Effective Wednesday, July 5, veterans with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges may receive care for mental health emergencies for up to 90 days, which can include inpatient, residential or outpatient care. “Suicide prevention is my top clinical priority,” said VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin. “We want these former service members to know there is someplace they can turn if they are facing a mental health emergency — whether it means urgent care at a VA emergency department, a Vet Center or through the Veterans Crisis Line.” Any veteran in crisis should call the Veterans Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255 (press 1) or text 838255.
Medical Discharge Review
All veterans medically separated from the military between Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2009, and with combined disability ratings of 20 percent or less, can now request a Physical Disability Board of Review. About 25 percent of requests have resulted in increased disability ratings of 30 percent or higher, which turns the medical separation into a medical retirement and comes with monthly retiree pay. The increased rating also provides access to military installation exchanges, commissaries and Space-Available travel, as well as eligibility to TRICARE and survivor benefits programs. When reviewing records, board members first compare DOD and Veterans Affairs ratings and then make a recommendation to the respective service secretary. If successful, military records are then updated with a retroactive effective date equal to the original date of separation.
VA, DOD Will Host Suicide Prevention Conference
The Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs have partnered to host a suicide prevention conference August 1-3, 2017, in Denver. Participants and exhibitors at the conference will include caregivers, clinicians, researchers, suicide prevention and post-intervention specialists, service members, veterans and their families. The conference is free to those interested in attending.
POW/MIA Update
Army Technician 4th Grade John Kovach, Jr., 21, of Gypsum, Ohio, will be buried July 10 in Port Clinton, Ohio. Kovach died Nov. 19, 1942, after being admitted to the camp hospital.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Paul S. Raimond, 20, of Converse, La., will be buried July 11 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Army Cpl. Frank L. Sandoval, 20, of San Antonio, will be buried July 11 in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was declared deceased July 7, 1951.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Monroe Temple, 19, of Des Moines, Iowa, will be buried July 12 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William J. Gray, Jr., 21, of Kirkland, Wash., will be buried July 14 in Kent, Wash. Gray was declared killed in action on April 16, 1945.
Army Staff Sgt. Gerald L. Jacobsen, 27, of Little Canada, Minn., will be buried July 14 in Fort Snelling, Minn. Jacobsen was subsequently declared deceased as of July 16, 1945.
Marine Sgt. James J. Hubert, 22, of Duluth, Minn., will be buried July 15 in his hometown. Hubert was killed Nov. 21, 1943.
Army Sgt. Richard G. Sowell was killed in action on the morning of July 7. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. Gerald F. Wipfli was declared missing in action on Nov. 4, 1944. Interment services are pending.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Max E. Harris was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. The U.S. Army declared him deceased on Sept. 30, 1951. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
