(In this section, we will provide you with some pretty damned unbelievable [but true] information concerning the lack of 'proper care,' which most United States Veterans must endure. If you have other such information--please send it to us for addition herein).
Did you know:
~ Vietnam War Stats! Click on this link to see the incredible stats!
~ That the VA (Veteran's Administration) considers 'Social Security' disability benefits as 'income' (as if you had a paying job), and as such: they will adjust (deduct) your VA benefits by reductions of even $1.00 (which they did to me today, 01/18/02--due to a 'cost of living raise' in Soc. Sec. of $6.00 a month). The only exception to this rule/law is extended to 'service-connection' of disabilities. * Note the fact that the Social Security, on the other hand, does not consider VA benefits as income, although BOTH are branches of the very same United States government! Unbelievable? It's True.
~ That only service-connection, 100% (not 85 or 95 %) disabled Veterans can receive Dental care? That's correct. You can not even receive emergency dental care from a VA clinic/hospital unless you meet this requirement! Therefore, if you are a homeless Veteran--or if you are disabled to the degree of being unemployable--but not service-connected: you will not receive dental care from the VA, despite the fact that you fought for your country--you have an Honorable discharge--or even yet a P.O.W. or a Purple Heart!
~ The VA has a dubious program for 'Homeless Veterans' called, "VA's Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Program," wherein a homeless Veteran may apply, and if accepted (not all who apply are accepted): they can work for "Veterans Industries," which will pay the Veteran (via 'contracts' with Private Industries) $732.00 per month based upon 33 hours per week of work--with living expenses at a 'supervised group home' at a cost of $186.00 per month (to the Veteran) for a limit of 174 days out of a 365 day year. This 'pay' is also taxed. This equals: $5.54 per hour (before taxes) limited to 132 hours per month (or: $732.00 a month). See: http://www.va.gov/vetind/ The logo on most pages of the VA website reads: "Putting Veterans First." (VA 'homeless' Veterans website--click here) The application for this program alone is enough to discourage many Veterans from even attempting to apply, as there aren't but a few of these 'homes' in America--and after taxes: this is way less pay than the National minimum wage, and remember: the living quarters is a 'supervised group home.' (Same as in a Prison). Also: the 'contracted employer' does not have to offer the Veteran a 'permanent job' after his/her limited 'contracted' employment expires (174 days). After public transit--food--clothing--deposits--program fees, etc., the Veteran can not possibly have enough money saved in 6 months time to secure an apartment to sustain life beyond the 'Veteran's Industries' debacle/farce, and they end up Homeless once again. 'Welcome home, Veterans . . .
~ That if you hire an Attorney to represent you in a VA Appeal: that attorney is limited to a certain low percentage of payment--AND that attorney, if the case is WON; may not receive any funds at all! This is why there aren't but a handful of dedicated attorneys who are willing to represent Veterans in their very complex Appeals: there is no incentive for them except in helping someone they feel should be helped: a U.S. Veteran (may God bless them all). The VA has 'herds' of attorneys whose job it is to 'over rule' your Appeal. Only the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Senate and the President can possibly change these unlawful cruelties heaped upon U.S. Veterans. A 'popular vote' by 'we the people' can not change these prevailing laws at all, which are designed to suppress and discourage Veterans from even applying for benefits. This is yet another of America's truest disgraces towards its Veterans!
~ That when a Veteran dies: your family (if you have one) will receive from $250.00 to $450.00 (up to $1,500.00 if the Veteran dies from service-connection ailment) and a U.S. flag to cover your burial expenses, but the National average for burials is between $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 for just a simple casket and burial in a VA cemetery (but not all Veterans qualify). This does not include the costs of a 'plot' (and maintenance) in a private cemetery.
~ That approximately 1,500 U.S. Veterans pass away each day, 88% being below the poverty level.
Social
Security Disability Law
(Sherry Abrams, attorney-at-law.
She knows her stuff!).
(Jason Leigh is an active member in good standing with The American Legion and his name is inscribed on the Special Member Rolls of Honored Veterans).
'Modest,' Betsy Ross, made the 1st United States Flag from one of her used 'petticoats.' Thanks, Betsy!
Listen to Jason's song 'SOS Down in Waco' at GarageBand.com
Disabled Veterans 'Scammed!' click here
Read 107th Congress' Policy Report on programs for homeless Veterans click here
Recent Disabled Veterans loss of benefits National News click here
For more Veterans news items: click here
