August 2024

Military Sexual Trauma Counseling

What is military sexual trauma counseling?

Counseling may include individual or group counseling, marital and family counseling, referral for benefits assistance, liaison with community agencies, and substance abuse information and referral to help you deal with the emotions of military sexual trauma and regain confidence in everyday life.

Who is eligible?

Any veteran or service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, who experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military may receive counseling, regardless of gender or era of service.

Where are services available?

Assessment and referral for MST-related counseling is available at all Vet Centers. On-site counseling is available at selected Vet Centers nationwide. MST-related medical and mental health services are also available through local VA Medical Centers.

Michigan Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Michigan offers a total property tax exemption on a primary residence owned and occupied by an eligible disabled veteran or their surviving spouse.

Who is eligible?

• a Michigan resident with an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, and
• a veteran with one of the following:
• permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA
• VA financial assistance for specially adapted housing
• VA individual unemployability status

An unremarried resident surviving spouse of a disabled veteran may also qualify. Applicants must submit a completed affidavit to their local assessor.

PACT Act (Gulf War and Post-9/11 Era)

The PACT Act, signed into law on August 10, 2022, expanded health care eligibility for veterans who participated in activities involving toxic exposure or served in qualifying duty locations during specified periods.

Qualifying locations include service on or after:

• August 2, 1990, in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, or the United Arab Emirates
• September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen, or other relevant countries determined by VA

Covered operations include:

• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Operation Freedom’s Sentinel
• Operation New Dawn
• Operation Inherent Resolve
• Resolute Support Mission

Veterans enrolled in VA health care receive an initial toxic exposure screening and follow-up screenings at least every five years. Contact:
Sarah Weaver, NP (Toxic Exposure Navigator)
LTC Charles S. Kettles, VA Medical Center
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
2215 Fuller Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 323-0194
Sarah.Weaver@va.gov

Did You Know?

The Livingston County Veterans Service Office can assist with transportation to medical appointments within a 50-mile radius, based on space availability, for veterans and spouses of deceased veterans.

The office is located at 1420 Lawson Drive, Howell, and can be reached at 517-546-6338. Requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance.

LETS Public Transportation also provides service in Livingston County from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week, with reduced or potentially no cost, subject to review.

Filing for VA service-connected benefits: Brian Brooks
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
(517) 599-5736
brian.brooks@michigan.gov

Office hours are listed as Tuesdays and Wednesdays at American Legion Post 141, Howell, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointment scheduling is recommended.

June 2024

Military Sexual Trauma Counseling

MST counseling information was repeated this month, including eligibility for veterans and service members, Vet Center access, and local VA medical center resources.

Did You Know?

The report highlighted 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan and a West Point graduate, with a message connected to Women Veterans Recognition Day.

May 2024

Gulf War Exposures

Gulf War veterans may have been exposed to environmental and chemical hazards with possible long-term health effects. Veterans are encouraged to join the Gulf War Registry and the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. VA Ann Arbor Health Care System
2215 Fuller Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Mark Billings
(734) 845-3999
Mark.Billings@va.gov

Did You Know?

Meijer expanded differential pay and health care continuation support for deployed military team members.

April 2024

Unemployment for Guard Members

National Guard and Air National Guard members released from qualifying active-duty service may be eligible for unemployment compensation after 180 days of continuous active-duty service, subject to standard unemployment criteria.

Did You Know?

Livingston County Veteran Services provides door-to-door transportation for veterans. To schedule a ride, call 517-546-6600.

March 2024

Pending Legislation

The report discussed the Richard Star Act, which would allow qualifying combat-wounded veterans medically discharged before serving 20 years to receive both retirement and disability pay without reductions.

Air Assault Badge

Veterans who served, were assigned, or were attached to a combat unit in the 101st during Vietnam and were never awarded the Air Assault Badge may be entitled to honorary air assault wings for wear on civilian clothing.

Veterans Memorial Project

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation was fundraising to upgrade the Veterans Memorial with six jet-black granite stones representing U.S. military badges and lighting enhancements.

Did You Know?

Medal of Honor Day is observed annually on March 25 to honor recipients and commemorate the first Medals of Honor presented on March 25, 1863.

January 2024

Scholarships for Military Children

The Fisher House Foundation scholarship program supports eligible military dependents pursuing undergraduate education. The report included eligibility criteria, GPA requirements, and application details for the 2024–2025 cycle.

• Unmarried military dependents under age 23
• Valid Uniformed Services ID card required
• Parent or sponsor must be active duty, guard/reserve, deceased, or retired from a qualifying branch
• Full-time enrollment or planned enrollment in fall 2024
• Minimum GPA requirements apply

December 2023

PACT Act Claims Update

The report stated that more than 500,000 toxic exposure-related claims had been filed under the PACT Act since it became law and that more than $1 billion in benefits had been awarded.

Travel and Hotel Benefits

Veterans with honorable or general under honorable conditions discharges may be eligible for travel discounts through Armed Forces Travel.

Caregiver Support Resource Fair

The VA Caregiver Support Program was described as continuing to host caregiver and family resource fairs to connect veterans’ caregivers with services and support.

Internship in Cyber Security

The report highlighted a federal cybersecurity apprenticeship initiative aimed at helping underserved veterans train for cyber-related work.

Disability Claims Agent at the Post

Brian Brooks was identified as available to provide claims-related support during office hours at the post, while the PSO clarified that claims must be processed by an authorized claims agent.

Scam Awareness

• Do not trust caller ID by itself
• Do not share personal information with unexpected callers
• Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails

Did You Know? Veteran Suicide Data

The report shared 2021 veteran suicide statistics and encouraged awareness, vigilance, and review of national prevention initiatives.

No More COVID Delays

The report stated that, beginning June 10, the VA would no longer accept COVID concerns as a reason to reschedule a Compensation or Pension appointment.

November 2023

World War II Veterans Eligible for Health Care

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that all World War II veterans are eligible for no-cost VA inpatient and outpatient health care, subject to applicable details on medication, urgent care, and long-term care costs.

Camp Lejeune Family Member Program

Family members who lived at Camp Lejeune during the qualifying period may be eligible for reimbursement of health care costs related to specified conditions associated with contaminated water exposure.

• bladder cancer
• breast cancer
• esophageal cancer
• female infertility
• hepatic steatosis
• kidney cancer
• leukemia
• lung cancer
• miscarriage
• multiple myeloma
• myelodysplastic syndromes
• neurobehavioral effects, including Parkinson’s disease
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• renal toxicity
• scleroderma

Department of Veterans Affairs
Financial Services Center
PO Box 149200
Austin, TX 78714-9200

Did You Know? Community Connect 2024

Community Connect 2024 was announced as a free one-day event in Brighton to connect residents with services, resources, and public service agencies.

October 2023

PACT Act Reminder

Veterans who missed the original PACT Act filing deadline can still apply, though they may not receive back pay dating back to August 2022.

VA Pension

A VA pension is a tax-free monthly benefit for certain low-income wartime veterans or their survivors. Eligibility depends on wartime service, income and net worth, disability, and/or age.