The Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission released a 562-page report on October 3 detailing a number of recommendations to improve financial and medical support to veterans. The recommendations included a 25% increase in disability compensation, a streamlined claims process, improved compatibility between DoD and VA healthcare systems, and measure to ensure that disability board procedures are revised to ensure better recognition of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Most of the proposals would have to receive congressional approval in order to be put into effect. However, similar measures are already proposed in the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act which looks set to be passed later this year. The purpose of the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission is to carry out a study of the benefits under the laws of the United States that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military service, and to produce a report on the study. More information about the Commission and their study is available at http://www.vetscommission.org/.

VA Secretary Calls for End to Pay Delays for Veterans
Jim Nicholson, the outgoing Secretary of Veterans Affairs, spoke recently in favor of steps to reduce the amount of time it takes for veterans to receive disability pay. Currently it can take months for veterans to start receiving payments. Nicholson noted that his successor would need to cope with increased strain on the VA system and disconnects between the VA and Department of Defense medical systems. A new Secretary of Veterans Affairs has not yet been named. [Source: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,150623,00.html?ESRC=marinenews.RSS ]

Employer-Paid TRICARE Supplemental Plans to End
Thousands of military retirees face the loss of TRICARE supplemental insurance plans offered by their employers. The change is the result of a new law passed by Congress last year to prevent companies, state and local governments, from reducing healthcare costs by encouraging employees to forego employer-provided health plans in favor of their TRICARE benefits. The supplemental insurance coverage which employers then provide covers TRICARE co-pays and other additional expenses. Retirees may now have to pay the supplemental out of their own pocket or try to obtain employer provided healthcare benefits. [Source: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,150697,00.html]

Army Launches Benefits Website
The Soldiers' Benefit Services website is now the Army's official one-stop resource for all benefits information. Located at http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil, the website contains the most current benefit information for active-duty and reserve-component Soldiers, retirees and family members. Active-duty Soldiers - to include Reservists and National Guard members serving on active duty - also have access to calculators that figure survivor, disability and retirement benefits. Users must have their Army Knowledge Online password to access current Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System data. The site features more than 150 fact sheets - in both English and Spanish - grouped by Army component, life event, index and state/territory. Subjects include pay, education, family services, health care, life insurance, transitioning and retirement, Soldier services and social security. Grouping information by state and territory helps users quickly find local information and sources. The site will also help Casualty Assistance Officers provide surviving family members a clear, accurate report of benefits. [Source: http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/10/02/5218-army-launches-benefits-web-site/]