Caluha Barnes, MPA

COMBINED RATING The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) combine ratings based on instructions found in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). They then arrange the rated conditions in order of their severity, starting with the greatest disability, and then rate each as a percentage of remaining efficiency. For example: A Soldier with a 60% disability is considered 40% efficient. If the Soldier also has a 30% disability, it is measured as 30% of the remaining 40% - leaving the Soldier as 28% efficient or 72% disabled. The 72% is rounded to 70%, which is the Soldier's combined rating. This system can be complicated. If you receive a combined rating, your Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) or legal counsel can explain how it was determined. Once you are eligible for disability benefits, the severity of your condition will determine whether you receive disability retirement or are separated with severance pay. Soldiers rated with a 0%, 10%, or 20% disability who have less than 20 years of active service, or less than 7,200 points of combined service, will be separated with severance pay. Soldiers rated at 30% or more, or who have 20 or more years of active service or 7,200 points of combined service, receive disability retirement. Any questions or items requiring clarity, please reach out to us! Have a great holiday weekend! United States Army Human Resources Command The Adjutant General Directorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs #TakingCareofPeople #Readiness

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Just back from the Federal Executive Institute and still processing all the revelations and growth. So many amazing government workers doing good works for citizens world wide. Some key nuggets: 1. Pause. 2. Embrace discomfort over resentment 3. Change is progressive. 4. Know thy self 5. Be fully engaged in all aspects of life I highly recommend for personal and professional growth. https://lnkd.in/enf66kkk

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Joining the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization offers numerous benefits and opportunities for veterans. Here are some compelling reasons to consider becoming a member: Advocacy: DAV is a leading organization advocating for veterans' benefits, ensuring that veteran issues are addressed both locally and in Washington, DC. Professional Assistance: Members receive professional help with the VA claims process and transition & employment assistance. Community Support: The organization provides life-changing assistance and guidance for veterans, military personnel, their families, and communities. VA Benefits Assistance: Veterans Service Officers (VSO) offer free assistance with VA benefits. Representation: DAV gives veterans a voice in the Nation’s Capital for issues and policies affecting them. Information and Updates: Members receive a bi-monthly magazine with news and information about DAV and its programs. Career Opportunities: The organization hosts career fairs and networking opportunities for veterans and transitioning service members. Camaraderie: Joining DAV allows you to enjoy the camaraderie of old friends and make new friends at local DAV chapters. Lifetime Membership: When you join DAV, you become a member for life, unlocking member-only discounts and advantages. By joining DAV, you can contribute to the well-being of fellow veterans while enjoying these valuable benefits. If you're interested, you can start the process to unlock these member-only perks and advantages. Would you like more information on how to join or any other details about DAV?

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In reference to my last post,for those of you who don’t know what H2F is all about, please see below. #H2F #H2F24

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Excellent podcast, Scott J. Allen, Ph.D. Every engagement with our Teams is an opportunity to exercise, practice, promote, improve & empower our teammates towards agency, efficacy & belonging (A, E & B). ❤️🤍💙 the reminder that well-being is subjective & tips on “micro-exchanges”, “resetting” when we make mistakes & ways to connect or overcome our differences/barriers that may be impeding A, E & B. Favorite lines: tend the garden, deposit into our Teammates’ emotional bank accounts, fill their cups, how Teams can thrive when we tend the field together & how able we are to give grace when our own banks 🏦 are full, but how easily we jump to conclusions or spare grace when they’re not. Well done, Change Agents Dave Levy 👏Matthew Horner Matthew Orlowsky Daphne DePorres

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🌟 A Veteran's Perspective: How Data-Driven Support Transforms My VA Experience 🌟 As a proud veteran and beneficiary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services, I am continually inspired by the transformative power of data-driven support in enhancing my total business experiences within the VA ecosystem. 🇺🇸💼 The personalized care and seamless journey I have experienced at the VA are a direct result of their strategic use of data analytics. From streamlined healthcare access to tailored educational benefits and career guidance, every interaction is optimized to meet my unique needs as a veteran. 📊💡 Through data-driven insights, the VA ensures that my benefits are processed efficiently, my appointments are scheduled promptly, and my overall well-being is prioritized. The commitment to leveraging data to improve services has not only made my experience as a veteran more convenient but also more meaningful and impactful. 🌟🤝 I am grateful for the VA's dedication to empowering veterans like myself through data-driven support. By continuously refining their services based on data analysis, the VA exemplifies a commitment to excellence and a deep respect for those who have served our country. 🙌🎖️ #VeteranVoices #DataTransforms #CustomerExperience #VAExcellence

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🚨 🚨 🚨 I want to share a recent report for FY23 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expenditures. 🚨 🚨 🚨   The National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS) publishes the annual Geographic Distribution of VA Expenditures (GDX) Report. The GDX report provides a breakdown of VA expenditures for each major VA program at the state, county, and Congressional District levels. Of note:   #Texas is the #1StateInTheUS for total Veteran population with 1,534,356 (CA is #2 with 1,487,167).   Bexar County moved ahead of Cook County Government (@Chicago) to #5CountyInTheUS for total Veteran population with 156,023 Veterans (behind #1 Maricopa, AZ; #2 Los Angeles, CA; #3 San Diego, CA; and #4 Harris, TX; I believe we will surpass Harris County in the next 5yrs).   #BexarCounty was the #1CountyInTheUS for total VA expenditure to residents with a total of $2,400,929,000 (that's #BILLIONS; that's across all organizations that process claims for Bexar County residents, so includes us, VA, Texas Veterans Commission, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), etc.)   Bexar County brought in #MoreCompensationAndPension** (see below) money than 33 states / territories in the US!!!   Needless to say, I'm proud of the work this team at Bexar County Department of Military and Veterans Services does for the great people we support in the great community where we live.    Much thanks to the County leadership for the support you provide to us on a recurring basis, and kudos to the great community partners we get to work with on a daily basis! None of this happens without y'all!! #GetBexar #StayBexar #BexarVets #HaveFunMakingADifference #LetsGetToWork **NOTE: The Compensation and Pension (C&P) category includes expenditures for the following categories: compensation payments, pension payments, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and burial allowances. Most expenditures reported in this category reflect monthly payments made to individuals. Retroactive payments and one-time payments are also included. U.S. Army Soldier For Life | Marine For Life Network | Texas Workforce Commission | Texas Veterans Land Board | Texas Veterans Network Powered by Combined Arms | City of San Antonio | City of San Antonio Military and Veteran Affairs Department | Thomas | Shawn | Charles | Mike | Steven | Calvin | Lloyd | Nancy | Eymi

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NPower, a nonprofit dedicated to providing tech training for underserved communities and veterans, has received a $1 million grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation to expand its programs. Top three things you should know: 𝟭. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: The grant enables NPower to broaden its free tech training programs, offering more veterans and military spouses access to essential skills for the tech industry. 𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: NPower focuses on increasing diversity within the tech sector by supporting underrepresented groups, including women of color and military-connected individuals. 𝟯. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: The Northrop Grumman Foundation's support underscores the tech industry's commitment to fostering a diverse and skilled workforce, recognizing the value that veterans and military spouses bring to the field. This partnership between NPower and the Northrop Grumman Foundation is a significant step toward empowering transitioning service members and military spouses to thrive in tech careers. By expanding access to training and emphasizing diversity, it opens new pathways for success. #VeteransInTech #DiversityInTech #TechTraining #Skillbridge https://lnkd.in/ezzmTnAH

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VA published Circular 24-26-16, Implementation Date for VA’s Home Retention Waterfall. Per VA: "The purpose of this Circular is to provide clarification on the dates of implementation for the recently released guidance in VA Servicer Handbook, M26-4, Chapter 5 and Appendix F. (Rescind Oct. 1, 2024)."

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𝗩𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 The VA is proposing a groundbreaking grant program to fund legal support, aiding Veterans in accessing benefits and reviewing military discharge statuses. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to increase care and opportunities for former service members, especially those with other-than-honorable discharges. ⚖️ Legal Support: This program aims to fund entities that provide legal assistance to Veterans and former service members for benefits access, military discharge reviews, and corrections to military records. 🌟 Expanded Access: The program targets Veterans with other-than-honorable discharges, including those facing discrimination, assault, or mental health challenges, allowing them to reapply for VA care and benefits. 💬 Encouragement to Apply: VA Secretary McDonough urges former service members to apply for VA benefits, emphasizing the support available to navigate complex review processes. 📈 Proven Impact: In the past decade, VA granted eligibility to 75% of those with other-than-honorable discharges, benefiting over 57,000 individuals. 🗓️ Public Comment: The rulemaking will be published and open for public comment starting October 2, 2024. 💰 Ongoing Efforts: This proposal builds on existing initiatives like the Legal Services for Homeless Veterans program, which awarded $11.5 million in grants in 2024. 🔗 https://loom.ly/dI-R5-s #VeteransRights #OrangeCounty #LosAngeles #SupportOurHeroes #Grants #Veterans #VeteransLegalInstitute #JusticeForHeroes #SupportOurVeterans #VeteranAdvocacy #PTSD #LegalAid #CommunitySupport #VeteranStories #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce

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SETTING THE STANDARD: EFC'S MISSION CONTINUES When agencies like Colorado Springs PD choose EFC, it's more than training-it's a commitment to redefining officer safety and effectiveness. We're honored by the growing recognition from departments nationwide who understand that traditional defensive tactics aren't enough. EFC isn't just another training program. We're a full spectrum combatives program that is transforming how law enforcement approaches suspect control and officer survival. Our principle-based methods are changing the game. But this is just the beginning. We're here to elevate the profession.

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#BlueStarFamilies is proud to have worked with the House Armed Services Committee and our MSO allies in support of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for 2025, recently approved by the Committee. "We applaud the Committee for bolstering our national security by taking this huge step to improve the lives of military families," Tom Porter, Vice President of Government Affairs, Blue Star Families, said. "Our annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey tells us that only 32% of military families now recommend military service, down from 55% in 2016. By making these critical improvements, we take a big step toward retaining those currently serving and attracting the next generation of warfighters." Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/45bL4VV The improvements mean: 👉 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted and 4.5% for all 👉 Basic Allowance forHousing (BAH) increased to 100% 👉 Increase in the Basic Needs Allowance 👉 Expansion and improvement to the military child care program Blue Star Families backed two recent letters to Congressional leadership asking for these military quality-of-life improvements to be included in the NDAA, one with 40 members of The White Oak Collaborative, and a second with 26 members of The Military Coalition. House Armed Services Committee Democrats House Armed Services Committee Republicans United States Senate Committee on Armed Services The Military Coalition

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A six-month stopgap funding bill would hamper the Army’s recruiting momentum as well as several key investments in transformation and weapons programs, the service’s top civilian leader wrote in a letter to Congressional appropriators. “Under a six-month [continuing resolution], funding would remain at [fiscal year 2024] levels, and the Army would have to delay as much as $8.2 billion in critical investments for recruiting, training, and capability development, including 23 new start procurement programs valued at $400 million,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth wrote in the Sept. 18 letter. “The Army's inability to start new programs or realign funds to match emerging needs would reduce our purchasing power and create meaningful cost as well as schedule risk in Army programs.” #ReadMore: https://loom.ly/DiQkBv0 #AUSAorg #AUSA #USArmy #continuingresolution

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Want to win US military contracts? Suman Das shares the proven strategy: use grants.gov, leverage SBIR programs, and attend defense conferences to network effectively. Watch now to start building relationships. #SBIRPrograms #USDefense #Entrepreneurship

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