Veteran Issues Digest Number 1692

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Messages In This Digest (5 Messages)

1. Suicide Mortality Among Individuals Receiving Treatment for Depressi From: Colonel Dan 2. VA Policies for PTSD, Trends From: Colonel Dan 3. stop the Peake Nomination, VA nominee Peake's hearing set for Dec. 5 From: Colonel Dan 4. shoot the messenger, don't solve the problems. The VA is striking ba From: Colonel Dan 5. Payments Under VA CWT Program Are Nontaxable Veterans' Benefits , CW From: Colonel Dan

Messages

1. Suicide Mortality Among Individuals Receiving Treatment for Depressi

Posted by: "Colonel Dan" colonel-dan@sbcglobal.net coloneldan1

Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:34 am (PST)

I believe there is a connection.. with how veterans perceive treatment by the
VA including delays in Claim processing..

Look at the status of claims for these suicidal veterans.... how long they
fought for benefits...the feeling of abandonment. . after all it's just in
their head..get over it....BS

Far too many Pysch Dr's at VA are just pill pushers.... far too many have a
foreign background and ARE NOT familiar with a soldier's or American
background/culture.
Far too many will not make a statement as to the probability of the
veteran's mental problems being service connected. They will say, that is
not their job, they will say rules prohibit them from saying so.. which is
completely false... they will say that's up to a claims processor..a non-med
person...

full article at
http://www.pdhealth .mil/admin/ nlAttachments/ DHCC-Uploads/ AJPH.2007. 115477v1.
pdf


<http://www.pdhealth .mil/admin/ nlAttachments/ DHCC-Uploads/ AJPH.2007. 115477v1
.pdf> Ref: Suicide Mortality Among Individuals Receiving Treatment for
Depression in the Veterans Affairs Health System: Associations with Patient
and treatment Setting Characteristics
(The authors) provide new information regarding suicide risks among
depressed veterans. Unlike the general population, older and younger
veterans are more prone to suicide than are middle-aged veterans. Future
research should examine the relationship between depression, PTSD, health
service use, and suicide risks among veterans.
Source : American Journal of Public Health

Just what we need.. another study....

Furthermore, new VA research could examine
nonclinical factors known to be associated
with high rates of suicide, such as divorce
or separation, low religiosity, and
migration across state lines.44 Other research
could examine cultural and economic factors,
such as poverty and exposure to mass
media.45 By further investigating the relationships
between key characteristics associated
with suicide, the psychiatric needs of depressed
veterans can be better served and it
is hoped that the rates of suicide throughout
the veteran population will decline. This will
be particularly important as a whole new cohort
of military personnel who have fought in
Afghanistan and Iraq become veterans and
enter the VA health care system.


2. VA Policies for PTSD, Trends

Posted by: "Colonel Dan" colonel-dan@sbcglobal.net coloneldan1

Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:20 am (PST)

Ref your document
http://www.pdhealth .mil/admin/ nlAttachments/ DHCC-Uploads/ AJPH.2007. 115436v1.
pdf

US Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Policies for Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder:

Administrative Trends and Implications for Treatment, Rehabilitation, and
Research

*********

I believe there is a connection.. with how veterans perceive treatment by the
VA including delays in Claim processing.. basically there is no treatment. A
Vet finally get's an appointment with the VA, and is relieved.. he thinks,
finally I am going to get some help making the pain of PTSD, depression, etc
go away, and finally will get some financial assistance.. . boy is he in for
a shock. Many have been thrown out of the military waaay tooooo soon.. and
dumped in a new bureaucratic VA nightmare

Look at the status of claims for these suicidal veterans.... how long they
fought for benefits...the feeling of abandonment. . after all it's just in
their head..get over it....BS

Far too many Pysch Dr's at VA are just pill pushers.... far too many have a
foreign background and ARE NOT familiar with a soldier's or American
background/culture.
Far too many will not make a statement as to the probability of the
veteran's mental problems being service connected. They will say, that is
not their job, they will say rules prohibit them from saying so.. which is
completely false... they will say that's up to a claims processor..a non-med
person... Then after meeting with a Psych Dr for many months... he gets a
short sitdown with a C&P examiner.. who has never met the vet before, has
not read the complete file, and then despite the veteran having been blown
up by a IED or such, or spending 30 years in the military, will state the
veterans mental health problems are not service connected, but are related
to his divorce and/or his drinking. DUH!! STRESS is Stress.... you don't
have to prove being shot at, blown up, etc.... there is a lot of stress in
just serving.. even just preparing for deployment is stressful..
some handle it, some don't
************

BRecent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Administrative Trends Regarding
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Disability
. From 1999 to 2004, the number of veterans receiving VA disability payments
for PTSD
increased 79.5% (from 120265 to 215871), whereas those receiving payments
for
other disabilities increased only 12.2%.2
. From 1999 to 2004, total PTSD disability payments rose 148.8% (to $4.3
billion annually),
whereas payments in other disability categories increased by only 41.7%.2
. Most veterans' self-reported symptoms of PTSD become worse over time until
they
reach 100% disability, at which point an 82% decline in use of VA mental
health services
occurs; no change in use of VA medical health service occurs.2
. In a recent review of disability award files, 25% of files were found
lacking compelling
evidence of combat exposure, putting the monetary risk of potential fraud at
$19.8
billion.2
. Among veterans seeking mental health treatment in VA clinics, most (up to
94%) concurrently
apply for PTSD disability benefits.3
. Only about half of those veterans who apply for PTSD disability are
seeking psychiatric
care at the time of their disability application submission.4
. A nearly 2-times regional difference in the rate of approved PTSD
disability claims is
found across the nation; this variation is not explained by differences in
PTSD symptom
severity or psychiatric comorbidity, suggesting inconsistent evaluation
standards
or procedures.2, 5,6
. In 2006, the VA took an average of 657 days for appeals resolution of
disability claims.




3. stop the Peake Nomination, VA nominee Peake's hearing set for Dec. 5

Posted by: "Colonel Dan" colonel-dan@sbcglobal.net coloneldan1

Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:48 am (PST)


Call your Senator this week at local office... stop the Peake Nomination

also see:

<http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ nf07/nfNOV07/ nf110107- 1.htm>
www.vawatchdog. org/07/nf07/ nfNOV07/nf110107 -1.htm

www.vawatchdog. org/07/nf07/ nfNOV07/nf110607 -1.htm

VA nominee Peake's hearing set for Dec. 5

By <mailto:rmaze@atpco. com?subject=Question from ArmyTimes.com reader> Rick
Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 20, 2007 5:52:55 EST
<http://www.armytime s.com/news/ 2007/11/military _peake_nominatio n_071119w/>
http://www.armytime s.com/news/ 2007/11/military _peake_nominatio n_071119w/

The Bush administration' s nominee to be the next secretary of veterans'
affairs will appear before a Senate committee Dec. 5 to answer questions
about what he will bring to the job if confirmed.

This could be a quick process if retired Lt. Gen. James Peake, a West Point
graduate and former Army surgeon general, satisfies the Senate Veterans'
Affairs Committee that he is prepared to take on the many challenges facing
the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a growing backlog of benefits
claims, lengthy waits for some appointments and treatment of Iraq and
Afghanistan war veterans, especially for mental health issues.

But Senate aides, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Peake's
nomination could easily become a prolonged fight if his answers are
unsatisfying or if his nomination somehow gets tied up in a partisan feud
that has delayed action on legislation to improve veterans' benefits and
health care.

The Senate committee, chaired by Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, has been
complaining that leaving the VA secretary's post vacant since Oct. 1 seems
to indicate the Bush administration considers veterans' issues to be
unimportant.

The White House formally nominated Peake for the VA post on Thursday, just
as Congress was beginning a previously scheduled two-week break. The Dec. 5
hearing will come on the first week back from the break. Congressional
leaders hoping to end the legislative session no later than Dec. 21, which
does not allow a lot of time for extensive hearings or investigation.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. William Matz Jr., president of the National
Association for Uniformed Services and a member of the Veterans' Disability
Benefits Committee that has recommended numerous improvements in veterans'
programs, said he thinks Peake is "an excelled choice."

Peake was commander of the Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Wash.,
in the mid-1990s when Matz was deputy commanding general at that post.

"I know him well," Matz said. "What a great choice."


4. shoot the messenger, don't solve the problems. The VA is striking back

Posted by: "Colonel Dan" colonel-dan@sbcglobal.net coloneldan1

Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:11 am (PST)

UPDATE: VA LASHES OUT AT CBS FOR "VETERANS AND

SUICIDE" REPORTING -- Says CBS used a "questionable

journalistic tactic" in compiling reports. But, VA's

arguments don't hold water.

The VA is striking back at CBS News for their reporting on veterans and
suicide.

http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ nf07/nfNOV07/ nf111607- 1.htm

The first CBS report is here... http://www.
<http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ nf07/nfNOV07/ nf111407- 10.htm>
vawatchdog.org/ 07/nf07/nfNOV07/ nf111407- 10.htm
<http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ nf07/nfNOV07/ nf111407- 10.htm>
The second is here... http://www.vaw
<http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ nf07/nfNOV07/ nf111507- 10.htm>
atchdog.org/ 07/nf07/nfNOV07/ nf111507- 10.htm
<http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ nf07/nfNOV07/ nf111507- 10.htm>

But, the VA's arguments, against CBS and for their own advocacy, do NOT hold
water.

VA's self-congratulatory press release (below) speaks of all they have done
in the area of suicide prevention. Truth be told, VA has virtually ignored
the problem of veterans and suicide until this year.

In the wake of the Walter Reed scandal and the ensuing stories about
problems in VA healthcare, the VA added more suicide counselors.

Their suicide hotline did not get started until late July of this year.

Now, regarding their complaints about CBS.

The VA release states, "VA is concerned that the data CBS presented in its
broadcast was not reviewed by independent scientists as most legitimate
academic studies are."

This is completely wrong. CBS did not do or claim to do an academic
study...they merely reviewed statistical data. And, to make sure they had
it right, CBS sent that statistical data to a statistician outside of CBS
for independent review as shown in the first report. This statement by the
VA is deliberately misleading.

The VA also states, "We are reviewing the limited information that CBS has
made available to us..."

Let's make something clear. VA could have had this same data had they gone
out to the individual states and asked for it.

VA did NOT do that because they didn't want to know about the suicide
problem because then they would have had to address it...as they have been
forced to do now.

Once again, the VA is trying to back away from their mistakes. They should
be ashamed of using the old "kill the messenger" tactic instead of taking
this damning information to heart and doing something about it.

And, to Acting VA Secretary Gordon Mansfield who had ample time to try to do
something about the suicide problem during his tenure at the VA: "Mr.
Secretary, you are a disgrace. A disgrace for not taking responsibility for
the shortcomings of your agency and a disgrace for trying to lay them off on
someone else."

For more about veterans and suicide, use the VA Watchdog search
engine...click here... http://www.yourv
<http://www.yourvabe nefits.org/ sessearch. php?q=suicide& op=and>
abenefits.org/ sessearch. php?q=suicide
<http://www.yourvabe nefits.org/ sessearch. php?q=suicide& op=and> &op=and

VA press release here... http://www.
<http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ vap07/vap111407- 1.htm>
vawatchdog.org/ 07/vap07/ vap111407- 1.htm
<http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ vap07/vap111407- 1.htm>

Press release below:

Learn More <http://www.vamortga gecenter. com/f/vahomeloan sp.php?src= vaw>
about how to get a VA Loan today -- Click Here
<http://www.vamortga gecenter. com/f/vahomeloan sp.php?src= vaw>

------------ --------- ----

Statement on CBS News Stories Aired November 13 and 14

November 14, 2007

WASHINGTON - Every suicide in America is a tragedy. VA cares about each
veteran and their physical and mental health. We have more than 10,000
mental health workers who have dedicated themselves to helping veterans cope
with the issues and crises they face. We operate a veteran suicide hotline
which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help any veteran in
need. That number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA has suicide prevention
coordinators at each of our VA Medical Centers.

VA strongly encourages veterans who may be considering harming themselves in
some way to seek treatment from VA or other health care providers in their
communities. Our people are there to help during a crisis. VA's care and
treatment works and is available for veterans with PTSD, depression and
other mental health problems.

VA operates the largest mental health care system in the country, spending
$3 billion each year on its mental health programs, and has taken several
measures to increase its mental health services in recent years. Those
include new programs bringing mental health into primary care, intensified
rehabilitation for those with serious mental illnesses, and expanded
programs for homeless veterans and those with substance abuse problems.

VA is concerned that the data CBS presented in its broadcast was not
reviewed by independent scientists as most legitimate academic studies are.
Regardless of this questionable journalistic tactic, VA takes the problem of
suicide very seriously and wants veterans to come to VA for help if they are
under stress or in crisis.

VA is constantly reviewing scientific findings, both from our own research
and that of others, to guide us in improving care for veterans. We are
reviewing the limited information that CBS has made available to us and are
accelerating our own research to ensure we are doing everything possible to
improve the information available to the medical and research communities
about suicides in veterans as a means of better understanding how to prevent
these tragedies.

------------ --------- ----


5. Payments Under VA CWT Program Are Nontaxable Veterans' Benefits , CW

Posted by: "Colonel Dan" colonel-dan@sbcglobal.net coloneldan1

Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:55 am (PST)

http://www.centerfo rtaxstudies. com/blog/ taxnews/2007/ 11/19/payments_ under_va
_cwt_program_ are_nontax_ 69

Payments Under VA CWT Program Are Nontaxable Veterans' Benefits (Rev. Rul.
2007-69)

The IRS has ruled that payments made by the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs under the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program are exempt from
federal income tax as veterans' benefits. The ruling reflects the IRS's
acquiescence (TAXDAY, 2007/10/29, I.5) to the Tax Court's decision in R.
Wallace , 128 TC 132, Dec. 56,899 (TAXDAY, 2007/04/17, J.1), that payments
received under the CWT Program constitute nontaxable veterans' benefit under
38 U.S.C. §5301 (as cross-referenced in Code Sec. 140(a)(3)).
The IRS noted that the legislative history for Code Sec. 134, which provides
an exclusion from gross income for qualified military benefits, indicates
that veterans' benefits under 38 U.S.C. §3101 (now 38 U.S.C. §5301)
constitute qualified military benefits. The IRS further ruled that, because
payments made under the CWT Program are exempt from federal income tax, they
are not required to be reported on an information return.
Rev. Rul. 65-18, 1965-1 CB 32, is revoked and Rev. Rul. 72-605, 1972-2 CB
35, is amplified.
Rev. Rul. 2007-69, 2007FED ¶46,715
********
http://www.vawatchd og.org/07/ nf07/nfNOV07/ nf112007- 3.htm
This is an interesting IRS decision that could have an impact on tens of
thousands of veterans.

The CWT program pays vets to work in VA facilities as part of their therapy.
They could be transitioning out of a homeless program or drug / alcohol
rehab.

Vets are usually paid minimum wage (based on the state in which they are
working).

The VA has issued 1099 forms at the end of each year to CWT workers.

Although the VA has told many vets that their CWT earnings are not taxable,
the IRS has "nailed" many vets, claiming it is income.

So...if you have received CWT compensation and paid taxes on it, you should
file amended returns to get the money back because CWT pay has been ruled a
BENEFIT and NOT income.

Be sure to cite IRS Rule 2007-69.




"Keep on, Keepin' on"
Dan Cedusky, Champaign IL "Colonel Dan"
See my web site at:
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