New RV Parking Guidlines for Elk Lodges 

Recently, the question has come up regarding liability for parking of RV's and trailers on Elk Lodge property, as to who is responsible for any damages which may occur.

Because of this, MEA Accident Prevention Director Robert Pekins recently contacted Sheldon H. Staubitz, Insurance Director for the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and received a form which can be dowloaded here:

http://www.maineelks.org/rvandtrailerparking.pdf

The form includes a liability release which would be signed by the RV or Trailer Owner, indemnifying the Lodges from any damages.

Togus VA Wish List-March 2010 

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS:

1.     Drivers for Volunteer Transportation Network (Bangor, Rockland, Rumford, Bath/Brunswick)

2.     Mealtime companions for long term care patients (any lunch and dinner during the week)

3.     73 Patriot Place and Dialysis - 1-on-1 visitation/reading and talking with patient

4.     Parking Lot Shuttle driver

5.     Information Desk

6.     Escort Volunteers

7.     Supply, Process and Distribution Center

8.     Primary Care Customer Service Assistant

ONGOING PROGRAM SUPPORT:

1.     Calling cards (60 minutes or more per card)

2.     Coffee funds (provides coffee in waiting areas/wards/clinics)

3.     Afghans (for a twin bed)

4.     Comfort Items, i.e., shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, disposable razors etc. (No alcohol based products)

5.     Diabetic snacks funds

6.     Newspaper funds (provides newspapers in waiting areas/wards/clinics)

7.     General Patient Comfort Fund including Memorial Donations

8.     Adapted Sports Equipment/Outings - Recreation Therapy

9.     National Rehabilitation Events (Golden Age Games, Winter Sports, Wheelchair Games, and Creative Arts )

SPECIAL REQUESTS/PROJECTS:

1.     Unit 4 South activity sponsorship (approx $50 pizza party, $25 ice cream social)

2.     Organizations to sponsor entertainment on 73 Patriot Place

3.     Parking Lot Shuttle Vehicle Project

4.     Electric Razors

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

NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME!  Books; Used Stamps; any clothing that is stained or torn;Jigsaw Puzzles; Playing Cards; Magazines over three months old; Dental Floss; After-Shave; Hand Lotion; Writing Tablets; Pens; and Envelopes.  Due to Infection Control policies we are unable to take used walkers, canes, or crutches at this time.

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that under the Tax Code, donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs' General Post Fund for exclusively public purposes are deductible from federal income taxes in the manner and to the extent allowable.  The announcement reflects the tax law provision, which makes those donations deductible as "donations to the United States".  Donations to support any of the Department's programs are deductible, whether the donor directs that the donated funds be used for a specific purpose or allows the Department to decide how the donated funds will be used.  Donated funds made by check should be made out to "VAVS" and sent to the address above.

MEA State Meeting this Weekend

The Maine Elks Association will hold its spring meeting this weekend at the Houlton Elks Lodge. The weekend will begin with the Trustees working on the 2010-2011 Budget at 10 AM, followed by the MEA State President's Homecoming that night.

On Sunday, the Trustees will hold their regular meeting at 9 AM, followed by the MEA general meeting at 10 AM.

Veteran Benefit Websites

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.

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  and  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   and,  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   and,  http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html   and  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 AAcAc,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 A,A 3.317 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 A,A 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. PART 4AcAc,A!"SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart AAcAc,A!"General Policy in Rating  http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?=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 AcAc,A!" 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/

VAOIG 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 VeteransAcAc,A!(tm) 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 Di sability 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 .

If you have news or information of interest to the members of the Maine Elks Association, please send your articles to Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly at meapr@fairpoint.net for inclusion in the MEA Calendar, the MEA Website, or future issues of this newsletter.

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