Posts Tagged ‘disabled veterans’
VA to Review Gulf War Veterans’ Claims
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has agreed to re-examine the disability claims for what could turn out to be thousands of veterans of the Gulf War. The development is the result of intense lobbying by veterans’ advocacy group Veterans for Common Sense (VCS).
In response to the group’s efforts, as many as 210,000 Gulf War veterans suffer from multi-symptom illnesses, and VA Secretary Eric Shineski said in a special interview with The Associated Press that he promises to review Gulf War veterans’ disability claims. The claims may cover suffering from ailments that veterans blame on their war service.
Shineski announced that the department’s Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Task Force has nearly completed a comprehensive report that will redefine how the VA addresses the pain and suffering of ill veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has agreed to re-examine the disability claims for what could turn out to be thousands of veterans of the Gulf War.The development is the result of intense lobbying by veterans’ advocacy group Veterans for Common Sense (VCS).
In response to the group’s efforts, as many as 210,000 Gulf War veterans suffer from multi-symptom illnesses, and VA Secretary Eric Shineski said in a special interview with The Associated Press that he promises to review Gulf War veterans’ disability claims. The claims may cover suffering from ailments that veterans blame on their war service.
Shineski announced that the department’s Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Task Force has nearly completed a comprehensive report that will redefine how the VA addresses the pain and suffering of ill veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. …more
Sen. Puller and Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Sen. Toddy Puller of Prince William has long championed veteran’s issues, and the Senate passed her amendment to exempt certain severely disabled veterans from taxes on their homes. It is a small but meaningful way to support men and women who have made great sacrifices for us. …more
SB31 calls for a Constitutional amendment (voter referendum) on property tax exemptions. Provides for a referendum at the November 2, 2010, election to approve or reject an amendment requiring the General Assembly to provide a real property tax exemption for the principal residence of a veteran, or his or her surviving spouse, if the veteran has a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability. Full details available here.
Senate Passes Tax Breaks For Disabled Veterans
RICHMOND—The Senate of Virginia today unanimously passed a constitutional amendment to exempt severely disabled veterans from real property taxes on their homes. Under SJ13, any veteran who is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to have a one hundred percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability will be exempt from property taxes on their home. The measure was introduced by Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-Prince William) and co-sponsored by legislators of both parties in the House of Delegates and Senate.
“This amendment will provide tangible and needed support to severely disabled veterans so they can afford to stay in their homes,” said Senator Puller. “The disabled veterans who will benefit from this tax exemption have made tremendous sacrifices in defense of their country and deserve this modest measure of relief.”
This constitutional amendment has wide support from the veterans’ community and was the top legislative priority for many veterans’ advocates groups. Under the proposed amendment, the tax exemption would also apply to the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran as long as they remain unmarried and live in the house.
The amendment previously passed the General Assembly in the 2009 session as required for constitutional amendments, and will now be placed on the ballot for consideration by Virginia voters on November 2, 2010. If passed, it will become law on January 1, 2011.