Legislative Updates

Fall Conference 2009

Jim Sampson / Steve Heye

HIGHLIGHTS

TAX EXEMPTION FOR 100% VETERANS

SUBSTITUTION OF SURVIVORS

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SALUTE DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM

DIRECT DEPOSIT

PURPLE HEART FOR SOME POWS

GENERAL PROVISIONS (Cont.)

NO PURPLE HEART FOR PTSD

VA MORTGAGE REFINANCING

IDENTITY THEFT SETTLEMENT

STATE BENEFITS

PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

LAND BOARD HOME LOAN DISCOUNT

NO FEE FOR DISABLED PLACARD

VETERANS LEAVING ACTIVE DUTY

SEVERANCE PAY OFFSET FORMEDICAL SEPARATIONS

PRE-DISCHARGE/QUICK START

VETERANS LEAVING ACTIVE DUTY (CONT.)

PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARDOF REVIEW

PERSONALITY DISORDERS AND COMBAT

EXTENSION OF DENTAL CARE

MILITARY RETIREES

EXTENDED PERIOD TO FILETAX AMMENDMENTS

GUARD/RESERVE RETIREMENT

SURVIVORS/FAMILY

SUBSTITUTION UPON DEATHOF CLAIMANT

CHAPTER 35 FOR SPOUSES

SBP/DIC OFFSET PAYMENTS EXTENDED

SURVIVORS/FAMILY (Cont.)

PAYMENT FOR MONTH OF DEATH

SPOUSE FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT

ENTITLEMENTS

VA TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT

HEARING AIDS/EYEGLASSES

CATEGORY 8 CARE

RATING ISSUES

STRICTER STANDARD FOR DETERMINING PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

VETERAN MAY RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE IF USING MORE THAN ONE DEVICE

RATING ISSUES (Cont.)

MUST PROVE VA ERROR RESULTED IN HARM

AN UNTIMELY FORMAL APPEAL CAN SOMETIMES BE VALID

PRESUMPTIVE AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE

RATING ISSUES (Cont.)

NEW LEGAL INTERPRETATION DOES NOT CREATE A CUE

APO NUMBERS CAN BE USED TO ESTABLISH VIETNAM PRESENCE

VA MAY DEVELOP FOR BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EVIDENCE

RATING ISSUES (Cont.)

DEFINITION OF DENTAL TRAUMA

ALL REVELVANT SMR’S MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO RATING DECISION

VA NOTICE ERRORS ARE NOT PRESUMBED TO BE PREJUDICIAL

RATING ISSUES (CONT.)

AID AND ATTENDANCE FORM

REVISED 21-8416

ALS PRESUMPTIVE FOR ALL VETERANS

WEIGHING MEDICAL EVIDENCE

RATING ISSUES (CONT.)

HAAS DECISION OVERTURNED

SYMPATHETIC READING OF CLAIMS

EFFECTIVE DATES

CRITERIA FOR EXTRA-SCHEDULAR RATINGS

CURRENT ADDRESS

RATING ISSUES (CONT.)

CUE CLAIM REQUIREMENTS

CHANGE IN INTERPRETATION IS NOT A CUE

CUE AND MISSING EVIDENCE

RATING ISSUES (CONT.)

FINAL ADJUDICATION

DISTINCT CLAIMS/OVERLAPPING SYMPTOMS

CHRONIC DISEASE NEXUS

AGENT ORANGE

RATING ISSUES (CONT.)

GULF WAR ON TERROR CLAIMS PRIORITY

PTSD – IN SERVICE DIAGNOSIS

COMMISSIARY PRIVILEGES AND IU

NEW RATING SCHEDULES

EDUCATION

POST 9/11 GI BILL

Questions?