County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi reminds veterans organizations that plan to "flag the graves" of veterans on Memorial Day weekend to get their requests for flags to the Veterans Service Agency, 1425 Old Country Road, Building H, Plainview, NY 11803 by April 1. Long Island National Cemetery has reported that they do not have the funds to replace 20,000 worn-out grave flags. The Independent Budget, Veterans Service Organizations (IBVSOs), AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars have released their 21st annual "Critical Issues Report." Adequate funding for VA Health Care, sufficiently funded mental health and traumatic brain injury programs, a sufficient construction budget, reduction of the claims backlog at the VA, seamless transition from active duty to civilian life, VA's homeland security role, and commitment to the national Cemetery Administration are explained in detail in this comprehensive and clear report. For a copy call the Veterans Service Agency at 572-8452. Reports like this are the backbone of good lobbying in Washington DC and are financed by the dues of veterans who care enough to join a veterans service organization. l The New York City Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Annual Military Ball will be Friday, Feb. 23 at Marina del Ray, 1 Marina Drive, Throgs Neck, NY. Reception is from 1800 to 1900 dinner and dancing from 1900 to 2300. Guest speaker will be Lt. General Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve. Call 718-817-4251 for information. Before the 109th Congress recessed, it failed to appropriate the money necessary to fund VA hospitals at the approved 2007 budget levels. Instead Congress approved a continuing resolution permitting the VA and other government agencies to continue operating at 2006 budget levels. (RAO Bulletin Update 1/1/07) VA officials announced that veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War who have disabilities from undiagnosed illnesses will continue to qualify for veterans health care and benefits until December 31, 2011. Prior to this Dec. 18, 2006 decision, the coverage would have expired on Dec. 31, 2006. For the latest information on government-funded research into the Gulf War illnesses, depleted uranium, SHAD and other health threats to our servicemen and women check out www.deploymentlink.osd.mil. (Michael Kilbride) The $8 per month per prescription is one of the best reasons to enroll in the VA Medical System, but it may not be right for every veteran. Veterans who are still working may find that their employer-sponsored health plan offers prescription drugs with copays lower than the VA fees. Also, Wal-Mart and Target are advertising that some of their prescriptions are available for $4 for a 30-day supply. VA Undersecretary William Feeley has notified the local VA Medical Centers that they can now write prescriptions that can be filled by local pharmacies if the VA doctor meets state requirements. Before you ask your VA doctor for a handwritten prescription for a private pharmacy, make sure you know the price and availability. Expect VA Medical Center Northport to release details of this new program soon.

Although it is not a new benefit, the Department of Veterans Affairs has decided that a large number of wartime veterans and their widows are overlooking a valuable benefit. The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Many elderly veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the congressionally mandated legal limit for a VA pension may still be eligible for the special monthly Aid and Attendance benefit if they have large medical expenses, for which they do not receive reimbursement.

To qualify, claimants must be incapable of self-support and in need of regular personal assistance. The basic criteria for the Aid and Attendance benefit include the inability to feed oneself, to dress and undress without assistance, or to take care of one's own bodily needs. People who are bedridden or need help to adjust special prosthetic or orthopedic devices may also be eligible, as well as those who have a physical or mental disability or illness that requires assistance to protect them form the hazards or dangers in their daily environment. For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for this special monthly pension the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service one day of which must have been during a time of war and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

This is a monthly pension check program. The VA will not send someone to your home to provide "Aid and Attendance." If all requirements are met, VA determines eligibility for the Aid and Attendance benefit by adjusting for un-reimbursed medical expenses from the veterans or surviving spouse's total income and the Aid and Attendance threshold.

The Aid and Attendance income threshold for a veteran without dependents is now $18,234 annually, $21,615 if the veteran is married. For a surviving spouse the income threshold is $11,715.

Single wartime veterans or surviving spouses living in a nursing home whose stay is paid for by Medicaid are entitled to a $90 a month pension above the $50 a month allowed by Social Security. Call the Veterans Service Agency at 572-8452 for information and applications.

The US Army has committed $100 million as its share of a $300 million fundraising campaign to build a 175,000 square foot National Museum of the US Army at Fort Belvoir, VA. For more information go to www.armyhistory.org. Plainview veteran Edward Sewell, George Lerner and Alfred Smith from Hicksville, Salvatore Martella of Elmont and Bernard Eble are five men of distinction who week after week donate time to veterans who need a ride to their VA medical appointments in Northport and Plainview. Thank you!