The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaMay 2013 Vol. LXIII, #5
a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes
CORD WORDWORDCORD
President’sReport
3
Washington Update
3
Executive Director’s Report
4
Service OfficeReport
5
Sports Report7
PVA News9
PVAScholarship
10
Veterans Job Fair11
InsideWhat’s
continued on page 3
Long time volunteer Lee Cianca poses with NEPVA President
Craig Cascella at a recent NEPVA sponsored Pizza Party
at the West Roxbury VAMC. Article by Craig C. Cascella
President’s Report
As many of you are aware, the past week or
so here in the New England area have been
just overwhelming and hard to put in a logi-
cal or sensible context. Since the horrific events
carried out by two sociopathic cowards on
Marathon Monday in Boston, the Boston area,
New England region, and people all over the
country have shown tremendous strength and
courage, with citizens having a feeling of cama-
raderie and uniting as one. “Boston Strong” has
become a common theme here in the region as
individuals try and recover as best they can from
the senseless, terrorist acts carried out on that
sad Monday. There has been a groundswell of
support from all over the globe. All of the four
major professional Boston sports teams have
given many fans an outlet to show their support
for those who passed away, are still recovering
from injuries, and the first responders and all
citizens who assisted those injured as the hor-
rible event transpired. The government, various
task forces, and local and State police have given
many Americans a sense of comfort in knowing
how professional they were in identifying and
capturing the suspects so quickly under tremen-
dously difficult circumstances. Our thoughts
and prayers are with all those affected by the
tragedy on Marathon Monday, God Bless.
By the time you receive this issue of our newslet-
ter, PVA National Medical Services team mem-
bers will have finished conducting its annual
hospital site visit locally at the West Roxbury
VAMC on April 23rd and 25th & at the Brock-
ton LTC Unit on April 24th. I will have a brief
report on the site visit in the next issue of our
newsletter. I am sure the site visit will have been
a productive and positive visit at each facility.
NEPVA was very pleased to present a certificate
of appreciation for Judith Gilman, who has been
working with the Maine Veteran’s hospital in
Togus, Maine as a spinal cord injury nurse for
over 20 years. The ceremony was held on March
28th at the Togus VA, which was also her 70th
birthday. Thank you very much Judy for many
years of tireless and dedicated work in assist-
ing our members and other veterans with their
healthcare issues and needs.
On April 17th, I visited the West Roxbury
VAMC for a Chapter sponsored pizza party on
the SCI Unit. As usual, there was a great turn-
out. It is always a good time to socialize with
the in-patients, volunteers, and the VA Staff, as
well as to listen to or address any concerns they
may have. I later visited various departments
elsewhere in the facility, speaking with members
and VA staff, and also distributing our Chapter
newsletter.
Cord Word May 2013
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: [email protected]
web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Craig CascellaVice President, Dustin SorokaSecretary, Walter FarringtonTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Craig Cascella
EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonMike GuilbaultPeter Moore Wayne RossJim WallackNeal Williams
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) 723-7467
Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. BadzmierowskiSenior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace
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, Craig CascellaWest 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, Dustin Soroka
STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman
2
PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER
BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330
Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont
TEL:(207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911
National Service Officer III, John StansburySecretary III, Wendy Glidden
$50Robert McCallOakdale, CT
$25Lou Giovino
Mansfield, MA
$25Timothy Kelly
South Hadley, MA
OurNine Month Drawing
– April Winners –
May 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 3
By Craig C. Cascella NEPVA President
President’s Report
continued on page 12
continued from page 1
While there has been discussion on this topic for a few
years, PVA is in the process of having all Chapters modify or
change their logo. This is part of a branding process that will
likely help the general public in recognizing the PVA brand
and name, and its fellow Chapters. Below is a photo of what
our new logo will be.
There has been and continues to be
investigative and logistical work done
relating to the possibility that the
Veterans Games (sponsored by
PVA) may be in New England.
Providence, Rhode Island is a pos-
sible candidate as host city for the
Veterans Games in the future, no
year has yet been specified. If and when
any announcement is made on this subject
we will surely pass that along to our members.
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.
On March 20, the House Committee on Veter-
ans’ Affairs conducted a hearing to examine the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) progress in
addressing the claims backlog. Only one witness was invited
to address the Committee for the hearing, the Honorable
Allison Hickey, under secretary for benefits. She informed the
Committee that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
has completed more than one million disability compensa-
tion claims the last three years in a row, the highest numbers
in the history of VA. Under Secretary Hickey did admit that
too many veterans wait too long to get the benefits they have
earned and deserve. She emphasized that VBA continues to
execute a transformation plan that will enable VA to meet
Secretary Shinseki’s goal of claims completed in 125 days at a
98 percent accuracy level with the overall goal of eliminating
the claims backlog in 2015.
PVA submitted testimony for the record for the hearing.
PVA addressed workload issues explaining that historically
VBA was funded based on workload demands and staffing
budgets were predicated based on the perceived need to pro-
vide quality service to veterans. The number of authorized
full-time equivalent employees (FTEE) was based on antici-
pated workload and could also include additional services
that were deemed to be of value to veterans. The allocation
of resources, as funded by Congress, was based on the need
to provide adequate and timely services. As this paradigm
shifted to a limited funding available budgetary process,
which formulated FTEE requirements based on available
funding rather than workload demands, the dynamics of
claims processing became intertwined with issues unrelated
to the quality of service.
As the pressure on VA to reduce the backlog of pending
claims has increased, employees were strongly encouraged to
maximize their productivity. Emphasis on greater productiv-
ity was followed by the reduction of training time, employee
turnover, and lack of processing expertise that resulted in
the error rate climbing significantly. The quality of claims
VA Committee Addresses Veterans’ Benefits Claims Backlog
Washington Update Produced by PVAGovernment Relations Department
Cord Word May 2013
www.nepva.org4
By Debra FreedExecutive Director
Executive Director’s Report
continued on page 6
No Time For Complacency
It’s amazing that May is already here
and so too the warmer weather.
Well, okay, almost warmer weather!
At least most of the snow is now gone.
At the Chapter’s Board of Director’s
meeting (held April 10th) a couple of
issues came up concerning air travel.
The first part of the issue concerns
accessible transportation to and from
Logan Airport via a commuter lot. A
Chapter member and his wife were leav-
ing on vacation and believed they made
all the necessary arrangements concern-
ing accessible transportation, well, they
thought they did.
The member stated they had contacted
Mass-Port as Mass-Port overseas air
and river traffic. They inquired about
special transportation at one of their
commuter lots. The answers to various
questions were answered in the positive:
Yes, all buses were lift accessible; Yes, all
drivers were required to know how to
operate the lift. All drivers were to test
the lift prior to leaving the bus garage
for their run.
Fearing possible mishaps, the member
and his wife arrived earlier than nec-
essary at the commuter lot. The bus
schedule said a bus would arrive every
half hour. The first bus, the driver
refused to operate the lift and left. The
next bus, the driver claimed he didn’t
know how to operate the lift or the
lift did not work. The third driver was
alarmed this had happened and got the
member and his wife to the airport.
Lucky for the member they made their
flight on time. This couple went to
Costa Rica. I asked if there were any
issues similar to what happened here
at “home.” The member said NO! On
the return journey, leaving the airport,
there were similar issues with lift acces-
sible transportation. The member paid
to park in a commuter lot and paid the
bus fare for himself and his wife. He
did everything in an orderly fashion and
was led to believe accessibility would
not be an issue, yet, it was and it almost
cost the member a lot more than the
parking and bus expense. The member
filed a complaint with the bus company,
Mass-Port, and the Attorney General’s
office. The person who refused to assist
the disabled person was fired and the
other person was re-educated in how to
operate the lift.
It is extremely important to not allow
companies to become complacent just
because the number of disabled people
who use their services may be minimal.
It is also important to file complaints
in a timely manner. This member was
not out to get anyone fired but he and
his wife did everything correctly by
contacting the bus company what their
needs were and were informed they
would not need to worry.
Another point to make here concerning
air travel is how many disabled veterans
are aware of the Transportation Security
Administration’s (TSA) program in get-
ting through security? It started out as
the TSA’s Wounded Warrior Screening
Program. It has advanced to include all
disabled veterans. What a veteran or
traveling companion
does is contact
the TSA’s Mili-
tary Severely
Injured Joint
Services Oper-
ations Center
at MSIJSOC@
dhs.gov or (1-888-
262-2396). This allows
the veteran to be escorted through the
security checkpoint and become eligible
for expedited screening through TSA
Pre-Check. The traveling companion
will have to go through the regular
screening process however.
During a conference call (April 8th)
with my Government Relations coun-
terparts around the country, we dis-
cussed this. One person stated that a
member inquired if this happens in
other countries. NO! This is a U.S.A.
program only. It is also not to be taken
for granted either. In some areas, TSA
will meet you at the curb but are not
required to. They do meet you at your
airline. Again, it remains very unwise to
become complacent with such a privi-
lege because that is what it is, a privi-
lege, not a right.
Finally, as we roll into Spring and
Summer, please remember that the
Chapter does not stop working on issues
concerning benefits, travel and the
Americans with Disabilities Acts in gen-
eral. Later this month I will be going to
San Antonio to attend the ADA Sym-
May 2013Cord Word
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Service Office Report
continued on page 10
By Nona Nixon, PVA Service Office, Buffalo, NY
Basic Guide for Wheelchair Eligibility
The Veteran Affairs offers wheelchairs to veterans to
help in overcoming limitations caused by disabili-
ties. The Prosthetic Department at the Veteran
Affairs Medical Hospitals determines eligibility. According
to Public Law (Pub.L.) 104-262, The Veterans Health care
Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, eligibility rules are identical
for outpatient and inpatient services.
In the past, certain types of care could be administered “in
preparation for hospital admission or to obviate the need of
hospital admission” or “to complete treatment incident to”
nursing homes, hospitals, outpatient care or domiciliary. To
prove eligible for a wheelchair, veterans must be enrolled in
the VA Health Care System while receiving medical care
from a VA outpatient clinic or a VA hospital.
To qualify, one must have:• Lossofuseoflegs,anatomicallossoranatomicallossof
one leg in combination with loss of use and requires con-
tinued use of a wheelchair.
• Requirestheuseofawheelchaireventhoughonecan
transfer and stand or has a temporary disability and
no special modifications or features to a wheelchair is
needed.
• Haveanatomicallossorlossofuseofminimallyoneleg
that prevents participation in typical sports activities.
Telephone, e-mail or mailed requests for services and pros-
thetic appliances to a VA hospital are automatically directed
to the Prosthetics Department. Requests are referred to a
committee or prosthetic team for approval of the requested
prescription. If no team exists at the local VA hospital, a
designated VA doctor can provide examinations in deter-
mining specific needs and prescribe wheelchairs along with
accessories.
The typical process is as follows: • Patientprovidesmedicalprescriptionforwheelchair
and accessories.
• Evaluationandfittingprocessoccurs.
• Verificationofpatient’sprostheticeligibility.
• Wheelchairisordered
• ManufacturerdeliverswheelchairwiththeVAHospital
performing follow-up.
Veterans who require continued and constant use of a
wheelchair may receive up to three wheelchairs. The first
wheelchair issued is for primary use with a second wheelchair
issued as a spare. Both first and second wheelchair should
prove equal in quality. A third wheelchair may be issued
for use in sports activities. The VA will issue a sports-model
wheelchair as a third wheelchair, but veterans have to prove
he or she is actively participating in recreational or sports
activities. Even if patients do not require the continued and
constant use of a wheelchair, he or she can still obtain a
sports-model wheelchair from the VA if there is a loss or loss
of use of minimally one leg that does not allow for normal
sports activities.
Some of the accessories the VA can order for wheelchairs: • Largerfootrests
• Legextenders
• Seatcushions
• Modifiedpushrims
• Wheellocks
• Removablelegandarmrests
• Custombackrests
• High-pressuredorsemipneumatictires
• Andmanymore…
The VA holds the authority to repair veteran-issued wheel-
chairs if they are enrolled and receiving care from a VA clinic
or hospital.
Cord Word May 2013
www.nepva.org
Gov. Relationscontinued from page 4
6
The NEPVA Community Outreach team of volunteers including NEPVA Treasurer Charles Schena, Mark Sanders, and Damon Isles visited The Charles River School recently and spoke to 4th Grad-ers about disabilities. The following thank you letter was received by NEPVA.
Dear Mark, Charlie and Damon,Thank you for coming to our school! We had fun playing in the wheelchairs, and we enjoyed when you showed us how to use a wheelchair for sports, like teaching us how to shoot a basket from a wheelchair.
Thank you also for being open to telling us about your injuries. We really appreciated you sharing about your life. Since meeting you, we know that people in wheelchairs are just normal people. We told our families not to be afraid of people in wheelchairs, that you three were really nice, and that you do sports that we do.
This was a really special experience for us. We hope you have as much fun when you come back next year as you did this year.
Take care,The Charles River School 4th GradeDover, MA
posium. Although I have gone the past several years, there remains a great
deal to learn. There are a lot of new and different sessions. There is also a
lot of updated information that I look forward to bringing back and sharing
with everyone. It is up to all of us to make our world universally accessible
for everyone. I have said it before, I will say it again, please do not become so
complacent that you expect others to advocate on your behalf. I, the Chapter
Board of Directors, and the Chapter staff can only do so much to help you.
As stated above, the member who had transportation issues did his home-
work first and then informed those responsible what went wrong. I am happy
to add the voice of our organization when requested and appropriate.
NEPVA Community Outreach
For more infomation contact the NEPVA office at 800-660-1181For questions about the PVA National Trapshoot Circuit,
call PVA Shooting Sports at 800-424-8200 ext. 620Please call for Pricing and Hotel Information
Registration:Friday, June 21 from12 noon-4:00 p.m.
PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA17TH ANNUAL
JUNE 21 - 23, 2013Scarborough Fish and Game Association
Scarborough, Maine
INAUGURALNEW ENGLAND PVA
MICKEY EMERYMEMORIAL
TRAPSHOOT
Competition Open to All Shooters Sitting or Standing
PISTOL SHOOTRegistration 8:30 a.m. prompt
Starts at 9:00 a.m. (Additional Cost)
May 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 7
Sports & Recreation By Brad Carlson Sports Director
Summer is almost here and things
are already heating up with our
Sports Programs. Since coming
back from Las Vegas it seems like we
haven’t stopped getting ready for all of
the upcoming events.
Well let’s get started with our 6th
Annual Billiard Tournament. I cannot
believe it has been 6 years already. We
have had so many special surprises
during these Tournaments that I cannot
even count. The Tournament is spon-
sored by Budweiser and the American
Pool Players Association (APA) along
with several other sponsors that you
can see on our poster. The Tourna-
ment consists of two man teams and
is a double elimination Tournament.
The maximum handicap per team is 11
according to APA REGULATIONS.
If you are not an APA member, we will
start you off as a handicap of 4. This is
a fun event and APA has worked very
hard with me this year to make this one
very special. There are CASH PRIZES
along with TROPHIES to the top 3
teams. The Tournament will be held
at Break Away Billiards, 104 Sterling
Street, Clinton, MA. Registration will
begin on Friday night May 17th from
5 -10 pm and continue on Saturday
morning from 8:30 until 9:45 am. We
will start at 10:00 am promptly on Sat-
urday, May 18th and the Tournament
finals will be held on Sunday, May 19th
beginning at 10:30 am.
Let’s move on to June which is another
exciting and busy month. The NEPVA
Bass Trail will be hosting its fishing
tournament on the Charles River on
June 8th. For more information or to
sign up, please see our website.
Several shooting events are planned
at local gun clubs. On May 21st the
Seekonk Rod & Gun Club in Seekonk,
MA has invited us for a shoot begin-
ning at 2:00pm. On June 14th we are
invited to a gun shoot on Cape Cod in
Bourne, MA at the Monument Sports-
man Club. These shoots are always a
great day out and open to everyone. See
the NEPVA website for additional dates
and more information.
On June 21-23, a VERY special event
will be held in Maine. We will be host-
ing our First Annual “Mickey Emery”
PVA National Trap Shoot. This event
will be held at the Scarborough Fish
and Game Association in Scarborough,
Maine. The Tournament will start on
that Friday morning with a Pistol shoot
which will continue into the afternoon.
The pistol shoot is a separate cost. The
Trapshoot will
begin Satur-
day morning
at 8:30 am
and continue
into Sunday. If
you need more
information
please go to
the NEPVA
website or the PVA website. Applica-
tions and posters will be posted there.
The Trapshoot in Maine is very exciting
for our chapter because it is a National
Tournament!
Registration for the 33rd National Vet-
erans Wheelchair Games, to be held
July 13-18 in Tampa, FL, is now closed.
There are many other events coming
up in July thru September that I will
update you on in my June article.
Please come out and enjoy all of these
events, they are there for you! Have fun
and be safe.
Cord Word May 2013
www.nepva.org8
NEPVA Official Nomination Form – FY 2014
This is an official Nomination Form as approved by the Executive Board of the Paralyzed Veterans
of America, New England Chapter. Your nominees must be life members of New England PVA.
INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the names of your nominees. Return this form to the NEPVA office
(address below). To be valid, this form must be signed by you and filed with the Secretary
before 4:30 pm, May 31, 2013.
Nominees For Officers
PRESIDENT:___________________________________________________________
VICE PRESIDENT:______________________________________________________
SECRETARY:__________________________________________________________
TREASURER:__________________________________________________________
Nominees For Executive Board
1.____________________________ 5.______________________________
2.____________________________ 6.______________________________
3.____________________________ 7.______________________________
4.____________________________
This official Nomination Form must be signed by the member making the nomination(s) in order to be valid. A letter
will be sent to all persons nominated as candidates to sign acknowledging acceptance. This will be done by the Secretary.
____________________________________ _________________________________
Print NEPVA Member’s Name NEPVA Member’s Signature
Mail Form to: NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143, Walpole, MA 02081
May 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 9continued on page 10
PVA NEWS
Four of the nation’s leading veterans
service organizations—AMVETS
(American Veterans), DAV (Disabled
American Veterans), Paralyzed Veterans
of America (Paralyzed Veterans), and
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States (VFW), are expressing their con-
cerns with the President’s Budget for
Fiscal Year 2014, for the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA). The groups,
also authors of The Independent
Budget (IB), a comprehensive budget
and policy document, are urging the
Administration and Congress to recon-
sider the recommendations outlined in
the IB—which calls for $68.4 billion
to sufficiently meet veterans’ health
care and benefits needs. The President’s
budget proposal comes in just under
$2 billion short of that, proposing just
$66.5 billion for VA.
While the veterans organizations were
pleased to see that the Administration
has increased funding for areas such as
the operations of the Veterans Benefits
Administration, and for Information
Technology, they expressed serious
concerns with the reduction of funding
particularly for Major Construction,
where the Administration proposed just
$342 million, drastically under the $1.1
billion recommended in the IB. Also a
concern is the Administration’s fiscal
year 2015 advance appropriation request
which is approximately $2.8 billion less
than the IB recommendation of $61.6
billion.
Veterans Groups Say President’s FY14 Budget Falls ShortAuthors of Annual “Independent Budget” Urge the Adminis-
tration and Congress to Reconsider its Recommendations
The Independent Budget recommends
$58.8 billion total for health care for
FY 2014, $611 million for medical and
prosthetic research, and $2.25 billion
for all constructions programs.
The President’s budget proposes $54.6
billion for health care, $586 million for
medical and prosthetic research, and
just $799 million for all construction
programs.
The groups also note that while it is
not spelled out in the VA portion of
the budget, the President’s proposal
applies the chained CPI for determining
cost-of-living-adjustments for VA Com-
pensation Benefits and Dependency
Indemnity Compensation (DIC), as
well as Old Age, Survivors and Disabil-
ity Insurance for Social Security. The
only programs exempt are Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) and VA Pen-
sion for low income individuals. These
changes would affect millions of vet-
erans and mean real sacrifice for those
who live on fixed incomes and rely on
these programs to meet basic expenses,
attain quality of life and build a better
future for themselves and those who
depend on them.
All of the veterans groups expressed
some concern with the budget’s short-
comings.
“I am deeply concerned that the Presi-
dent’s budget falls far short of meet-
ing the needs of VA and the veterans
it serves, especially in the area of new
construction and maintenance for
VA’s medical facilities,” said AMVETS
National Commander Cleve Geer. “I
urge the President to take another look
at The Independent Budget and to
match the IB recommendations that
will guarantee the sufficient, timely and
predictable funding needed to care for
our veterans.”
“The President’s budget proposal con-
tains some positive aspects, particularly
the continuing commitment to fixing
VA’s broken claims process by convert-
ing to a modern, paperless IT system,”
said DAV National Commander Larry
A. Polzin. “While we also applaud
efforts to bolster programs for women
veterans, homeless veterans and mental
health care, the overall direction of
funding for medical services and health
care infrastructure raises serious ques-
tions about whether VA will be able to
meet the needs of America’s wounded
heroes in the future.”
“While we are pleased that the
President’s budget proposal calls for
increases in some areas, we are still
very concerned with the overall budget
proposal,” said Bill Lawson, national
president of Paralyzed Veterans of
America. “Funding cuts to VA will
have an enormous impact on the lives
of veterans and their families, and we
urge the Administration and Congress
to strongly reconsider its budget pro-
posal and fully implement the recom-
mendations of this year’s Independent
Budget.”
“The VFW is pleased that the Adminis-
tration continues to make veterans’ pro-
Cord Word May 2013
www.nepva.org10
continued from page 9continued from page 5Service Office Report
PurposeThe Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) primary
goal has been to assist its members and their families in
improving the quality of their lives.
This goal has been addressed through a variety
of activities, including the establishment of the
Educational Scholarship Program. This program assists
PVA members and their immediate family members
by providing scholarship funds to help with a post-
secondary education.
PVA will award scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to
full-time students and $500 to part-time students for an
academic year.
EligibilityApplicant must be either a PVA member, the spouse of
a PVA member, or an unmarried child (under 24 years
of age) who is dependent (as defined by the IRS) on the
member for principal support.
Applicant must be a citizen of
the United States.
Applicant must be accepted
and enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an
accredited US college or university.
Previous award recipients may apply.
Submission ProcessIndividuals who wish to apply for the scholarship program
can download the application at www.pva.org or request
an application be mailed to them via phone (800) 424-
8200 Ext. 776, or via e-mail [email protected]
Completed applications MUST be returned to PVA NO
LATER THAN June 17, 2013. Late applications will not
be accepted, no exceptions. In addition, any incomplete
applications will not be considered.
For more details, please visit www.pva.org
PVA EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
PVA news
grams a national priority and we appreciate that the President
understands that our nation has a solemn obligation to care
for our wounded, ill and injured veterans after they come
home from war,” said John E. Hamilton, commander-in-
chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. “The Inde-
pendent Budget partners are happy to see this year’s proposed
increases in funding for veterans’ programs, but we remain
concerned that VA will not be able to adequately improve on
their services to veterans without properly investing in major
infrastructure improvements. VA must have efficient facilities
in order to provide a continuum of quality care.”
In its 27th year, The Independent Budget is an annual com-
prehensive budget and policy document, written by veterans
for veterans detailing funding requirements for VA. The
Independent Budget aims to present a full picture of veterans’
needs—and how government can meet these needs.
Repairs include the following: • Modifications
• Alterations
• Partsreplacements
• Additions
The VA will repair a wheelchair if the cost to repair it proves
less than half the cost of replacing it. The Prosthetic Depart-
ment is the deciding factor on this issue. If a wheelchair
has been substantially damaged, an inspection will have to
be performed on the chair or arrangements can be made
for a repair shop to provide an estimate before the VA will
approve any repairs.
Any questions about the process of obtaining wheelchairs
from the VA Medical Centers, veterans should contact their
local Paralyzed Veterans of America Service Officer for guid-
ance through this sometimes tedious process.
May 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 11
With dozens of fabulous high-quality brands, Frank Webb’s Bath Centers are the
showrooms of the F.W. Webb Company, the largest plumbing supplier in the Northeast. This means more products, expertise and
value in bath and kitchen plumbing fi xtures and lighting.
A bathroom must be accessible, secure and supportive in order for us or our loved ones to live comfortably. Our Methuen showroom includes 2,000 square feet of accessible living and aging-in-place bath design ideas, proving that accessibility doesn’t mean giving up style! Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs, comfort-height toilets, hand-held
showers, grab bars and more. Our array of products and expertise create a bath that supports privacy, comfort and dignity – all without sacrifi cing style.
Selection. Knowledge. We’re here to help.
Visit our Accessible Living Idea Center in Methuen!
Visit frankwebb.com for design and product ideas, and directions to over 30 showrooms.
Accessible living & style are not mutually exclusive.
Methuen, MA 98 Lindbergh Avenue • 781-325-7140Exit 47 off Route 93, right onto Mystic Street.
WEBB_PVAnewz_1_13.indd 1 1/11/13 4:54:10 PM
The Boston Red Sox are proud to host a Hiring
our Heroes Opportunity Fair for all military job
seekers from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Thurs-
day, May 23, 2013.
This hiring event is conducted with the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce; Massachusetts Committee, Employer Support
of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR); JobNet Career Boston;
and The Massachusetts Department of Labor and Work-
force Development. This exclusive hiring fair is open ONLY
to active duty military, veterans, members of the National
Guard and reserve components, and military spouses.
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND.
JOB-SEEKERS WHO PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE ISSUED A COMPLIMENTARY GAME TICKET for the evening match-up between the
Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. When check-
ing in for this event, you will be given your admission ticket.
While you are an honored guest at this sporting event,
acceptance of this ticket means that you accept all of the
terms of attendance at the game in accordance of the rules
of Fenway Park. If attendance exceeds expectations, we
cannot guarantee ticket availability, so register early!
YOU WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF MILITARY SERVICE, whether this be a VA benefits card,
DD-214, active military ID, etc. Please make sure you bring
this with you. If you bring a DD-214 or other paperwork
that does not include a photo, please make sure you also
bring photo ID.
Job-seeker registration and service verification will begin
starting at 9:30 a.m. in advance of admission to the hiring
fair. The hiring fair will run from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Please plan accordingly - you will not be able to stay at the
venue between the time the hiring fair closes and the time
the gates open for admission to the game that evening.
Veterans Job Fair-May 23 @ Fenway Park
Hiring Our Heros Opportunity Fair
Cord Word May 2013
www.nepva.org12
15F International Drive, East Granby, CT 06026 (877) WHEELS-3
www.advancedwheels.com
MOBILITY OPTIONS -Full Size Conversions-
-Wheelchair Lifts- -Scooter Lifts-
-Hand Controls- -High Tech Driving Systems-
-Pedal Extensions- -Turning Automotive Seating-
ACCESSIBLE MINIVANS -Chrysler T & C-
-Dodge Gr. Caravan- -Toyota Sienna-
-Honda Odyssey-
“Wheels for Independence, Service for Life”
-Serving Connecticut & Massachusetts since 1988-
-NMEDA Charter Member and QAP certified-
-Winner of the Toyota Ichiban customer service satisfaction award for the- Toyota Sienna Rampvan
-VA Assistance Support-
-24/7 Roadside Assistance-
PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS’ MOBILITY NEEDS SINCE 1988.
continued from page 3
Washington Update
processing took a back seat to quantity of
claims processed.
PVA’s evaluation of the claims problem
was similar to the explanation given by
other veterans’ service organizations that
have witnessed the decline of the VA’s pro-
cessing capability.
Despite the assurances made by Under
Secretary Hickey to meet the goals estab-
lished for claims processing, House VA
Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL)
was not convinced that VBA is finally
gaining control of this massive problem.
He commented that he hopes she is right
about many of her predictions about
improvements, but history indicates a dif-
ferent result. He assured Under Secretary
Hickey that he will continue to hold regu-
lar hearings in order to track progress on
eliminating the claims backlog.
Are You Suffering with Pain?
The Translational Pain Research Group at the Brigham and Women’s
Hospital is seeking individuals with pain as a result of Spinal Cord Injury
to participate in a research study.
Volunteers must: • Bebetweentheagesof18and65
• Beabletomake4overnightvisitstothehospital
• Havehadpainforatleast3months
Volunteers who qualify for the study will be reimbursed for their time.
The cost of travel to and from BWH will also be reimbursed.
For more information please call 617-525-7246 (PAIN) or email
Are You Suffering with Pain?
The Translational Pain Research Group at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital is seeking individuals with pain as a result of Spinal Cord Injury to participate in a
research study.
Volunteers must: Be between the ages of 18 and 65 Be able to make 4 overnight visits to the hospital Have had pain for at least 3 months
Volunteers who qualify for the study will be reimbursed for their time. The cost of travel to and from BWH will also be reimbursed.
For more information please call 617-525-7246 (PAIN) or email [email protected].
May 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 13
“(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.
-Steve Hodgkins Malden, MA
It’s no wonder why Ride-Away customers remain so loyal — Superior Support! Ride-Away — America’s #1 provider of modified vehicles for people with disabilities.
• VetsMobileOps Program• VA assistance support• All vehicle trade-ins accepted• 24/7 Roadside assistance• QAP Certified factory trained technicians
888-Ride-Away (888-743-3292)
www.Ride-Away.com
If you would like to receive your Cord Word via email,
please send us your email address. Email us at: info@
nepva.org or call the NEPVA office at: 800-660-1181.
2 Shower WheelchairsOne with removable pan
In Hampton, NH
FREE TO MEMBER
for contact info on these items
CALL THE NEPVA OFFICE
FOR SALE 2007 FORD E-250
ROLLX / TUSCANY CONVERSION with 36,000 Miles.
5.4 V-8, 8 inch lowered floor, heavy duty 800 lb. Ricon Lift,
6-Way Pwr. Transfer Driver Seat, KEMPF Hand Controls,
Looks and drives Like New. Loaded. Appraised at $42K,
Selling for $30,000.In Westfield, MA. Call for Details. 413-572-4454
NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations
Please Donate that Auto, Boat, or RV that’s No
Longer Needed to New England PVA. NEPVA is cur-
rently accepting vehicle donations from Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and New Hampshire. For further informa-
tion, call Toll Free: (866)
2-GIVING or (866) 244-
8464, or visit the NEPVA
website: www.nepva.orgCall Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING to Donate
Cord Word May 2013
www.nepva.org14
MobilityAdaptive
Equipment
VOTED #1IN CUSTOMER
SERVICE
LARGEST RAMPVANINVENTORY AT ONE
LOCATION IN SOUTHERNNEW ENGLAND!
Welcome To
Free Veterans Maintenance Program*
We work with the VA for you. New van upgrades every 2 years saving
you $25,000 on average and sometimes very little out of pocket.
-VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS-
www.amemobility.com1551 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771
*Please call for details and qualifi cations
1-800-311-2849
If you can’t come to uswe’ll come to you
LIFETIMEWARRANTY(Call or visit us for
more information)
May 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 15
Update your hand controls!
...drive with both hands on the wheel
It’s so comfortable!
Just press the ring to accelerate. Brake with the left- or right-hand brake integrated in the dash-board.
Your knee area remains free of metal parts. You maintain all adjustments of your steering column and all airbags including the knee-airbag remain functional.
DARIOS adapts its sensitivity to the speed of your car.
DARIOS uses 2 sensors inside the steering wheel to be compliant with car manufacturers’ safety standards. It sends the information from the ring to its main controller under the dashboard using digital signals to be immune to electro-magnetic noise.
Digital Accelerator Ring optimized for speed
KEMPF is a NMEDA member.
Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find comments from users accross the country or to request a quotation.
Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.
DARIOS let’s you drive with both hands on the wheel
DARIOS is VA accepted.
KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.
Users’ comments: “I feel like I’m in control of my vehicle again!”“The system appears a part of the original equipment of the vehicle.”
22nd Annual Sebastian DeFrancesco NEPVA Golf Tournament
May 28, 2013(the day after Memorial Day)
Blue Hill Country Club Canton, MA
Call the NEPVA office for further information.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
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: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm
2013 NEPVA Bass Trail Dates
June 8 Charles River, Boston
Sept. 7 NEPVA Bass Tournament, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
May 18-19 6th Annual NEPVA Billiard Tournament Breakaway Billiards, Clinton, MA
June 21 NEPVA Pistol Shoot Scarborough, ME
June 21-23 PVA/NEPVA National Trap Shoot Scarborough, ME
UPCOMING EVENTS