| News and Views |
| VA To Provide Priority To Severely Disabled Veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced it will provide veterans who have a service connected disability rated 50% or greater priority in scheduling medical care. Appointments should be scheduled within 30 days of request. If the veteran cannot be seen by the VA within 30 days, he/she will be referred to a non-VA doctor on a fee-basis. This means the VA will pay for the visit. For additional information contact Warren Tobin at 252-9043 or the VA. Smathers named to the Department of Treasury Taxpayer Advocate Panel US Secretary of the Treasury Paul O'Neil has announced his appointment of Paul Smathers to the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. This panel is designed to provide taxpayers with a means of providing input into IRS decision making. The panel will listen to consumer concerns, prioritize issues of greatest concern to taxpayers and make recomendations to the IRS on customer service issues. Individuals may contact Paul by email at [email protected]. Discount Lodging Available for VA Appointments We have been informed that The Comfort Inn, 3825 9th Ave. SW in Fargo wil give a discount for those veterans who have an early appointment at the VA. For information and to make reservations call 701-282-9596. Gulf War Illness This site is an excellent overview of the health concerns for those who served in the Gulf. CONCURRENT RECEIPT When will congress give military retirees the same rights it gives civilian retirees? Currently retired military personnel who have a service connected disability have their retirement pay reduced by the amount of disability compensation received. Civilian government employees receive both retirement pay and disability compensation. Contact your congressman and demand an end to this discrimination! PAUL SMATHERS APPOINTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS Paul Smathers was appointed to the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs by Governor John Hoeven. This committee is responsible for overseeing the North Dakota Veterans Home and The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. SMATHERS RETIRES FROM JOB SERVICE I have decided to retire from Job Service North Dakota effective February 28, 2003. My retirement will give me more time to advocate on behalf of our nation's veterans. |
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