cancelled check will be your receipt.

NAME ___________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________

CITY/TOWN______________________________ STATE________ZIP CODE_________

HOME PHONE________________________ CELL PHONE________________________

E-MAIL ___________________________________________________________________

Number of tickets_______ x $25.00 each =$______ (Please indicate choices by number, not a check mark if ordering more than one ticket)

***********NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR********** RESERVATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 12th

www.newenglandpva.org14

ANNUAL AIR RIFLE & AIR PISTOL PROGRAM

Arizona Air Rifle/Archery & Boccia Tournament*Sept. 6-8, 2017Phoenix, AZ

West Virginia Air Rifle & Boccia*Oct. 28-29, 2017Martinsburg, WV

KY-IN Air Rifle & Boccia Tournament*Nov 16-18, 2017 Lexington, KY

Cal-Diego Air Rifle TournamentJan. 22-23, 2018San Diego, CA

Mid-Atlantic Air Rifle TournamentMarch 7-8, 2018Richmond, VA

Wisconsin Air Rifle Tournament March 23-25, 2018Milwaukee, WI

Buckeye Air Rifle TournamentApril 21-22, 2018Geneva, OH

*indicates combined events

PARALYZED VETERANS NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS CIRCUIT

Wisconsin Shooting Sports Tournament & Pistol TournamentAug. 4-6, 2017Pistol & Rifle Tournament - Aug. 4Green Bay, WI

North Central Shooting Sports TournamentSept. 8-10, 2017 Pistol Tournament - Sept. 8Sioux Falls, SD

Keystone Shooting Sports Tournament Sept. 22-24, 2017 Pistol Tournament - Sept. 22 Clairton, PA

Arizona Shooting Sports TournamentNov. 3-5, 2017 Pistol Tournament - Nov. 3Phoenix, AZ

Mid-Atlantic Shooting Sports TournamentNov. 10-12, 2017Charles City, VA

Florida Gulf Coast Shooting Sports TournamentMarch 1-3, 2018Odessa, FL

Nevada Shooting Sports TournamentMarch 16-18, 2018 Pistol Tournament - March 16Las Vegas, NV

Cal-Diego Shooting Sports Tournament & Cal-Diego Air Rifle/PistolMarch 23-25, 2018Pistol & Rifle Tournament - March 23Redlands, CA

Vaughan Shooting Sports TournamentApril 20-22, 2018Edwardsville, IL

Minnesota Shooting Sports TournamentMay 18-20, 2018Minneapolis, MN

Lone Star Shooting Sports TournamentJune 22-24, 2018Waxahachie, TX

Iowa Shooting Sports Tournament & Pistol TournamentJune 15-17, 2018Pistol Event - June 15, 2018Cedar Rapids, IA

PARALYZED VETERANS BASS TOUR

Mid-America Bass TournamentSept. 22-24, 2017Eufaula, OK

Lone Star Bass TournamentSept. 29—Oct. 1, 2017Garland, TX

Southeastern Bass TournamentOct. 13-15, 2017Evans, GA

Vaughan Bass TournamentOct. 27-29, 2017Mt. Vernon, IL

Florida Gulf Coast Bass TournamentApril 6–8, 2018Kissimmee, FL

KY-IN Bass TournamentMay 4-6, 2018Kuttawa, KY

National Bass TournamentJune 1-3, 2018Marbury, MD

Mid-Atlantic Bass TournamentJune 8-10, 2018Richmond, VA

ANNUAL PARALYZED VETERANS/NWPA BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT SERIES

Mid-Atlantic Billiards TournamentSept. 15-17, 2017Virginia Beach, VA

Mid-South Billiards TournamentOct. 13-14, 2017Memphis, TN

Mid-Atlantic Billiards TournamentMarch 23-25, 2018Midlothian, VA

Mid-America Billiards TournamentApril 20-22, 2018Oklahoma City, OK Mountain States Billiards Tournament May 4-5, 2018 Fountain, CO

Buckeye Billiards Tournament**June 22-23, 2018Wickliffe, OH

**non-sanctioned events

ANNUAL PARALYZED VETERANS/AWBA BOWLING TOURNAMENT SERIES

Great Plains Bowling TournamentJuly 6-9, 2017Council Bluffs, IA

Mountain States Bowling TournamentAug. 24-27, 2017Colorado Springs, CO

Mid-Atlantic Bowling TournamentSept. 22-24, 2017Glen Allen, VA

Nevada Bowling TournamentNov. 30-December 3, 2017Las Vegas, NV

Florida Gulf Coast Bowling TournamentFeb. 23-25, 2018Tampa, FL

Vaughan Bowling TournamentMay 3-6, 2018Romeoville, IL

Mid-America Bowling TournamentTBDShawnee, OK

BOCCIA

Nevada Boccia TournamentJan. 26-27, 2018Las Vegas, NV

Cal-Diego Boccia TournamentFeb. 20-21, 2018San Diego, CA

PARALYZED VETERANS RACING

Off-Road Handcycling ChampionshipsAug. 18-20, 2017Crested Butte, CO

Pensacola CyclingSept. 16-17, 2017Pensacola, FL

Air Force MarathonSept. 16, 2017Dayton, OH

Pocahontas State Park Off-Road Ride Sept. 30, 2017Richmond, VA

38TH NVWGJuly 30-Aug. 4, 2018 Orlando, FL

Our goal is making independent living a reality for many people and help them achieve the highest quality of life for both user and caregiver. Lift and Care Systems caters to residential homes, semi-group homes, day programs, hospitals, schools, and other institutions.

Products Offered: * SUREHANDS Patient Lifts, Ceiling, Mobile, and Pool Lifts * BEST BATH Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, and ADL spas * Bruno Stairlifts and Vertical Platform Lifts * Modular Aluminum, Steel, and Suitcase Ramp Systems * Bath Safe Products: Grab bars, Super Poles, and more... (Some products are covered by VA Programs. Call for more details.)

Changing the Lives of the Physically Challenged Everyday.

7 Precinct Street, Lakeville, MA 02347 1-888-927-6279 www.LiftAndCareSystems.com Visit our website for more information and call us today to receive a FREE home assessment or to visit our showroom.

CORDWORD 15

Paralyzed Veterans of AmericaNew England Chapter1208 VFW Parkway, Suite 301West Roxbury, MA 02132

T 800 660-1181F 857 203-9685

info@newenglandpva.orgwww.newenglandpva.org

Office Hours Mon-Fri, 9:00am-4:30pm

Serving Paralyzed Veterans and the Disabled Community Since 1947.

COMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATESSep 8-10: NEPVA Bass Trail: Lake Winnipesaukee, Camp Robindel, Moultonborough, NH

Sep 13: Wheelchair Court Sports w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, UNH Hamel Recreation Center, Durham, NH (Limit 20)

Sep 15: Shooting at Shawmee Gun Club Sandwich, MA

Sep 20: Wheelchair Court Sports w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, UNH Hamel Recreation Center, Durham, NH (Limit 20)

Sep 23: Veteran Only Kayaking w/Northeast Passage, 2-4pm, Salmon Falls River, Berwick, ME (Limit 8)

Sep 23: Veteran Only Kayak Fishing w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, Salmon Falls River, Berwick, ME (Limit 8)

Sep 27: Wheelchair Court Sports w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, UNH Hamel Recreation Center, Durham, NH (Limit 20)

Oct 2: Veteran Only Art Program (Painting) w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, Durham, NH (Limit 6).

Oct 4: Wheelchair Court Sports w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, UNH Hamel Recreation Center, Durham, NH (Limit 20)

Oct 5: Bass River Rod and Gun Club Shoot Yarmouth, MA

Oct 12: Veteran Only Kayaking w/Northeast Passage, 2-4pm, Turkey Pond, Concord NH (Limit 8)

Oct 12: Veteran Only Kayak Fishing w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, Turkey Pond, Concord NH (Limit 8)

Oct 18: Wheelchair Court Sports w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, UNH Hamel Recreation Center, Durham, NH (Limit 20)

Oct 25: Wheelchair Court Sports w/Northeast Passage, 5-7pm, UNH Hamel Recreation Center, Durham, NH (Limit 20)

Sept. 22nd - Chapter 70th Annual Banquet at Mosely’s on the Charles in West Dedham, MA. (Across the intersection from the West Roxbury VAMC)

NORTHEAST PASSAGE OPEN HOUSEThursday, Sep 28 4:00-7:00pm

We’ve moved! In July, we moved to new space at 121 Technology Drive in Durham, New Hampshire. We hope you’ll save the date and come visit us for an open house.