Tbird

http://www.hadit.com still refining but let me know what you think turn your sound down a bit <_<

that's a keeper, thanks for posting this

josephine let me know when the money hits the bank, so i can do the hokey pokey, you put your left foot in, you take your left out, oh i better wait for the money in the bank.

i had some problems pulling up the gaf so i've attached it to this post MIRECC_GAF_scale_6_07.pdf

State-by-state look at vets' benefits In addition to benefits offered by the The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, military veterans and their families may also qualify for a variety of other perks offered by every state and the District of Columbia. Link to Article http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-0...ts-states_N.htm LIAISONS: Vets miss out on benefits, liaisons say By Judy Keen, USA TODAY CHICAGO — Many veterans never receive the federal and state benefits to which they're entitled because they're unaware they qualify for health care, tax breaks and other compensation, local liaisons to former troops say. "They're entitled to these benefits. They just don't know they exist," says veterans service officer Darlene McMartin, who works in a county-funded office in Council Bluffs, Iowa. McMartin says she encounters veterans every day who don't know about her office and the services they provide. There are 25 million veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says. In fiscal year 2006, it provided disability pay to 2.6 million of them, pensions to 320,000, education benefits to 500,000, guaranteed home loans to 180,000 and health care to 5.5 million. It provided insurance to 4.5 million veterans and active-duty personnel. The VA gives briefings and booklets about benefits to military personnel before they are discharged and sends each a "welcome home" packet with reminders and toll-free numbers. Still, veterans often don't know they can get financial or medical help or increases in disability pay, says Jim Golgart, a veterans service officer in Le Center, Minn. "A lot of veterans from all eras do not understand or know about their benefits," says John Scocos, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. He wishes the federal VA would give outreach grants to state agencies. Thirty states have county veterans service officers to provide information and help fill out applications; the rest have state or regional officers. Those advocates say reaching veterans is difficult: •Many men and women who leave military service "put the green suit away and that's it," says Jim Lynch, veterans service officer in Valparaiso, Ind. Decades later, many develop health issues "and wonder what help they're entitled to." Long gaps can make it difficult to find records documenting injuries and illnesses during their service, he says. •Ray Carroll, service officer in Panama City, Fla., says there are at least 22,000 veterans in Bay County. In 2007, his office saw 5,353 of them, including 441 new clients. Many more could qualify for benefits, he says. He runs ads in local media and holds an open house every Tuesday at a fire station. •American Legion Post 266 in Tea, S.D., held its annual benefits forum Monday. "We're getting to some of the people … but not all," says district commander Richard Sievert. •Mike Beaird, service officer in Huntsville, Ala., hosted a "supermarket of benefits" at a shopping mall last month. Many widows of veterans of earlier wars never seek help, he says. •In Fall River, Mass., Nagali Bouchard of the Veterans' Association of Bristol County says most of the 15 new clients she sees each month have never sought medical care through the VA. "Sometimes," she says, "I guess they just fall through the cracks." Legislation pending in the Senate would create a separate budget for VA outreach. The House of Representatives has passed a similar bill. "VA is conducting a very active outreach effort to recently returning veterans," says federal VA spokesman Matt Smith. ALABAMA: Free tuition at state colleges and technical schools for disabled veterans and dependents. ALASKA: One-time 25% discounts for some veterans on the purchase of residential or recreational land. ARIZONA: Exemptions from vehicle license taxes and registration fees for fully disabled veterans and surviving spouses. ARKANSAS: Income tax exemption of the first $6,000 of service or retirement pay. CALIFORNIA: Home loans below market interest rates with low or no down payments. COLORADO: Free hunting and fishing licenses for fully disabled veterans. CONNECTICUT: $1,500 property-tax exemptions for wartime veterans. DELAWARE: High-school diplomas for World War II veterans who didn't graduate because of military service. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Assistance applying for federal benefits. FLORIDA: Homestead tax exemptions for veterans with service-connected permanent and total disabilities. GEORGIA: Free driver's licenses for some veterans. HAWAII: Payments of up to $5,000 to totally disabled veterans to help buy or remodel homes to improve handicapped accessibility. IDAHO: Advocates to help seek federal benefits. ILLINOIS: Each county grants one four-year scholarship annually for free tuition at the University of Illinois to veterans' children. INDIANA: Emergency grants for families of National Guard and reservists for food, housing, utilities, medical services or transportation. IOWA: Grants up to $10,000 to help family members be with injured veterans during recovery and rehabilitation. KANSAS: Helps veterans prepare for, find and keep jobs. KENTUCKY: Tuition waivers at state schools for children and spouses of disabled or deceased veterans. LOUISIANA: Employment preferences in civil service jobs and layoffs. MAINE: State guarantees for a percentage of small-business loans. MARYLAND: Exemptions from 5% excise tax on the sale or transfer of boats by active-duty military. MASSACHUSETTS: $2,000 annuities to some veterans and their spouses as well as Gold Star Parents. MICHIGAN: Annual tuition grants of up to $2,800 for eligible children of some deceased or permanently disabled veterans. MINNESOTA: Cash assistance for rent, mortgages, utilities for veterans unable to work because of temporary disabilities. MISSISSIPPI: Professional licenses don't expire while military personnel are on active duty or for 90 days afterward. MISSOURI: State tax exemptions for payments from the Agent Orange compensation fund to veterans or dependents. MONTANA: $250 death payments made by counties. NEBRASKA: Temporary emergency aid for food, fuel, shelter, clothing, funeral and medical costs for veterans, spouses and dependents. NEVADA: Free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans. NEW HAMPSHIRE: $100 bonuses for discharged or deceased veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11. NEW JERSEY: Readjustment counseling for veterans and their famiilies. NEW MEXICO: $4,000 reduction in the taxable value of real estate. NEW YORK: Burial allowance of up to $6,000 for some military personnel killed in combat or while on active duty in hostile locations since Sept. 29, 2003. NORTH CAROLINA: Income-tax exemptions for federal grants for veterans who are blind or lost the use of limbs. NORTH DAKOTA: Loans of up to $5,000 for temporary financial emergencies. Half the interest is refunded if the loan is repaid on time. OHIO: Free legal help for military personnel and their families. OKLAHOMA: Exemption from sales, excise and some other taxes for totally disabled veterans. OREGON: No loan fees on home improvement loans. PENNSYLVANIA: $150 monthly pensions for totally disabled veterans who are paralyzed or blind. RHODE ISLAND: Free license plates for former prisoners of war. SOUTH CAROLINA: Exemption from parking meter fees when a veteran's vehicle has disabled veteran, Purple Heart or Medal of Honor license plates. SOUTH DAKOTA: $40 toward the cost of installing a government headstone or marker at veterans' graves. TENNESSEE: Free license plates for veterans with total service-connected disabilities. TEXAS: Credit in state retirement system for active-duty military time. UTAH: Discounted mass-transit fares for disabled and elderly veterans. VERMONT: A "war bonus" of up to $120 for Vietnam veterans. VIRGINIA: Job referral and placement assistance. WASHINGTON: Estate-management services for veterans and family members who can't manage their finances. WEST VIRGINIA: Tuition assistance to veterans who need new vocations and have exhausted the G.I. Bill. WISCONSIN: Job training, counseling and alcohol and drug abuse treatment for homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless. WYOMING: Free tuition and fees for education to spouses and children of veterans whose deaths were service-connected.

this sounds like a problem for tech support and i'll send them an email and see if they can assist

i pm'd you so we'll see if it has cleared it itself up.

thank you just passing it along i was updating some links and ran across it.

when you click on the 1 new message it takes you to your private message inbox, so you see one new message and then when you check no new messages is that correct?

new link for vbn http://vets.yuku.com/bvetbenefits

Link To Bill Link To Contact Congress Regarding America's Wounded Warriors Act - S. 2674 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Text of Bill Below S 2674 IS 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2674 To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance procedures for the retirement of members of the Armed Forces for disability and to improve and enhance authorities for the rating and compensation of service-connected disabilities in veterans, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 28, 2008 Mr. BURR introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance procedures for the retirement of members of the Armed Forces for disability and to improve and enhance authorities for the rating and compensation of service-connected disabilities in veterans, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `America's Wounded Warriors Act'. (b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--RETIREMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR DISABILITY Sec. 101. Retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces after implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. Sec. 102. Continuation of respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members of the uniformed services who incur a serious injury or illness on active duty. Sec. 103. Eligibility for medical and dental care of members of the Armed Forces retired after implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. TITLE II--COMPENSATION OF VETERANS FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY Sec. 201. Study on veterans disability compensation. Sec. 202. Study on veterans transition benefits. Sec. 203. Study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in the completion of their vocational rehabilitation plans. Sec. 204. Proposal on veterans disability compensation and veterans transition benefits. Sec. 205. Congressional consideration of proposal. Sec. 206. Effective date of implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. Sec. 207. Enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. Sec. 208. Supplemental survivor benefit for survivors of veterans retired for disability after implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. TITLE I--RETIREMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR DISABILITY SEC. 101. RETIREMENT FOR DISABILITY OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM. (a) In General- Chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting before section 1201 the following: `SUBCHAPTER I--RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM `Sec. 1200. Applicability of subchapter: members retired or separated before implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system; certain members on temporary disability retired list as of implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system `(a) In General- Except as provided in subsection (b), this subchapter applies to the retirement or separation for disability of members as follows: `(1) Members who are eligible for retirement for disability or separation for disability before the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system under chapter 12 of title 38 (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act). `(2) Members on the temporary disability retired list as of the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system who-- `(A) are eligible for retirement under the provisions of subchapter II in accordance with section 1206c of this title; but `(B) do not elect to retire under the provisions of subchapter II as otherwise provided in section 1206c of this title. `(b) Inapplicability to Certain Members- For provisions relating to the applicability of subchapter II to the retirement for disability of certain members otherwise covered by this subchapter under subsection (a)(1), see section 1206b of this title.'; (2) by transferring section 1206a to appear after section 1207a and redesignating such section, as so transferred, as section 1207b; and (3) by inserting after section 1206 the following: `SUBCHAPTER II--RETIREMENT AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM `Sec. 1206a. Applicability of subchapter: members retired on or after implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system `(a) In General- This subchapter applies to the retirement of members for disability (including the placement of members on the temporary disability retired list in accordance with section 1206e of this title) on or after the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act). `(b) Exclusive Application- Members eligible for retirement under this subchapter by reason of this section are not eligible for retirement or separation under subchapter I. `Sec. 1206b. Applicability of subchapter: certain members retired on or after October 7, 2001, but before implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system `(a) Election of Applicability- (1) During such period as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for purposes of this section, a former member described in subsection (b) may elect to retire under this subchapter in lieu of retirement under the provisions of this chapter as in effect on the day before the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act). `(2) Each election under this subsection shall be executed in such form and manner as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for purposes of this section. `(3) Any election made under this subsection is irrevocable. `(b) Covered Former Members- A former member described in this subsection is any former member who, during the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending on the day before the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system, is retired under the provisions of this chapter as in effect before the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `© Treatment of Former Members Making Elections- (1) Effective as of the date of the correction of the military records of such former member under subsection (d), each former member who makes an election under subsection (a) shall be deemed to have been retired under this subchapter, with retired pay computed under section 1401 of this title (as in effect after the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system), rather than to have been retired under the provisions of this chapter as in effect before the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `(2) No benefits are available to a former member under this subchapter for any period before the correction of the military records of the former member under subsection (d). `(3) The Secretary of Defense may not recoup or collect from any former member who is retired under this subchapter pursuant to an election under subsection (a) any amount of retired pay paid to the former member under this chapter before the date of the effective date of the correction of the military records of the former member under subsection (d). `(d) Correction of Military Records- The Secretary concerned shall correct the military records of each former member making an election under subsection (a) to reflect that the former member is retired under the provisions of this subchapter rather than retired under the provisions of this chapter as in effect before the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `Sec. 1206c. Applicability of subchapter: members on temporary disability retired list as of implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system `(a) Election of Applicability- (1) A member described in subsection (b) may elect to retire under this subchapter in lieu of retirement under the provisions of subchapter I. `(2) Each election under this subsection shall be executed in such form and manner as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for purposes of this section. `(3) Any election made under this subsection is irrevocable. `(b) Covered Members- A member described in this subsection is any member-- `(1) whose name is on the temporary disability retired list as of the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act); and `(2)(A) whose disability qualifying the member for placement on the temporary disability retired list is determined after such effective date by the Secretary concerned, based on accepted medical principles, to be of a permanent nature and stable; or `(B) whose disability is considered after such effective date by the Secretary concerned to be of a permanent nature and stable after five years of the placement of the member's name on the temporary disability retired list in accordance with section 1210(b) of this title. `© Timing of Election- A member eligible to make an election under subsection (a) by reason of a determination under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(2) shall make such election, if at all, during such period after the date of the determination as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for purposes of this section. `(d) Treatment of Members Making Elections- (1) Effective as of the date of such election, each member who makes an election under subsection (a) shall be retired under this subchapter, with retired pay computed under section 1401 of this title (as in effect after the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system). `(2) No benefits are available to a member under this subchapter for any period before the election of the member under subsection (a). `(3) The Secretary of Defense may not recoup or collect from any member who is retired under this subchapter pursuant to an election under subsection (a) any amount of retired pay paid to the member under this chapter before the date of the election of the member under subsection (a). `Sec. 1206d. Retirement `(a) In General- Upon a determination by the Secretary concerned that a member covered by this subchapter under section 1206a of this title is unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or rating because of physical disability, the Secretary may, consistent with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this subchapter, retire the member, with retired pay computed under section 1401 of this title (as in effect after the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system), if the Secretary concerned also makes the determinations specified in subsection (b) with respect to the member. `(b) Determinations- The determinations specified in this subsection with respect to a member are determinations by the Secretary concerned as follows: `(1) That the disability of the member, based upon accepted medical principles-- `(A) is of a permanent nature; or `(B) is of uncertain permanency, such that a temporary disability retirement under section 1206e of this title is appropriate. `(2) That the injury, illness, or disease rendering the member unfit was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty-- `(A) while the member was entitled to basic pay under section 204 of title 37 or compensation under section 206 of that title; `(B) while performing active duty but not entitled to basic pay under section 204 of title 37 or inactive-duty training; or `© while engaged in an activity covered by section 1201©(3), 1204(2)(B), or 1204(2)© of this title. `(3) That the injury, illness, or disease was not-- `(A) the result of the member's intentional misconduct or willful neglect; or `(B) incurred during a period of unauthorized absence. `Sec. 1206e. Temporary disability retired list `(a) In General- Subject to the provisions of this section, a member covered by section 1206d(b) of this title who is described by paragraph (1)(B) of such section shall have such member's name placed on the temporary disability retired list, with retired pay computed under section 1401 of this title (as in effect after the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act)). `(b) Administration- (1) Subsection (a) shall be administered in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for purposes of this section. `(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the regulations prescribed under this subsection shall provide for the applicability of the provisions of sections 1210 and 1211 of this title to a member whose name is placed on the temporary disability retired list under this section. `(B) The provisions of subsections ©, (d), and (e) of section 1210 of this title shall not apply to a member whose name is placed on the temporary disability retired list under this section. `(3)(A) The regulations shall provide for appropriate mechanisms, applicable uniformly across the military departments, for an annual review by the military departments of determinations to place members' names on the temporary disability retired list under this section in order to ensure the accuracy and consistency of such determinations by the military departments. `(B) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives each year a report on the results of the reviews conducted by the military departments under subparagraph (A) during the preceding year. `© Retirement- If, as a result of a periodic examination under section 1210(a) of this title or upon a final determination under section 1210(b) of this title, it is determined that a member's physical disability is of a permanent nature, the member's name shall be removed from the temporary disability retired list, and the member shall be retired under section 1206d of this title. `Sec. 1206f. Treatment of retired pay `(a) In General- Except as provided in subsection (b), retired pay authorized by this subchapter shall be treated as retired pay for all purposes under this title. `(b) Treatment for Eligibility for Medical and Dental Care- (1) Subject to paragraph (2), for purposes of eligibility for medical and dental care under chapter 55 of this title, retired pay authorized a member by this subchapter shall be treated as retired pay only in accordance with provisions of law enacted by Congress after receipt by Congress of the report of the Secretary of Defense on eligibility of members retired under this subchapter for medical and dental care, as submitted pursuant to section 103 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act. `(2) In the event no provisions of law have been enacted by Congress as described by paragraph (1) to specify the category or categories of members of the armed forces retired under this subchapter who are to be eligible for medical and dental care under chapter 55 of this title as of the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act), the category or categories of members who are to be so eligible for such medical and dental care after that date shall be such category or categories of members as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate in regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection. `© No Offset Under Duplication of Benefits- Retired pay authorized by this subchapter is not subject to the prohibitions against duplication of benefits under sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38. `(d) Ineligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation- A member retired under this subchapter is not eligible for combat-related special compensation under section 1413a of this title. `Sec. 1206g. Determinations of unfitness `(a) In General- In this subchapter, a finding of unfitness for duty with respect to a member shall be based on determinations by the Secretary concerned that-- `(1) the member is unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or rating because of a physical disability; and `(2) it is unlikely that through retraining in another occupational specialty or other preparations the member can be reassigned to other duties the member would be fit to perform and which are consistent with the needs of the armed force concerned. `(b) Interservice Transfer- With the consent of a member determined unfit for duty under subsection (a), the member may, instead of being retired under this subchapter, be transferred under section 716 of this title to another uniformed service if the Secretary responsible for that uniformed service determines that the member, currently or through retraining in another occupational specialty or other preparations, can be reassigned to other duties the member would be fit to perform and which are consistent with the needs of that uniformed service. `© Continuation of Service of Member Determined Unfit- Upon the agreement of a member determined unfit for duty under subsection (a) and the Secretary concerned, the member's service may be continued under terms and conditions specified by the Secretary concerned, including through transfer to another uniformed service under section 716 of this title. `Sec. 1206h. Definitions `In this subchapter, the terms `disability' and `physical disability' include any disability based on a mental disorder. `SUBCHAPTER III--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS'. (b) Clerical Amendments- Chapter 61 of such title is further amended-- (1) by inserting after the chapter heading the following: `Subchapter --Sec. 1200 1206a 1207'; (2) by inserting after the subchapter heading for subchapter I, as added by subsection (a)(1) of this section, the following: `Sec. `1200. Applicability of subchapter: members retired or separated before implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system; certain members on temporary disability retired list as of implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `1201. Regulars and members on active duty for more than 30 days: retirement. `1202. Regulars and members on active duty for more than 30 days: temporary disability retired list. `1203. Regulars and members on active duty for more than 30 days: separation. `1204. Members on active duty for 30 days or less or on inactive-duty training: retirement. `1205. Members on active duty for 30 days or less or on inactive-duty training: temporary disability retired list. `1206. Members on active duty for 30 days or less or on inactive-duty training: separation.'; (3) by inserting after the subchapter heading for subchapter II, as added by subsection (a)(3) of this section, the following: `Sec. `1206a. Applicability of subchapter: members retired on or after implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `1206b. Applicability of subchapter: certain members retired on or after October 7, 2001, but before implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `1206c. Applicability of subchapter: members on temporary disability retired list as of implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `1206d. Retirement. `1206e. Temporary disability retired list. `1206f. Treatment of retired pay. `1206g. Determinations of unfitness. `1206h. Definitions.'; and (4) by inserting after the subchapter heading for subchapter III, as so added, the following: `Sec. `1207. Disability from intentional misconduct or willful neglect: separation. `1207a. Members with over eight years of active service: eligibility for disability retirement for pre-existing conditions. `1207b. Reserve component members unable to perform duties when ordered to active duty: disability system processing. `1208. Computation of service. `1209. Transfer to inactive status list instead of separation. `1210. Members on temporary disability retired list: periodic physical examination; final determination of status. `1211. Members on temporary disability retired list: return to active duty; promotion. `1212. Disability severance pay. `1213. Effect of separation on benefits and claims. `1214. Right to full and fair hearing. `1215. Members other than Regulars: applicability of laws. `1216. Secretaries: powers, functions, and duties. `1217. Academy cadets and midshipmen: applicability of chapter. `1218. Discharge or release from active duty: claims for compensation, pension, or hospitalization. `1219. Statement of origin of disease or injury: limitations. `1221. Effective date of retirement or placement of name on temporary disability retired list.'. © Eligibility for Disability Retirement for Pre-Existing Condition After Eight Years of Service- Section 1207a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking `or 1203' and inserting `1203, 1206b, 1206c, 1206d, or 1206e'. (d) Computation of Retired Pay- The table in section 1401(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the matter relating to Formula 2 the following matter: -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- `3 1206b Retired pay base 2 1/2 % of years of service 1206c as computed credited to the person 1206d under section under section 1208.1'. 1206e 1406(b) or 1407. -------------------------------------------------------- (e) Conforming Amendments Relating to Retired Pay- (1) RECOMPUTATION OF RETIRED PAY TO REFLECT LATER ACTIVE DUTY- Sections 1402(b) and 1402a(b) of title 10, United States Code, are each amended by inserting `(as in effect before the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act) or subchapter I of chapter 61 of this title (as in effect after such effective date), as applicable' after `chapter 61 of this title'. (2) RETIRED PAY BASE FOR MEMBERS RETIRED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 8, 1980- The items in the column in the table in section 1406(b)(1) of such title designated `For a member entitled to retired pay under section:' are amended to read as follows: -------- -------- `1201 1202 1204 1205 1206b 1206c 1206d 1206e'. -------- (3) RETIRED PAY BASE FOR MEMBERS RETIRED AFTER SEPTEMBER 7, 1980- Section 1407 of such title is amended-- (A) in subsection ©-- (i) in paragraph (1), by striking `other than section 1204 or 1205 or section 12731 of this title' and inserting `(other than section 1204, 1205, or 12731 of this title, or section 1206b, 1206c, 1206d, or 1206e of this title for nonregular service)'; (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting `, or under section 1206b, 1206c, 1206d, or 1206e of this title for regular service,' after `section 1201 or 1202 of this title'; and (iii) in paragraph (3)-- (I) by striking `section 1201 or 1202' and inserting `section 1201, 1202, 1206b, 1206c, 1206d, or 1206e'; and (II) by inserting `or under section 1206b, 1206c, 1206d, or 1206e of this title for nonregular service' before the period; and (B) in subsection (d)-- (i) in paragraph (2), by inserting `, or under section 1206b, 1206c, 1206d, or 1206e of this title for nonregular service,' after `section 1204 or 1205 of this title'; and (ii) in paragraph (3), inserting `, or under section 1206, 1206c, 1206d, or 1206e of this title for nonregular service,' after `section 1204 or 1205 of this title'. (4) GRADE ON RETIREMENT FOR PHYSICAL DISABILITY- Section 1372 of such title is amended-- (A) by striking `section 1201 or 1204' and inserting `section 1201, 1204, 1206b, 1206c, or 1206d'; and (B) by striking `section 1202 or 1205' and inserting `section 1202, 1205, or 1206e'. (f) Effective Date- (1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect, if at all, on the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system as determined in accordance with section 206. (2) ANTICIPATION OF IMPLEMENTATION- The Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to ensure that the amendments made by this section are implementable on the effective date described in paragraph (1) in the event of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system on that date. SEC. 102. CONTINUATION OF RESPITE CARE AND AID AND OTHER EXTENDED CARE BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES WHO INCUR A SERIOUS INJURY OR ILLNESS ON ACTIVE DUTY. Paragraph (4) of section 1074© of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 1633(a) of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008), is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph ©; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): `(B) Coverage for a member under this paragraph may continue for such period after the discharge or separation of the member from active duty as the Secretary considers appropriate.'. SEC. 103. ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES RETIRED AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM. (a) Study on Eligibility- The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study to determine the members of the Armed Forces retired under subchapter II of chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 101 of this Act), who are to be eligible for medical and dental care under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, after the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system as determined in accordance with section 206. (b) Report- Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a). The report shall include-- (1) the results of the study; and (2) comprehensive and specific recommendations on the category or categories of members described in subsection (a) who are to be eligible for medical and dental care as described in that subsection. TITLE II--COMPENSATION OF VETERANS FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY SEC. 201. STUDY ON VETERANS DISABILITY COMPENSATION. (a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study to determine the amount of compensation for service-connected disability to be payable to veterans under chapter 12 of title 38, United States Code (as added by section 207(b) of this Act), for each rating of disability assignable to veterans for service-connected disability. (b) Matters To Be Examined- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall examine the following: (1) The nature of injuries and combination of injuries for which disability compensation is payable under various disability compensation programs of the Federal Government, State governments, and other countries. (2) To the extent applicable, the nature of injuries and combination of injuries for which disability compensation is payable under commercial disability insurance. (3) The extent to which quality of life and loss of earnings are independently taken into account in various disability compensation programs of the Federal Government, State governments, and other countries. (4) The effect of an injury or combination of injuries on-- (A) average loss of earning capacity, such as inability to work in certain occupations; and (B) a veteran's quality of life, such as activities of independent living, recreational and community activities, and personal relationships, including the inability to participate in favorite activities, social problems related to disfigurement or cognitive difficulties, and the need to spend increased amounts of time performing activities of daily living. (5) The measurement of the effect of an injury or combination of injuries on a veteran's psychological state, loss of physical integrity, and social inability to adapt. (6) The extent to which disability compensation for veterans may be used as an incentive to encourage veterans to seek and undergo appropriate medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation. © Considerations in Determinations of Amounts of Compensation- (1) GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS- In determining amounts of compensation under the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that the determinations-- (A) reflect current concepts of medicine and disability; and (B) take into account loss of quality of life and average loss of earning capacity resulting from specific injuries or combinations of injuries. (2) SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS- In determining amounts of compensation, the Secretary shall consider the following: (A) The appropriate injuries or combination of injuries to be covered by the new schedule for rating service-connected disabilities. (B) The appropriate level of compensation under that schedule for loss of quality of life. © The appropriate standards for determining for purposes of that schedule whether an injury or combination of injuries has caused a loss in a veteran's quality of life. (D) The appropriate level of compensation, including an age-appropriate level of compensation at time of initial filing of claims, under that schedule for loss of earnings. (E) The appropriate standards for purposes of that schedule for determining whether an injury or combination of injuries causes loss of earnings. (F) The appropriate relationship between the receipt of compensation under that schedule, and, where appropriate, assurances by the veterans concerned of participation in a regimen of medical treatment or vocational rehabilitation. (d) Consultation- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary-- (1) shall consult with such veterans and military service organizations and with such public and private organizations and individuals as the Secretary considers appropriate; and (2) may employ consultants. (e) Consideration of Completed and On-Going Studies- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary may take into account the findings, determinations, and results of any completed or on-going study or report applicable to the matters addressed by the study required by subsection (a) that the Secretary considers appropriate. (f) Report- Not later than 270 days after the commencement of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the study. The report shall include the following: (1) The findings of the Secretary under the study. (2) The findings of the Secretary with respect to matters covered by the study arising from-- (A) the report of the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission established pursuant to section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (38 U.S.C. 1101 note); and (B) the reports of any other independent advisory commission that has studied the matters covered by the study as the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) The recommendations of the Secretary on the matters considered under subparagraphs (A), ©, (E), and (F) of subsection ©(2), including a proposal for such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate to implement the recommendations. SEC. 202. STUDY ON VETERANS TRANSITION BENEFITS. (a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study to determine the appropriate amounts and duration of transition payments to be payable under chapter 12 of title 38, United States Code (as added by section 207(b) of this Act), including the amount of monthly transition payments to be payable under section 1204(b) of title 38, United States Code (as so added), and the amount and duration of rehabilitation transition allowances to be payable under section 1204© of title 38, United States Code (as so added), to veterans who are participating in a rehabilitation program under chapter 17 or 31 of title 38, United States Code. (b) Considerations- In determining under subsection (a) the amount and duration of rehabilitation transition allowances to be payable under section 1204© of title 38, United States Code (as so added), to veterans who are participating in a rehabilitation program under chapter 17 or 31 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary shall take into account the prohibition in paragraph (7) of such section 1204© on the payment of subsistence allowances otherwise authorized by section 3108 of title 38, United States Code, to veterans paid rehabilitation transition allowances under such section 1204©. © Consultation- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary-- (1) shall consult with such veterans and military service organizations and with such public and private organizations and individuals as the Secretary considers appropriate; and (2) may employ consultants. (d) Consideration of Completed and On-Going Studies- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary may take into account the findings, determinations, and results of any completed or on-going study or report applicable to the matters addressed by the study required by subsection (a) that the Secretary considers appropriate. (e) Report- Not later than 270 days after the commencement of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the study. The report shall include the following: (1) The findings of the Secretary under the study. (2) The findings of the Secretary with respect to matters covered by the study arising from-- (A) the report of the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission established pursuant to section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (38 U.S.C. 1101 note); and (B) the reports of such other independent advisory commissions that have studied the matters covered by the study as the Secretary considers appropriate. SEC. 203. STUDY ON MEASURES TO ASSIST AND ENCOURAGE VETERANS IN THE COMPLETION OF THEIR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PLANS. (a) In General- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study to identify the following: (1) The various factors that may prevent or preclude veterans from completing their vocational rehabilitation plans through the Department of Veterans Affairs or otherwise achieving the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans. (2) Actions to be taken by the Secretary to assist and encourage veterans in overcoming such factors and in otherwise completing their vocational rehabilitation plans or achieving the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans. (b) Matters To Be Examined- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall examine the following: (1) Measures utilized in other disability systems in the United States, and in other countries, to encourage completion of vocational rehabilitation. (2) Any survey data available to the Secretary that relates to the matters covered by the study. (3) The results of the studies conducted pursuant to sections 201 and 202, including any analysis for purposes of such studies of the extent to which disability compensation may be used as an incentive to encourage veterans to undergo and complete vocational rehabilitation. (4) The report of the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission established pursuant to section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (38 U.S.C. 1101 note). (5) The report of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. © Considerations- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider-- (1) the extent to which bonus payments or other incentives may be used to encourage veterans to complete their vocational rehabilitation plans or otherwise achieve the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans; and (2) such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Consultation- In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary-- (1) shall consult with such veterans and military service organizations and with such public and private organizations and individuals as the Secretary considers appropriate; and (2) may employ consultants. (e) Report- Not later than 270 days after the commencement of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the study. The report shall include the following: (1) The findings of the Secretary under the study. (2) Any recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate for actions to be taken by the Secretary in light of the study, including a proposal for such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate to implement the recommendations. SEC. 204. PROPOSAL ON VETERANS DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND VETERANS TRANSITION BENEFITS. Not later than one year after the later of the dates of the reports required by sections 201(f) and 202(d), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a proposal setting forth the following: (1) A statement of the purpose or purposes of the disability compensation and transition payments to be payable to veterans under chapter 12 of title 38, United States Code (as added by section 207(b) of this Act). (2) A statement of the amounts of compensation for service-connected disability to be payable to veterans under chapter 12 of title 38, United States Code (as so added), for each rating of disability assignable to veterans for service-connected disability. (3) A statement of the amounts and duration of transition benefits to be payable to veterans under chapter 12 of title 38, United States Code (as so added), including the amount of monthly transition payments to be payable under section 1204(b) of title 38, United States Code (as so added), and the amount and duration of rehabilitation transition allowances to be payable under section 1204© of title 38, United States Code (as so added), to veterans who are participating in a rehabilitation program under chapter 17 or 31 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 205. CONGRESSIONAL CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL. (a) Terms of Joint Resolution- For purposes of this section, the term `joint resolution' means only a joint resolution which is introduced within the 10-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits to Congress the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on veterans disability compensation and veterans transition benefits under section 204, and-- (1) which does not have a preamble; (2) the matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: `That Congress disapproves the proposal on veterans disability compensation and veterans transition benefits under section 204 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act as submitted to Congress on XXXXX', the blank space being filled in with the appropriate date; and (3) the title of which is as follows: `Joint resolution disapproving the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on veterans disability compensation and veterans transition benefits under the America's Wounded Warriors Act.'. (b) Referral- A resolution described in subsection (a) that is introduced in the House of Representatives shall be referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives. A resolution described in subsection (a) introduced in the Senate shall be referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate. © Discharge- If the committee to which a resolution described in subsection (a) is referred has not reported such resolution (or an identical resolution) by the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits to Congress the proposal under section 204, such committee shall be, at the end of such period, discharged from further consideration of such resolution, and such resolution shall be placed on the appropriate calendar of the House involved. (d) Consideration- (1) On or after the third day after the date on which the committee to which such a resolution is referred has reported, or has been discharged (under subsection ©) from further consideration of, such a resolution, it is in order (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) for any Member of the respective House to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution. A Member may make the motion only on the day after the calendar day on which the Member announces to the House concerned the Member's intention to make the motion, except that, in the case of the House of Representatives, the motion may be made without such prior announcement if the motion is made by direction of the committee to which the resolution was referred. All points of order against the resolution (and against consideration of the resolution) are waived. The motion is highly privileged in the House of Representatives and is privileged in the Senate and is not debatable. The motion is not subject to amendment, or to a motion to postpone, or to a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consideration of the resolution is agreed to, the respective House shall immediately proceed to consideration of the joint resolution without intervening motion, order, or other business, and the resolution shall remain the unfinished business of the respective House until disposed of. (2) Debate on the resolution, and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 2 hours, which shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the resolution is not in order. A motion further to limit debate is in order and not debatable. A motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the resolution is not in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the resolution is agreed to or disagreed to is not in order. (3) Immediately following the conclusion of the debate on a resolution described in subsection (a) and a single quorum call at the conclusion of the debate if requested in accordance with the rules of the appropriate House, the vote on final passage of the resolution shall occur. (4) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a resolution described in subsection (a) shall be decided without debate. (e) Consideration by Other House- (1) If, before the passage by one House of a resolution of that House described in subsection (a), that House receives from the other House a resolution described in subsection (a), then the following procedures shall apply: (A) The resolution of the other House shall not be referred to a committee and may not be considered in the House receiving it except in the case of final passage as provided in subparagraph (B)(ii). (B) With respect to a resolution described in subsection (a) of the House receiving the resolution-- (i) the procedure in that House shall be the same as if no resolution had been received from the other House; but (ii) the vote on final passage shall be on the resolution of the other House. (2) Upon disposition of the resolution received from the other House, it shall no longer be in order to consider the resolution that originated in the receiving House. (f) Rules of the Senate and House- This section is enacted by Congress-- (1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of a resolution described in subsection (a), and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and (2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House. SEC. 206. EFFECTIVE DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM. (a) In General- For purposes of this Act and the amendments made by this Act, the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affair disability compensation system is the date, as provided in subsection (b), on which the authority of Congress under section 205 to disapprove the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on veterans disability compensation and veterans transition benefits under section 204 expires, but only if Congress does not so disapprove the proposal of the Secretary before such date. (b) Disapproval by Congress- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall not implement the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system if a joint resolution is enacted, in accordance with section 205, disapproving the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on veterans disability compensation and veterans transition benefits under section 204 before the earlier of-- (A) the end of the 85-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary submits the proposal to Congress; or (B) the adjournment of Congress sine die for the session during which the proposal is submitted. (2) COMPUTATION OF PERIODS- For purposes of paragraph (1) and section 205, the days on which either House of Congress is not in session because of an adjournment of more than three days to a day certain shall be excluded in the computation of a period. © Enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation System Defined- For purposes of this Act and the amendments made by this Act, the term `enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system' means-- (1) the elements of the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on veterans disability compensation and veterans transition benefits under section 204; and (2) the amendments to section 1155 of title 38, United States Code, made by section 207(a) of this Act; and (3) chapter 12 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 207(b) of this Act. SEC. 207. ENHANCED DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM. (a) Modification of Schedule of Ratings To Account for Loss of Earning Capacity and Quality of Life- (1) IN GENERAL- Section 1155 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: `Sec. 1155. Schedule for rating disabilities `(a) In General- The Secretary shall adopt and apply a schedule of ratings of disability of veterans associated with specific injuries or combinations of injuries. `(b) Scope of Ratings- (1) For veterans for whom disability compensation is payable under this chapter, the ratings under subsection (a) shall be based, as far as practicable, upon the average impairments of earning capacity in civil occupations resulting from the injuries concerned. `(2) For veterans for whom disability compensation is payable under chapter 12 of this title, the ratings shall reflect, as far as practicable, each of the following: `(A) Average loss of earning capacity, such as inability to work in certain occupations. `(B) Quality of life, such as activities of independent living, recreational and community activities, and personal relationships, including the inability to participate in favorite activities, social problems related to disfigurement or cognitive difficulties, and the need to spend increased amounts of time performing activities of daily living. `© Grades of Disability- (1) For veterans for whom disability compensation is payable under this chapter, the schedule of ratings shall be constructed so as to provide ten grades of disability and no more, upon which payments of compensation shall be based, namely 10 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, and total, 100 percent. `(2) For veterans for whom disability compensation is payable under chapter 12 of this title, the schedule of ratings shall be constructed-- `(A) at the discretion of the Secretary in light of the study required by sections 201 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act, so as to provide such number of grades of disability as the Secretary considers appropriate; `(B) at the discretion of the Secretary in light of the study referred to in subparagraph (A), so as to provide either-- `(i) the assignment to veterans of separate grades of disability reflecting each matter specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(2); or `(ii) the assignment to veterans of a single grade of disability reflecting both such matters; and `© if provided in the schedule at the discretion of the Secretary in light of the study referred to in subparagraph (A), so as to reflect in the grade of disability assignable to a veteran for average loss of earning capacity the effect of the age of the veteran on the potential future earnings of the veteran at the time of assignment. `(d) Adjustment- The Secretary shall from time to time adjust the schedule of ratings in accordance with experience. `(e) Preservation of Rating- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), an adjustment in the schedule of ratings under subsection (d) shall not cause a veteran's disability rating in effect on the effective date of the adjustment to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred. `(2) An adjustment in the schedule of ratings may result in a reduction in a veteran's disability rating as provided in section 1205 of this title.'. (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 1155 and inserting the following new item: `1155. Schedule for rating disabilities.'. (3) EFFECTIVE DATE- Except as provided in paragraph (4), this subsection and the amendments made by this subsection shall take effect, if at all, on the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system as determined in accordance with section 206. (4) ANTICIPATION OF IMPLEMENTATION- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take appropriate actions to ensure that the amendments made by this subsection are implementable on the effective date described in paragraph (3) in the event of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system on that date. (b) Disability Compensation for Loss of Earning Capacity and Quality of Life and Transition Payments for Participation in Medical or Rehabilitational Regimen- (1) IN GENERAL- Part II of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 11 the following new chapter: `CHAPTER 12--COMPENSATION AND TRANSITION PAYMENTS FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY `Sec. `1201. Compensation for service-connected disability: veterans not rated as service-connected disabled who file claims for compensation on or after implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system. `1202. Compensation for service-connected disability: veterans rated as service-connected disabled as of implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system who file claims on or after implementation. `1203. Rates of compensation. `1204. Transition benefits: payments; allowances. `1205. Periodic review of extent of disability. `1206. Prohibition on duplication of benefits. `Sec. 1201. Compensation for service-connected disability: veterans not rated as service-connected disabled who file claims for compensation on or after implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system `(a) In General- In the case of a veteran who has not been rated as having a service-connected disability under chapter 11 of this title as of the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act) and who files with the Secretary a claim with respect to disability on or after that effective date, for disability resulting from personal injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, or from aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, in the active military, naval, or air service, the United States will pay such veteran thus disabled and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from the period of service in which such injury or disease was incurred, or preexisting injury or disease was aggravated, compensation as provided in section 1203 of this title, but no compensation shall be paid if the disability is a result of such veteran's own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs. `(b) Rating of Disability- The rating of disability for which compensation is payable under this section shall be assigned utilizing the schedule of ratings under section 1155 of this title that is applicable to veterans for whom disability compensation is payable under this chapter. `© Limitations- (1) The payment of compensation pursuant to this section shall be subject to the provisions of sections 5110 and 5112 of this title. `(2) Compensation shall not be paid under this section to a veteran who is retired for disability under subchapter II of chapter 61 of title 10 pursuant to section 1206a of that title for any period before the first day following termination of the veteran's receipt of benefits under section 1204 of this title. `Sec. 1202. Compensation for service-connected disability: veterans rated as service-connected disabled as of implementation of enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system who file claims on or after implementation `(a) In General- In the case of a veteran who is rated as having a service-connected disability under chapter 11 of this title as of the effective date of the implementation of the enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation system (as determined in accordance with section 206 of the America's Wounded Warriors Act) who files with the Secretary a claim with respect to such disability or disabilities, or another disability, on or after that date, for disability resulting from personal injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, or from aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, in the active military, naval, or air service, the United States will pay such veteran thus disabled and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from the period of service in which such injury or disease was incurred, or preexisting injury or disease was aggravated, compensation as provided in section 1203 of this title, but no compensation shall be paid if such disability is a result of such veteran's own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs. `(b) Rating of Disability- The rating of disability for which compensation is payable under this section shall-- `(1) take into account all service-connected disabilities of the veteran concerned, including any disability for which such veteran was rated as having a service-connected as described in subsection (a) and the disability with respect to which such veteran files a claim as described in that subsection; and `(2) be assigned utilizing the schedule of ratings under section 1155 of this title that is applicable to veterans for whom disability compensation is payable under this chapter. `© Limitation- The payment of compensation pursuant to this section shall be subject to the provisions of sections 5110 and 5112 of this title. `Sec. 1203. Rates of compensation `(a) In General- For purposes of sections 1201 and 1202 of this title, the rates of compensation payable for disabilities shall be the applicable rates specified for grade of disability in the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 204(2) of the America's Wounded Warriors Act. `(b) Reduction for Persons Incarcerated for Conviction of a Felony- The payment of compensation for disabilities under sections 1201 and 1202 shall be subject to the provisions of section 5313 of this title. `© Source of Funds- Amounts for the payment of compensation under this section shall be derived from amounts available in the Compensation and Pension account of the Department of Veterans Affairs. `Sec. 1204. Transition benefits: payments; allowances `(a) Eligible Veterans- For purposes of this section, an eligible veteran is any veteran who is retired under subchapter II of chapter 61 of title 10 pursuant to section 1206a of that title. `(b) Monthly Transition Payments- (1) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Secretary shall pay to each eligible veteran a monthly transition payment. `(2) A veteran entitled to monthly transition payments under this subsection shall be paid-- `(A) a monthly transition payment in an amount equal to the amount specified with respect to the veteran in the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 204(3) of the America's Wounded Warriors Act for each of the first three months beginning on the date of the veteran's retirement as described in paragraph (1); and `(B) a one-time prorated payment of such amount for the remaining portion of the month in which the retirement of the veteran occurred. `(3) No payment shall be made to a veteran under this subsection for any period for which a rehabilitation transition allowance is paid the veteran under subsection ©. `© Rehabilitation Transition Allowance- (1) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Secretary shall pay to each eligible veteran who is participating in a rehabilitation program under chapter 17 or 31 of this title a monthly rehabilitation transition allowance described in paragraph (3) during the period described in paragraph (4). `(2)(A) For purposes of this subsection, a veteran shall be treated as participating in a rehabilitation program under chapter 17 of this title if, as determined by the Secretary, the veteran is participating in an intensive treatment program under that chapter for a service-connected disability which program is intended to assist the veteran in restoring the veteran's ability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. `(B) For purposes of this subsection, a veteran shall be treated as participating in a rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title during any period, as determined by the Secretary, during which the veteran is eligible, notwithstanding paragraph (7), for the subsistence allowance authorized by section 3108(a)(1) of this title. `(3)(A) The amount of the monthly rehabilitation transition allowance payable to a veteran under this subsection is the amount equal to the amount specified with respect to the veteran in the proposal of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 204(3) of the America's Wounded Warriors Act. `(B) For any month in which an eligible veteran participates in a rehabilitation program described in paragrap

moved posts to http://www.hadit.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16246 Link To Bill Link To Contact Congress Regarding America's Wounded Warriors Act - S. 2674

this post was originally posted by Lflint33 it was then hijacked by another member who has been banned for attacking other members. Lflint33 i'm sorry about this it happens from time to time. i've put all posts dealing with your question back and removed the banned poster comments.

http://www.hadit.com/Definitions

try clearing your browser cache and see if that helps.

one of our members contacted me and said in the last few weeks it is taking very long for her load pages and read posts. i'm not having any problems on my end, but wanted to check with you all to see if anyone else is having any problems or if you have any suggestions. thanks

zowie! that is great news betty, way to hang in, now take it easy, breath...breath. very happy for you sister, it's been hard, very hard for you, but hard does not equal impossible and you are proof of that.

this may be helpful http://www.hadit.com/Definitions

this poll was requested by rsg and he was kind enough to provide the following links for further information http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/treasure/tre_toc.html http://www.scorecard.org/env-releases/land...1170090087#maps http://www.scorecard.org/env-releases/land...id=CA1170090087 http://www.sfweekly.com/2006-05-24/news/toxic-acres/ http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/p...bal_id=38370044 http://www.sfweekly.com/2007-02-21/news/dig-this/

you may find this link helpful http://www.hadit.com/VA_Claims_Law

to me it seems unlikely and if they do read the board, they would have to do some research to find out who you are, your display name is listed on the board, but not your email address, and they would have to be figure out who's display name is who and i just don't see government employee's putting in that much time, and not even sure how they would do it. it would seem that if they going to come after somebody on the board it would be me, and i've been doing this since 1997 and haven't had any ill effects on my claims, but i do believe that the claims process can make anyone paranoid including me. if you post a question about your claim, that information is probably already included in your claims folder or will be in a new claim you are following. so i wouldn't worry about this to much, however i understand why you do, i get into in my own paranoid thing myself, someone says the va banned the website at their local va and i worry, but you know so far so good and hadit.com is it's 11th year. this is my opinion.

this could me a difficult, if you had the hysterctomy in service it would be easier. i have no experience with this after discharge, but perhaps some of the others may have some advice for you. i am glad you still have your ovaries, it's tough enought without adding that to your mix. hang in sister

we spoke on the phone the day before he died, he wasn't doing well, but still made me smile, i called the next day and they said he was gone, i thought gone, gone where and they told me he had passed, he could always make me smile