De Anza College Veteran Services & Student Veterans Association Chapter

04/24/2020

Senate Passes the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020
This week, the Senate passed H.R. 6322, the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. The bill authorizes continued VA Work-Study payments during COVID-19 pandemic, among other important fixes and protections.

We’ve heard from many student veterans who rely on their pay from a VA Work-Study position to make ends meet while in school. Without this new law, the VA would not have been able to continue to pay this benefit if a school is closed or has no way to support the VA Work-Study position remotely. SVA applauds Congress’ swift action to the address the urgent needs of student veterans across the country.

At the beginning of this pandemic, SVA worked to immediately raise the flag on the potential loss of tuition and housing for any student in a program that converts from in-person to online learning, which may have impacted over half a million students. We led a coalition of over 70 organizations and colleges that resulted in the passage of a new law in about a week.

Since then, SVA has also addressed concerns with the loss of work-study income, changes in unemployment eligibility, and entitlement restoration to reduce the negative impacts COVID-19 will have on student veterans and military-connected students.

We know there is more work to do. We’re tracking issues related to course options during the summer term, shifts in terms impacting housing, and availability of internship options. We continue to work closely with Capitol Hill, the VA, and our VSO partners to understand and advocate for greater support for student veterans and their families during these unprecedented times.

As H.R. 6322 heads to the President’s desk, we look forward to an equally swift signature that finalizes these needed protections. As always, you can contact your SVA National Headquarters team if we can better connect with and support you in any way.

Visit Our Website & Follow Us On Social Media

04/23/2020

Virtual seminar on how Veterans and their caregivers can access VA Telehealth Services






- for Veterans, their Families, Caregivers and Survivors
Latest VA updates on COVID-19: VA.gov/coronavirus
SIGN UP for this weekly newsletter. VIEW/SHARE as a page.
VA Podcast: Brian Marren, Human Behavior Pattern Recognition Expert
VNN: Quit smokeless to***co, new Champ VA App, 75th Anniversary of Iwo Jima
Instagram: Kansas City VA staff hand out goodie bags to Veterans

VA Partners with Treasury to Deliver Economic Impact Payments to Veterans and Survivors
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of ‘Economic Impact Payments’ to Veterans and survivors who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA without additional paperwork or IRS filings.
LEARN MORE
Veterans Benefits Quarterly Town Hall on April 30 to discuss Blue Water Navy, GI Bill, Veterans Benefits Banking Program.
________________________________________
Free e-books at Project Gutenberg

Veterans and their families have access to a catalog of more than 61,000 classic, free e-books and audio books at Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg also needs help digitizing, proofreading and formatting, recording audio books and reporting errors.
LEARN MORE
________________________________________
View your basic training photos on Together We Served.
________________________________________
One year free Premium LinkedIn account for Veterans, VA Caregivers, and Fry Scholars

VA is excited to partner with LinkedIn’s Military and Veterans Program to provide a one-year upgrade to LinkedIn Premium at no charge, including free access to LinkedIn’s online library of more than 12,000 learning courses.
LEARN MORE
________________________________________
VA, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Phillips invite you to watch a virtual seminar on how Veterans and their caregivers can access VA Telehealth Services amid the COVID-19 crisis.
________________________________________
VA Voluntary Service Celebrates more than 60,000 Volunteers, and how to donate!

National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2020) recognizes those who donate their time, talents and resources to support VA in it’s mission to care for Veterans. VA Volunteers served more than 9.2 million hours in fiscal year 2019.
VA is accepting donations of items like, phones and phone cards, non-perishable food items for VA food pantries, gift cars to grocery stores, UBER/LYFT transportation, puzzles, games, coloring books, iPads, and Facebook portals.
LEARN MORE
________________________________________
Discuss on RallyPoint: How has your civilian job changed in the past 6 weeks?
________________________________________
Self Care with 10 minutes of Tai Chi

Tai Chi helps increase your stamina and improve strength, flexibility, or balance. Join this guided session.
LEARN MORE
________________________________________
Brian Marren, Human Behavior Pattern Recognition Expert

Former Marine Sniper Brian Marren shares how all humans are not the same, but you can pick up on behavioral patterns. Through his work he has been able to help Tier One Military Units, Fortune 500 companies, churches, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies understand human behavior and pick up patterns of behavior that could help prevent disastrous actions.
LEARN MORE
LISTEN
________________________________________
Combat Veterans, Pro athletes come together online

Combat Veterans and former professional athletes are coming together for exercise and peer support through Merging Vets and Players.
Created by FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer and former NFL player and Army Green Beret Nate Boyer, the group brings together two communities to offer each other support.
LEARN MORE
________________________________________
Hear Veterans describe symptoms of PTSD.
________________________________________

Did you know the National Resource Directory has more than 14,000 vetted resources available to you right now? Resources like Mental Health America: Provides mental health resources and and information including where to get help in your community.
VAntage Point
• VR&E pilots the Electronic Virtual Assistant (e-VA)
• How VA mobile apps protect your private information
• Live Whole Health: Self-care episode #7 – Cultivating Mindfulness
• Live Whole Health: Self-care episode #8 – Compassion
• Live Whole Health Self-Care Blog #9 – Paced Breathing for Anxiety and Stress
• Timeline on how VA prepared for COVID-19 outbreak, continues to keep Veterans safe
• Teaching VA caregivers wheelchair tai chi for Veterans
• Five innovative practices delivering results for Veterans
• New treatment for Veterans’ old headaches
• Army Veteran: “VA telehealth saved my life”
• VA telehealth ensures continuity of care for Veterans
• VA social workers arrange virtual family reunion
• Four reasons to pursue an occupational therapy career serving Veterans
VA News Releases
• VA acquires Texas community hospital to fight COVID-19 and care for Veterans in the future
• VA, DoD implement new capability for bidirectional sharing of health records with community partners
• VA’s telehealth system grows as Veterans have access to unlimited data while using VA Video Connect
• VA researchers to study COVID-19 in aging Veterans with dementia

Find a VA Facility near you.
FACILITY LOCATOR
Not sure where to start?
VA WELCOME KIT

________________________________________
No Veteran Should Be Without a Place to Call Home
Free Help for Homeless Veterans Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access VA’s services for homeless and at-risk Veterans
Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends
https://www.va.gov/homeless for more information
Limiting the spread of COVID-19 among homeless Veterans
________________________________________
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Did you know that VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 172 VA Medical Centers across the country? Make the Connection Resource Locator
Contact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255.)
________________________________________

RallyPoint is a great place to reach out to other Veterans about their mental health. You can discuss topics like How are you taking care of yourself right now?
________________________________________
Want to receive this newsletter or other VA updates?







Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Affairs. Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe. Get this as a forward? Sign Up to receive updates from Veterans Affairs. Having questions or problems? Please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com for assistance.
If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call 1-800-273-8255 and (PRESS 1) or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Please remember the only secure way to ask personal questions is at https://iris.custhelp.com.

Veterans Crisis Line For immediate crisis counseling please contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Help is available 24 hours a day.

04/03/2020

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


April 2020

Veterans Benefits Newsletter


Get Your Benefits Virtually
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) continues to provide Veterans with benefits and services while shifting to a virtual environment in response to the Coronavirus. Many in-person services are already available over the phone or online, and VBA is expanding the use of existing technologies to remain accessible to Veterans, service members, and their families.


________________________________________

Your GI Bill Benefits Are Safe
VA will continue to pay GI Bill benefits regardless of the change from resident to online training to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Students will continue to receive the same monthly housing allowance payments until December 21, 2020, or until their normal school resumes.
________________________________________

Manage Your Money with VA
Want to reduce your debt, secure a home loan, or create a family budget? VA is your partner. Veterans can access resources through VA and associated organizations to better manage their finances. Learn how VA can help secure your financial well-being.
________________________________________

Shape Your Future
Help shape your future, and your community's future, by responding to the U.S. 2020 Census. Your information can help the government plan and provide assistance and services for Veterans. Find out how you can participate in the Census.
________________________________________

Avoid Tax Refund Theft
Tax season is also tax refund identity theft season. This year's federal tax-filing deadline has been postponed 90 days, meaning more time for online criminals to hijack your identity. Learn how you can protect your information from tax identity theft.
________________________________________

Save the Date
Dive into all things benefits with the upcoming webcast on April 30 from the Under Secretary for Benefits, Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. where he will share the accomplishments and challenges from the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020. Register online to receive a reminder.


We’re Still Hiring
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is hiring. If you or someone you know is interested in a new career path, VBA offers many professional opportunities to both Veterans and civilians looking for new ways to serve. Careers offering competitive salaries, retirement plans, and paid leave are currently available!



Stay Up to Date on Veteran Employment Information
Get stats delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to the VETS monthly Veteran Employment Update or view the latest Veteran unemployment numbers.



Connect With Us

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. For questions or problems with the subscription service, visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.


Sent to [email protected] on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 1-800-827-1000

04/03/2020

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.




Greetings,
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is providing information about the sunset of making Disability Benefits Questionnaires available to the public on our website. VBA will continue to accept any evidence that Veterans or their accredited representatives wish to submit in support of disability compensation or pension claims. This message is intended to advise you about the change and provide guidance and resources.
What are Disability Benefits Questionnaires?
• Disability Benefits Questionnaires, or DBQs, are standardized forms used by clinicians when performing disability examinations (also known as Compensation & Pension exams or C&P exams). The purpose of a DBQ is to ensure the clinician performing the exam captures and records all the information needed by VBA claims processors to make a decision on a Veteran’s claim. The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) found in 38 Code of Federal Regulations Part 4 has very specific requirements for rating conditions claimed by Veterans, and if the required information is not properly recorded during the examination, it could delay the claim while VA goes back to gather the necessary information. DBQs help prevent this delay by standardizing and guiding what information is recorded for each condition.
• DBQs are used by both Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinicians and VA contract vendor clinicians. There are more than 80 different types of DBQs that cover the 15 body systems contained in the VASRD. They were originally designed and released in 2010 to not only standardize the capture of information during VA exams but also as an alternative for Veterans to take to their treating physicians, particularly if they were living overseas or in rural areas where getting a VA exam was more difficult.
Why has VA removed DBQs from its public-facing website?
VA continues to use DBQs during C&P exams conducted by VHA and VA’s contracted vendor clinicians. There are several reasons why VA decided to discontinue making DBQs available for public use.
• We have modernized. VBA is currently more than half-way through the process of updating all body systems in the VASRD. This is the first complete update of the VASRD since the 1945 Schedule. As each body system is updated, so are the corresponding DBQs. For DBQs used internally by VA, the updated forms are available immediately. However, for DBQs available publicly, VA must engage in the formal process required any time a public-facing form is modified, which can take more than a year. This has resulted in outdated forms being available publicly, which can result in a Veteran submitting a DBQ from a private doctor and then being scheduled for a VA C&P exam to gather more information.
• We have increased our capacity to conduct C&P exams. To supplement VHA’s internal capacity to conduct C&P exams, VBA has contracted with three primary vendors to provide exams across the country. This has expanded the agency’s ability to conduct exams in more places than just traditional VA Medical Centers and Outpatient Clinics. The contracted clinicians can provide wider coverage, especially in rural areas and in conducting exams in federal and state prison facilities. Also, one of VBA’s contract vendors conducts C&P exams in 33 countries overseas, where VHA does not have a presence.
• We are safeguarding against fraud. In the past few years, we have seen a growing industry of individuals and companies marketing the service of completing DBQs for Veterans. Some have provided honest, valuable service to Veterans. However, VA has made hundreds of referrals to the VA Office of Inspector General of individuals and companies who are engaged in questionable, even fraudulent, practices that include charging high prices for completing DBQs or submitting DBQs with findings that are vastly different than the other evidence in the Veteran’s claims folder. Also, it is a requirement that DBQs submitted by a private provider must be based on an exam conducted in person. VA’s OIG recently issued an audit report about providers who were completing DBQs for Veterans remotely and recommended that VA revisit its practice of making public-facing DBQs available.
Will VA continue to accept evidence from my private physician?
• Yes. VA accepts any evidence that a Veteran or his/her accredited representative chooses to submit in support of a claim. Once all evidence is received, VBA claims processors review and weigh the evidence overall as part of the decision-making process.
• Veterans may submit private treatment records or request that VBA obtain those records on their behalf in support of their claims.
• Key methods that private medical records can be submitted are as follows:
o Veteran/Private treatment provider can send medical records directly to the
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444,
Janesville, WI., 53547-4444
or submit to VA regional office.
o VA will request records with a VA Form 21-4142 and VA Form 21-4142a signed by the Veteran.
o Private treatment records can be uploaded as part of an on-line submission of a claim at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
Resources
• We encourage all Veterans to work with an accredited organization for assistance in completing claims for VA benefits. The accredited representative can help in guiding the Veteran in submitting applicable medical records for consideration in his or her claim.
• A list of accredited organizations can be found on the Office of General Counsel site at this link: Search the VA Office of the General Counsel’s list.
Questions on Claims?
You can start and continue to file claims with no delay.
How to start or continue a claim:
1. File a claim online at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ or https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/
2. Fax a claim to VA’s Centralized Mail hub at (844) 531-7818
3. Submit completed applications by paper mail
For individuals who need more assistance, VBA offers robust resources through the National Call Center (NCC) at 1-800-827-1000.
Intent to file a claim:
• Faxing or mailing a completed VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC,
o Calling the NCC or Veterans Service Center,
o Starting a claim online, or
o Asking a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to complete one on a claimant’s behalf.
Note: Intent to file a claim will preserve a potential effective date and allow the Veteran up to one year to submit a completed claim form. Veterans can also work with a local VSO to submit claims electronically or by mail.

A grateful nation thanks you for your service.
Sincerely,
Veterans Benefits Administration
________________________________________

Connect With Us

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. For questions or problems with the subscription service, visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

Learn how to file a VA disability claim for a service-connected disability. File a disability claim online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a professional. Review the documents and information you'll need before you get started.

03/10/2020

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.




Greetings,
Veterans enrolled in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, this message is for you!
VR&E continues to excel in providing a wide array of benefit delivery options. As a reminder, Tele-counseling is one option you can use to keep in touch with your Counselor in our ever-changing world.
What is Tele-counseling?
Tele-counseling, which is accessible on any web-enabled device with a we**am and microphone (Smartphone, Tablet or Laptop), allows you to meet with your Counselor virtually through VA Video Connect. There is no need to download specialized software or obtain unique usernames and passwords. Access to a scheduled counseling session is obtained through a unique link sent directly to you and is valid for that counseling session only.
Tele-counseling increases VA’s responsiveness to your needs, reduces travel costs and time, and improves your access to necessary VR&E services. If interested in this service, we encourage you to contact your Counselor as soon as possible. Participation is voluntary and not required.
We are excited to offer you Tele-counseling as another way to receive personalized, interactive face-to-face care regardless of where you live.
A grateful nation thanks you for your service.
Sincerely,
-VR&E Service
________________________________________

Connect With Us

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. For questions or problems with the subscription service, visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.


Sent to [email protected] on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 1-800-827-1000

03/10/2020

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


March 2020

Veterans Benefits Newsletter


Train for a Career in IT
Do you have at least one day of GI Bill entitlement remaining and are seeking a career in the high-tech industry? VA’s Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses pilot program, or VET TEC, can help you reach that goal. VET TEC will pay tuition and fees as well as a housing allowance while you earn your certification. Learn more about how the VET TEC program can help you with a career in IT!

________________________________________

Improving Veterans Appeals
VA is committed to helping you through your appeals process. Appeals Modernization provides Veterans with three review lanes from which to choose from. Learn how Veterans can appeal a compensation claim decision directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
________________________________________

Supporting Women Veterans
Women Veterans have a long and important history of service in the U.S. military. VA is dedicated to providing them with a wide range of benefit services and programs. Learn about the benefits available to you, as well as the services provided at VA's Center for Women Veterans.
________________________________________

Follow Us on Instagram
Did you know you can follow Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) on Instagram? Be one of the first to learn about benefit updates, VBA job openings, events, and stories of fellow Veterans by following on Instagram today!


The American Legion at 101
The American Legion, which turns 101 years old in March, is the nation’s largest Veterans Service Organization. Growing in membership this year after passage of the 2019 LEGION Act, the American Legion remains committed to its core pillars of service and support for Veterans, defense, youth, and Americanism. American Legion Magazine Editor, Jeff Stoffer, recently spoke with VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., about VBA’s pursuit of its .



Stay up to date on Veteran employment information
Get stats delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to the VETS monthly Veteran Employment Update or view the latest Veteran unemployment numbers.



Connect With Us

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. For questions or problems with the subscription service, visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.


Sent to [email protected] on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 1-800-827-1000

12/16/2019

Hello,

Looking for a way to connect the spouses in your military community with rewarding careers and convenient networking events? RecruitMilitary and DAV are providing a great opportunity for this through a Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair on January 15th, 2020. Our goal is to help all military spouses find meaningful employment by providing an online event where job seekers can meet with employers conveniently from their own homes. In pursuit of this effort, I would like to invite you to share the RecruitMilitary/DAV Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair with your community.

Please feel free to forward the following event link, which includes all relevant information. If the hyperlink was removed, simply copy and paste the link into your browser to view the event page.

Event link: https://go.hirevets.com/e/414342/5b-2929-4d6d-9ec7-aaed0133369b/jpmslj/750297463?h=QcVTiyL7WoOtouxJacIGj5Y4m7yvbyUMf1VqqT-bFc4

What: DAV/RecruitMilitary Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair
Where: Online from anywhere you have an internet connection at https://go.hirevets.com/e/414342/MilitarySpouses/jpngfx/750297463?h=QcVTiyL7WoOtouxJacIGj5Y4m7yvbyUMf1VqqT-bFc4
When: Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Event link https://go.hirevets.com/e/414342/5b-2929-4d6d-9ec7-aaed0133369b/jpmslj/750297463?h=QcVTiyL7WoOtouxJacIGj5Y4m7yvbyUMf1VqqT-bFc4

Due to my travel schedule, email is the most efficient means of communication. Please direct any questions there and I will be happy to assist you. I will reach out just before the event in case you may need the information again or come across any questions.

Thank you for your service,
Adam O’Toole
Director, Partner Relations
RecruitMilitary, LLC | Bradley-Morris, Inc.
US Army – Infantry Veteran (OIF)

https://go.hirevets.com/unsubscribe/u/414342/8ec616dc63f9396119e19a1298a486980c9f5fe4734255a8cfb7b026c41828c9/750297463

08/14/2019

Military Hiring Fair - Connect with Local and National Employers! 09.06.2019

07/18/2019

ShopVCS.com offers discounts on name brand items such as North Face, YETI, Under Armour and much more.

06/11/2019

2019 Veteran Scholars Celebration
Thursday, June 20th
3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Campus Center
Fireside Lounge

06/03/2019

Serving Veterans and their families.

04/29/2019

We're excited to let you know that Microsoft's Military Affairs division has asked Veterans2Work to develop a Veteran Career Tracking application, using the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform.

What's significant about this project is that program trainees – YOU – will help make it happen. Working with experienced professionals, you’ll apply your new training to help design, configure and implement a working software application that will be used by Microsoft to support its own veteran relationships.
This is a uniquely valuable opportunity to combine your training with hands-on, mentored experience in an actual, full-project-life-cycle work setting. Your contributions will become part of the working application–while helping you qualify for a great job.

Mark your calendars for our kickoff conference call on May 13 at 10 AM Pacific Time. Going forward, project review calls will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 AM PDT for eight weeks. Each call will last about 20 minutes, with extra time on Fridays.

There is still time to register for the program. You'll receive details once you are registered.

We are proud to partner with Microsoft, a leader in cloud-based CRM and enterrpise applications. With more 50,000 business customers, demand for the skills you'll acquire is very strong. Through our Cloud Computing Career Launch program, you will receive training, support and placement assistance. Based on similar programs we've run in the past, and depending on your effort, you can expect to be fully employed within a few weeks or months.

Our program is open to active duty military, veterans and spouses and is completely free of charge. No prior experience necessary, and your success is completely up to you.

We love helping fellow veterans succeed!

The Veterans2Work Team
Helping veterans and businesses succeed together
415-925-1515