President’sReport

3

Executive Director’s Report

4

Service Officer’s Report

5

Sports & Recreation6

WashingtonUpdate

8

9-Month Drawing Winners

9

VA Town Hallin Plymouth

11

VA News12

InsideWhat’s

continued on page 14

Vol. LXV, #6 The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaJune 2015

a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes

CORD WORDWORDCORD Paralyzed Veterans of America Wraps Up 69th Annual Convention With Renewed Commitment to Support Disabled Veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America wrapped up its 69th annual Convention in San Diego on May 9, 2015, with a commitment to ensure veterans of every era have access to the

care, benefits and jobs they have earned and

deserve. The annual Convention gathers leaders

and representatives from Paralyzed Veterans of

America’s 34 chapters and national organiza-

tion to discuss major issues facing veterans with

disabilities, including accessing quality health

care, obtaining benefits and transitioning into a

civilian job after military service.

“The national board of directors and executive

leadership of Paralyzed Veterans of America

have worked together all year to determine the

organization’s most viable course as we look

ahead,” said Sherman Gillums, Jr., deputy exec-

utive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“Our programs are stronger than ever, and I’ve

never seen a more collegial tone as we deliberate

on confronting the challenges and uncertainties

that impact our members, starting with access to

quality healthcare and full benefits.”

The weeklong event formally kicked off on

Tuesday, May 5, with an opening keynote by

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob

McDonald, who used the platform to touch on

critical topics, including the backlog, ending

veterans’ homelessness, the VA Choice Program

and improving the culture at VA

to provide better experiences for

veterans.

McDonald also urged Congress

to appropriate sufficient fund-

ing in the areas of construction,

information technology and staff

to meet the needs of an aging

veteran population.

“In 40 years, we will have the

same issues we have now,” Mc-

Donald said. “When Iraq and

Afghanistan veterans get older,

VA Secretary Robert McDonald spoke during

the opening ceremonies of the 69th PVA An-

nual Convention in San Diego, CA.

”

”

During the convention, we

established a solid founda-

tion that we’ll build upon

in the coming year.Sherman Gillums, Jr.,

Deputy Executive Director of PVA

Cord Word June 2015

www.nepva.org

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081

TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: info@nepva.org

web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Wayne RossSecretary, Peter MooreTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Neal Williams

EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter FarringtonMike Guilbault Jim WallackNeal Williams

Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081

Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.

PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Craig CascellaMembership Officer, Craig CascellaMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Craig CascellaSports Director, Brad CarlsonAssistant Sports Director, Mike GuilbaultBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Chairman, Judy Goldstein

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Mike GuilbaultWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Craig CascellaNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Craig CascellaManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Craig CascellaTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams

STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman

2

of our Chapter Members

Frank T. Della Penna

Norman E. Houle

Ray S. Mason

Paul D. Sones

We deeply regret the passing

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C

BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607

Fax: (617) 723-7467Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. Badzmierowski

Senior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER

BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330

Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermontTEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829

TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911Senior National Service Officer, John Stansbury

Secretary, Violet Bates

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEBROCKTON VAMC

940 BELMONT ST., BLDG. 3 ROOM 207BROCKTON, MA 02301

TEL: (774) 826-2219FAX: (774) 826-3167

National Service Officer III, Heather CherniackEast-North Area Manager

June 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 3

By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President

President’s Report

continued on page 7

On this past May 4-8, I at-tended PVA’s 69th Annual Convention in lovely San Diego, CA. Also in attendance with me

at the Convention was Chapter Execu-

tive Director and Government Relations

Director Debra Freed. PVA conducts

many different forms of business dur-

ing the Convention, such as discussing

past, recent, and future activities, PVA

policies and procedures, business resolu-

tions, and election of PVA Officers.

Many of PVA’s staff were in attendance

at the meeting and PVA staff in Wash-

ington, D.C. were able to give reports

and answer any questions posed by the

National Board of Directors via video

teleconferencing. Some highlights of the

meeting included:

PVA Speedy Award (Member Cat-

egory - both posthumously):

Jerry Dugan and David Fowler

PVA Speedy Award (Non-Member

Category): Siro DeGasperis and

Doug Vollmer

Guest Speakers: The Honorable Bob

McDonald, Secretary, Department of

Veterans Affairs and Lu Lastra, Master

Chief SEAL (Ret.). The day prior to

the start of the Convention, Secretary

McDonald had the opportunity to tour

the San Diego VAMC SCI Unit with

PVA President Al Kovach and PVA

Deputy Executive Director Sherman

Gillums. In speaking to meeting attend-

ees, Secretary McDonald elaborated on

how important it was visiting the SCI

Unit as it gave him a unique perspective

of the care provided by SCI staff, and

needed for SCI/D veterans. Secretary

McDonald was very cordial and sincere

in discussing many issues facing our

Nation’s veterans and also answered

many questions posed by National

Directors in attendance.

Other items mentioned by Secretary

McDonald were:

* 70% of all U.S. doctors have trained

within the VA. Future hopes are that

many who have done so, will decide

to remain with the VA medical

system.

* The VA is the largest employer of

nurses, with the number totaling over

23,000.

* There were over two million VA tele-

health visits in 2014, serving over

700,000 veterans.

* 60% of VAMC’s are more than 50

years old. U.S. Congress has unfor-

tunately under-funded the VA infra-

structure budget by more than $7.9

billion. This is simply unacceptable,

as it detracts from advancements in

healthcare delivered and received at

various VAMC’s across the coun-

try. U.S. Congress has also refused

to close unused areas of various

VAMC’s across the country, which

has cost taxpayers over $25 million

annually.

* On a positive note, VA claims back-

logs are down by 71%, said backlogs

are considered more than 125 days.

The second guest speaker, Lu Lastra,

Master Chief SEAL (Ret.), gave a terrif-

ic motivational speech to all attendees.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1981 and

graduated SEAL Training Class 118 in

1982. He has received numerous awards

and recognitions.

He was credited

with being

the young-

est SEAL

ever selected

to SEAL

Team Six.

Among other topics

he broached during his

speech, he drew analogies between

when many of those in attendance

served in the military and experienced

the need for teamwork while serving

our country, and similarly, business or-

ganizations such as PVA and its Chap-

ters also being a team, to best serve our

membership and fellow veterans and

co-workers.

One major business matter worth not-

ing was that PVA has received a major

bequest of $3 million from the Jeffrey

M. Carlton Trust. In fiscal year (FY)

2016, PVA will use the donation in the

following areas: Fundraising Diversifi-

cation Expenses: $900,000; TV/Media

Program: $750,000; PVA Web Site

redesign: $500,000; Salaries/Benefits

for 4 Future Full-Time Employees:

$400,000; New York PVA Office (to

serve members in the NY/NJ Region,

formerly territory of the past Eastern

PVA Chapter); Capital Campaign

Expense: $100,000.

PVA Awards were as follows:

* Dwain Taylor Volunteer Services

Award: Steven Kirk (Central Florida

Chapter) & Letitia Simons (Iowa

Chapter)

Cord Word June 2015

www.nepva.org

Executive Director’s Report

continued on page 5

By Debra FreedExecutive Director

PVA Convention & the ADA Symposium

The first half of May was very busy. I was honored to attend PVA’s 69th Annual Convention. This year’s Convention was held in San Diego, CA. I hadn’t been to San Diego since 1987. I went to visit an Air

Force buddy - Calvin Williams III (Willie) and my kid sister

Donna who was in the Navy and stationed on the U.S.S.

Jason. The ship happened to be docked in San Diego at the

time. It was great that she was allowed to give us a tour!

Our sister chapter, Cal-Diego was host for this year’s conven-

tion and put on quite the opening reception. We were treated

to a great time on the U.S.S. Midway. They had a band, three

parachutists - one with the American Flag and one with the

PVA Flag (photo below). It was pretty iffy if they were going

to be able to pull off the jump because of wind, as they had

to jump from about 2,000 feet. However, Mother Nature

held up the wind long enough for us to enjoy the jump and

watch them float down to the deck of the ship safely.

PVA deals with a lot of business in four days’ time. There

was only one time where the National Board of Directors

went into executive session and the remainder of the week

was open to Chapter delegates. On Wednesday May 6th, the

Association of Chapter Executive Directors (ACED) held

its meeting. There were four speakers: Dan Pattee- Navy

Federal Brokerage Services; Mindy Walker – PVA’s Wheels

Helping Warriors Program Director; Jason Clausen – CPA;

and Mark Dowis – PVA’s Development Director. All of the

National Vice Presidents and Immediate Past President Bill

Lawson were also present. A primary issue was why Chapter

Fundraising

Requests were

being held up

by PVA for

approval. What

we wanted

were the basic

reasons why

annual requests

that were ap-

proved in years past were not being granted

and what PVA was going to do about it.

PVA takes very seriously what it shares

with Chapter Delegates. I stated I

believe we were in agreement that

none of the other E.D.s wanted

privileged information, but help us

out here, what was it PVA wanted

and why the changes? Immediate

Past President Bill Lawson apologized

to the group and shared enough of the whys

and stated PVA was responsible for becoming lax on its re-

quirements for fundraising requests, as well as responsible for

its lack of communication between PVA and Chapters and

vowed to do better. Mr. Mark Dowis handed out a Power-

point presentation on what will now be required between

Legal & Development departments.

From San Diego (May 10th), I flew to Atlanta to attend

the ADA Symposium held in Atlanta, Georgia. There were

a number of changes made that will take affect between

this year and next – mostly the adoption of the ADA &

IBC (International Building Code). Because the ADA will

celebrate its 25th Anniversary this July, a record crowd was

in attendance. According to Jim de Jong, the Executive

Director for the Great Plains ADA Center and sponsor of the

annual symposium, every state of the union was represented

along with Guam, the Marianas Islands, and several foreign

countries. PVA’s Minnesota & North Central Chapters sent

delegates as well. PN Magazine was also in attendance.

While we are on the subject, I would like to remind ev-

eryone if you have any ADA issues, the Chapter does have

its own certified ADA Coordinator – Mr. Neal Williams.

Even though Neal does live in Maine, he would be able

to assist you with some issues. Please know the Chapter

wants everyone to have the same rights and freedoms as

any able-bodied person, and we do not deny anyone their

right to file a complaint and or even a lawsuit, but we abhor

June 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 5

Service Officer’s Report By Heather CherniackNational Service Officer III, MA & RI

Calculating one’s income for

purposes of the travel benefit

can have many variables. It is

important to look at all of them.

Do I Qualify For Travel?

One of the most difficult things that a veteran who has an SCI/D will face is the issue of travel. If a veteran is not able to drive or unable to afford a vehicle, the loss of independence can be staggering. Many

veterans rely on VA to inform them of their travel eligibil-

ity. However, it may be that many veterans with non-service

connected (NSC) SCI/D are being improperly informed that

they are not eligible for travel to and from their VA appoint-

ments. In this article we will inform the veteran of what the

travel regulations actually are and how you may qualify for

travel.

Basically there are some main qualifications for travel. If you

qualify under any of these categories then you also qualify for

special mode travel if your doctor deems it medically neces-

sary. According to 38 USC § 111 a veteran may qualify for

travel if a veteran has a service connected rating of 30 percent

or more, receives NSC pension, is traveling to the VA for

service connected treatment, or has an income that is under

the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). The first three

requirements are pretty standard. It is the last requirement

that is often not applied correctly.

The MAPR has many different variables. In order to see

the MAPR for a given year or situation you can check the

following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/cur-

rent_rates_veteran_pen.asp. A veteran who has an SCI/D

who has been deemed catastrophically disabled does meet

the criteria for Aid and Attendance (A&A) regardless if that

veteran is receiving pension. This means that the MAPR

for this veteran if the veteran is single is currently $21,466

annually not $12,868. This means that this veteran who is

catastrophically disabled could be receiving Social Security

and qualify for travel. This means that a veteran who before

had great difficulty traveling to the Spoke for routine care or

the Center for his or her annual exam may now qualify for

Special mode travel free of charge.

It should also be noted that dependents status and the de-

pendents need for A&A can also be taken into account when

calculating the MAPR. Just like calculating the MAPR for

pension, unreimbursed medical expenses can also be taken

into account. If a veteran has unreimbursed medical expenses

for his or her family, it is possible to claim those against the

veteran’s income in order to offset any income the veteran is

receiving. This may qualify the veteran for this travel benefit

as well.

Calculating one’s income for purposes of the travel benefit

can have many variables. It is important to look at all of

them. If you have questions regarding travel benefits or any

other benefit you should contact your local Paralyzed Veter-

ans of America National Service Officer.

frivolous suits. They detract from legitimate issues and waste

time and money for all parties. Before filing, please do your

homework. The ADA and DOJ websites are great and if you

believe there is a problem, then give us a shout!

Finally as May comes to a close, the weather is getting better

and outdoor activities will expand. The Veterans Games are

fast approaching – June 21 through June 26 in Dallas, TX.

The Chapter will again rent a truck, transport medical equip-

ment, medical supplies, and sporting equipment. If there is

room, we will also take luggage so individuals who are flying

will only have to deal with their carry on. I get asked this ev-

ery time we rent a vehicle: What happens if the truck breaks

down? Trust us, we have that contingency well covered. Look

for the Vet Games winners on the Chapter website and in the

August newsletter.

continued from page 4Exec. Director

Cord Word June 2015

www.nepva.org6

By Brad Carlson Sports Director

Sports & Recreation

Sail to PrevailJune 27-28, 2015 “PVA Weekend”

In collaboration with New England Paralyzed Veterans of America, this is a once-a-year event (usually in June) for disabled Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces to enjoy a weekend of sailing in beautiful Newport Harbor – the sailing capital of the world. Veterans or active military personnel with any type

of disability are encouraged to participate, including but not limited to paraplegics,

quadriplegics and amputees.

Location & LogisticsSailing is operated from our docks at

60 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI.

Participants in the PVA Weekend are

responsible for their own lodging.

However, depending on funds received

for this program from year to year, a

limited number of hotel rooms might be

available at no cost to participants who

request this financial assistance, on a

first-come, first-served basis.

At the docks, participants who need

assistance are boarded onto the sailboats using a transfer lift. They are then safely

secured into specially designed pivoting seats, allowing them the freedom of move-

ment to sail the boat. (Max. 5 sailors, plus a certified instructor, per boat.)

Bottled drinking water is provided while sailing. Please bring your own sunscreen,

hat, sunglasses and wet wear. We will provide sandwiches and beverage for lunch;

and a group dinner Saturday evening.

ScheduleArrive at the docks at 11:00 a.m.

Sailing will start at 12:00 noon.

For more information, contact

Sail to Prevail at 401-849-8898.

New England Summer Sports Clinic Providence, RI – July 20-24

NEPVA Bass Trail

September 11-13Lake Winnipesaukee

October 3-5Camp Pine Tree, Rome, Maine

Shooting Events8/21Monument Beach Club, Bourne 9/5Bellingham Police Range9/18Shawmee Rod and Gun Club9/24Pembroke Old Colony10/2Bass River Rod and Gun ClubContact Joan.Lynch@va.gov

GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER

June 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 7continued on page 12

* VA Volunteer Service Award: Freddy

Tamez (Dallas, TX VAMC)

* Bob Webb Excellence in a Newslet-

ter Award:

Kentucky-Indiana Chapter

* Chapter Web Site Award: Cal-Diego

Chapter

* Corporate Patriot Recognition

Award: Permobil, Larry Jackson, CEO

& Barry Steelman, Marketing Man-

ager

* Individual Giving Patriot Award:

Mike & Donna Buxton, on behalf of

the Jeffrey M. Carlton Trust

* Cliff Crase Award for Professional-

ism: Todd Kemery (Minnesota Chap-

ter)

* Harry A. Schweikert, Jr. Disability

Awareness Award: Eddie & Amanda

Riveira, Absolute Mobility

* President’s Award: Buckeye Chapter

PVA Election of Officers were

as follows:

* President: Al Kovach

* Senior Vice President: David Zurfluh

* Vice Presidents: Charles Brown, Joe

Fox, Ken Weas, & Hack Albertson

* Treasurer: Tom Wheaton

* Secretary: Larry Dodson

Lastly, on a lighter moment during the Convention, those familiar with me being a Chapter represen-tative at PVA meetings for many years,

know I am a Patriots fan & season ticket

holder since 1993. The Patriots & Tom

Brady “issue” of deflating footballs had

and have been major news in pro sports.

Just before taking a 15 minute break,

President’s Reportcontinued from page 3

Chapter 126 Sports & Fitness of Bristol, CT and Oak Hill of Hart-ford, CT recently held a wheelchair lacrosse clinic. For more infor-mation on future events, call 860-769-7051 or visit them on the web at www.chapter126.com and www.oakhillct.org

VA Expands Choice Program Eligibility, Effective ImmediatelyVA Will Now Determine Eligibility Using Driving Distance

WASHINGTON (April 24, 2015) – In order to expand eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it will determine eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program based on the distance between a Veteran’s place of residence and the nearest VA medical facility using driving distance rather than straight-line distance. This change has been published in the Federal Register and is effective immediately.

“VA is pleased to announce the distance calculation change from straight-line to driving distance for the Veterans Choice Program,” said Secretary Robert McDonald. “This update to the program will allow more Veterans to access care when and where they want it. We look forward to continued dialogue with Veterans and our partners to help us ensure continued improvements for Veterans’ to access care.”

The change from straight-line to driving distance roughly doubles the number of eligible Veterans. Letters are being sent to the newly eligible Veterans to let them know they are now eligible for the Veterans Choice Program under this expansion. If a Veteran does not remem-ber receiving a Veterans Choice Card or has other questions about the Choice Program, they can call (866) 606-8198.

Effective immediately, VA is also changing the mileage calculation for beneficiary travel. The change will ensure consistency in VA’s mileage calculations across the two programs. The beneficiary travel calculation will now be made using the fastest route instead of the shortest route.

For more details about the department’s progress and related information, see www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/factsheets_and_details.asp.

Cord Word June 2015

www.nepva.org8

FREE TO MEMBER

for contact info on these itemsCALL THE NEPVA OFFICE

Power WheelchairExcellent Condition

Needs batteriesPick up in Warwick, RI

Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department

On April 23, 2015, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to receive input

on several pieces of pending health care

legislation that are being considered

by the Subcommittee. Blake Ortner,

Deputy Director of Government Rela-

tions, testified on behalf of PVA.

PVA strongly supports the draft legisla-

tion to provide assisted reproductive

technology (ART), such as in-vitro

fertilization (IVF) to certain disabled

veterans. This legislation reflects a high

priority for PVA and our membership.

These services would ensure that veter-

ans are able to have a full quality of life

that would otherwise be denied to them

as a result of their service. While the

Department of Defense does provide

ART to service members and retired

service members, VA does not. When a

veteran has a service connected repro-

ductive injury they must bear the total

cost for any medical services should

they attempt to have children. For more

than a decade, improvements in medi-

cal treatments have made it possible to

overcome infertility and reproductive

disabilities, and veterans who have a

loss of reproductive ability as a result of

a service-connected injury should have

access to these advancements.

PVA generally supports draft legisla-

tion to require a yearly evaluation of

overall effectiveness of the Veterans

Health Administration in improving

access to care and the quality of it. In

order to improve this bill, PVA strongly

encourages adding language to rein-

state the reporting requirement on the

capacity of VHA to provide specialized

services to disabled veterans. VA has not

maintained its capacity to provide for

the unique health care needs of severely

disabled veterans as mandated by P.L.

104-262, the “Veterans’ Health Care

Eligibility Reform Act of 1996.”

PVA understands the intent of and

generally supports the “Toxic Exposure

Research Act of 2015.” This bill would

establish a national center for research

on the possible health conditions of

descendents of individuals exposed to

toxic substances while serving in the

Armed Forces.

PVA also supports H.R. 271, the

“COVER Act.” This legislation would

establish a commission to examine VA’s

current mental health therapy model

and the potential benefits of incor-

porating complementary alternative

therapies. It is PVA’s position that all

VA mental health care should meet the

specific, individual need of the veteran

seeking medical services, on a consis-

tent basis.

PVA supports H.R. 627, legislation that

would expand VA’s definition of “home-

less” to match the definition used by

the Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) since 1987. As

currently defined by VA, a veteran flee-

ing domestic violence, stalking, sexual

assault or the threat of, is not consid-

ered homeless and is unable to access

resources for homeless veterans. No

veteran should have to choose between

enduring violence and homelessness.

Without the change outlined in this bill

that is what they are forced to do.

PVA generally supports H.R. 1369,

the “Veterans Access to Extended Care

Act of 2015.” This bill would modify

the treatment of VA agreements with

service providers to furnish extended

care services, also known as Long-Term

Services and Supports (LTSS). H.R.

1369 would allow veterans to obtain

non-VA LTSS from local providers. The

bill would also allow LTSS providers

to enter into VA Provider Agreements,

rather than contracting with VA,

thereby avoiding the complex processes

required under the Service Contract

Act. The bill also includes VA review

requirements of provider licensing and

facilities. Finally, PVA supports H.R.

1575, a bill to make permanent the

pilot program on counseling in retreat

settings for women veterans newly sepa-

rated from service in the Armed Forces.

PVA’s full written statement can be

viewed at www.pva.org.

Washington Update PVA Testifies on Pending Legislation

June 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 9

Karen Butler Named Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts

Congratula-tions go out to NEPVA Bass Trail participant

Karen Butler who was

named Ms. Wheel-

chair Massachusetts on

March 21, 2015. “I am

honored and humbled

to have the opportu-

nity to continue my mission by educating leaders

and local communities by promoting awareness,

advocacy and change in public policy for individu-

als with physical disabilities,” said Karen in a letter

received by NEPVA.

Diagnosed with MS at the age of 18, Karen went

on to receive a BS in Psychology from Stonehill

College in 1994. For over ten years Karen worked

for Cerebral Palsy of MA/Options Program and

later with her partner Tom Lee, founded Butlee’s

Handicap Outdoor Adventures. She also serves the

National MS Society as a peer counselor.

Karen will go on to compete in the Ms. Wheel-

chair America pageant in Des Moines, Iowa, July

27th-August 2. The competition includes personal

interviews, platform speech presentations and on-

stage interviews.

We wish Karen the best of luck!

There’s Still Time to Join the Nine Month Drawing

The Nine Month Drawing began in April, but there are still many tickets available. It’s not too late to purchase your tickets for some great cash prizes up to as much as $1000.00 in the December

drawing. Tickets are $25.00 each. Purchase one ticket and you are

eligible to win every month until the final drawing in December.

Mail your check payable to NEPVA to the address below, along with

your name, address, phone number and your preference on ticket

number (subject to availability). Please indicate 9 Month Drawing on

your check memo. Thank you and good luck!

Mail your check to:

Paralyzed Veterans of America

New England Chapter

1600 Providence Hwy. Ste 143

Walpole, MA 02081

(If you’ve already purchased your tickets, thank you!)

OurNine Month Drawing

May winners

$50Thomas E. Joyce

Dover, NH

$25Kevin HilleryMedway, MA

$25Timothy Kelly

South Hadley, MA

Cord Word June 2015

www.nepva.org10

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health Examines Staffing at VA

On May 13, 2015, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sub-

committee on Health held a hearing entitled, “Overcoming Barriers

to More Efficient and Effective VA Staffing.” A goal of the Veterans

Access, Choice and Accountability Act was to address the staffing needs

across VA. According to the panelists, some of the most prominent causes of

understaffing are weak Human Resources departments, insufficient nursing

education opportunities, and an overly complicated application process.

The Veterans Health Administration is facing a shortage of corporate experi-

ence and HR staffing to support the hiring processes of health care profes-

sionals. Some highly qualified health care applicants were made to wait five

months for HR to process their applications. As a result, the applicants ac-

cepted non-VA jobs, forcing VA to recruit again. Support personnel have en-

dured unchanging pay structures for years. Downgrading of some positions,

such as Surgical Technicians, who were brought as GS7 level and recently

downgraded to GS5, makes it difficult to competitively recruit and retain.

PVA has long identified staffing challenges faced by VA, particularly in the

spinal cord injury service, through our annual site visits. We continue to

work with Congress and the VA to ensure that VA takes all steps available to

expand staff and improve capacity to deliver services.

June 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 11

“(Ride-Away) knew what to do. Dave made all the phone calls to the VA... saving me $25,000!”

Steve poses here with his Ride-Away Sales Consultant, Dave Qualey, of the Londonderry, NH facility.

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VA Leadership in MA Invites Veterans, Familiesand Public to Joint Town Hall in Plymouth

VA Boston Healthcare System along with the Regional Office of Veterans Ben-efits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration is hosting an opportunity for Veterans, family, media and community partners to provide feed-back on VA operations and give recommendations for improvement. Employees will be on hand to assist Veterans with addressing specific questions or concerns regard-ing Veteran healthcare, benefits and burial.

WHO: Leadership from VHA, VBA, NCA and staff membersWHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.WHERE: Plymouth Council on Aging, 44 Nook Road, Plymouth, MAMedia are Invited to Attend - RSVP to pallas.wahl@va.gov

This town hall is the fourth held by the VA in Massachusetts and is intended to provide local Veterans an open forum and for VA officials to hear directly from those who seek care at the medical center, receive benefits and utilize cemetery services. It is a step toward two-way communication that strengthens our partnership with the community and our Veterans.

The meeting is open to families, public, media, Congressional stakeholders, Veteran Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other community partners.

VA Boston Healthcare System is comprised of three main campuses located at West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain and Brockton with five community based outpatient clinics in Boston (Causeway Street), Framingham, Lowell, Plymouth and Quincy.

Make a Donation Today!

100% of your

tax deductible donation

goes to Chapter programs.

Mail your check payable to:

NEPVA

1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143

Walpole, MA 02081

Cord Word June 2015

www.nepva.org12

President’s Reportcontinued from page 7

VA NEWS

WASHINGTON (5/15/15) – In order

to make it easier for Veterans and their

families to receive their GI Bill benefits

where they choose, the Secretary of

Veterans Affairs has used his authority

to waive the provisions of Section 702 of

the Veterans Access, Choice and Ac-

countability Act of 2014 (Choice Act).

This action will ensure all GI Bill®

students are able to continue training at

their chosen institutions. Under Sec-

tion 702, VA must disapprove educa-

tion programs at public institutions for

Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI

Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD) benefits

if a school charges certain individuals

tuition and fees in excess of the resident

rate for terms beginning after July 1,

2015.

VA recognizes that the time allotted

for states and territories to comply with

Section 702 of the Choice Act is chal-

lenging for some states and schools due

to the process required to make legisla-

tive and/or policy changes. This limited

waiver by Secretary McDonald covers

programs that are not in compliance

for all terms beginning prior to Janu-

ary 1, 2016, in order to allow time for

non-compliant states and territories to

make the requisite legislative and policy

changes. VA is requesting all currently

non-compliant states and territories to

submit their plans to become compliant

to VA, through their State Approving

Agency, no later than June 15, 2015.

“Our military members and their

families make sacrifices that require

them to pack up and move with little

notice,” said Bob McDonald, Secretary

of Veterans Affairs. “They shouldn’t be

penalized after they leave military ser-

vice by burdensome residency require-

ments. This waiver will allow students

to continue receiving the GI Bill benefits

they’ve earned as states work to comply

with this important law.”

VA has provided technical assistance to

numerous states and many have reached

compliance. A list of states that are in

compliance is posted on the GI Bill

website. VA will update the list as states

become compliant.

VA Secretary Waives Resident-Rate Requirements of the Choice Act through December, 2015Ensures Continued GI Bill Benefits for Students While States Work to Comply with New Law

In general, the resident-rate provisions

of the Choice Act cover Veterans, as

well as their spouses and children, using

Post-9/11 GI Bill or MGIB-AD who

live in the state where they are attend-

ing school and who enrolled within

three years of the Veteran’s qualifying

discharge. To remain approved, schools

must charge tuition and fees at the resi-

dent rate to these covered individuals.

For more information on GI Bill

resident-rate requirements and to see

which states comply, visit the GI Bill

website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/

gibill/702.asp. Updates will also be

posted on the GI Bill Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/gibillEdu-

cation.

PVA President Al Kovach addressed the attendees with a personal mention and

specifically to myself. President Kovach stated with a slight smirk on his face,

“New England, and Craig, all I have to say is…sorry.” There was an immediate

loud laugh & applause throughout the gathering, as all of us knew it was a dig

at me & the New England Patriots, and seconds later on the video screens the

staff displayed a photo of Tom Brady. I then mentioned on the microphone, “Yes,

the Golden Boy seems to have lost a little bit of shine.” Well done indeed by my

fellow PVA friends.

As always, feel free to visit NEPVA’s web site (www.nepva.org), PVA’s

web site (www.pva.org), and the VA’s web site (www.va.gov) for up

to date and recent news. If you have any questions, comments, or

concerns please contact our office or your local NSO.

June 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 13

Cord Word June 2015

www.nepva.org14

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continued from page 1PVA Convention

we’re not going to be there for them. You can’t keep kicking

the can down the road.”

Coming out of the convention was a laundry list of targeted

priorities for the coming year, at the top of which will be

advocacy to ensure VA health care is fully funded. Other

top priorities include expanding spinal cord injury/disease

(SCI/D) long-term care options, advocating for Polytrauma

and Traumatic Brain Injury care and research, and preserv-

ing Social Security benefits for veterans.

Paralyzed Veterans of America national and chapter leader-

ship also will work together in the coming year to reach out

to women and Native American veterans, reduce barriers

to access for all persons with disabilities, and work towards

finding a cure for SCI/D.

Meanwhile, a first-ever Convention forum co-sponsored with

the Elizabeth Dole Foundation on May 7 also spotlighted

the unique needs and challenges of caregivers who support

disabled veterans. Ensuring pre-9/11 and post-9/11 caregiv-

ers are offered support, services

and resources was among the

top three priorities for advocacy

marked at this year’s Conven-

tion.

The hope, Gillums said, is that

Paralyzed Veterans of America

will see progress on many of

its goals before 2016, when it

celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The nonprofit organization,

which was founded in 1946,

remains the only congressionally

chartered veterans service orga-

nization that represents veterans

with SCI/D.

“During the convention, we es-

tablished a solid foundation that

we’ll build upon in the coming

year,” Gillums said. “I anticipate

reaching great milestones as we

near our 70-year anniversary,

and I intend to do my part to

get us there.”

June 2015Cord Word

www.nepva.org 15

Enjoyboth hands on the wheel !

KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find videos and com-ments from users and to request a quotation.

Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.

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Leominster, MA

Permit No. 17

New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081

tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412

Email: info@nepva.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games Dallas, TX – June 21-26, 2015

New England Summer Sports Clinic Providence, RI – July 20-24

Bass TrailSeptember 11-13 – Lake Winnipesaukee TournamentOctober 3-5 – Camp Pine Tree, Rome, Maine

Shooting Events8/21 – Monument Beach Club in Bourne 9/5 – Bellingham Police Range9/18 – Shawmee Rod and Gun Club9/24 – Pembroke Old Colony10/2 – Bass River Rod and Gun ClubContact Joan.Lynch@va.gov

Mark Your Calendar