RI Veterans: Did you know? 20.03.25 (VA changes, St. Joseph’s Day, events, more) – John A. Cianci

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 the 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 reach a resolution to 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 Claims within 120 days from the date on your decision letter. 

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VA NEWS

VA to phase out treatment for gender dysphoria – savings will be redirected to helping paralyzed Veterans and amputees

(Info from the VA): In response to President Trump’s Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government executive order, VA announced that it will phase out medical treatments for gender dysphoria. President Trump’s Defending Women EO states, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.” VA is adjusting its policies to fully comply with the EO.

Any and all savings VA achieves by stopping specific medical treatments for gender dysphoria will be redirected to help severely injured VA beneficiaries — such as paralyzed Veterans and amputees — regain their independence.

Effective immediately, VA will not offer cross-sex hormone therapy to Veterans who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria, unless:

• Such Veterans are already receiving such care from VA; or
• Such Veterans were receiving such care from the military as part of and upon their separation from military service and they are eligible for VA health care.

Veterans who do not meet the criteria above are not eligible for cross-sex hormone therapy through VA health care. VA will not provide any other medical or surgical therapy for gender dysphoria to any patients in any circumstance.

“I mean no disrespect to anyone, but VA should not be focused on helping Veterans attempt to change their sex. The vast majority of Veterans and Americans agree, and that is why this is the right decision,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “All eligible Veterans – including trans-identified Veterans – will always be welcome at VA and will always receive the benefits and services they’ve earned under the law. But if Veterans want to attempt to change their sex, they can do so on their own dime.”

Eligible Veterans diagnosed with gender dysphoria or identifying as trans will continue to receive comprehensive VA health care, which includes preventive and mental health care. Today’s announcement does not affect VA medical care for eligible Veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer.

VA’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator and VISN Lead roles are not affected by this policy change, as they ensure clinically competent, Veteran-centered, and effective care. VCCs are familiar with best clinical practices, understand how to address health issues for LGBTQ+ Veterans, and provide education and guidance at VA medical facilities.

Although VA has never offered sex-change surgeries, the department has been providing treatment for gender dysphoria for more than a decade. VA has not kept consistent and reliable records regarding the total number of Veterans who endured these procedures, the total amount of money spent on them or the total number of employees involved. Veterans Health Administration estimates indicate that less than one tenth of one percent of the 9.1 million Veterans enrolled in VA health care are trans-identified.

Until recently, however, VA had been promoting an array of services designed to help Veterans attempt to change their sex, including:

• cross-sex hormone therapy
• voice and communication training
• so-called gender-affirming prosthetics, including breast forms, chest binders, dilator sets for post-vaginoplasty, packers, surgical compression vests, and wigs

Additionally, VA had been providing letters of support encouraging non-VA providers to perform sex-change surgeries on Veterans. The aforementioned services had been authorized under Veterans Health Administration Directive 1341(4), which has now been rescinded.

In addition to the changes announced today, VA facilities have already ensured that all intimate spaces, such as bathrooms, locker rooms and patient rooms, are designated by sex (male or female) or unisex for single-person spaces.

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Editor’s NOTE: As is happening with many federal changes, this decision announcement was followed by a federal judge issuing a block – here is that information:

Federal judge blocks Trump’s transgender military executive order

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender people from serving in the U.S. military.  U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction barring the Pentagon from enforcing Trump’s order, which asserted “expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.” 

The order, issued on Jan. 27, instructed the Department of Defense (DOD) toupdate its medical standards for military service and pronoun policies, stating that “beyond the hormonal and surgical medical interventions involved, adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individual’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life.” 

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Arlington Cemetery scrubs race and gender from website

Source – Stars and Stripes

Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of presidents, generals, Medal of Honor recipients, and more than 400,000 service members and their families, has purged its website of material focused on Black, Hispanic, and female troops buried there, officials confirmed Friday.

The purge was a response to President Donald Trump’s executive order to remove materials related to “DEI”— diversity, equity, and inclusion — from government websites, Arlington officials said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later issued an order to remove materials highlighting race and gender as part of a Pentagon “digital content refresh.” However, Arlington officials also said materials could be restored after review and possible revision to meet the requirements of Trump’s and Hegseth’s orders. “We remain committed to sharing the stories of military service and sacrifice to the nation with transparency and professionalism while continuing to engage with our community in a manner that reflects our core values,” a statement from Arlington officials read.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-03-15/arlington-cemetery-website-race-gender-17151584.html

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St Joseph’s Day Celebrations – ITAM Leave No Zepolle Uneaten Program

On St. Joesph’s Day, RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor celebrated St. Joseph’s Day at numerous events throughout RI.

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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.

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·       over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident

·       a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs

·       a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration

· Active-Duty Service members – Military ID

· Veterans – DD214

· Disabled Veterans – VA Disability Certification Letter ( Contact VA office)

The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:

· Licensing fees

· Camping fees

· Picnic table fees

· Specialized facility use fees

· Use of equestrian areas

· Performing art centers

· Game fields fees

· Mule shed fees

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 to 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. 

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.