THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA January 2013 Vol. LXIII, #1 A MEMBER CHAPTER OF THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA – CHARTERED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES C ORD W ORD W ORD C ORD President’s Report 3 Executive Director’s Report 4 Service Officer’s Report 5 Sports Report 6 Gulf War Study 8 New England VAMC News 9 Educational Assistance 10 VA News 11 December Drawing Winners 11 Inside What’s continued on page 7 On December 5, NEPVA Officers and Board members, NEPVA and PVA staff, and friends celebrated the holidays at Davios, at Patriot Place in Foxboro. Shown are (seated front row, left to right): Craig Cascella, Moe Morrison, Ann Marie Wallace, Mike Guilbault, Wayne Ross, Charles Schena, Brad Carlson; (standing rear-left to right): George and Denise Pease, Joe Badzmierowski, Ken Lipton, Dustin Soroka, Judy Goldstein, Jennifer Bartoromei, Lee Cianca, Steve Robinson, Natalie (Lee’s friend), Jeri Farinella, Kathy Carlson. (Not shown: Neal and Jeanna Williams, John and Anne Brako) T he Holiday Season has come to a close but not before multiple celebrations took place. Immediately following the December 5th NEPVA Board of Director’s meeting, Officer’s, Board Members, staff and friends gathered at Davios, at Patriot Place for the annual Chapter Holiday Dinner. Approxi- mately 25 people attended the gathering includ- ing PVA staff members: VBD Eastern Region Director Joe Badzmierowski, Senior Secretary Ann Marie Wallace, and Vocational Rehabilita- tion Counselor Ken Lipton. After enjoying a delicious dinner and some lavish desserts, pho- tographer Harley Freedman took a group photo before everyone departed. Unfortunately, Debra Freed was flying home from a vacation in Las Vegas and was unable to attend. The NEPVA Rollers held its annual little get together at Westgate Lanes on the 18th. Many thanks go to Maureen (Moe) Morrison for making the arrangements. Also many thanks go to our league players who contributed to the lunch. A generous donation of $500.00 was received from an NEPVA member for holiday parties at West Roxbury and Brockton VAMCs. The West Roxbury party started just before noon and ended a little after 1pm on December 19th. Some of the patients had appointments they wanted to keep. There were a number of individuals both in- Holiday Celebrations patient and out-patient in attendance. Mr. Mike Negrete, Mr. Brent Cote, Mr. Wayne Ross, and the Chapter President Craig Cascella enjoyed a hearty meal and some wonderful desserts. The Brockton holiday party on December 20th was also a huge success, again especially with the infusion of the generous donation. NEPVA shares in the festivities with other local groups. NEPVA plays its part by providing a good por- tion of the meal. There too were plenty of left- overs for the night and weekend folks. A number of organizations come together during this time with gifts donated by them or com- panies. There were Bruins jerseys given out and each in-patient received a hugh bag full of good- ies. Many thanks to those who helped make the holidays a bit brighter.
Transcript
The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaJanuary 2013 Vol. LXIII, #1
a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes
CORD WORDWORDCORD
President’sReport
3
Executive Director’s Report
4
Service Officer’sReport
5
Sports Report6
Gulf War Study8
New EnglandVAMC News
9
EducationalAssistance
10
VA News11
December DrawingWinners
11
InsideWhat’s
continued on page 7
On December 5, NEPVA Officers and Board members, NEPVA and PVA staff, and friends celebrated the holidays at Davios, at Patriot Place in Foxboro. Shown are (seated front row, left to right): Craig Cascella, Moe Morrison, Ann Marie Wallace, Mike Guilbault, Wayne Ross, Charles Schena, Brad Carlson; (standing rear-left to right): George and Denise Pease, Joe Badzmierowski, Ken Lipton, Dustin Soroka, Judy Goldstein, Jennifer Bartoromei, Lee Cianca, Steve Robinson, Natalie (Lee’s friend), Jeri Farinella, Kathy Carlson. (Not shown: Neal and Jeanna Williams, John and Anne Brako)
The Holiday Season has come to a close but not before multiple celebrations took place. Immediately following the
December 5th NEPVA Board of Director’s meeting, Officer’s, Board Members, staff and friends gathered at Davios, at Patriot Place for the annual Chapter Holiday Dinner. Approxi-mately 25 people attended the gathering includ-ing PVA staff members: VBD Eastern Region Director Joe Badzmierowski, Senior Secretary Ann Marie Wallace, and Vocational Rehabilita-tion Counselor Ken Lipton. After enjoying a delicious dinner and some lavish desserts, pho-tographer Harley Freedman took a group photo before everyone departed. Unfortunately, Debra Freed was flying home from a vacation in Las Vegas and was unable to attend.
The NEPVA Rollers held its annual little get together at Westgate Lanes on the 18th. Many thanks go to Maureen (Moe) Morrison for making the arrangements. Also many thanks go to our league players who contributed to the lunch.
A generous donation of $500.00 was received from an NEPVA member for holiday parties at West Roxbury and Brockton VAMCs. The West Roxbury party started just before noon and ended a little after 1pm on December 19th. Some of the patients had appointments they wanted to keep. There were a number of individuals both in-
Holiday Celebrationspatient and out-patient in attendance. Mr. Mike Negrete, Mr. Brent Cote, Mr. Wayne Ross, and the Chapter President Craig Cascella enjoyed a hearty meal and some wonderful desserts.
The Brockton holiday party on December 20th was also a huge success, again especially with the infusion of the generous donation. NEPVA shares in the festivities with other local groups. NEPVA plays its part by providing a good por-tion of the meal. There too were plenty of left-overs for the night and weekend folks.
A number of organizations come together during this time with gifts donated by them or com-panies. There were Bruins jerseys given out and each in-patient received a hugh bag full of good-ies. Many thanks to those who helped make the holidays a bit brighter.
Cord Word January 2013
www.nepva.org
PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA
NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081
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
What a great year. It is so hard to remember all the
great sporting events that we did last year!
We did everything from Bass Trail events, Hunting in
New York State, Shooting at gun clubs all over Cape Cod,
Football at Gillette Stadium, and the National Veterans
Wheelchair Games in Richmond, VA. Not to mention, the
wonderful Winter and now Summer Sports Clinics at Mount
Sunapee each year in January and July respectively.
Well, let’s talk about 2013. Lots of exciting events are coming
your way. There are many in the works, but I will tell you
what is happening right now. For starters, by the time you
read this article, we will have already had our first event of
the year, our second annual hunting trip, which is scheduled
for January 5 - 6 in Upstate New York. I am sure it will be
a great time had by all, with some nice game to take home.
There will be photos and a follow up article in the February
newsletter on this event.
Next on this list that is con-
firmed, our Sixth Annual Bil-
liard Tournament will be held at
Breakaway Billiards in Clinton,
MA, on May 18th and 19th.
This promises to be a very large
venue with many players, both
in chairs and able-bodied. The
tournament is sponsored, once
again, by the American Pool-
players Association (APA) along with Budweiser. The
APA will be promoting this on their website poolplayers.
com. I look forward to seeing all the players and our great
volunteers at this event. Don’t miss this one.
We have also met with Foxwoods for the possibility for a
future Bowling Tournament. Also, football is a definite
for the Spring, after interest was generated by a successful
football clinic (sponsored by CVS Caremark and New
England Patriots) which was held at Gillette Stadium in
November. Another guaranteed tournament is the US
National Trapshoot, June 21 - 23, 2013, to be held in
Scarborough, Maine. This is our first National PVA Trap-
shoot, which promises to be a good one.
In closing, there are many events coming up that are
in the planning stages. Please check the website fre-
quently, as these events come up quickly. As usual, I
will keep you informed through the Cord Word and the
website. I look forward to seeing you out there.
Just get out there and do it!!!
FOR SALE1999 Ford F150 Van
Very good condition. 39,000 miles. Rycon heavy- duty lift. 6-way seat allows a handicapped person to transfer to driver’s
seat. Hand controls, EZ lock, tie downs and remote starter. Well maintained. $9,500.
Call the NEPVA office at 508-660-1181
January 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 7
celebrationscontinued from page 1
DCR is dedicated to providing outdoor recre-ation opportunities in Massachusetts DCR Parks for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility to DCR Parks is achieved through site improvements, specialized adaptive recreation equipment and accessible recreation programs.
Adaptive SkatingGames on Ice!
Come join the fun at our Adaptive Skating-Games on Ice Program in Boston or Holyoke! Lace up a pair of conventional skates, use an ice sled, or try out your wheelchair on the ice. Propel yourself with small hockey sticks or be pushed around the rink by a friend.
Fitzpatrick Skating Rink in HolyokeSundays: 1:30PM 3:30PMJanuary 20 February 10March 10 Thursday: 2:30PM - 4:30PM February 21
For more information and to register call 413-545-5758 or email [email protected]
Cronin Skating Rink in RevereTuesdays: 11:30AM–1:30PMFebruary 19March 12April 2
For more information and to register call 617-626-1294 or email [email protected]
Ice Skating at the Asiaf Rink in BrocktonThis adaptive skating program takes place during public skating time on a separate sec-tion of the rink. Ice sleds and skate walkers are available!Call All Out Adventures to sign up: (413) 527-8980
Mt. Tom State ReservationSnowshoeing, kicksledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating and winter explorations as conditions permit in Holyoke.Call All Out Adventures to sign up. (413) 527-8980
Saturdays: 11:00AM–3:00PMJanuary 19February 2February 16 and Wednesday: February 20
Wendell State ForestExplore the wilder side of winter in western Massachusetts. All activities, including snow-mobile rides as conditions permit.Call All Out Adventures to sign up.(413) 527-8980
Saturdays: 11:00AM–3:00PMJanuary 12 and 26February 9 and 23
DCR Universal Access Winter Fun! COME OUT AND PLAY!
Wayne Ross (center) and his friend Carolyn watch the ball go down the alley as Dick Spiz-zirri (rear) takes aim.
Long time affiliate member Fred Sisolak, one of three lefties on the team, takes his turn at bowling.
The NEPVA RollersThe NEPVA Bowling league, known
as the NEPVA Rollers, begins the day
after Labor Day and runs for 35 weeks.
There are currently ten members on
the team. We bowl at Westgate Lanes
in Brockton, MA every Tuesday from
12:30 pm until around 3 or sooner.
NEPVA sponsors part of the holiday
meal and the banquet at the end of the
year. Dues paid each week are used
to pay for the use of the lanes and for
awards given out at the banquet.
(Left to right) Wayne, Carolyn and Charles Schena await their turn to bowl.
Finally, none of this could happen without truly dedicated staff which includes the Kitchen staff and Housekeeping. They assist in setting things up, taking things down and clearing away the trash. Please know too that without the outstanding crew of volunteers who help shepherd patients to the dining room, take trays to those who can’t get to the dining room, assist in feeding those who cannot feed themselves, these holiday parties could not take place. We look forward to seeing you all in 2013.
Cord Word January 2013
www.nepva.org8
NEPVA Now Accepts Vehicle Donations
Please Donate
that Auto, Boat,
or RV that’s No
Longer Needed
to New England PVA.
NEPVA is currently
accepting vehicle donations from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New
Hampshire. For further information, call Toll Free: (866) 2-GIVING or (866)
244-8464, or visit the NEPVA website: www.nepva.org
What are we studying?The Nerve Injury Unit, Dept of Neurology at Massachusetts
General Hospital in conjunction with the Department of
Defense, is studying Gulf War Illness in Veterans who served
from 1990 to 1991, in the Gulf War Region. We are studying
those with Gulf War Illness as well as those who don’t have
Gulf War Illness.
What does the study involve?Veterans who choose to participate will be asked a few per-
tinent questions pertaining to their present overall health as
well as undergo testing for small fiber poly-neuropathy. There
are two tests currently used for clinical diagnosis of this con-
dition, Autonomic Function Testing and Skin Biopsy Auto-
nomic function testing (AFT) consists of four separate tests
that are routinely used by physicians to diagnose peripheral
nerve conditions. Subjects are instructed to avoid food, nico-
tine, alcohol, caffeine, and specific medications, as is typical
for these types of tests. In this test, we monitor blood pres-
sure, heart rate, deep breathing and sweat production. You
will be lying down during most of the testing. Since small
fiber damage cannot be measured, the only way to diagnose
it is by biopsy. The standard way of detecting damage to
small-fibers is to count how many there are within a tissue
biopsy and to compare to expected values. The simplest way
to do this is using skin biopsies taken under local anesthesia.
The small nerve fibers penetrate into the skin so the skin can
be biopsied rather than a nerve itself. The skin biopsies are
turned into microscope slides that are specially labeled to
show the nerve fibers within. Their numbers are counted and
compared to normal values to determine if there is any nerve
damage. Degeneration or dysfunction of nerve endings in the
skin may be an indicator of a neuropathic pain condition.
The skin biopsy will allow us to study your nerve endings.
What are “small-diameter nerve fibers”?Nerve damage causes different symptoms depending on
which type of nerve fiber is damaged. Our laboratory is inter-
ested in damage to the small-diameter pain-sensing nerve
fibers. Damage to these small nerve fibers can cause chronic
pain and other symptoms. This kind of nerve damage is not
detected by standard nerve tests such as EMG/NCS (electro-
myography and nerve conduction study).
Who can participate?Any Veteran who served in the Gulf War Region from 1990-
1991 is eligible to participate in this study. For those who
choose to participate, Subjects will receive $100.00 upon
completion of the study or they may volunteer for the study.
We will also pay for parking costs at the Massachusetts Gen-
eral Hospital garage. This is NOT a treatment study. There
are no medications or new procedures being tested. We do
not stop or change any medications your doctor may have
prescribed.
Whom can I contact about the study?If you are interested in more information about this research
study, please call The Nerve Injury Unit at 617-726-9391
and talk to one of our study staff, or email us at NerveUnit@
partners.org
Participants needed for Gulf War Illness StudyThe Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital is recruiting
participants for a study on Gulf War Illness. The following information was sub-
mitted by Mass General Hospital.
January 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 9
New England VAMC News
MANCHESTER VA SCI-D VETERANS Support Group 1-17-2013
Come and meet our new staff member
to the SCI Team, Amy Snyder who is
an Adult Nurse Practitioner. She has
several years of nursing experience,
including: medical surgical, reha-
bilitation, and neurology. She recently
received her Master of Science degree in
Nursing from Massachusetts General
Hospital Institute of Health Professions.
She is certified by the American Acad-
emy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
You will now have the option of receiv-
ing your primary care with Amy Snyder
as well as receiving your yearly clinic
appointment with the SCI Doctor. We
anticipate that this new arrangement
will give you more open availability and
access to your primary care issues.
Thursday, January 17, 12:00-1:30pm
PLEASE CALL TO REGISTER by
MONDAY January 14th
(early registration and a return call if
you need to cancel appreciated!)
603-624-4366 Ext: 6434
Location:
Manchester VAMC, basement level
Directions from Main Entrance:
Elevator down to “B” level, LEFT, next
RIGHT, down hall, next LEFT at PT/
OT check-in area.
Submitted by Paul Redmond, MA,
MSW, LCSW
HOLIDAY PARTIES AT BROCKTON & WEST ROXBURY
VA staff, patients, volunteers and
NEPVA members enjoyed holiday cel-
ebrations at the VAMC in Brockton on
December 20th (top five photos) and at
the West Roxbury VAMC on Decem-
ber 19th (bottom three photos).
Cord Word January 2013
www.nepva.org10
The Department of Veterans Affairs
Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment (VR&E) program helps
service-disabled Veterans succeed in
meaningful careers through individual-
ized services including college and other
training programs. For those currently
unable to return to work, VR&E also
provides services to assist Veterans to
live as independently as possible in their
homes and communities.
The President signed the Post-9/11
Veterans Educational Assistance
Improvements Act into law Jan. 4, 2011.
Effective Aug. 1, 2011, service-disabled
Veterans using the VR&E program
who are eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill
benefits may now receive a monthly
allowance that is equal to or greater
than the housing allowance granted
under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For most
Post-9/11 Veterans, the new monthly
allowance is significantly higher than
the regular Chapter 31 allowance that
other Veterans in VR&E will continue
to receive.
The new Post-9/11 rate for VR&E
is based on the basic allowance for
housing for a military member with
dependents in pay grade E-5 in the zip
code where the school or other training
facility is located. The rate is deter-
mined by logging on to https://www.
defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.
cfm, entering the school’s zip code for
“Duty Zip Code”, selecting pay grade
“E-5”, and clicking “Calculate”. The
rate listed for an E-5 with dependents is
the new monthly Post-9/11 subsistence
allowance for full-time training under
Chapter 31.
Additionally, VA may no longer pay
Veterans receiving VR&E or educa-
tion benefits for the intervals between
school terms. For example, if the Fall
2012 semester ends Dec. 20, 2012 and
the Spring 2013 semester starts Jan.
15, 2013, a Veteran enrolled in each of
those terms will be paid only for the fall
and spring semesters. The Veteran will
not be paid from Dec. 21 to Jan. 14.
This will enable Veterans to conserve
their entitlement and use more of their
educational and VR&E benefits directly
for training purposes.
Service-disabled Veterans using Post-
9/11 GI Bill benefits may also be eli-
gible for VR&E benefits and should
take a closer look at what VR&E has
to offer. Besides tuition, fees, books,
supplies, and the monthly allowance,
VR&E also provides ongoing case
management, employment assistance,
and referrals for VA medical treatment
and services. VR&E has Vocational
Rehabilitation Counselors stationed at
fifty-six regional offices throughout the
country to help Veterans achieve educa-
tion and employment goals.
The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011
also expanded certain VR&E benefits.
Veterans who previously completed a
program under Chapter 31 and have
exhausted state unemployment ben-
efits may qualify for an additional 12
month VR&E program. The law also
expanded VR&E’s special employer
incentive program which encourages
private sector employers to hire or train
Chapter 31 participants. VA can reim-
burse an employer for up to half of the
Veteran’s salary for the first 6 months.
For more information on VA benefits
related to the Vow to Hire Heroes
Act go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/
VOW/
VA has a jobs portal located at www.
VetSuccess.gov where Veterans can
post resumes, apply for jobs, and learn
useful tips about writing resumes and
preparing for job interviews. There are
more than 4,000 registered employers
who are specifically interested in hiring
Veterans. VA encourages all Veterans
looking for employment to create an
account and post their resume.
To apply or obtain more informa-tion about VR&E benefits:1. Call 1-800-827-1000
2. Go to www.va.gov and complete an
online application (VONAPP)
3. Complete VA Form 28-1900, Dis-
abled Veterans Application for
Vocational Rehabilitation (http://
www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-28-
1900-are.pdf) and submit it to the
VA regional office in your state. If
there is more than one regional office
in your state, send it to the office in
your state that is closest to you. A
Regional Office listing can be found
at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/ro/
rocontacts.htm, or
4. Visit www.vetsuccess.gov and http://
www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm.
Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2011: How the Law Affects Chapter 31 Benefits
January 2013Cord Word
www.nepva.org 11
VA NEWSNINE MONTH DRAWING
DECEMBER WINNERS
Albert DevinSouthington, CT
$1000.00
John H. CarlsonFall River, MA
$600.00
Doreen DevinSouthington, CT
$300.00
Jane BehenskyGarnerville, NY
$100.00
Lorraine KellyWeymouth, MA
$100.00
Mrs. James W. QuinnConcord, NH
$100.00
Charles SchenaPlymouth, MA
$50.00
Angela DiTucciSomerville, MA
$50.00
Richard LockwoodSpringfield, MA
$50.00
Robert & CharlotteMitchell
Waterford, NY$50.00
VA, SSA and IRS Cut Red Tape for Veterans and SurvivorsNew Policy Eliminates Paperwork, Allows More VA Staff to Focus on Eliminating
Claims Backlog
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today it is cutting red tape for Veterans by eliminat-
ing the need for them to complete an annual Eligibility Verification Report (EVR). VA will imple-
ment a new process for confirming eligibility for benefits, and staff that had been responsible for
processing the old form will instead focus on eliminating the compensation claims backlog.
Historically, beneficiaries have been required to complete an EVR each year to ensure their pension ben-
efits continued. Under the new initiative, VA will work with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the
Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify
continued eligibility for pension benefits.
“By working together, we have cut red tape for
Veterans and will help ensure these brave men
and women get the benefits they have earned
and deserve,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Eric K. Shinseki.
VA estimates it would have sent nearly 150,000
EVRs to beneficiaries in January 2013. Eliminat-
ing these annual reports reduces the burden on Veterans, their families, and survivors because they will
not have to return these routine reports to VA each year in order to avoid suspension of benefits. It also
allows VA to redirect more than 100 employees that usually process EVRs to work on eliminating the
claims backlog.
“Having already instituted an expedited process that enables wounded warriors to quickly access Social
Security disability benefits, we are proud to work with our federal partners on an automated process
that will make it much easier for qualified Veterans to maintain their VA benefits from year to year,” said
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security.
“The IRS is taking new steps to provide critical data to help speed the benefits process for the nation’s
veterans and Veterans Affairs,” said Beth Tucker, IRS Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support.
“The IRS is pleased to be part of a partnership with VA and SSA that will provide needed data quickly
and effectively to move this effort forward.”
All beneficiaries currently receiving VA pension benefits will receive a letter from VA explaining these
changes and providing instructions on how to continue to submit their unreimbursed medical expenses.
More information about VA pension benefits is available at http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension and
other VA benefit programs on the joint Department of Defense—VA web portal eBenefits at www.
ebenefits.va.gov.
Eric K. ShinsekiSecretary of Veterans Affairs”
“ By working together, we
have cut red tape for Vet-
erans and will help ensure
these brave men and
women get the benefits
they have earned and
deserve.
Cord Word January 2013
www.nepva.org12
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PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS’ MOBILITY NEEDS SINCE 1988.
continued from page 5Service Officer’s Report
The following are general exclu-sions of the FMP:• Decisionsofwhetherornotmedi-
“(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.
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President’s Reportcontinued from page 3
Trapeze
Hoya Lift with sling and batteries
Bath ChairPick up in Canton, MA
Manual Wheelchairnew, good condition,
for average size personAdjustable Shower Chair
Mini refrigerator-(about 3 ft. tall)Pick up in Fitchburg, MA
Power Wheelchair from the Scooter Store
3 Years old, in excellent conditionPick up in North Providence, RI
FREE TO MEMBER
for contact info on these items
CALL THE NEPVA OFFICE
tion and physical activity, behavior change, and focuses on lifestyle. The program
is designed to help Veterans meet their individual needs, and includes regular
follow-up and support. In 2012, more than 300 Veterans enrolled in the VA Cen-
tral Western Massachusetts MOVE! program and, together, lost more than 2,200
pounds. MOVE! classes are also held during the day at the VA Medical Center in
Leeds and at VA outpatient clinics in Springfield, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Worcester
and Fitchburg. There is no cost associated with these programs. Veterans must
be enrolled in VA healthcare to participate. Veterans who are not enrolled in VA
healthcare can call the VA’s Eligibility Office at (413) 582-3091 for information
on the application process. Veterans are also invited to log on to http://www.move.
va.gov/ for more information on the MOVE program. Patients interested may
contact their VA primary care provider, or Mary Rodowicz, registered dietitian, at
(413) 582-3180.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a grant totaling $340,535 to the
State of Massachusetts. The grant is for Federal assistance towards the cost of alter-
ations and installation of a new fire pump at the State Veterans Home in Holyoke,
MA.
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.
Cord Word January 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.
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)
January 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.”
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Leominster, MA
Permit No. 17
New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081
On December 20, the crew from All Pro Productions, Inc. (NEPVA’s fundraiser) paid the chap-ter office a visit bringing a holiday gift of Harry & David goodies. Shown left to right: Fran Burke, Maurice Rondeau, Debra Freed, former New England Patriot and All Pro owner Fred Smerlas, Judy Goldstein, and John Dumas.
