RI Veterans: Did you know? (vet assistance, parade…) 15-09-22 – John A. Cianci

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

Starting off with a question from one of our readers.

What does it mean to be combined 100 percent VA disability – and the award reads I am also P & T? John, Exeter RI

In your case, the 100% combined rating means the VA has combined all your ratings to determine what percentage of the veteran is disabled, and what percentage is not disabled, and your combined rating adds up to at least 95, rounded up 100% combined rating. With the 100% combined rating, the rating decision also granted you 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.

The 20 year rule

Once your individual percentage is 20 years old, including IU, at that point you cannot be reduced, and your conditions are considered ‘protected from reduction’ – barring fraud.

Additional benefits With P & T rating

In addition to no future exams your dependents also get additional benefits including medical (CHAMPVA if not Tricare eligible) and Dependents Education Assistance (Chapter 35) – up to $1,401/mo (2023) for up to 36 months for each dependent – children up to age 26 and spouse.

VETTIP: More often than not, veterans contact me and ask if they should file for additional claims even if they are already 100% and P & T. The answer is YES – and maybe NO. 

Yes, because the illness could result and or contribute to your death. And if you are married and/or have eligible dependents, your death would be considered a result of your service. Example, a veteran has been 100% P & T for multiple illnesses for over 7 years. The veteran is diagnosed with a cancer which is currently considered presumption if you served in Iraq. If the veteran dies from cancer in the above example, it is a challenge to link cancer to the veteran’s service. The claim is winnable with proper submission of the claim with necessary evidence supporting veteran was in Iraq. 

The aforementioned example, upon notification of the cancer diagnosis, the veteran should have filed a claim for the cancer, along with evidence to support duty in Iraq. Moreover, the veteran could be entitled to additional benefits while undergoing the cancer treatment. 

In the example, let’s assume the VA awards the veteran a rating linking the cancer to his service. The veteran combined rating would not increase to no more than 100% combined, and more than likely, no additional monies.Fast forward a year, and the veteran’s cancer returns. Assume the veteran succumbs to the cancer. Whereas, the cancer is already linked to his service, the spouse would file for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits, which is a tax-free disability benefits available for spouses, dependents, and parents through the VA, if the death of the veterans was a result of an illness linked to his service. The DIC rate for 2022 starts at an estimated $1400 a month. Bottom line, if a veteran is 100% P & T be sure you understand the VA claim process and possible risk you could have for reopening your claim which currently the VA will no longer review, except in cases of suspected fraud. 

Congratulations John, the “100% P&T” is often considered the “holy grail” of ratings from the VA because the compensation is substantial, it can’t be revoked, and it comes with a host of other benefits.

Next week’s article will cover additional federal, state, & local benefits for veterans rated 100% P & T. 

Events

Thursday-Friday (September 15-16) Operation  Stand Down, Hartford Ave., Johnston RI Veteran assistance event has numerous veteran services available from 8:00-4:30. The event is planned and executed by Operation Stand Down organization of Johnston RI. Operation Stand Down RI is a non-profit organization designed to help struggling and homeless veterans by offering services and housing necessary to their well being.

VETTIP: This is a ONE STOP for veterans and their families for any questions on federal, state, and lor local benefits. If your question cannot be answered at the event, the staff of Operation Stand Down will ensure an answer is forthcoming.

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Saturday-September 17 (9AM to 5PM) & Sunday-September 18th (9AM to 3PM), 20th Annual Military Vehicle Show, Canonicus Camp and Conference Center, 54 Exeter Rd. Exeter RI. For vendor information contact Bruce Ferreira (401) 651-4950. The show is sponsored by the Rhode Island Military Vehicle Collectors Club. Look for the RINewsToday banner!

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Saturday,-September 24, 2022 “Walking The Battle”, Heritage Park, Portsmouth RI. First tout 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]

RESOURCES & ongoing groups

Below are all of 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 10% military discount , ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibity 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.