Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 12/08/2003

Dear Sgt Shaft.
I read one in one of your columns regarding to special monthly compensation. Is it true that if the VA informs me that I am rated at 100% for one disability and more than 60% for all others that special monthly compensation is granted? The official decision I received from them states that special monthly compensation due to being housebound is granted, but I can't figure out if I can expect to receive both regular compensation AND special monthly compensation. Is there any documentation available that can clear up this question? Thanks for your time.

Jason S
USN Retired

Dear Jason,
The VA pays what is known as Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for a variety of reasons including loss or loss of use of limbs, blindness, deafness, etc. SMC is also paid to severely disabled veterans who have additional disabilities beyond what would already qualify them to be rated as 100 % disabled. This compensation is payable in addition to the basic rate of compensation otherwise payable on the basis of degree of disability. So the answer to your question is that you are entitled to receive the SMC benefit as an addition to your entitlement at the 100 % rate. This is a only a small way that our country can say thank you for your service You can get complete information by logging on to the VA web site at www.va.gov.

Shaft Kudos
A high five to U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) employees and their Director Kay Coles James for their continued support for the families and crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (USS TR). ). USS TR Captain "Turk" Green recently joined the Director in the OPM Auditorium to kick off the third annual toy drive

The kickoff included a warm "Thank You" from Captain Green and his staff. Green also discussed their mission in the Middle East earlier this year and presented and narrated a video highlighting many of the ship's activities during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I just want to thank you, the people of OPM, for your magnanimous support of the men and women of the USS Theodore Roosevelt," expressed Green. "Just 10 months after returning from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), USS TR was tasked once again to head overseas, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just like in OEF, the men and women of OPM opened up their hearts and their pocket books to show their support for the sailors aboard USS TR. The morale boost given to these sailors by your kind gestures is immeasurable." (what about the Marines, sailor)

Director James reminded all those attending that it is not only the men and women that serve in our nation's armed services that make sacrifices for their country, but their families and children also pay the price for freedom.

"These children sacrifice as much as anyone involved in the war on terrorism. They deserve our thoughts and generosity this holiday season," said James in talking with the OPM employees. "You should be so proud that in the past two years you have generously provided over 1600 toys for their holiday celebrations. This will be our third toy drive for the USS TR children, whose parents are continuing to serve on the frontlines."

James also spoke about some of the difficulties and sacrifices made by those who work in the Theodore Roosevelt building and the needs faced in Washington as well as with our adopted TR family in Norfolk.

"During last year's toy drive it was brought to my attention that there are, unfortunately, some OPM employees whose children may also be in need," said James. "They are, indeed, important too, and I know that none of us want to let their need go unanswered. So -- we are going to act on that need as well. Let's make this a toy drive for the kids of Theodore Roosevelt, both on land and at sea."

The Office of Personnel Management which is housed in the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building officially "adopted" the USS Theodore Roosevelt shortly after September 11, 2001 when the ship and crew were serving in the Middle East in the war on terrorism. The ship was deployed for five months this year in support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and is continually undergoing sea testing, requiring the crew to spend long weeks from their families.

"When we adopted the crew and their families of the USS Theodore Roosevelt it wasn't just for a few days, weeks or months. The OPM staff and I are in this for the long haul. Every day the crew members put on those uniforms they are prepared to go into harm's way and that's something we all must remember," said James.

The OPM goal for the toy drive this year is 1,000 toys to be delivered to the ship during the annual holiday party on Saturday December 13, 2003.

VA Alumni Luncheon
The Sarge is looking forward to joining the VA Alumni Assn’. at their Annual Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, December 11 at 12:00 noon. The event will be held at the Pier 7 Restaurant on the waterfront in Washington D.C. USS TR Captain "Turk" Green joined the Director in the OPM Auditorium to kick off the third annual toy drive.

President Pam Gates encourages any one interested to attend and join in the fun and camaraderie. The only featured speakers will be alumni members and families sharing hugs, and ho he’s and most importantly memories of those fellow VA comrades who have gone to the special place in heaven reserved fro VA employees.

Additional information is available by calling Leon Sanchez at (703) 451-7529.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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