Department of Veterans Affairs: 38 CFR part 3 RIN 2900–AN32
Stressor Determinations for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
The VA is amending its adjudication regulations governing service connection
for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by liberalizing in some cases the evidentiary
standard for establishing the required in-service stressor. This amendment takes
into consideration the current scientific research studies relating PTSD to
exposure to hostile military and terrorist actions. It acknowledges the inherently
stressful nature of the places, types, and circumstances of service in which
fear of hostile military or terrorist activities is ongoing. With it, the evidentiary
standard of establishing an in-service stressor will be reduced in these cases.
It will hasten the processing of PTSD claims by simplifying the development
and research procedures that apply to them.
This final rule is effective 7/12/10 and applies to an application for service
connection for PTSD that: • Is received by VA on or after 7/12/10;
• Was received by VA before July 12, 2010 but has not been decided by
a VA regional office as of that date;
• Is appealed to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on or after
7/12/10;
• Was appealed to the Board before 7/12/10 but has not been decided by
the Board as of that date; or such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
A Discount for Veterans
Lowes Companies, Inc. has announced it will expand its support of the military
by offering an all day, every day 10 percent discount to all military personnel
who are active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members,
with a valid, government-issued military ID card. Lowes was founded on the heels
of World War II by veterans Jim Lowe and Carl Buchan and has always supported
the military, said Larry D. Stone, Lowes president and COO. The year-round discount
program is a way for the company to reaffirm its commitment to the thousands
of men and women serving throughout the world, as well as their family members
at home. The discount is available on in-stock and Special Order purchases up
to $5,000. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales,
and purchases of services or gift cards. While Lowes has had a military discount
program in the past during select times of year, the new policy will allow those
who are serving to benefit from the discount whenever they need it the most.
What a great way to say thank you, said Sloan Gibson, President and CEO of the
USO, as he saluted Lowes for their commitment to the military and their families.
The USO was selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Lowes Employee Giving
Campaign in January. This initiative allows Lowes employees to donate directly
from their paychecks to support those serving. In addition to offering military
discounts at specific times during the year, Lowes has extended benefits for
its employees serving in the military and offers employment opportunities to
military personnel after their service. Currently, more than 12,000 Lowes employees
are veterans or reservists.
Mike Sprouse
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