Federal Daily - January 20, 2009

VA to Distribute $319 Million in Insurance Dividends

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) last week announced that it anticipates distributing $319.8 million in annual insurance dividends to 1 million veterans during 2009. Over the next 12 months, the dividend payments will be sent to holders of VA insurance policies on the anniversary date of their policies. Sent automatically through different payment plans, the amounts vary based on the age of the veteran, the type of insurance and the length of time the policy has been in force, VA said. Dividends are paid each year to vets who served between 1917 and 1956 and who hold certain government life insurance policies. The policies are known by letters that appear at the beginning of each policy’s identification number. For example, World War II veterans holding National Service Life Insurance (“V”) policies comprise the largest group receiving 2009 insurance dividend payments. They are expected to receive total payments of $243.8 million, VA said. Vets who have questions about their policies may contact VA toll-free number at 1-800-669-8477 or send an e-mail to VAinsurance@va.gov. To see more, go to: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1646.

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DOL Pays Out $4.5 Billion Under EEOICPA

The Department of Labor (DOL) has paid more than $4.5 billion to 48,072 individuals under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA)—which compensates ill or medically disabled employees of the atomic weapons industry, DOL said last week. Also, DOL has assisted individuals filing claims under the act by implementing several new services during the last two fiscal years, the agency said. DOL Resource Center staff now work one-on-one with claimants and health care providers to facilitate the delivery of medical benefits. Part B of the EEOICPA covers current or former workers who have been diagnosed with cancers, beryllium disease or silicosis, and whose illness was caused by toxic or radiological exposures while working directly for the Department of Energy (DOE) or its contractors. EEOICPA Part E provides federal compensation and medical benefits to DOE contractors and subcontractors who worked at covered facilities and sustained an illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances. EEOICPA also provides additional compensation for uranium workers who worked at Section 5 facilities covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. Certain survivors of nuclear weapons industry workers are also eligible for benefits, DOL said in a Jan. 16 statement. To see more, go to: www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/esa/esa20090071.htm.

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DoD Announces Units for Afghanistan Deployment

DoD on Jan. 16 announced the latest round of troop deployments to Afghanistan, which involve about 4,000 servicemembers and are scheduled to begin next month. The 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, based in Fort Richardson, Alaska, is scheduled to deploy as part of the next rotation of forces in Afghanistan. The 25th Naval Construction Regiment, based in Gulfport, Miss., will deploy as an additional unit in support of Afghanistan coalition operations. The 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, will replace one active duty brigade currently stationed in Afghanistan. The 25th Naval Construction Regiment will provide additional expeditionary engineering and construction support to coalition forces in the country. The regiment was originally scheduled for deployment to Kuwait, but its destination was changed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. To see more, go to: www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12447.

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