The MPJ Connection

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA.

Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know.  Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won’t tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it.

You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you — and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.

Please also be aware that websites and links do change over time and some of these links may be out of date when you visit them. Hopefully you’ll be redirected to the new location.

Appeals

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc

Board of Veteran’s Appeals

http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/

CARES Commission

http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/

CARES Draft National Plan

http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105

Center for Minority Veterans

http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/

Center for Veterans Enterprise

http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm

Center for Women Veterans

http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/

Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html

Classified Records – American Gulf War Veterans Assoc

http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html

Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc

Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm

Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page

http://www.va.gov/

Directory of Veterans Service Organizations

http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view

Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm

Due Process

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc

Duty to Assist

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/

Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf

Environmental Agents

http://www1.va.gov/environagents/

Environmental Agents M10

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002

Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315

EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158

See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc

EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC

Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm

Forms and Records Request

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/

General Compensation Provisions

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html

Geriatrics and Extended Care

http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/

Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG

http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm

Guide to Gulf War Veteran’s Health

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf

Gulf War Subject Index

http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A

Gulf War Veteran’s Illnesses Q&As

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf

Hearings

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc

Homeless Veterans

http://www1.va.gov/homeless/

HSR&D Home

http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/

Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm

Ionizing Radiation

http://www1.va.gov/irad/

Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA

http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/

M 10 for spouses and children

http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007

M10 Part III Change 1

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008

M21-1 Table of Contents

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html

Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC

Mental Health Program Guidelines

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094

Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers

http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/

MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence

http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp

My Health e Vet

http://www.myhealth.va.gov/

NASDVA.COM

http://nasdva.com/

National Association of State Directors

http://www.nasdva.com/

National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp

Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc

OMI (Office of Medical Inspector)

http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/

Online VA Form 10-10EZ

https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

Parkinson’s Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders

http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf

http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/

Peacetime Disability Compensation

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131

Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html

Persian Gulf Registry

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003

This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005:

http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232

Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006

Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress

http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans’_Illnesses_Appendices.doc

Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf

Phase I PGR

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004

Phase II PGR

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005

Policy Manual Index

http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm

Power of Attorney

http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc

Project 112 (Including Project SHAD)

http://www1.va.gov/shad/

Prosthetics Eligibility

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337

Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page

http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/

Public Health/SARS

http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/

Publications Manuals

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4

Publications and Reports

http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm

Records Center and Vault
Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html

Records Center and Vault Site Map

http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html

REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT’S RECORDS

http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft

Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002

http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc

Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses

http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf

Research and Development

http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm

Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html

Title 38 Index Parts 0-17

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl

Part 18

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl

Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart A Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here)

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl

Title 38 PART 4–SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B–DISABILITY RATINGS

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38

Title 38 Total disabiliity ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. PART 4 “SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart A “General Policy in Rating

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..96.11&idno=38

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

http://www.vetapp.gov/

VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf

VA Fact Sheet

http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html

VA Health Care Eligibility

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp

VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF)

http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html

VA Life Insurance Handbook Chapter 3

http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310

VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans

http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm

VA MS Research

http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp

VA National Hepatitis C Program

http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/

VA Office of Research and Development

http://www1.va.gov/resdev/

VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War

http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp

VA WMD EMSHG

http://www1.va.gov/emshg/

VA WRIISC-DC

http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/

VA OIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address
http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3 .htm

Vet Center Eligibility – Readjustment Counseling Service

http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm

Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page

http://www.vba.va.gov/

Veterans Legal and Benefits Information

http://valaw.org/

VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/

VHA Programs – Clinical Programs & Initiatives
http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13  http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx>

VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page
http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/

VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans Health

http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp

Vocational Rehabilitation

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc

VONAPP online

http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

WARMS – 38 CFR Book C

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html

Wartime Disability Compensation

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110

War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center – New Jersey

http://www.wri.med.va.gov/

Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site

http://www.gibill.va.gov/

What VA Social Workers Do

http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3

WRIISC Patient Eligibility

http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

Print this out and save it in your  VA files. There may be a time for use in the future .

Uncategorized

Photo by Eric Sheler

Congrats to Eric Sheler for taking first place in the 5th Challenge: Portrait/Personality. I would also like to thank Preston for doing a great job on critiquing most all photos submitted and giving great feedback to build off of.

Thanks to everyone for taking their time contribute, I can’t wait to see what you guys have for the next challenge. – Christopher Griffin

Challenge 5 Results: Portrait/Personality, 1st: Eric Sheler, 2nd: Lisa Zunzanika, 3rd: Chris Griffin, HM: Sam Bendet, HM: Brittany Barker and HM: Sam Rogers.

Eric selected “Color” as the next 20 Day Challenge. We all look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Take part in the 20 Day Challenge by signing up on Facebook. You may also follow the link to view the winners and other entries.

20 Day Challenge

Christopher Lee Griffin has started a 20 Day Challenge Page on Facebook for anyone that wants to sign up and participate. Stop by, sign-up and participate! Military photojournalists and photographers from all around the world are already fans and participating.

A theme will be set every 20 days for you as a photographer to go out and cover using your own creativity. There will be a different Judge every challenge to decide the top photo. Only one shot can be submitted per theme. The winner will pick the next theme and photo will be placed as the group icon.

The group is at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-MPJ-Connection/162890202842?#/group.php?gid=119229975780&ref=nf

Uncategorized

“1984 Newhouse Military Photographers”  is a new small book which has a few portraits of students in that  class, 25 years ago.  It was recently put together by Rayburn Beale, who was a grad student at that time, and friend of many of the MPJ students.

To order and preview the book visit:
http://www.blurb.com/books/904163

David Sutherland, New Book

The following job has been posted to http://www.USAJOBS.GOV

Job Title—————–Audio Visual Production Specialist

This will take you directly to the posting: http://tinyurl.com/ygbfl4k

Ken Hammond Job Openings

Assistant Managing Editor Michele McNally, who oversees photography for The New York Times, answered questions from readers June 22-26 on the topics of Photography and Photojournalism. A great read and suggested by Don Sutherland (Doc).

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/business/media/22askthetimes.html

From the Web

US Air Force Combat Photographer Stacy Pearsall shares details of her convoy ambush in Iraq in 2007. A higher quality file coming soon.

Story produced by Mitch Mirkin, Charleston, SC

From the Web

The casket of Skip Ivins arrives by motorcycle at First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, MD on Friday, the 19th of June. He passed away earlier in the week after a long battle with cancer. Over 200 friends, family and co-workers gathered to pay their final respects. (Photo by Ken Hammond)

Ken Hammond