A veterans’ self-help guide from the United Spinal Association advises all veterans with disabilities how to establish that a current disability or condition is related to military service or existed before military service and was aggravated by such service.

Any claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs for disability compensation must have a valid medical diagnosis of a current disability, medical evidence that the disability had its onset during active military service and medical evidence of a linkage between active military service and the current disability.

The online guide, available at www.unitedspinal.org/publications/vetsfirst/, also provides information about VA pensions for veterans whose disabilities are not related to military service and the circumstances under which such pensions might be available.

Other important VA programs covered in the guide include: benefits for dependents and survivors of veterans; the VA health-care system; appeals of claims for VA compensation and pension; and, getting help from VA-authorized veterans service organizations such as the United Spinal Association.

While this publication contains some information specific to VA benefits for veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases such as multiple sclerosis and ALS, much of its content is applicable to any veteran of U.S. military service.

The United Spinal Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries or disorders, especially through its VetsFirst program. For more information, visit www.unitedspinal.org or call (800) 404-2898.

Rhode Islanders Invited to celebrate

All Rhode Islanders are invited by Governor Carcieri to a free celebration of Rhode Island Independence and its rich military heritage at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All units of the Rhode Island Militia including the Glocester Light Infantry, The Artillery Company of Newport, Kentish Guards, Pawtuxet Rangers, Bristol Train of Artillery, United Train of Artillery, Varnum Continentals, Warren Federal Blues, 14th R.I. Heavy Artillery and 1st R.I. Light Artillery will be gathering for their annual review in honor of Rhode Island’s independence.

The public is invited to observe and interact with the regiments as they perform historical drills, routines, fife and drum musical selections and participate in an authentic encampment. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during the festivities.

The Rhode Island Independence Day program will begin at 11 a.m. with the governor’s formal review of the militias along with Adjutant Gen. Robert Bray of the Rhode Island National Guard. Immediately following the speaking program at noon, the Guards of Thunder, along with a cannon volley by the militias, will fire a battery salute in honor of Rhode Island’s independence.

The State of Rhode Island annually celebrates its declaration of sovereignty from Great Britain, which occurred on May 4, 1776. Camp Fogarty is at 2841 South County Trail in East Greenwich.

DAV promoting its Stand Up for Veterans initiative

Stand Up for Veterans, a new initiative of the Disabled American Veterans organization, is focused on building better lives for disabled veterans and their families. The initiative seeks to find public policy solutions for all veterans, particularly those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who have incurred devastating injuries and disabilities, including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological war wounds. Visit www.standup4vets.org to learn more about this effort.

Pharmacy costs soar

The Defense Department’s prescription drug costs tripled between 2000 and 2006 and are expected to reach $15 million by 2015, largely because of the demand for prescriptions available at retail pharmacies, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). TRICARE-covered prescriptions used to cost less at retail pharmacies than at military treatment facilities or by mail order because, in the past, they were not subject to federal pricing arrangements.

The GAO now subjects drugs from retail pharmacies to the same pricing arrangements it uses, but said DoD needs to monitor closely this and other measures intent at reining in skyrocketing drug costs. These include encouraging patients to use lower-cost medications from TRICARE’s formulary, offering incentives to switch to mail-order prescriptions and changing copayment policies to encourage patients to buy medications from cost-effective sources. For more information, visit www.gao.gov/docsearch/repandtest.html.

Air Force unveils new Web site for retirees

Air Force retirees now have a Web site: www.retirees.af.mil. The site is maintained by the Air Force retiree services section, which oversees retirement activities and the survivor benefits plan.

House Veterans Affairs Committee goes high tech

Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has announced that many of the hearings conducted by the committee will be broadcast on the Internet thanks to the newly installed cameras in the main hearing room. Hearing topics include treatment and research for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and related vision issues, homelessness among the veteran community and small business opportunities for veterans.

Interested viewers can find the scheduling details of the committee’s next live Webcast and also view live Webcasts at the committee’s home page at www.veterans.house.gov. Recordings of completed hearings will be posted to the committee’s Web site.

R.I. women veterans benefits briefing

A briefing for Rhode Island female veterans will be held Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Schofield Armory, 645 New London Ave., Cranston. All service women are welcome to speak with benefits professionals. For more information, call Jeannie Vachon, education officer for the R.I. National Guard at (401) 275-4109.

Vet-to-Vet group to meet in Pawtucket

Vet-to-Vet, a newly formed group for men and women who have served in the Iraq, Afghanistan or other wars, will meet on Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Independence Square, 500 Prospect St., Pawtucket.

The meeting offers a forum for veterans who wish to support one another in anonymity and to talk about issues related to living after war. Veterans who would like to talk and share their concerns, not including war stories, are invited to attend or call (401) 345-5457 for more information. There is no charge to attend.

Reunions

The Philippine Scouts Heritage Society will gather May 23 to 24 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Burlingame, Calif., for its annual reunion. Call John Patterson at (401) 885-7776 or register online at www.philippine-scouts.org. The Scouts were regular U.S. Army soldiers from the early 20th century until the late 1940s charged with defending the Philippines. Most of the officers were Americans and the enlisted men were Filipinos, and three scouts received the Medal of Honor.

•Advisory Council

The advisory council conducts its quarterly meeting today at 1 p.m. at the R.I. Veterans Home, South Building conference room, 480 Metacom Ave., Bristol.

•American Legion

Smithfield’s Balfour-Cole Post 64, 170 Pleasant View Ave., will meet Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Post 12 will meet at the Saratoga headquarters, 6854 Post Rd., North Kingstown, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., to consider officer nominations for 2008-09, to plan for Memorial Day events and to vote on constitutional and bylaw amendments.

•United Veterans Council

The council will gather Thursday at 7 p.m., in Conference Room B at the state administration building at 1 Capitol Hill, Providence.

•Vietnam Veterans

Chapter 325 will meet Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Legion Hall, 1958 Kingstown Rd., Peace Dale.

•Pawtucket Veterans

The council will vote on bylaw changes and install officers on Sunday at Gatchell VFW Post 306, 171 Fountain St., Pawtucket, at 1 p.m., followed by dinner for members and guests. For reservations, call (401) 723-4365 or (401) 431-0024. Note the change in date.

George W. Reilly can be reached at VeteransColumn@verizon.net or by writing to The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, R.I. 02902.