Veterans and Military Service Organization Roundtable Meeting, February 26, 2004

Three areas of interest were discussed at the meeting all presented by, Colonel John Sackett, U.S. Army Human Resources Command. He informed the group that the current imminent death processing ended on January 20, 2004. Also in an effort to better serve servicemembers in medical holdover, Community Based Healthcare Option has been established. These centers will provide the opportunity for soldiers to finish therapy and treatment at a facility closer to their home. The military facilities will continue to treat severely injured patients. Community Based Health Care Option is ideal for people whose cases can be handled a little more distant. They also provide a way to track patients and make sure they are attending their appointments. Finally, Colonel Sackett mentioned that Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program was enacted on December 2, 2002 under the Defense Authorization Act for FY 2003. The first payment was made in July 2003. The program is funded through the Department of Treasury from appropriations designated for pay and allowances to each branch of service. In an effort to assist more servicemembers, CRSC II was developed. Under the program some of the differences would be; reservists need to have a 20-year letter, minimum disability rating is 10 percent and the option of electing VA disability compensation and concurrent receipt.

The next VSO/MSO roundtable meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2004 at 10 a.m.