Social Security Disability and VA Disability

Recent news from the Social Security Administration.
Beginning March 17, 2014 veterans with a VA disability rating of 100 percent permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of claims for Social Security Disability benefits.

Both the VA and Social Security pay benefits of disability. However, their programs and criteria for receiving benefits are very different.

According to the Social Security, a VA rating of 100 percent Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration says that to be approved for Social Security benefits you must meet Social Security's definition of "disability." It goes on to say we consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
1. You cannot do the work you did before.
2. We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medial condition(s); and
3. Your disability is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits.
If you are a veteran rated 100 percent P&T in order to receive expedited processing for Social Security Disability benefits you must apply to Social Security. This can be done in one of three ways.
1. Fill out your application on line Social Security Disability Application
2. Call the toll free number 1-800-772-1213 for the deaf or hard of hearing you can call at TTY 1-800-325-0778
3. Call or visit your local Social Security Office, location and phone number can be found in your telephone directory.

I urge every veteran to first of all apply for your Veterans Administration benefits. If you are/or become Permanent & Total apply as soon as possible for your Social Security Disability benefits. It will take some time before your are approved.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Blocked

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) said on Thursday that an unnamed Republican Senator last week
blocked a bill that would have provided an annual cost of living adjustment, which means that payments of the new COLA could be delayed.

Senator Murray brought the bill, H.R. 4114 (which passed the House in July) to the Senate floor
on Sept. 21. The bill was cleared by Senate Democrats but was blocked by this unnamed Republican
Senator. So the Senate went into recess without passing the bill.

Once again Congress has stepped on our nation's veterans and one more time shown how little
our Congress thinks of those who served our country.

The bill as passed by the House would have given a cost-of-living-adjustment to 3.9 million veterans
and their survivors a raise in their disability compensation and benefits which is supposed to offset
inflation. Similar bills are usually passed each year with no controversy.

So, now with Congress not scheduled to return to work until Nov. 13, in order for the increase to
show in Jan. 1 checks the bill will have to be passed almost immediately.

Thursday afternoon the Department of Veterans Affairs stated that Congress must pass the
COLA no later than Nov. 13 if the increase is to be included in the Jan 1 checks. If the bill is
passed any later than that the VA would not be able to make all the changes to programming
of their system. Which means the increase would have to be paid retroactively.

This follows the move last week that saw the Veterans Job Corps Act fail to pass. A bill that
would have provided $1 billion to help veterans find employment. Their is now a bill in
the House that would direct the VA to create a Veterans Job Corps.

And so it continues, the ongoing disregard and disrespect for the brave men and women who
have served in our Armed Forces. The Veterans who sacrificed so much for our nation are again
left to hang in the winds of ill will.

America, it is time to say enough! Time to give our veterans what they were promised and what
is fair and just. If your elected officials are not standing up and voting for veterans and our military,
vote them out of office.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Purple Heart Homes to help veterans in North Carolina

STATESVILLE, N.C., Jun 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Purple Heart Homes will participate in the Second Annual Veterans on Wall Street Conference and Job Fair Thursday, June 21 at Cipriani Atrium, 55 Wall Street to discuss housing solutions with interested Service Connected Disabled Veterans ( www.purplehearthomesusa.org )

"Many veterans with a Service Connected Disabilities might find a job that requires relocation or they may need help with adaptations to their existing home" said Dale Beatty, Co-founder of Purple Heart Homes. "We offer three housing programs for Veterans with a 10 percent to one hundred percent VA disability rating," Beatty added.

Purple Heart Homes, a non-profit organization based in Statesville, NC has three programs for Service Connected Disabled Veterans:

-- Veterans New Home Program - provides pre-engineered homes and financing on land the veteran already owns or the organization works with the veteran to find a site where the veteran wants to live.

-- Veterans Home Owners Program - created for returning Iraq and Afghanistan Service Connected Disabled Veterans is a hand up not a hand out. Purple Heart Homes receives gifted foreclosed homes that are adapted for each veteran's disability. The veteran pays a mortgage at 50% of the current home market value.

-- Veterans Aging in Place Program created to help older veterans who own their own home by making bathrooms accessible, hallways and doorways wider and putting in ramps where steps have become obstacles.

Interested veterans should apply online at www.purplehearthomesusa.org to fill out a brief application. They must provide proof of service with their DD214 and their VA disability rating.

"We don't leave our injured veterans behind on the battlefield. We should not leave them behind at home," said John Gallina Co-founder of Purple Heart Homes.

Dale Beatty and John Gallina enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard when they were 17 years old. During their service to our nation, both Beatty and Gallina responded to calls from the Governor to help victims of Hurricane Fran and Hurricane Floyd. The experience provided both of them with a sense of mission and real commitment to community. They responded again to the call of duty from former President Bush to defend our country against terrorism during Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were both 25 years old at the time.

On November 15, 2004 the vehicle they were riding in hit an anti tank mine that exploded leaving Beatty a double amputee below the knees and Gallina with severe back injuries, TBI and PTSD.

Today the two combat wounded veterans remain on a mission to provide housing solutions for service connected disabled veterans through Purple Heart Homes the non-profit they co-founded in 2008.

To learn more go to www.purplehearthomesusa.org or call 855-PURPLE 9

To apply for housing solution click on 'application for assistance.'

SOURCE: Purple Heart Homes

---- Jerald Terwilliger National Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Court Takes Back Ruling On VA Mental Health

In May a three judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the VA to institute a
new mental health care program that would speed the appeal process for denied claims, and
provide more timely mental health care and ensure that suicidal veterans are seen immediately.

In its May ruling the court held that the VA takes an average of four years to provide complete
health care that veterans have earned. It also noted that often a suicidal veteran can wait weeks
for a first appointment.

The court ruled that the slow handling of PTSD and other mental health claims was unconstitutional.

On Wednesday the 2-1 ruling was overturned when a majority of the court's judges voted to
rehear the case. The case will now be heard by an 11 judge panel on yet to be decided date. 

Veterans have complained for a long time that the VA is just not taking proper care and is very slow
in the handling of claims. Many say that it takes years to get into the VA system and often
have to appeal a denied claim two or three times.

These men and women feel they are second class citizens and are treated with disdain and
by uncaring staff.

While it is know that the VA is working very hard to change the processes and hire more
health care workers, it is a slow process; and something must be done to make it easier and
quicker for claims to be processed, and the healing begun.

More Wounded Warriors are added to the role every day, even as the fighting in Iraq
and Afghanistan is winding down.

With the suicide rate of almost 18 veterans a day it is unjust, unfair and a blot on our
country's promise to our veterans; that anyone should have to wait that long for treatment.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"


---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Louisiana Good Idea, Poor Execution

The State of Louisiana had a good idea when the bill was passed, but it was poorly written and
now veterans are suing the state to receive the benefits.

In 2007 the Legislature decided to pay a grant to members of the Louisiana State National Guard that
were permanently disabled following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks $100,000.

So far only one disabled veteran is scheduled to receive the payment out of the twelve that have
applied to receive the benefit.

It seems that the way the law is written a person has to be declared 100 percent totally and
permanently disabled within one year. If the original decision from the Department of Veterans
Affairs is not at that time totally and permanently disabled, that their is the possibility of recovery
the claim is rejected.

So, if the veteran disputes the VA ruling, and is later declared as being totally and permanently
disabled; that ruling must be within year of the original date of the claim to the state.

Since the VA often takes so much time to process claims and appeals the one year time limit
is usually not soon enough to enable the veteran to receive his benefit.

The Legislature also directed the state to pay $250,000 to families of those killed in action.

 $9.65 million has been set aside for these benefits, with the largest part at least $8 Million is
set for the death benefit.

There was also a problem with the death benefits portion of the original bill, which families
fought to have corrected. As originally written the bill omitted soldiers wounded or killed
between Sept. 11, 2001 and July 6, 2007. This summer the Governor signed a law to
correct the oversight.

Veterans are now suing the state to receive their benefits, and have the law changed to allow
more time for filling a corrected decision from the VA that says they are 100 percent totally
and permanently disabled.

We hope that the state changes the law very soon and shows true support of our troops and
veterans.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Veterans to receive COLA in pensions

Veterans and their families will receive a 3.6 percent increase thanks to legislation passed by
the Senate. Since the House has already approved a slightly different plan, the House will now
have to approve the Senate version before it can be sent to the President.

Increases will be given for disabled veterans' compensation, additional compensation for
dependents, clothing allowance, dependance compensation for spouses and children.

The first increase since 2009 is scheduled to become effective Dec. 1st so that the larger
checks will arrive in January.

Veterans' benefits are not tied to the Consumer Price Index the way Social Security and federal
civilian retirement programs. Benefits for veterans must be approved by Congress.

It is not a large increase, but one that is justified and very much past due. Thank you Congress
for finally doing something right for our veterans.

Social Security and Social Security Disability payments will also be increased by 3.6 percent,
this is also the first increase in these payments since 2009. Our seniors need this increase
to maintain their life styles.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Veterans Crisis Hotline-Suicide Hotline

Much has been said about the increase of veteran and service member suicides. The numbers
continue to grow at an alarming pace. Help is available, although it is sometimes difficult
to find the right help. The VA recognizes this problem, DoD recognizes the problem. Do not
give up, find and get the help you need.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is working very hard to help prevent  the suicide of veterans and
military personnel. A report from the VA says that 462.854 calls were made to the VA Crisis Line
as of July 31, 2011.

259,891 of those calls were from veterans and 6,030 calls were from active duty military members.
The VA rescued 16,855 veterans and military personnel.

If you or a loved has suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of self harm the phone number to call
is 1-800-273-8255. This number is same as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Veterans and military members must push 1 which will connect them directly to the Department
of Veterans Affairs responders. If you do not push 1 your call will then go to the normal
Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

While the VA has received a lot of "bad press", and many complaints about the policies that
hindered availability of mental health care for so many veterans, it is unfair to pain all VA
healthcare professionals with the same brush. It is true that the VA does have some problems
and some people that do not seem to be thinking of the problems their patients face.

But, so many of the people working for and with the VA do care very much about their
veterans; they give of their own time, working overtime and spending long hours from
their families and personal life to do all they can to help their patients.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter-Free For Disabled US Veterans

APEC a water filter and softener company has a program dedicated to US Veterans.

They will supply for FREE a Reverse Osmosis water filtering system to sick or disabled veterans.
From their website "Purified drinking water is very important for people who are already suffering
from long term exposure to toxic chemicals."

"Through our new Free Drinking Water charity program, APEC is looking to donate several
drinking water filtration systems a month to sick or disabled US veterans and their families."

This company is looking for veterans with lower incomes and already have an existing condition
that drinking purified water would help these conditions.

For more information, and to find out how to apply please visit their website
freedrinkingwater.com/charity/charity-veterans.htm

This appears to be a very thoughtful and generous company, willing to help veterans improve
their health issues.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

9th Circuit Court Blames Congress and President For Not Helping Veterans

On Tuesday the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued a 104 page decision that cited the failure
of the political branches to correct what it called the VA's "egregious problems" and "unchecked
incompetence" in delivering mental health care to veterans.

The three judge panel said this failure violated veterans' due process rights under the U.S.
Constitution. 

The court said that examples show that veterans with PTSD or severe depression were often
forced to wait over eight weeks to receive mental health referrals. It also said that some veterans
committed suicide while waiting for help.

The court said that over 84,000 veterans are waiting for assistance with no legal means to
challenge these delays. The court added that these delays "can mean the difference between
life and death." An average of 18 veterans commit suicide every day.

In 2007, two nonprofit organizations, Veterans for Commons Sense and Veterans United
for Truth had sued the VA claiming "shameful failures" to care for wounded veterans.
This claim was dismissed by the California district court which said the court did not have
the jurisdiction to implement or interfere with the VA's mental health program.

The three judge panel acknowledged that it's intervention in VA affairs was an "extraordinary
step" and this was better suited for Congress or the president.

Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote that the panel concluded that the political branches had
"so completely and chronically failed" to respect veterans' rights that the court had to
intervene.

"No more veterans should be compelled to agonize or perish while the government fails
to perform its obligations," the opinion said.

The 9th Circuit Court sent the case back to the lower court to determine what changes
are needed to ensure that veterans in need of mental health care receive prompt treatment
and those with urgent problems receive immediate care.

A lawyer for the two veterans' groups Heather Moser, called the decision "monumental" for
recognizing that veterans' have a constitutional right to mental health care in
a timely manner.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

VA Budget Request for 2012

VA Announces Budget Request for 2012

Shinseki Pledges to Continue to be "Good Steward" of Resources

WASHINGTON (Feb. 14, 2011) - In announcing the proposed budget for the

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during the next fiscal year,

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki emphasized "making every

dollar" count in the $132 billion budget proposal for VA.

"We will continue to wisely use the funds that Congress appropriates for

us to further improve the quality of life for Veterans and their

families through the efficiency of our operations," said Secretary of

Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki

"In the current constrained fiscal environment, every dollar counts,"

Shinseki added. "We have put into place management systems and

initiatives to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and to eliminate

waste."

The budget request for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 must be

approved by Congress before taking effect.

Health Care

The budget request seeks nearly $51 billion for medical care.  It would

provide care to more than 6.2 million patients, including nearly 540,000

Veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

The budget request also includes almost $1 billion for a contingency

fund and $1.2 billion of operational improvements to manage the

appropriated funds in a fiscally responsible manner.

Major health care provisions include:

*            $6.2 billion for mental health programs, including $68

million directly for suicide prevention;

*            $344 million to activate newly constructed medical

facilities;

*            $208 million to implement new benefits for Veterans'

caregivers;

*            Nearly $509 million for research; and

Shinseki noted the department has created "a portfolio of initiatives"

to improve the quality of VA care while making it easier for patients to

access services.  Primary care providers will put more emphasis upon

disease prevention and healthy living.  New technology - securing

e-mails, social networking and telehealth - will be harnessed to meet

the evolving needs of patients.

For example, in 2010, a daily average of more than 31,000 patients took

advantage of VA's telehome health care.  The budget proposal will allow

more than 50,000 people daily to use this innovative, at-home care.

Among the department's operational improvements is a provision that

calls for VA to implement Medicare's standard payment rates, a measure

that will free $315 million for other health care needs.

Benefits

The proposed budget for the new fiscal year includes more than $70

billion in "mandatory" benefits programs, a category consisting mostly

of VA disability compensation and pension payments.

Shinseki reaffirmed his commitment to "break the back of the backlog" of

claims from Veterans for disability compensation and pensions.  VA's

goal is to provide Veterans with decisions on their claims within 125

days at a 98 percent accuracy rate by 2015.

Various initiatives support continued redesign of VA's business

processes and development of a paperless claims system to improve the

efficiency of VA's handling of applications for compensation and

pensions.  Among the major projects is one to provide Veterans with

streamlined forms to present to non-VA physicians who are evaluating

Veterans for disability benefits, while another new program allows

online application for claims related to exposure to Agent Orange.

Homelessness Prevention

The funding request includes nearly $940 million for specific programs

to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans and their families.

This funding is a 17 percent increase over the current budget of nearly

$800 million.

"Homelessness is both a housing and a health care issue," Shinseki said.

"Our 2012 budget plan supports a comprehensive approach to eliminating

Veterans' homelessness by making key investments in homeless and mental

health programs."

Education and Training

The requested budget for "mandatory" benefits programs includes nearly

$11.5 billion for VA education, training, vocational rehabilitation and

employment programs, including educational benefit programs VA

administers for the Department of Defense.  Approximately 925,000 people

will receive benefits under these programs.  Nearly three-quarters of

the funds will go to recipients of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.  

The budget proposal continues development of an automated Post-9/11 GI

Bill claims processing system that will speed tuition and housing

payments to eligible Veterans.

Information Technology

VA will seek nearly $3.2 billion for the new fiscal year to operate and

maintain its information technology (IT).

"IT is the key to bringing VA into the 21st century," Shinseki said. "It

allows for the efficient delivery of health care and benefits."

A recent independent study found that VA invested $4 billion in medical

IT from 1997 to 2007, which generated $7 billion in savings, mostly from

the elimination of duplicate medical tests and the reduction of medical

errors.

VA has a major role in the development of the "virtual lifetime

electronic record" as part of an inter-agency federal initiative to

provide complete and portable electronic health records for service

members, Veterans, other family members and, eventually, all Americans.

Through a disciplined approach to IT projects, VA transformed its

software development processes, meeting product delivery schedules over

80 percent of the time.

VA is consolidating its IT requirements into 15 major contracts, which

will lower costs and increase oversight and accountability.  Seven of

the 15 contracts are set-aside for Veteran-owned businesses, and four of

those seven are reserved for small businesses owned by service-disabled

Veterans.

Construction

Nearly $590 million in major construction is included within next year's

budget request.  

"This reflects the department's continued commitment to provide quality

health care and benefits through improving its facilities to be modern,

safe and secure for Veterans," Shinseki said.

The funding proposal provides for the continuation of seven ongoing

construction projects at health care facilities - New Orleans; Denver;

San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis; Palo Alto, Calif.; Bay Pines, Fla.,

and Seattle - plus new projects in Reno, Nev.; Los Angeles and San

Francisco.

Also in the budget request is $550 million for minor construction for

such purposes as seismic corrections, improvements for patient safety,

and enhancements for access and patient privacy.

Additionally, the spending proposal includes funds for a gravesite

expansion project at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in

Hawaii.

National Cemeteries

VA is seeking more than $250 million next year for the operation and

maintenance of its 131 national cemeteries.

The department expects to inter about 115,000 people next year at its

national cemeteries.  Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population is within

75 miles of a VA-run national cemetery or a state-run Veterans cemetery.

For the fourth consecutive time in 10 years, VA's system of national

cemeteries has bested the nation's top corporations and other federal

agencies in a prestigious, independent survey of customer satisfaction.

The fiscal year 2012 budget plan includes $46 million to fund creation

and improvement of state Veterans cemeteries and tribal government

Veterans cemeteries.

Further information about VA's budget proposal for fiscal year 2012 is

available on the Internet at www.va.gov/budget/products.asp.

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Repeal The Disabled Veterans Tax

The American Cold War Veterans are asking Congress to put an end to the unfair tax being placed on veterans who are receiving disability pay, or Social Security Disability Income and retirement benefits.

Under current law, veterans face a dollar for dollar reduction from their retirement pay for any disability benefits they receive.

There is a program which started in 2004 and ends in 2013 that is being phase- in  that will partially fix the problem. The ten year program will take too long, and is not enough. It will only affect a veteran with a 50 percent disability rating from the Veterans Affairs.

Last year there were two bills introduced that would have put an end to this unjust treatment of our injured veterans. Neither bill progressed out of committee and died with the end of the 111th Congress.


These bills are being reintroduced this year they are The Retired Pay Restoration, and The Disabled Veterans Termination Act.


We call upon the current Congress to act quickly to pass these two very important bills, and put an end to the concurrent pay laws, and allows a veteran to receive the full amount that they are entitled to.

The American Cold War Veterans are urging equal and just treatment for all veterans, regardless of when or where they served our country.

It is only fair that after these brave men and women have sacrificed, left their loved ones far behind and faced danger every day for our country; that now our country return the respect and give them what is due and just.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Virginia says yes to tax relief for disable veterans

Voters in Virginia said yes to constitutional amendments grant property tax exemptions.


One amendment gives local governments more discretion in deciding to grant exemptions on property
taxes for people who are 65 or older or who are permanently and totally disabled.

The second amendment forces the state legislature to exempt totally disabled veterans from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.

This is wonderful news for our elderly and our veterans.

Which state will be next to offer assistance to our veterans?

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Virginia Voters to decide on tax break for veterans

The state of Virginia is asking voters if a tax break should be given to veterans.

Question 2 "Asks voters if the constitution of Virginia should be amended to require the General Assembly to provide a real property tax exemption for the principal residence of a veteran or his or her
surviving spouse if the veteran has a 100 percent service-connected and permanent and total disability.
The proposed amendment would the General Assembly to pass a law exempting from local taxation the principal residence owned and occupied by any veteran with a 100 percent service-connected permanent and total disability. The veterans surviving spouse could continue to claim the exemption provided he or she does not remarry and continues to occupy the home as his or her principal residence."

It appears that the legislators will determine how large of an exemption will be granted, I am sure it will not be a total exemption, but rather a percentage.

This is a great first step, now we question, what about the rest of the veterans. Are they to be left out
in the cold? Does the state have exemptions (as some states do) for Korean and Vietnam Wars?
And what about the Cold War Veteran, are they to still be ignored?

I urge everyone who lives in Virginia to vote yes on Question 2, remember, recognize and honor our

veterans. It is time to say Thank You for your service. You have done well.


Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Green Bay Disabled Veterans Can Now Ride for Free

Green Bay, Wisconsin has announced that Disabled Veterans, and their service attendants can now
ride for free on city buses.

To qualify veterans will have to show a VA identification card with the words "Service Connected" or
the letters "SC" stamped on the card.

The new program was announced on Friday, as a way of rewarding veterans for their military service.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember" 

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996