RI Veterans: Did you know? 25.09.25 (Safety, Job Fair, Volunteer, Benefits, Events) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Q:  I am a veteran using VA Healthcare. Will the VA assist me in installing grab bars in my bathroom? Dan, Cranston

A:  If you are enrolled and using VA healthcare and have a primary care physician, discuss your needs with your Primary Care doctor, who can assess your requirements and initiate a request for medically necessary grab bars and installation through the VA’s Prosthetics program. Explain to your primary care provider that you are concerned about your safety while using the bathroom.

If the equipment is deemed medically necessary, the VA  can authorize the service through the VA Prosthetics program, which often includes installation by a contractor. If the VA approves the grab bars, installation will be NO COST to any veteran using the VA Healthcare system.

VETTIP: If you are a renter, obtain permission from your landlord for the VA to install necessary grab bars in the bathroom. These grab bars should include those in the shower/tub area and other areas of the bathroom.

Don’t hesitate to call the VA immediately to ask your primary care physician for their recommendations on the grab bars and the next steps you need to take to have the VA install the safety rails.

Primary care call center number in Providence is (401) 273-7100 or (401) 457-3336.

Suppose you are not assigned a primary physician and can’t get an appointment for several weeks. In that case, I recommend visiting Express Care at the VA Providence Health Care facility and discussing your safety concerns regarding the use of the bathroom at your home of record.

What if you need a walk-in shower or modifications to the existing tub to improve safety? Will the VA pay?Yes, the VA offers grants for walk-in showers, also known as roll-in showers. To receive funding, you can apply for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant, and the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. Learn about the differences between these grants and the guidelines for each below.

How to apply for a VA walk-in shower grant

To apply for a VA walk-in shower grant, you must apply for the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, which requires a VA physician’s prescription, filling out VA Form 10-0103, submitting contractor estimates and photos, and mailing the application to your local VA medical center’s Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. Alternatively, for veterans with specific severe, service-connected disabilities, you can apply for a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) or Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, which uses a different form (VA Form 26-4555) and has different eligibility requirements.

For a HISA Grant (for necessary bathroom modifications)

1. Enroll in VA Health Care: You must be enrolled in VA Health Care to be eligible
2. Obtain a VA Physician’s Prescription:Get a prescription from a VA doctor that includes your name, medical diagnosis, a detailed description of the needed modification (e.g., walk-in shower), and the medical justification explaining why it is necessary for your health and independence.
3. Gather Required Documents:

1. • VA Form 10-0103: Complete and sign the Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations form.

1. • Photographs: Include clear, color photographs of the bathroom area that needs modification.

1. • Contractor Estimate: Provide an itemized estimate from a contractor for the project, covering labor, materials, permits, and inspections.

1. • Landlord Consent: If you rent, you need a notarized statement from your landlord granting permission for the modifications.
   • Submit Your Application: Send the complete application package to the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at the nearest VA medical center.

The Italian American War Veterans of the United States (ITAM) provides free assistance to any veteran and/or caregiver in applying for grab bars and/or a walk-in shower. The ITAM organization will facilitate all the VA requirements for applying to the VA. In the past, from contacting ITAM for assistance to submission of the application for approval by the VA, improved safety requirements were completed within 45-60 days.

For FREE assistance, contact ITAM veteran Service officer (VSO), (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected].

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September 30, 2025 Veteran’s Job Fair

Looking for your next career move? Join us for Suit Up for Success: Veteran’s Job Fair on Tuesday, September 30, from 1–3 PM at VA Providence (5th Floor Classrooms). Meet local employers, explore opportunities, and take the next step toward your career goals.

830 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, RI – 401-273-7100 ext. 13099.

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Wanted:  Volunteers

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VA Providence Medical

FAQ Telephone Numbers

Pharmacy

Veteran Burial Resource Guide

RI Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI – Changes to federal laws have made veterans who were previously ineligible for the RI Veteran Cemetery now eligible. For example, previous members of the RI Guard and/or reserve are ineligible, unless they met active duty requirements and/or served in a conflict.

However, the  Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act,  which made National Guard and Reserve members eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries regardless of their active-duty status, was enacted on  March 15, 2022. This legislation ensured that Guardsmen and Reservists meeting certain criteria, such as not having a dishonorable discharge, would be eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries, even if they didn’t meet the previous, more restrictive, eligibility requirements

How to apply? https://vets.ri.gov/veterans-cemetery-interment-application-online

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EVENTS

October 6, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM at (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]  

October 25, 2025

January 17, 2026 35^th  Desert Storm Reunion, Tri-City Elks, West Shore Road, Warwick, RI – 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 pm Veteran Social. All Desert Shield/Storm veterans invited.  5:00 p.m. Memorial service . More information and tickets go to https://35desertstorm.org

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Monthly VA Disability Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions Providence Medical Hospital

Q – How do I get an appointment with a primary provider at the VA Providence Medical Center   on Chalkstone Ave, Providence?

A – VA Providence Medical Center

VETTIP:  A Veteran must be enrolled/registered with the VA before services are provided.

For FREE assistance to enroll in VA Health care system, contact the Italian American War Veterans of US, Veteran Service Officer, (401)677-9838 or email [email protected], or website, italianamericanwarveteransofus.org

*Primary care call center:
Direct:  401-273-7100  or  401-457-3336

Q: I was unhappy with service at the Providence VA?

Veteran options if unhappy with the VA service and or recommendations:

Denied a clinical procedure:

What options does a veteran have if denied a clinical procedure at a VA Hospital?

Step 1. I would recommend that you contact your primary care provider and tell them that  the referral  was denied.

VETTIP   I recommend you contact your provider through MyHealthVA,  https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home  This provides documentation for additional evidence the veteran is denied a service their VA primary provider recommended additional medical services.

Step 2. initiate a clinical appeal.

If you disagree with a VA medical treatment decision, you can initiate a Clinical Appeal, a process where a higher-level review of the decision is requested, potentially involving the facility’s chief medical officer and other experts.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• What is a Clinical Appeal?
• A clinical appeal is a formal, written request for a review of a medical treatment decision made by your VA care team.
• It’s used when you disagree with a decision about your care or treatment.
• How to Initiate a Clinical Appeal?
• Contact the patient advocate at your VA health care facility.
• The patient advocate will guide you through the process and help you file a written appeal.
• The advocate will work with facility’s chief medical officer and other experts to review the medical treatment decision.
• What Happens During a Clinical Appeal?
• The appeal is reviewed by a higher-level medical professional or team.
• They will consider the original decision and any new information or evidence you provide.
• The goal is to resolve the clinical dispute.
• Second-Level Appeal (VISN):
• If the facility-level appeal is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can submit a second-level appeal to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Patient Advocate Coordinator (VPAC).
• The VPAC will conduct a final review of the case.
• Oral Appeals:
• If you prefer to discuss your appeal orally, the patient advocate or VPAC will assist you in putting your appeal in writing.
• Other Decision Review Options
• If you disagree with a VA benefit or claim decision, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case.
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals

If you disagree with a Board decision, you have 2 options: If you have new and relevant evidence that supports your case, you can file a Supplemental Claim, or you can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Cla within 120 days from the date of your decision.

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Free Golf at Top Golf (Last day for 2025, tomorrow, 9-25)

Italian American War Veteran of the United States, Offering PGA Hope Graduates and Disabled Veterans Free Golfing at Top Golf Schedule

The Italian American War Veterans of the United States (ITAM) is offering free golfing to PGA Hope Graduates, logistics students attending logistics training at Naval Newport Base in Newport, RI, and combat disabled veterans at Top Golf, 120 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston, RI 02920 every Friday in September and October 2025.

Eligible participants must pre-register by emailing ITAM at [email protected] or calling (401) 677-9838.

“Slots are limited at this time; however, we have reached out to potential sponsors to expand the program,”said ITAM Morale Welfare Recreation (MWT) coordinator John A Cianci.

DATES:

Last Date for 2025:  Tomorrow, September 26, 2025, Friday 5:00 PM

More information on the program, check back to this weekly Thursday column – and go to the Facebook page, Golf4Vets –   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107112074631952

More Information on the PGA Hope program – https://www.pgareach.org/pgahope

 Serving Those Who Served. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, the program is inclusive of a developmental 6-8 week curriculum. All programs are provided at no cost to all participating Veterans.

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program (https://italianamericanwarveteran.org)   – Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with refreshments we provide.  Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.

Monthly Schedule for long term care and assisted living facilities needing volunteers:

Saturdays:

1st Saturday: South Kingstown Nursing and Rehab, 2115 S County Trail, West Greenwich, RI

3rd Saturday, Friendly Home, 303 Rhodes Ave, Woonsocket RI

Mondays:

2nd Monday – Greenwood Nursing and Rehab, 1139 Main Ave, Warwick RI

4th Monday– Chapel Hill Senior Living , 10 Old Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland RI  Tuesdays

1st Tuesday Village House Nursing and Rehab, 70 Harrison Ave, Newport RI

2nd Tuesday– Elmwood Nursing Home and Rehab, 225 Elmwood Ave. Providence RI

Wednesdays

1st  Wednesday– Eastgate Nursing and Rehab, 198 Waterman Ave, East Providence RI 2nd Wednesday –West Shore Health Center109 West Shore Road, Warwick  RI Fridays

1st Friday–Benchmark at Forge Hill, 4 Forge Hill Road, Franklin MA

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity.

As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

What We’re Looking For:

Active driver’s license & vehicle insurance

Clean driving record

V Ability to pass a background check

& COVID-19 vaccination

Details:

© Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (flexible options available)

Contact: Joseph Medeiros at (401) 457-3387 or Voluntary Services at (401) 457-3002 to learn more!

Let’s make the road smoother for those who’ve served-volunteer today!

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends, and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

• It’s free and confidential
• You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
• It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans.

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Resources & ongoing groups

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.”As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Art Expression Group– Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Stress Management– Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Low Impact Walking Group– Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Guitar 4 Veterans Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Monday Mindfulness Group Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Yoga Group Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Moral Injury Group Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Modern Warrior Support Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.

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Discounts for Veterans

Services

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification.

Restaurants  

Applebee’s– Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022.

Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

Denny’s– Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022.

Outback Steakhouse– 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021

99 Restaurant & Pub”The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID

Retailers  

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021

Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You”to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube ® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You”to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]; the business name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office (401) 677-9VET (9838)

To read all columns in this series go to:    https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/john-a-cianci/

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John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.