For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
See also: In The Military
Veterans can still
apply for compensation
without VA ratingQuestion: Can I apply for special combat related special compensation if I am not currently rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Answer: If you are not currently rated by the VA, you may still apply for the special compensation if you received a rating from the Navy Physical Evaluation Board at the time of your retirement.
Q: If approved for combat related special compensation, can I receive payments if I am not currently receiving disability compensation from the VA?
A: The answer is no. CRSC can only be paid based upon VA disability ratings for which you have waived retired pay. For more information go to: www.hq.navy.mil/ncpb/CSCB/combatrelated.htm
Q: Can a language other than English be used for inscriptions on VA furnished headstones and markers?
A: Inscriptions, such as terms of endearment, are permitted on VA headstones in a language other than English. Those inscriptions must be based on the Latin alphabet and be compatible with VA's mission to honor deceased veterans. Standard inscription items -- the veteran's name, date of birth, date of death and military information -- must be in English. These rules apply to headstones in VA-run national cemeteries and to headstones and markers provided by VA for use in other cemeteries.
Q: Can a veteran appeal VA's co-payment decision?
A: If a veteran disagrees with VA's determination that co-payments are required for extended care, the veteran can appeal by submitting a "notice of disagreement." This is a brief written statement advising VA that you disagree with VA's determination.
A notice of disagreement must be filed within one year of when the veteran is notified by VA of the decision. Submission of this document sets in motion a specific appeal process. Information regarding the appeal process is contained in VA-Form 4107, "Your Rights to Appeal Our Decision" and is available at the VA Medical Center at 433-0600.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran,
call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049
or visit the VA Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii
or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin,
can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.