Reps. Colin Allred (D-TX) and Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) introduced VFW-supported H.R.7443, the Veterans Claims Transparency Act. This important legislation would reinstate VA’s former policy of permitting veterans service officers to review claims decisions within the 48-hours preceding promulgation to ensure all claims were properly evaluated and are error-free prior to a veteran receiving notification of a rating decision. The VFW thanks Reps. Allred and Hagedorn for introducing this important legislation, which would rightfully reinstate the 48-hour review policy.
House Holds Hearing on VA Character of Discharge Determinations
On Wednesday, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on VA’s character of discharge determination process. In order to receive benefits from VA, the character of a veteran’s discharge from military service must be under other than dishonorable conditions. For veterans who receive an other-than-honorable discharge, VA should examine the character of the veteran’s discharge to determine benefits eligibility.
VA Reinstates In-Person Services at 100+ Hospitals
VA announced more than 100 VA medical facilities have reinstated at least one in-person service within their direct health care delivery system after certain services were temporarily on hold or reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. VA leadership reviews and considers many factors daily, including community infection rates, to determine when it is safe for a facility to expand services. Changes have been made to VA spaces to help people maintain at least six feet of distance, as well as requiring everyone who enters a VA facility to wear a cloth face covering. “We will continue to provide a safe environment for both veterans and employees,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.
VFW Meetings Scheduled
On Sunday, July 19, the PA VFW 28th District, Post and Auxiliary will have their meetings held at VFW Post 2006, located at 104 S. Morgan St. in Meadville. Both meetings will start at 2 p.m. There will be nomination, election, and installation of District Officers.
POW/MIA Update
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. William H. Melville, 20, was a pilot assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group. On Oct. 28, 1943, he was piloting a P-39Q Airacobra fighter on a combat mission over the island of New Guinea. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Richard L. Henderson, Jr., 18, was a member of Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Francis J. Rochon, 21, was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Sept. 1, 1950, near Changnyeong, South Korea. Rochon will be buried July 25, 2020, in Foxboro, Wisconsin.
Till next week praying for all.
– Charles Castelluccio
