Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 06/02/2008

Dear Sgt Shaft,
I am a retired navy guy after 21 years service. I have had private employer insurance for many years. I retired this week from state employment. I now have no coverage for medical with the exception of Medicare and Tri Care 4 Life. Could you tell me what I have to look forward to, in the sense of coverage under these programs? Since these two entities have not paid any amounts for my and my wife's medical and prescription treatments. I am entitled to VA medical since I have been classified as 60% disabled. However, as you know, wife is not.

Another item: I have a 60% disability classification. However, in there report sent to me from the Disability Board, I have 10% disability in my right arm. They have indicated since it doesn't reach the range of a percentage to make it 20% or something to this effect, they can't use it to say I am 70%. I don't quite understand this approach. You might be able to clarify this. I don't know if I should talk to the DAV and see what approach they would take.

I hope I have expressed the above clearly, however, want to thank you in advance for your help.

Walter W. in Pennsylvania

Dear Walter
My sources tell me that

Medicare and TRICARE for Life provide comprehensive coverage for an eligible couple. You and your wife must pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium, usually deducted from Social Security benefits, but after that, out of pocket expenses will be limited. There are co-payments for prescription drugs, but they are modest compared to most insurance plans. Prescriptions filled at a Military Treatments Facility pharmacy are free of charge. Best of all, Tricare for Life acts as a “Medigap” plan. Since it’s an entitlement, not another insurance policy, most couples save several thousand dollars per year that they would otherwise have to spend for a supplement to Medicare. You need to notify DEERS that you have enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B to ensure that your claims are handled smoothly.

Service connected disability ratings are not additive. The VA must use Combined Rating Tables as specified in 38 CFR 4.25. If you have not been to the VA recently for an evaluation, you should schedule one soon. If you were evaluated recently, then it can only be assumed that the VA has properly applied the combined ratings table and your overall rating does not break into the 70% range.

Shaft Notes

Kudos to the Twenty-Two nurses from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC (DCVAMC) were recognized by Sigma Theta Tau International Inc. as among the “Top 100 Extraordinary Nurses” in the metropolitan DC area during a ceremony on May 6 at Howard University.

Gamma Beta, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing profession’s only Honor Society, recognizes nurses, annually, for their dedication to excellence. The Honor Society singles-out those whose performance reflects extraordinary achievements in clinical practice, education, research, administration, publication, or community service. Making Sigma Theta Tau’s Top 100 Extraordinary Nurses list is one of local nursling’s highest honors.

The DCVAMC nurses recognized were: Sandra Stockton, Nely Balancier, Kathleen Bixby, Sarah Boxley, Derwin Bryant, Helen Choi, Karen Clark-Stone, Kathy Coleman, Lori Cook, Ruth Michelle Cruz, Francios Daniels, Norma Fraser, Sherre Gordon, Raymonna Jean, Joy Laramie, Peggy Limehouse, LaTara Miller, Doris Ogunwumi, Maritza Perez-Gonzalez, Brenda Stidham, Patricia Toles and Robin Woods.

Geraldine Feaster, DCVAMC Chief of Nursing Service, was beaming with pride about this landslide of recognition. There are 18 hospitals in the Washington DC metro area and for 22 of our nurses to be part of the Top 100 is an extraordinary accomplishment.”

“I’m not surprised that so many of our nurses made this list,” said Fernando O. Rivera, Medical Center Director, “We’ve always considered them top in their field. Our nurses are the glue that holds this hospital together. They are very deserving of this recognition.”

The 100 Extraordinary Nurses Recognition Program began in 1991 to formally recognize nurses who foster the highest professional standards, encourage creative work and strengthen the commitment to excellence in nursing.

The DCVAMC employs more than 400 registered nurses offering comprehensive nursing care to more than 75,000 enrolled veterans residing in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The Center also operates four community based outpatient clinics located in Alexandria, VA, Greenbelt, MD, Charlotte Hall, MD and Southeast Washington D.C.

The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, scheduled to take place July 25–29 in Omaha, Neb., will attract more than 500 veterans with disabilities. It has become the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. Veterans from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will again join their fellow veterans in 17 competitive events being offered in Omaha.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments.

“Like serving our nation, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are not really about the medals. Instead, they're a mix of camaraderie, competition and courage. And they're rehabilitation at its best for our paralyzed veterans," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. "If you are in the Omaha area, please join us this July. You'll be inspired.”

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games or to volunteer during the week, visit the Games Web site at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-257-5446 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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