RI Veterans: Did you know? 27.07.23 (PACT Act, events, resources, discounts…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans’ issues

Photo taken by member of the 119^th MP Co in the Middle East in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm.

SPC Laplume is on “s— detail”; half barrels filled with human waste mixed with diesel to burn. The detail was a daily mission to dispose of human waste created by over 150 soldiers daily during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Soldiers did not have access to protection from the smoke of the fire.

Photo provided by John Cianci, 119^th MP Co Desert Storm Veteran. 

The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

Understanding  PACT Act and August 10, 2023 Deadline

First and foremost, there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits.  However, there is an upcoming timelines that will require urgent action by veterans, widows, or eligible dependents to file a PACT Act claim -or submit a letter of intent to file, VA Form  VA form 21-0966, by August 9, 2023, to receive maximum benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

If the veteran does not file a claim or Notice of Intent by August 9, 2023, the veteran can still file a claim under the Pact Act. However, the veteran will not get the retroactive pay from August  2022 to August 2023.

If a Notice of Intent is filed and a claim IS NOT submitted within 1 year, NO PENALTY. Like the above, the veteran will lose the retroactive from August 2022 to August 2023.

The form is an easy form to complete. 

 

VETTIP – In layman’s terms, filing a Notice of Intent provides the veteran, widow, or eligible veteran 1 year after the filing to submit the claim. Filing the form could be worth THOUSANDS of dollars of retroactive monies. By filing by August 9, 2023, you will be entitled to 1 YEAR retroactive benefits going back to August 2022 if your claim is approved. 

As a VSO, I recommend all veterans and widows/widowers  file a VA Notice of Intent and after filing, seek an appointment with a VSO who will assist the veteran to review a potential claim.

For example, a veteran files a Notice of Intent on August 5, 2023. He meets with a veteran Service Officer and files a claim for respiratory issues in October 2023 due to being exposed to irritants like smoke, fumes, gases, or sandstorms during his military service in Iraq in 2003-2004. 

·      The VA approved the claim in January 2024.

·      The veteran is rated 10%., awarded $165.92 a monthly VA disability. 

Under PACT Act, and because he filed before August 10, 2023, he will receive the following deposit in his or her account:

$1991.04 ($165.92 August 1, 2022 to August 1, 2023 ( retroactive Pact Act).

$829.60 (Sept 2023 thru January 2024, 5 months retroactive)

$2820. 64 (Total Received by Veteran) 

Simply put, by completing and submitting the Notice of Intent before August 9, 2023, the veteran will receive ADDITIONAL $1991.04 after his claim is approved by the VA. 

How can I submit a Notice of Intent before August 9, 2023?

Option 1 Phone

You can submit an intent to file form or call us at 800-827-1000 to notify us of your intent to file. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

Option 2. Mail

If you want to notify us by submitting the form, download and fill out an Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC (VA Form 21-0966).

Get VA Form 21-0966 to download

Mail your completed form to this address:

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

VETTIP – Recommend you mail by USPS Priority Mail. This will ensure the Notice of Intent will be received PRIOR to August 10, 2023 and provide proof of receipt. Surprising to veterans, VA loses records , especially when the records benefits the veteran. 

Option 3 Contact a Veteran Service Officer

The Italian American War Veterans of US , MWR/Veteran Resource Van will be at ROMA, 310 Atwell Ave, Providence RI from 10:00 to 3:00PM , August 7, 2023 o assist filling out VA Notice Of Intents. All veterans who complete the form are entitled to a slice of ROMA’s pizza, compliments of ROMA and ITAM.

Other veteran organizations, VFW, DAV, and American Legion also have VSOs who can assist veterans . The organizations provide limited staffing at the Providence VA Medical Hospital, Chalkstone Ave ( basement) , Providence RI and VA Regional Office, 380 Westminster Street, Providence RI

More information on Notice of Intent from the VA website:

Option 4

If the veteran is registered with VA.gov, the veteran can file the Notice of Intent online. 

https://www.va.gov

What’s an intent to file?

An intent to file sets a potential start date (or effective date) for your benefits. If you notify us of your intent to file, you may be able to get retroactive payments (payments for the time between when you submitted your intent to file and when we approved your claim).

You can notify us of your intent to file if you plan to file a claim or a Supplemental Claim for these types of benefits:

• Disability compensation
• Pension benefits
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

How do I notify VA of my intent to file?

You can submit an intent to file form or call us at 800-827-1000 to notify us of your intent to file. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

If you want to notify us by submitting the form, download and fill out an Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC (VA Form 21-0966).

Get VA Form 21-0966 to download

Mail your completed form to this address:

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

Or, you can choose to bring your completed form to a VA regional office near you.

Find a VA regional office near you

If you need help submitting your intent to file, work with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or accredited representative.

Get help from an accredited representative

How long do I have to file my claim after I notify VA of my intent?

After you notify us of your intent to file, you have 1 year to complete and file your claim. 

After filing, the VA will send you a confirmation within 30-45 days of receiving the Notice of Intent. If you do not receive the confirmation, call the VA .

VETTIP – Ensure to save the confirmation of mailing and acknowledgement by the VA receiving the Notice of Intent. The evidence of mailing and receipt by the VA could be worth thousands of dollars in retroactive. Simply put, proof  to the VA you mailed the document and are entitled to the retroactive.

Next week’s column will detail benefits veterans are entitled to under the PACT Act. 

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EVENTS

July 2023

July 29, 2023 – Dinner and comedy Show, VFW Post #183, 172 Washington Street, Warwick RI. Tickets $40 PP , includes buffet and show. The show is presented by John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory( veteran owned). For tickets call the VFW at (401) 467-8940.

July 30 2023, 9:30am – Cornerstone of Faith Methodist Church , 1081 Main Street , Coventry. Invite to all Korea War Veterans who served during the time.  A service to honor all Korean War Veterans  and celebrate 70^th  Year Anniversary of the Armistice . Please RSVP to Janie Deptula, Email ([email protected] orPhone (825-6685)

We hope to hear from you.

August 2023

August 4, 2023, Annual RING Reunion, Quonset Officer Club, 11:00am, 200 LT James Brown Rd. North Kingstown RI. Hot buffet, cost per person $37.00.  Cut-Off date July 30 i2023.  

Make checks payable to Bob Antonelli/Mail to:  9 Hurlburt Ave, Johnston, RI 02919

POC:  Bob Antonelli; [email protected]/401-837-6028/401-996-3764

August 7 2023, Monday,  Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House (always meet the FIRST Monday of the month), 9-11 am. Roma Ristorante, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence (free parking across the street). Veterans and their guests are invited. Refreshments are available, which include Italian toast, pastries, and calzones. Any questions call Italian American War Veterans of US, (401) 677-9838, email, [email protected]

August 21, 2023 Monday, FREE Luncheon 11:30-1:00 for Veterans and one guest at Perella’s Ristorante. 330 Metacom Ave Warren, RI. This month’s meal will be TBA. The event is a partnership of the Italian American War Veterans of US, inc. and the Building Bridges program. 

Last month over 60 veterans attended the luncheon.

The Building Bridges program provides a free breakfast or lunch at 13 sites that include Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. These sites are run by community volunteers at community sites, including halls run by fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations, and local restaurants. A team of veterans and volunteers do all the cooking and serving.

Do you know a restaurant, post, lodge, hall, etc.. willing to host a luncheon on one of the Mondays in November, December, and January ITAM organization has RI Licensed Food Service Manager and full insurance.

If you have a location one of the luncheons can be held at, contact ITAM program manager John, (401) 677-9838.

September 2023

Sept 8-10, 2023  Rocky Point State Park, Warwick American Veteran Traveling Tribute & Traveling Wall, remembering 209 Rhode Islanders who lost their lives in Vietnam War. Donations and sponsorship will support Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. Memorial opens 8am Friday – 5 pm Sunday. Saturday September 9 2:09-2:30 and Sunday 2:09-2:30 pm reading of 209 Rhode Island names, For more information visit OSDRI’s Event Page, www.OSDRI.org

September 14-15 Veteran Event, Johnston RI, Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston RI. Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its 32nd annual Veteran Assistance Event on September 14th at 8 a.m. This Veteran Assistance Event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Services will be available from 8:00 – 4:30 on Thursday 9/14, and 8:00 – 3:30 on Friday 9/15. 

“Since its inception in 1993, the annual event has provided thousands of veterans with access to important services including health, dental, and substance abuse care, as well as employment, legal, and housing services. After holding a scaled back event during the pandemic in 2020, OSDRI expects a full roster of service providers this September.” said Erik Wallin, Esq. Executive Director of Operation Stand Down RI.

The event will be held at OSDRI’s Veteran Service Center, located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Veterans may access the location via RIPTA bus Route 28 which operates out of Kennedy Plaza and stops at the corner of Hartford and Bordon Avenue. Those arriving via their own vehicle must park and take a shuttle from behind the paved parking area ACROSS from Tri-County Community Action Agency: 1133 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.

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Travel/Entertainment for Veterans

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.

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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:

·       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

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.

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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:

· Active-Duty Service members – Military ID

· Veterans – DD214

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

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.

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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:

· Licensing fees

· Camping fees

· Picnic table fees

· Specialized facility uses fees

· Use of equestrian areas

· Performing art centers

· Game fields fees

· Mule shed fees

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 

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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,  ID.me. 

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe. 

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 listed below: 

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 or create a Michaels Rewards account. 

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.