RI Veterans: Did you know? 05.09.24 (disability claims, vet events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Questions from our readers:

Q: – I am rated 10% for my right knee, which has worsened and now I need a total knee replacement, what should I do? Bill, Pascoag, RI

A: – Step 1, file a VBA Form 21-526EZ for temp 100% based on replacement of a major joint. One month convalescence plus four months for the major joint replacement.

VETTIP:  As of 2024, a 100% VA disability rating is worth $3,737.85 per month for veterans without dependents. This amount increases for veterans with a spouse or dependent children. Moreover,  temporary 100% VA disability approval immediately after surgery does not consider you current employment status and is TAX FREE benefit.

The VA rates knee replacements at 30%, 60%, and 100% under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a Code 5055. 

Eligible veterans will receive a temporary 100% VA disability for knee replacement for the first four months post-surgery and then will be re-evaluated. 

VETTIP: Temporary 100% VA disability approval immediately after surgery does not consider you current employment status.

Prostate cancer treatment is another condition to apply for 100% VA disability. Veterans are more likely to be exposed to toxic chemicals throughout their service. Agent Orange exposure and burn pit exposure are two examples of toxic exposures linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The VA has a special rating schedule for veterans with disabilities caused by prostate cancer. This rating schedule allows you to get a temporary 100 percent VA rating when your prostate cancer is active–and up to a 60 percent VA rating for prostate cancer for some of the residual effects.

A cancer diagnosis can be frightening. The good news is that treatment for prostate cancer is very effective if started early.  While most veterans recover from prostate cancer, this disease can take a severe toll on you physically and mentally. Even after recovery, many veterans have lifelong disabilities they must manage. On top of that, this disease can cause anxiety and depression. Even though remission is technically cancer-free, many veterans still receive a VA rating for side effects related to cancer. Understanding how the system works is vital to getting the highest rating possible.

Who is eligible for Temporary 100 Disability Rating: ( https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/temporary-increase-after-surgery-or-cast/ )

Temporary disability rating after surgery or cast

If you’re recovering from surgery or a disability related to your military service that’s left you unable to move, you may be able to get a temporary 100% disability rating and added compensation while you recover. Keep reading to find out if you may be eligible.

Am I eligible for a temporary 100% rating from VA?

You may be eligible for a temporary 100% rating if you’ve had surgery or received other treatment at a VA hospital, approved hospital, or outpatient center for a disability related to your military service (called a service-connected disability). You must meet the requirements listed here.

If you had surgery

Both of these must be true for you:

• The surgery required a recovery time of at least 1 month or reports show that the surgery or treatment was for a service-connected disability, and
• The surgery resulted in severe issues

Some examples of what we consider to be severe issues:

• Surgical wounds that haven’t totally healed
• Stumps of recent amputations
• Being unable to move due to being put in splints or casts to help with healing (known as therapeutic immobilizations)
• Being unable to leave your house (known as house confinement)
• Being required to use a wheelchair or crutches

If you didn’t have surgery

You must have had one or more major joints immobilized by a cast.

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EVENTS

September 6, 2024 – Badger’s Pub, 530 Broadway Veterans eat free first Friday of every month. Owner Jason Badger, is a veteran himself who served during the Iraq war from 2003 to 2004, Badger said he thought it would be helpful to provide veterans a clean space in which to spend time and commiserate with one another.

Saturday, September 7, 2024 – 1 to 3 p.m. State Amvets Steak Fry: Amvets Post 7, 842 Social Street, Woonsocket. Event is open to the public. Cost is $25 per person, RSVP no later than August 31. To sign up, make your check payable to Rhode island Amvets and mail to 842 Social Street, Woonsocket RI, Point of contact is Brian Camara (401) 4883087m or call the Post (401) 7629748, or email [email protected]

Thursday, Sept. 12, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Annual Surfcasting event with the Narragansett Surfcasters, Scarborough Beach, Narragansett. Narragansett Surf Casters (NSC) and DEM will partner with the Vet Center to teach surfcasting skills to 20 veterans. NSC volunteers will partner with participating vets and provide personal instruction. They will also provide all necessary equipment. This event is limited to 20 participants, so sign up early by calling the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or by emailing edward. [email protected].

Saturday, September 14, 2024 – 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Veterans Resource Fair at Schpfield Armory, 705 New London Ave. Cranston, RI. Organized by Ocean State Unit 118 of Military Woman Across the Nation (MWAN). The event is open to all veterans and their families. Representatives from various providers, VA, VBA, VA Hospital and Social Security will provide information and answer questions. For details, call retired Col. Patty Ryan at (401) 369-1280 or email her [email protected].

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Veterans Café, at American Legion Fairmount, 870 River St., Woonsocket. This lunch is a social dining opportunity for veterans age 60 and older. For details, call Luz Filpo at (401) 351-6700, ext. 115.

Friday, September 20, 2024 – 1 to 5 p.m. Reunion 243 Engineer Battalion, R.I. Army National Guard. Kellry Grazzerro VFW Post 2812. 1418 Plainfield Pike, Cranston, Rhode island. Italian buffet is $25 per person, cash bar. Come join us for food, friendship and fun. RSVP no later than September 10, 2024. To sign up make your check payable to Ray Laprad and mail it along with your contact information to 243d Engr B Reunion, 33 Nothhamton St. Warwick RI 0288. Questions email [email protected].

Saturday, Sept. 21, 5 to 10 p.m.; R.I. National Guard Military Ball, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. A cocktail reception will be followed by dinner, music and dancing. Tickets are $70 each and must be purchased online at Eventbrite.com (search for “Rhode Island National Guard Military Ball”). Ticket sales end Sept. 12. Military attire is mess dress or semiformal service dress. Civilian guests should wear semiformal attire. For further information, email ring.militaryball@ gmail.com.

Sunday September 29, 2024 – 5:30 a.m. SENDOFF and Welcome Home, Sunday , September 29, 2024 @10:00 p.m at T.F Green International Airport

Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 5-6, Overnight Camping Women Veterans Retreat; at Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton. Organized by the R.I. VFW and sponsored by United Way of Fall River, the event runs from 10 a.m. on Saturday to early afternoon on Sunday. Bring your mementos and photos! RSVP no later than Sept. 10. To learn more and to sign up, call Carol at (401) 640-7506. Farm website is medicine-horse.com. Rain Date: Oct. 12-13. Questions? Call Carol at (401) 640-7506. Farm website is medicine- horse.com

October 7, 2024, Monday  Federal Hill Coffee House, 9:00-11:00 am. ROMA, Atwells Ave, Providence RI, Sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans of the US. Free for all veterans and their guest. Veteran Service officer available to assist any veteran or family member with federal and state benefits. More information, contact ITAM office, (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank! – Supplies are low

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

Leave No Veteran Alone Program – 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.

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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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Button Hole Golf Course continues Veterans Golf Clinics

All veterans and active service members are welcome, as well as immediate family members. There is no charge for the golf clinics, golf equipment or the food that follows. Two ‘ParaMobile’ golf carts are also available. The remaining 2024 schedule (all Thursdays): September 12, September 26, Oct. 10.

Typical agenda: 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Instruction on the range, plus playing as many holes as we can (or desire). A light meal and soft drinks will follow the golf, allowing a few minutes to unwind and talk about our golfing exploits.

Join Button Hole for one clinic or as many as you can attend; they are open to players of all experience levels. To participate, please email [email protected] so they’ll have a head count for the food. If transportation is an issue, please call Don Wright at (401) 421-1664 and Button Hole can find you a ride.

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RI Boots to Bushels – Summer Workshop Series

Boots to Bushels Summer Workshop Series started on May 15th and will run until September 25, 2024, Wednesdays, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. Calling all beginning farmers, military veterans, and those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. Join us for hands-on learning at the URI Agronomy Farm this summer. Workshops will cover risk management topics ranging from methods to mitigate climate change, sustainable pest and disease management, cover crops and more! Each workshop is $10.00/per person. NO REFUNDS Register by clicking here. 

Each workshop takes place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at URI Agronomy Farm – 30 Thirty Acre Pond Rd, Kingston, RI 02881

QUESTIONS? Contact Tricia Lourenco Boucher by emailing [email protected]. This program is supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.

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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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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

https://dem.ri.gov/about-us/dem-offices/boating-registration-licenses/rhode-island-outdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%20disability%20decision.

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) 

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 

Providence Children’s Museum Offers Free Admission to Active Military Families This Summer

Providence Children’s Museum (PCM) announces its participation in the Blue Star Museums program this summer. The national initiative, a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, provides free admission to all currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families – through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.

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. 

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.