RI Veterans: Did you know? (Disability benefits, events, discounts… ) 22-09-22 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, Department Veterans Service Officer, Italian American War Veterans (ITAM)

Understanding Federal and State Benefits for Veterans Rated 100 Percent

Did you know if you are rated 100% VA disability P & T you are now eligible for no cost dental care?

Did you know if you are rated 100% VA disability P & T the veteran’s spouse and dependents are eligible for medical, which includes dental and vision.

VETTIP – The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a medical benefits program in which the VA shares the cost of certain health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. CHAMPVA provides coverage to the spouse or widow/widower and to the children of a veteran who is rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability or was rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability at the time of death, or died of a service-connected disability, or died on active duty and the dependents are not otherwise eligible for Department of Defense TRICARE benefits.

Did you know if you are rated 100% VA disability P & T, to include 100% TDIU rating from the VA qualify for Federal Student Loan forgiveness and teacher education assistance (TEACH) loan forgiveness?

VETTIP – If you are a veteran and you believe you meet the eligibility requirements for TPD discharge based on a disability determination from the VA, and have but not be contacted by Federal Student Aid, https://www.disabilitydischarge.com about a TPD discharge, you can submit a TPD discharge application along with documentation from the VA showing that you have a service connected disability (or disabilities) that is 100% disabling or that you are totally disabled based on an individual unemployability rating. The documentation you provide must include the effective date of the VA’s determination.

Did you know if you are rated 100% VA disability P & T your spouse and dependents are eligible for education benefits up to 36 months each?

VETTIP – A spouse or dependent using the benefit could receive an estimated $1400 a month stipend while attending an approved education facility as a full-time student.

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Starting off with questions from a few of our readers:

I just received a decision awarding me 100% VA Compensation with P & T. What federal and state benefits am I entitled to?

Last week’s article explained what the P & T means in VA language. Just to refresh out readers:

P & T.

• The T in P&T stands for ‘Total’. That is the 100%.
• The P in P&T stands for ‘Permanent’. Permanent means the conditions are unlikely to improve in your lifetime. A medical decision.

Permanent does not mean ‘forever’. Someone with P&T status can still be reduced. However, P&T status means you will have no Routine Future Exams (RFE). So, unless you decide to open a new claim or file for an increase, you are on the back burner as far as the VA is concerned and they have better things to do than look at your claims.

As a veteran who is rated at 100 percent, it is likely you will be assigned to Priority Group 1 for VA health care purposes. With the new ratings bringing you to 100 percent and P & T the veteran is now eligible for dental, student loan repayment, waiver for VA fees for purchasing a home using his or her VA Home Loan, Space A flights (veteran only), and free nursing home care.

In the package you received with the decision letter, you should have received information sheets on the following VA benefits you are entitled to. From the VA website

• CHAMPVA: The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs is a health care program for eligible beneficiaries. Dependents of Veterans with a permanent and total 100 percent rating may be eligible for VA healthcare.
• Chapter 35 DEA: The Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance Program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and survivors of certain Veterans.
• Expedited Review of SSD: Veterans who have a compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent and Total also are eligible for expedited review of applications for Social Security disability benefits. A VA 100 percent P&T rating does not ensure that you will qualify for Social Security disability. But the medical evidence used to qualify for a Total and Permanent rating will be helpful in seeking Social Security Disability benefits. You still must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)— A Veteran’s permanent and total rating can make it easier for surviving spouses to qualify for death benefits after the Veteran’s death. For surviving dependents to qualify, the veteran must have died due to a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling or must have been rated as permanent and total for ten years prior to death.

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State of Rhode Island Benefits for 100 percent veterans rated include:

• 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.
• Free License Plate 

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 un-remarried 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

VETTIP – Veterans can immediately print the required letter for the registry on https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters/

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.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Application for 100% Permanent Disability Fishing/ Combination License

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 use 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 will be required to show official documentation 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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Free Golf. Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island resident Veterans that 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.Learn more about Goddard Park Golf Course Fee Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans

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Priority placement in housing, Service-connected Veterans’ preference: Burrillville (100% disability required), Bristol (in elderly housing), East Greenwich, Lincoln, Warren, Woonsocket

For more information, applicants should contact the local housing authority in their city or town.
Rhode Island Housing Authority Office Directory
Rhode Island General Laws 45-25-18.10
Rhode Island General Laws 45-26-12

Learn more about Rhode Island City Housing Authorities’ Veterans’ Preference

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Free Rhode Island Bus Pass Program for Disabled Veterans: The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Bus Pass Program offers No-Fare and Half-Fare Bus Passes for 100 percent rated Veterans. Learn more about the Rhode Island Bus Pass Program for Disabled Veterans

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Free tuition at Rhode Island public colleges and universities. Applicants must be rated between 10% and 100% disabled due to military service, and permanent residents of Rhode Island. They must also apply for and use financial aid first.

Lastly, 100 percent and P & T the veteran has no restrictions on employment. 

The aforementioned federal and state benefits were earned by those veterans who made the sacrifices to serve their country. During their service the veterans were injured and exposed to toxins causing long term illnesses.

The “100% P&T” is often considered the “holy grail” of ratings from the VA because the compensation is the highest rating a veteran can receive. It can’t be revoked, and it comes with a host of other benefits listed above.

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Events

Saturday, September 24, 2022 “Walking The Battle”, Heritage Park, Portsmouth RI. First tour begins 11 a.m. Second tour starts at 11:45 a.m. More information contact [email protected]

October 2, 2022, 7th Annual War Veterans Tribute Cruise In, RI Veteran Home, Metacom Ave, Bristol RI. Registration 9:00-12:00. One of the last and largest car show in Rhode Island. Awards at 3:00. For more information contact Joe Thompson at [email protected]

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Discounts for Veterans

Services

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC – 10% 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 07/31/2028

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 07/31/2028 (PS I had breakfast there on Saturday).

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 15% 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 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)

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, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, 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.