rapid fire
Benefits Brief
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE MULTIPLE VA RATINGS? There’s no mystery to the math once you understand the logic. The VA starts with a whole person, then applies the various ratings starting with the largest and moving downward.
Here’s how it works: Say an individual has three ratings of 50 percent, 30 percent, and 20 percent. You might do a cursory sum and determine the person is 100-percent disabled, but it’s more complicated.
Let’s go back to the whole person, starting at 100-percent healthy or able-bodied. The highest rating of 50 percent is applied first, so the member is now only 50-percent able-bodied. Next, apply the 30-percent disability against the 50-percent healthy part (30 percent of 50 = 15). Subtracting 15 from the 50 percent leaves the individual at only 35-percent able-bodied, to which the last disability rating of 20 percent is applied. Twenty percent of the 35-percent healthy individual is 7, which is subtracted, leaving the member at 28-percent healthy (able-bodied), or 72-percent disabled.
The example above shows the sequencing of ratings applied starting with a totally healthy individual, rather than a cumulation of disparate ratings without regard to the diminishing effects on the whole.
— Cmdr. Katherine O’Neill Tracy, USN (Ret), is a deputy director in MOAA’s Transition Center
Veteran Hand Salute Shows Respect
In 2008, an amendment to the U.S. Code authorized veterans and members of the armed forces when not in uniform to render the military hand salute at appropriate occasions. Despite the congressional action, the military hand salute remains an uncommon occurrence, according to Cmdr. Robert E. Griffith, USN (Ret), a MOAA member who helped create the Veteran Salute Program. This Veterans Day, Griffith encourages veterans to deliver the hand salute and let community groups and sports franchises know they should amend their flag ceremonies and opening events to include a recognition of veterans and members of the armed forces and a military hand salute to the flag. Participation encourages patriotism and stands as a reminder to the more than 22 million U.S. veterans.
Miscellany: Slow-Cooker Meals
*SLOW-COOKER MEALS. As we approach the holidays, it can be difficult to prepare an extra meal for a large group. A slow cooker is versatile, can save time in the kitchen, and actually can cook everything from beef stew to dessert. Find slow-cooker tips and recipes for chicken tortilla soup and more at
www.moaa.org/nutrition.
*COAST GUARD MUSEUM WEBSITE. The National Coast Guard Museum Association has launched a new website,
www.coastguardmuseum.org, to inform, engage, and communicate about the new National Coast Guard Museum to be built in downtown New London, Conn. The website brings to life the storied history and traditions of the Coast Guard and showcases the museum’s design plans and fundraising efforts.
NOVEMBER 2013 MILITARY OFFICER 25
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