Congressional conference committee members are deciding which provisions will remain in the final version of S.409 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). Senate Amendment 1972 to this bill would provide the life-saving care and benefits needed for Vietnam veterans suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and parkinsonism. Take action today to urge your senators and representatives to ensure Senate Amendment 1972 remains in the final version of the NDAA. Hold Congress accountable to do the right thing for our Vietnam veterans.
2020 Holiday Shipping Dates for Military Mail
For those sending mail and packages to service members, these are the recommended dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25: Space Available Mail (SAM) – Nov. 27; Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) – Dec. 4; First-Class Mail & Priority Mail Service – Dec. 11; Priority Mall Express Military Service (PMEMS) – Dec. 18.
VA Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2021
Veterans receiving government benefits will see a cost of living increase take effect on Dec. 1, 2020, and will be reflected in the Dec. 31, 2020, payment. This is equal to the increase granted for Social Security benefits, which will be 1.3% for 2021. The increase will be for wartime disability compensation, compensation for dependents, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses and children.
TRICARE Open Season
TRICARE Open Season is currently open through Dec. 14, 2020. This is the time when beneficiaries can enroll in or change their health care coverage. Any changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. This year it is important to note that TRICARE Select Group A retirees will be required to pay an enrollment fee beginning on Jan. 1, 2021. Beneficiaries must set up an allotment with their regional contractors for the enrollment fee to begin on Jan. 1, 2021. Individuals who do not set up their allotment by the deadline will be unenrolled due to nonpayment.
Army Settles Court Case on Bad Conduct Discharges
On Wednesday, the U.S. Army announced that it had reached a nationwide settlement in a case brought by veterans who received other-than-honorable discharges. As part of the settlement, the Army agrees to review decisions of the Army Discharge Review Board (ADRB) issued on or after Oct. 7, 2001, for certain veterans with mental health conditions, including PTSD and TBI. The Army will automatically reconsider all eligible ADRB decisions issued on or after April 17, 2011. Veterans who received a decision issued by the ADRB between Oct. 7, 2001 until April 16, 2011, will be permitted to file for reconsideration. Get in touch with your veterans service organization for information on how to refile for reconsideration.
Till next week, praying for all.
– Charles Castelluccio
