RI Veterans: Did you know? 04.04.24 (benefit claims, events, opportunities) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer

DON’T BLAME THE VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER OR REPRESENTATIVE FOR DELAYS IN VA CLAIM DECISIONS

Too often than not, veterans become upset with those volunteers helping the veteran apply for benefits with the VA. Most of the delays are intertwined with the VA’s inability to process claims and appeals in a timely fashion.

Did you know that the Veterans Benefits Administration usually takes 12 to 18 months to review appeals and decide whether to grant some or all of the appeal? When you request a review from a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, it could take 5 to 7 years for you to get a decision.

We start off with a question from one of our readers

I submitted an appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeal, how do I find out the status? Glen, North Providence.

First, to check your appeal status, be sure that you claim is at the Board of Veterans Appeals. To check where your appeal is, visit https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status or call 1-800-827-1000 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.

VETTIP: If calling, be sure you have your name and social security number available. If calling for a veteran, more often than not, the representative you are speaking with will ask to speak to the veteran so permission can be granted to speak with the caller.

Sadly, it’s true that an appeal at the Board of Veterans Appeal could take 5 to 7 years.

In response to another question from a veteran if the veterans claim can be expedited by the Board of Veterans Appeal. YES!

The veteran or veteran’s representative can file a motion with supporting documents:

• Severe financial hardship (bankruptcy petition, home foreclosure notice, statement that the individual is experiencing homelessness);
• Serious illness (physician’s statement);
• Advanced age (defined as 75 years or more);
• Administrative error resulting in a significant delay in docketing your appeal; and
• Unusual hardship due to a natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood (personal statements regarding the impact of the natural disaster, newspaper clippings, pictures, FEMA declarations, etc.).

If you are registered with VA.gov, you will be emailed updates on your claim with the Board of Veterans Appeal. For example, here is an email I received for a Board Of Veterans Appeal that still is open from the original claim in 1997. Yes, 1997, 27 years ago: (this appeal has been at the Board of Veterans Appeal for over 3 years):

Dear John:

Your appeal, docket number 210603-163989, at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals continues to be in Appeal Docketed status. We must work cases in the order in which your VA Form 9 substantive appeal (for Legacy) or VA Form 10182 (for AMA) was received and we will update you with any progress.

Please do not reply to this email, as this account is used for sending messages only.

To check your appeal status, visit https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status or call 1-800-827-1000 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.

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If you wish to contact the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board), or submit a statement or documents to the Board, please work with your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or representative, if you have one. All submissions must include the Veteran’s name and claims file number, and can be submitted via mail or fax:
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
P.O. Box 27063
Washington, DC 20038
FAX: 1-844-678-8979 (Toll Free)

Please visit https://www.bva.va.gov/CustomerService.asp for more information on how to contact the Board.

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From the VA website, https://www.va.gov/resources/claim-status-tool-faqs/

How can I find out the status of my claim, decision review, or appeal?

You can check the status of your VA claim, decision review, or appeal online right now.

Option 1:

Without having to sign in, go to  VA website, https://ask.va.gov/ask-a-question/

If you have an account or want to sign in to VA.gov:

You’ll need to sign in first with Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account now.

Sign in or create an account

If you need help, please call us at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

To check your appeal status, visit https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status or call 1-800-827-1000 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.

Once you are able to sign in, you will be able to view a status of all claims and appeals you have open and closed.

Below is the information from my account after I signed in and went to the appeal and claim page:

Layman’s explanation if you see screens like above, here are some explanations:

Higher – level review for disability compensation . July 26, 2023 .This message indicates the claim is still at the regional office that made a decision on the claim. Basically, the claimant is asking for another “set of eyes” look at a decision the veteran is not happy with. The review will be based on all the existing evidence the rater had available for the initial decision.

Disability Compensation Appeal, June 3, 2023. This appeal is at Board of Veterans Appeal, being tracked docket number 210603-163989.

Higher – level review for disability compensation, July 26, 2023. In this case, the status is closed. It was closed out with a favorable decision to reopen the claim, since the VA denied the claimed with conducting an examine. This message indicates the claim is still at the regional office that made a decision on the claim. Basically, the claimant is asking for another “set of eyes” look at a decision the veteran is not happy with. The review will be based on all the existing evidence the rater had available for the initial decision.

Another screen shot from my VA.gov account:

Layman’s terms: Additional evidence was submitted for the original 1997 claim. Claims remains at VRBA Office in Providence R awaiting a decision.

If you click on View Details, you get more information on this claim:

Supplemental claim received January 2024

Up to date as of April 03, 2024, at 9:49 a.m. ET

Current status

A reviewer is examining your new evidence

A Supplemental Claim allows you to add new and relevant evidence to your case. When you filed a Supplemental Claim, you included new evidence or identified evidence that the Veterans Benefits Administration should obtain.

If you have more evidence to submit, you should do so as soon as possible. You can send new evidence to the Veterans Benefits Administration at:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

A reviewer will look at this new evidence, as well as evidence VA already had, and determine whether it changes the decision. If needed, they may contact you to ask for more evidence or to schedule a new medical exam.

If any appeals or claims you viewed are in closed status and you did not receive a hard copy decision, call the VA, 1-800-827-1000 and ask for a copy.

VETTIP: Often accuracy of the dates and other information summarized is not accurate. If you are concerned , call the 1-800-827-1000 and ask them to verify the information. OR, by internet, https://ask.va.gov/ask-a-question/

More information from VA website:

What kind of information can I get from VA.gov’s claim status tool?

You can find out where your claim, decision review, or appeal is in our review process.

You can also check these details:

• Any evidence you’ve filed online to support your initial claim
• Any additional evidence we’ve requested from you
• Your claim, decision review, or appeal type
• What you’ve claimed

And you can use the tool for these actions: 

• To upload evidence for an initial claim (you can’t use this tool to upload evidence for a decision review or an appeal)
• To download decision letters for certain types of claims, decision reviews, and appeals

Note: The claim status tool won’t show documents you brought to us in person or sent by mail or fax. It also won’t show documents that we’ve restricted to protect your or someone else’s privacy.

Can the tool tell me when I’ll receive a decision letter?

The claim status tool won’t provide an exact date. But if the status is “complete,” this means we’ve already mailed your letter. It will take 7 to 10 business days to arrive from the date we mailed it.

If you don’t receive your letter within 10 days, call us at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. 

For some types of claims, decision reviews, and appeals, you can also download your decision letter in the tool as soon as it’s ready.

What types of claims can I track online?

You can use our claim status tool to check the status of a VA claim for compensation. This includes claims for automobile or clothing allowance, pension benefits, and Aid and Attendance. You can also check the status of your VA health care or GI Bill claim.

Find out what types of claims you can track online

Can I upload new evidence online?

Yes. You can use the claim status tool to upload new evidence. From the Files tab, under “Additional evidence,” click the Add Files button to submit more evidence.

Note: You can’t use this tool to file a claim. Please don’t upload claim forms here. 

We accept these file types: PDF, GIF, JPEG, BMP, and TXT. The maximum file size is 25 MB. If you can’t upload your additional evidence because the file is bigger than 25 MB, please mail it to us instead. You can send it to the same address where you mailed your claim.

You can also bring your additional evidence to a regional office near you.

More information from VA.gov

Board of Veterans’ Appeals – Customer Service

Login to VA.gov to view or call 1-800-827-1000 for the status of your case

On this page:
Contact Us  |  Helpful Information  |  Other Points of Contact

Advancement on the Docket (AOD)

As a general matter, the Board is required by law to review appeals in docket order. However, the Board may advance an appeal on the docket (AOD) if the appellant demonstrates unusual hardship such as serious illness, severe financial hardship, or other sufficient cause. 38 U.S.C. § 7107(a), (b); 38 C.F.R. § § 20.800, 20.902. If you would like to request prioritization of your appeal, submit your request in writing to the Board stating the basis for your request, and include supporting documentation to factually demonstrate reasons for advancement. The following are some examples of unusual hardship or other potential sufficient cause, along with recommended supporting documentation (as all motions for advancement on the docket require claim-specific evidence of hardship):

• Severe financial hardship (bankruptcy petition, home foreclosure notice, statement that the individual is experiencing homelessness);
• Serious illness (physician’s statement);
• Advanced age (defined as 75 years or more);
• Administrative error resulting in a significant delay in docketing your appeal; and
• Unusual hardship due to a natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood (personal statements regarding the impact of the natural disaster, newspaper clippings, pictures, FEMA declarations, etc.)

Motions for advancement on the docket, along with supporting documentation, should be submitted to the Board in writing at the address or fax number listed below. Please remember to include your name, the Veteran’s name (if different), legal representative (if applicable), and your claim number.

Contact Us

Board of Veterans’ Appeals
P.O. Box 27063
Washington, DC 20038
FAX: 1-844-678-8979 (Toll Free)

Use Ask VA for a status report on your appeal before the Board. In your submission, please be sure to include your name, file number, and specific request. Please note that we respond to submissions in the order in which they are received. We may request additional information to verify identity in order to protect the privacy of our Veterans.

If your claim is not before the Board, please contact your local VA Regional Office (RO) or one of the other Points of Contact listed below.

Helpful Information

If you would like to have a hearing before a VLJ, consider requesting a video hearing. Please keep in mind that a Board hearing is entirely optional and is not necessary for the Board to decide your appeal. Hearings often increase wait time for a Board decision. To save wait time, instead of requesting a hearing, you may write down what you would say at a hearing and submit it directly to the Board. The VLJ assigned to your case will carefully review and consider any statements you submit before deciding the appeal.

Once the Board issues a decision (including a remand), we no longer have the authority to act on the appeal. Please review “Your Rights to Appeal Our Decision” included with your Board decision.  You may also contact the Office of Administrative Review (OAR) via email or phone at 1-800-827-1000, your local RO or your representative (if you have one to advocate on your behalf).  If your residence is in a foreign country, contact the VBA Foreign Service Program

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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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EVENTS

April 1, 2024 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House, 9-11:00 a.m , ROMA, 311 Atwells Ave, Providence RI , for veterans and guest. Enjoy espresso, coffee, Italian toast and pastries, calzones and more, all complimentary of the Italian American War Veterans of US. Veteran Service Officer is available to assist and or answer questions on state, VA, or other benefits available to veterans. More information, call (401) 677-9838 or email, [email protected].

April 4, 2024, RI Veteran’s Social, Twin River Casino, Lincoln RI. 6 00 p.m, Wicked Good Bar & Grill at Bally’s Twin River, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. Park in north entrance, come in to the left, go past the food court and come up the stairs to the 2nd floor – bar is at the top of the stairs. Host: Justin Hsu.

April 5 Veterans Eat FREE, 1st Friday of every month at Badger’s Pub, 530 Broadway Pawtucket RI. Complimentary meal includes any one item off regular menu.

April 13, 2024, Meat Pie Dinner 12 PM – 4 PM , VFW Post 5392, Shove Street, Tiverton, RI

April 24, 2024, 100 Day of Celebration, WWII Coast Guard Veteran Louie Dolce Sr, Bristol RI will be 100 year old. Dolce served on the USS Falgout during the war, which was attacked and torpedo by the Germans One of Louie’s wishes, is to receive 50,000 cards with $1.00 in it, to raise $50,000 for VFW Post 5392, 134 Shove Street, Tiverton, RI (checks and amount over $1.00 make out to VFW Post 5392) to help the post upgrade the kitchen hood and fire suppressor system. Louie loves going to the VFW hanging with veterans and beating them playing pool. ALL 100 year old veteran and civilian are invited to Louie’s 100 birthday party at Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI.

Louie’s Military Story:

Unknown to many, who associate members of the Coast Guard defending the shores of the United States. WWII Veteran Dolce was on the USS Falgout on 20 April 1944, in the Mediterranean, when the convoy came under heavy attack by German aircraft. Before the concentrated antiaircraft fire of Falgout and the other escorts could drive them off, they blew up an ammunition ship, sank a destroyer, and damaged several of the merchantmen.

With the other escorts picking up survivors or escorting the damaged ships into the nearest port, Algiers, Falgout screened the convoy on to its original destination, Bizerte.

The homeward bound passage of this same voyage was also a difficult one; on 3 May, one of the escorts was torpedoed and had to put into Algiers for repairs. Two of the other escorts sank the submarine which had crippled their sister, but on 5 May, another of the escort was torpedoed, and sank. Falgout and the remaining escorts brought the convoy safely home, not a merchantman lost. On her third convoy voyage, while Gibraltar-bound in the Mediterranean, Falgout took prisoner from the sea four downed German aviators.

All WWII veterans, veterans living at the Rhode Island Veterans Home, staff at the Rhode Island Veterans Home, and their guest are invited to Louie’s 100 year celebration at birthday breakfast (8:00 – 9:30 at Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave and 100 birthday dinner party at 5:00PM, also at Perellas. RSVP NLT than 22 April 2024, (401) 677-9838 or email (401) 677-9838. More details to follow on celebration of Louie turning 100.

April 24-27, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Yosemite AD-19 to hold reunion in RI. (SEE BELOW)

April 27, 2024, Saturday, VFW Post #5392, 134 Shove Street , Tiverton RI Clam Boil with Chowder and Clam Cakes. DJ Entertainment from 5pm-7pm. $35 donation, Doors open at 4:00PM. Eat in or take out. Tickets available at the VFW. NOTE: This event SELLS OUT, buy tickets early.

May 6, 2024, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House, 9-11:00 a.m , ROMA, 311 Atwells Ave, Providence, for veterans and guest. Enjoy espresso, coffee, Italian toast and pastries, calzones and more, all complimentary of the Italian American War Veterans of US. Veteran Service Officer is available to assist and or answer questions on state, VA, or other benefits available to veterans. More information, call (401) 677-9838 or email, [email protected].

June 1, Saturday, Twelve Acres, 445 Douglas Pike, Smithfield RI, 12:00 p.m. Testimonial dinner for Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary, Department President, Gina Marie Doherty

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Reunion

April 24-27, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Yosemite AD-19 to hold reunion in RI. This World War II-built destroyer tender spent much of its naval career based in Melville and Newport, so for the many veterans who served on it a return to Rhode Island is appropriate. The USS Yosemite Association invites all local vets or families to attend.

The job of a destroyer tender was to service destroyers in, or near, battle areas and keep them fit for duty. Launched in 1942, Yosemite saw action in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946 the ship was assigned to Newport, where it served as the flagship for the Commander, Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet until 1962. During the Cuban missile crisis, Yosemite deployed to Kingston, Jamaica, where it tended the ships engaged in that operation. For six more years Yosemite was assigned to Newport, until its homeport was changed to Mayport, Florida. Yosemite was decommissioned in 1994, and nine years later was sunk as a target in a naval exercise. For further information, call Tina Briones Smith, USS Yosemite Association secretary, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at (734) 308-0402 or by email, [email protected].

Alana Cerrone O’Hare of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau is the local contact for the reunion. She can be reached at (401) 486-3582.

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Signing Up For VA Healthcare

VA Providence encourages you to apply for VA healthcare if any of these descriptions are true for you:

You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, or

You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, or

You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service.

You can apply by visiting the VA Providence Enrollment Office in person, by contacting them at (401) 273-7100 ext. 12496; ext. 13260 or by visiting VA.gov/PACT

72 Hours Notice After Private Emergency Care – A reminder to veterans, if you seek emergency care to prevent death, disability, or permenant health effects. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for injuries and symptoms like head injury, severe chest pains, seizures or loss of awareness, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, or moderate to severe burns. You do not need to get VA prior approval for emergency care, however, you must notify the VA within 72 hours. Phone: 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842)

VETTIP: If you miss the 72 hour notification, still call the number to report the incident. Even if its after a month or two and you receive a bill that you thought the VA should be responsible to pay. Ensure to get a confirmation call number from the operator.

More information on the 72 hour VA notice:

VET TIP: The call center will give you a confirmation number as long as you have the veteran’s name. better to have minimum information available to call in as soon as possible, than not calling in.

Emergency care during and after a suicidal crisis

Starting January 17, 2023, VA will pay for, provide or reimburse emergency care for certain Veterans and individuals – including ambulance transportation costs – and follow-on inpatient or residential care related to the event for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days, including social work.

From VA.gov

Emergency Medical Care–Information for Providers

During a medical emergency, Veterans should immediately seek care at the nearest medical facility. A medical emergency is an injury, illness or symptom so severe that without immediate treatment, an individual believes his or her life or health is in danger. If a Veteran believes his or her life or health is in danger or is experiencing a suicidal crisis, they are encouraged to call 911 or report to the nearest emergency department right away.

Veterans do not need to check with VA before calling for an ambulance or going to an emergency department. During a medical emergency, VA encourages all Veterans to seek immediate medical attention without delay. It is, however, important for you to promptly notify VA within 72 hours of a Veteran presenting to the your emergency room.

Emergency care during and after a suicidal crisis

Starting January 17, 2023, VA will pay for, provide or reimburse emergency care for certain Veterans and individuals – including ambulance transportation costs – and follow-on inpatient or residential care related to the event for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days, including social work.

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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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Benefits Section

State of Rhode Island Benefits for Veterans Receiving 100% VA Disability Free Rhode Island Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License for Disabled Veterans: Wartime Veterans with serious disabilities may be exempt from Rhode Island vehicle registration and driver’s license fees. Who is eligible Free Rhode Island Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License for Disabled Veterans? To be eligible Veterans must have received an honorable discharge for service in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period and meet one of the following requirements:

• Lost or lost the use, one or both of their arms, hands, feet, or legs
• Received a grant from the VA for a specially adapted vehicle
• Received a VA combined, service-connected disability rating of 100%
• Rated “individually unemployable” due to a service-connected disability Free Rhode Island Disabled Veteran License Plate: The Rhode Island Disabled Veteran License plate is available to Veterans who have a 100% disability rating from the VA. These plates may be used on private or commercial vehicles weighing 6,300 lbs. or less. There is no initial or renewal fees for this license plate. Only one set of plates is authorized. Plates may be transferred to the unremarried Surviving Spouse. Veterans are required to provide a copy of their discharge papers (DD214 or other official proof of military service) and must request official documentation from the Providence VA Regional Benefits Office indicating they have a 100% disability rating before they apply. Providence VA Regional Benefits Office 380 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: 800-827-1000

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Golf – Hunting – Fishing

Free Golf, Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island resident Veterans who have a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA are exempt from paying any fees to play golf at the Goddard Park Golf Course. For more information call the Clubhouse at Goddard Memorial State Park from April 1st through the 3rd Saturday in November at 401-884-9834 or year-round at Division Headquarters at 401-667-6200.

Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans: A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses.

No cost licenses are available if you are:

To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)

To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing.

The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is:
DEM Licensing Office
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3576

To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.

Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: 

Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:

Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf  Benefits for Service Members and Veterans – HERE.

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Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans: 

Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA. The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged. Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability.

Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters
1100 Tower Hill Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-667-6200
Email: [email protected]

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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) via email at [email protected]*** 

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. 

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’s 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 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)  

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

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.