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Dear Neighbor,

As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with optimism for the positive changes to come. In November, the American people made their voices heard, expressing a clear desire for a government that works for the people. We can no longer accept the status quo or allow important issues to be ignored. With a shift in leadership at the White House, the Senate, and the House, we are poised to see meaningful legislation begin to flow through the system.

It's deeply disappointing to reflect on the many pieces of veterans' legislation that made it to committee but never reached the House Floor for a vote. In the past, it was clear that certain bills had little chance of passing the Senate or being signed by the President. However, 2025 holds new possibilities. We are committed to continuing our efforts with key agencies such as the VA, SSA, and the IRS; if these channels prove unfruitful, then we will work tirelessly with the right committees to research, draft, and pass the necessary legislation to create positive change for the American people.

I am personally dedicated to improving rural health care for our veterans and am actively engaging with health care providers in the private sector to explore solutions. Additionally, I will continue to work within the VA, consulting with both the outgoing Secretary and his successor, to ensure that the needs of veterans in rural communities are met.

Your sacrifice and dedication to serving our nation inspire me every day. It is because of you that I am driven to work harder, advocating for the support and services you deserve. Together, we can make 2025 a year of progress and positive change.

With all that's happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we've been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For the Republic,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack                                                                                Proudly Representing Florida's Third Congressional District

Spinal Cord Injury Care

We had several phone calls about the temporary closure of the spinal cord clinic in Lake City. Senior VA leadership has assured us that Primary Care Providers (PCPs) can perform spinal cord injury care. Enrollment in a primary care pact is offered to any and all enrolled veterans. 

The previous Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) provider in Lake City retired last calendar year, however, the dual board-certified provider in Gainesville continues to provide services to any veteran in the catchment area who qualifies and would like to receive care in an SCI specialty designated PACT. Travel to Tampa for routine SCI care is neither needed, nor indicated outside of the specialty care services.

How Incarceration Affects Eligibility For VA Benefits

The VA provides certain benefits to veterans incarcerated in federal, state, or local penal institutions, but the amount of those benefits depends on the type of benefit and the reason for the incarceration.

Disability Compensation:

• VA disability compensation is reduced if a veteran is convicted of a felony and incarcerated for more than 60 days.
• Veterans with a disability rating of 20 percent or higher will see their payments reduced to the 10 percent disability rate.
• Veterans rated at 10 percent will have their compensation reduced by half. Once a veteran is released from prison, compensation payments may be reinstated based on the severity of the service-connected disability at that time.

Community Care

Community Care is a needs-based program designed to provide care when the VA is unable to meet specific standards, such as when care is not available within a certain time frame or distance. There may also be situations where a clinical referral is the best option for a veteran's care. To initiate this process, veterans should consult with their primary care doctor, who can submit a request for the service.

It's important to note that some veterans are referred to the Patient Advocate when there is disagreement about receiving care in the community. In such cases, the Patient Advocate will inform the veteran about their right to file a clinical appeal. Before proceeding with a clinical appeal, however, ensure you obtain the specific reasons for the denial in writing, signed by a VA representative. Without this documentation, your due process rights may be compromised, and your appeal could be denied.

For more information on Community Care, visit the below link.

Check Out Hope Florida For Resources

This organization brings together vast resources in our community to create a seamless network of support. When you call (833) GET-HOPE, you'll be connected to a caring Hope Navigator, ready to guide you on an individualized pathway to achieve prosperity, economic self-sufficiency, and hope. Hope Florida serves our state's veterans among many others.

Federal Benefits For Veterans, Dependents & Survivors

If you would like to learn more about federal benefits and the resources available to veterans, dependents, and survivors please click the link below. While we do not have a physical copy, we do have this virtual copy that has been helpful! This guide is usually updated every other year, and there should be a new edition released in the late spring of 2025.

Learn More About Total Disability Ratings For Compensation Based On Unemployability Of The Individual

Total disability ratings for compensation may be assigned, where the scheduler rating is less than total, when the disabled person is, in the judgment of the rating agency, unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of service-connected disabilities: Provided That, if there is only one such disability, this disability shall be ratable at 60 percent or more, and that, if there are two or more disabilities, there shall be at least one disability ratable at 40 percent or more, and sufficient additional disability to bring the combined rating to 70 percent or more. 

For the above purpose of one 60 percent disability, or one 40 percent disability in combination, the following will be considered as one disability: (1) Disabilities of one or both upper extremities, or of one or both lower extremities, including the bilateral factor, if applicable, (2) disabilities resulting from common etiology or a single accident, (3) disabilities affecting a single body system, e.g. orthopedic, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular-renal, neuropsychiatric, (4) multiple injuries incurred in action, or (5) multiple disabilities incurred as a prisoner of war.

Updates On The VA In St. Petersburg

We recently learned that in FY24, the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office processed over 9,600 nationally filed attorney fee claims, releasing more than $69 million in funds. While these attorneys may provide valuable services, it’s unfortunate that veterans are losing 33 percent of their retroactive benefits, which could have been preserved if they had used an accredited State, County, or Service Organization service officer instead.

*Note: Florida's veteran population is 1.5 million.

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