Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Overview
The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) is dedicated to providing high-quality support and care to Kentucky veterans and their families. Established originally in 1921 to support World War I veterans, KDVA has evolved over the years to better serve the men and women who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. With a focus on customer service and compassionate care, KDVA offers various programs ranging from State Veterans Homes and Cemeteries to Benefits Division and Women Veteran Program. Commissioner Whitney P. Allen leads KDVA in its mission to honor and support Kentucky's veterans.
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Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Agenda 1. Commissioner Remarks 2. Organization Chart 3. State Veterans Homes (SVH) 4. State Veterans Cemeteries 5. Benefits Division 6. Kentucky Tuition Waiver 7. Homeless Veteran Program 8. Veterans Employment, Training and Support Program 9. Women Veteran Program Commissioner LTC Whitney P. Allen US Army (Retired)
KDVA Mission KDVA exists to honor Kentucky s veterans and their families, by providing high quality support and care to Kentucky veterans the men and women who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. Customer service and compassionate care is our prime directive and priority. We are driven by customer feedback, unified departmental data, and employees characterized by a customer-centric mindset to make accessing local, state, and federal services seamless, effective, efficient, and emotionally resonant for our veterans. Vision: KDVA serves as an organization where people choose to work to serve veterans, and act as an active governmental partner in helping make Kentucky a better place for Kentucky s veterans. 2
KDVA History KDVA was originally established in 1921 to support World War I Veterans and their families. The Bureau of Veteran Affairs (BUV) was created in 1972. BUV later served as the advisory board for KDVA in 1974. Department of Human Resources assumed responsibility. In 1980, Center for Veterans Affairs was created in the Department for Military Affairs. In 1998, Governor Paul Patton signed House Bill 90. Creating modern-day KDVA. Merge Veterans Centers and Services to support all Commonwealth Veterans and their families. 3
KDVA Commissioner Whitney Allen Lynice Noel OKVC OVLS OKVS Al Duncan Mark Bowman Martha Workman Legal Counsel Tamara McIntosh PIO Lisa Aug OKVS HR John Ostroske OKVS Budget Stephanie Belt Dana Watson Alma Maxwell Medical Division Dr. Joy Scott Dr. Edward Marshall OKVC Budget Michael Rodgers EKVC W. Lindon WKVC L. Scott BGVC Spring 22 RVC Cemeteries Division Al Duncan THVC J. Gosser State Programs Division Asst. Dir. (Vacant) Benefits Division Donna Scrivener E. Thompson KVCC J.Renard KVCN R. Miller Appeals Br Johnny Allen Western Region Ed Day Development Branch (Vacant) State Programs Branch Eileen Ward Monica Acob Addie Mattox Eastern Region Brian Bowman KVCW K. Ebeling KVCNE F. Kees Educational Benefits J. Case Central Region Stephen Buford KVCSE V. Wooten Serving those who have served the Commonwealth and our great Nation 4
State Veteran Homes (SVH) Mark Bowman, Executive Director, email: mark.bowman@ky.gov Locations/Contact Information All facilities CMS 5 Star rated Joseph E. Ballard Wester Kentucky Veterans Center, Hanson, KY 120 beds Admissions Contact Linda Huddle 270-322-908 linda.huddle@ky.gov Paul E. Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center, Hazard, KY 120 beds Admissions Contact Michael Winkler 606-435-6196 Michael.winkler@ky.gov Carl M. Brashear Radcliff Veterans Center, Radcliff, KY 120 beds, all private Admissions Contact Chelsea Mansell (270) 352-6700 chelsie.mansell@ky.gov Thomson-Hood Veterans Center, Wilmore, KY 285 beds Admissions Contact Angie Feltner 859-858-2814 Angelia.Feltner@ky.gov Bowling Green KY 60 beds Currently in design phase, Constructions begin Spring 2022 & expected completion 2024 Admissions www.Veterans.ky.gov 70% Service-Connected Veterans no cost to veterans or their families Accept Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay and select insurance 5
State Veteran Homes (SVH) Frequently Asked Questions 1. How much does it cost to stay in a state veterans home? Private pay rates our outlined in 17 KAR 3:020. Current rates are $5,000.00/month for a community living center suite, $4,500.00/month for a private room and $4,000.00/month for a semi-private room. Each facility also accepts Medicare and Medicaid. 2.As a qualified veteran, can my spouse be admitted to a state veterans' home? No, spouses are not currently eligible for admission to our state veteran's home. 3. I do not need nursing the home care level of care and services. Do you have any Assisted Living facilities or more independent levels of care? Each of Kentucky s four state veterans' homes offer nursing home level of care. Assisted living is not a level of care offered under the state veterans home program. 4. I heard that veterans with a disability rating stay free of charge. Is that true? The VA will cover 100% of the costs for a resident s stay at based on certain eligibility requirements. The VA Prevailing Rate Per Diem is only available to a veteran with a service-connected disability of 70% or more, a veteran in need of nursing home care related to a service-connected disability, or a veteran with a rating of total disability based on individual un-employability. 5. Is the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affair part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs? No, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs is a state program and is not operated by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. 6.Do you have to be a resident of Kentucky to be eligible for admission? Yes, 17 KAR 3:040 outlines eligibility requirements for admission to a state veterans home including a Kentucky residency requirement. Proof of residency is required for admission. 7.Is there really a two-year waiting list for admission? In general, no. Each facility reviews admission applications and determines whether they can meet an individual veteran s needs. Admissions are scheduled based on available staffing, bed availability and the ability to meeting an individual s needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected admissions and wait times depending on community infection rates and staffing levels in the facility. 6
State Veteran Homes (SVH) Vaccination Rates Publically Reported COVID Vaccination Rates at KY State Veterans Centers - RESIDENTS Facility Facility Vaccination Rate EKVC 90.1% RVC 97.4% THVC 99.1% WKVC 98.5 State Vaccination Rate Nat l Vaccination Rate 83.5% 83.5% 83.5% 83.5% 84.5% 84.5% 84.5% 84.5% Publically Reported COVID Vaccination Rates at KY State Veterans Centers - STAFF Facility Facility Vaccination Rate EKVC 77.3% RVC 86.9% THVC 63.1% WKVC 65.8% State Vaccination Rate Nat l Vaccination Rate 55.3% 55.3% 55.3% 55.3% 65.4% 65.4% 65.4% 65.4% All facilities exceed both state and national average for resident vaccination. All facilities exceed the state average for staff vaccination Almost all facilities exceed the national average 7
Veterans Cemeteries As of Oct 1, 2021 KVCC, Radcliff, Hardin County, KY KVCW, Hopkinsville, Christian County, KY Entrance to KVCC Opened March 1, 2004 Interments: Veterans 3,856 Dependents 1,467 Total 5,323 Cremated 1,607 Opened June 1, 2007 Interments: Veterans 6,357 Dependents 1,673 Total 8,030 Cremated 2,549 KVCN, Williamstown, Grant County, KY Opened Aug 22, 2008 Interments: Veterans 1,819 Dependents 439 Total 2,258 Total: 17,163 Cremated 926 KVCSE, Hyden, Leslie County, KY KVCNE, Grayson, Greenup County, KY Opened May 1, 2018 Interments: Veterans Dependents 17 Total Cremated 23 Opened October 1, 2010 Interments: Veterans 1,163 Dependents 308 Total 1,471 64 81 Cremated 456 8
Military Funeral Honors Stipend As of Oct 1, 2021 Fiscal Year 2021 Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2021) Funds Starting Balance - $74,493.13 General Fund Deposit - $100,000.00 Total $174,493.13 Expenditures Jul 21 $14,230.00 Aug 21 $14,320.00 Sep 21 $13,785.00 Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) Burial Honors Paid (FY 2022) $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 Burial Honors Paid (FY 2020) $15,000 $15,000 $18,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $18,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $15,000 $9,000 $9,000 $12,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $3,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $3,000 $3,000 $0 FY: 2022 Balance - $132,158.13 $0 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $0 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 $3,000 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Jul-19 Jul-21 Jul-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Jul-19 Jul-19 Jul-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Feb-20 Feb-20 Feb-20 Feb-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Mar-20 Mar-20 Mar-20 Mar-20 Feb-22 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Apr-20 May-20 Apr-20 May-20 Apr-20 May-20 Apr-20 May-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jun-20 Jun-20 Jun-20 Jun-20 $0 Aug-21 Sep-21 Oct-21 Nov-21 Dec-21 Jan-22 Mar-22 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Sept 21 Honors Performed 247 FY 22 Honors Performed 761 Total Honors Performed 40,986 Total Money Payed out Since 2005 $2,164,631 9
Indigent Veterans Burial Program Fiscal year 2009 2022 October 2021 FY21 starting Balance: $32,625 $23,828.47 $35,000 Monthly pay out: $29,895 $30,000 Sept = $2,000 $25,000 Total = $2,000.00 $20,000 $16,995 End Balance $21,828.47 $16,000 $14,000 $15,000 $12,000 $9,295 $10,000 $7,500 $5,800 $5,600 $5,500 $5,000 $3,800 $2,400 $2,000 $2,000 $0 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 10
Veterans Cemeteries Frequently Asked Questions 1. What Is The Cost For Burial At Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries? Our services are provided at no cost to eligible veterans because we collect the VA Burial Allowance. A flat fee of$500 is assessed for interment of veterans spouses or other eligible dependents. For a complete description of services provided, please refer to the leaflet entitled Services . 2. Does Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries Provide Caskets Or Urns? No. Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries does provide an optional grave liner for caskets, but the family must purchase a casket or urn with the assistance of their funeral director. 3. What Options Do You Offer For Interment Of Cremated Remains? Space is provided in a niche in the columbarium wall for the veteran s remains plus those of the veteran s spouse. The veteran s information, along with the name and dates of birth and death for the veteran s spouse, are inscribed on a flat marble niche cover. In- ground interment of cremated remains may be selected instead of a columbarium wall niche. A single upright marble headstone is provided with the veteran s information on the front and the spouse on the back. Arrangements can also be made for in-ground interment of cremated remains atop the burial space of a casketed spouse. 4. If I (Dependent) Pass Away Before My Spouse (Veteran) Can I Still Be Interred? Yes, whoever passes first is interred on the bottom for casketed burials. For cremations, either in the columbium wall or in-ground, you will be beside the Veteran. 5. How Do We Schedule A Service? Casketed burials will be scheduled through the funeral home, cremations can be scheduled through the funeral home or directly with Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries. Services are conducted Monday Friday (except Holidays). Our Last services for the day is scheduled for 2:00 PM 11
KDVA Benefits Branch Field Offices 15/23 Field Representatives in 19 Districts (10) VACANT post 10/15/21 (9) Patrick Monk 859-391-0325 Wendi Young 859-409-6551 (8) Lisa Pittman 502-356-1551 Thomas Hanner 502-229-6070 Ron Hudson last day 10/27/2021 VACANT not posted Primary Office (15) Ashley Tew 859-409-6485 (16) Darrell Ashby 859-432-6121 9 Green FOPS Black ARNG Purple - Vacant (7) Frank Niederriter 502-799-3588 10 17 Henry (17) VACANT Rickie Hammond Starts 11/1/21 Oldham 16 Franklin (6) VACANT post 10/15/21 8 (5)VACANT- post 10/15/21 15 (18) Christy Burke 606-424-0653 Meade 14 (4) VACANT Michelle Rustin Starts 11/1/21 18 4 7 11 Boyle 6 5 (2) Carol Livingston 270-556-0474 Hart 19 Livingston 2 (19) Kenny Campbell 606-629-9239 13 12 3 (14) Chuck Howson 859-325-8288 1 (13) Vivian Taylor 606-344-1003 (12) Donald Walbert 270-473-3344 (11) Jose Batista ARNG until 10/1/22 (3) Hope King 270-484-7887 Revised October 13 2021 (1) Larrissa Roach 270-705-6656 12
Disability Presumptive Benefits What is Presumptive Service Connection? VA presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation. What are Presumptive Conditions? If you are diagnosed with a chronic disease within one year of active-duty release, you should apply for disability compensation. Examples of chronic disease include arthritis, diabetes or hypertension. Or, if you served continuously for at least 90 days and are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after discharge, you can establish service connection for the disease. Veterans in the following groups may qualify for presumptive disability benefits: 1. Former prisoners of war who: Have a condition that is at least 10 percent disabling 2. Vietnam Veterans who were: Exposed to Agent Orange, Served in the Republic of Vietnam or on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975 3. Atomic Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation and who experienced one of the following: Participated in atmospheric nuclear testing, Occupied or were prisoners of war in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Served before Feb. 1, 1992, at a diffusion plant in Paducah, Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio or Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Served before Jan. 1, 1974, at Amchitka Island, Alaska 4. Gulf War Veterans who: Served in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations; Have a condition that is at least 10 percent disabling by Dec. 31, 2021 5. Gulf War Deployed Veterans who: Served in the Southwest Theater of Operations during the Persian Gulf War; Served in Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti or Uzbekistan on or after September 19, 2001 https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/presumption.pdf
Kentucky Tuition Waiver Donna Scrivener, Assistant Director, email: donna.scrivener@ky.gov KRS 164.505, 164.507, 164.515 Dependents of 100% disabled KY veterans, KY veterans receiving non- service-connected pension, KY veterans with service-connected death and deceased KY veterans with wartime service 45 months of free tuition at KY state funded colleges and universities. One degree limit except for the unlimited waiver. Age limit is 26 for children Does not include room and board or books and fees Details and application on www.veterans.ky.gov 14
Homeless Veterans Program Eileen Ward, (502) 352-3120, or email eileen.ward@ky.gov Provides direct financial assistance of $350 ($500 maximum) to veterans facing eviction or essential utility disconnection. Must have discharge other than dishonorable. Must provide a copy of a DD-214. Low income, single veteran making less than $1,610.00 per month and adjusts for family size. Proof of immediate need in the form of an eviction / late notice or utility disconnection. Directs homeless veterans and their families to appropriate federal, state and local agencies to assist with transient housing, food, clothing, and employment assistance. KDVA in partnership with Kentucky Department of Agriculture announces the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, provides $28.00 in checks to purchase produce. Pilot project for Fayette, Madison, Hardin, and Christian Counties. Must be 60 + one day Must provide proof of age Proof of income (self reported) must be less than or equal to 185% of poverty level: Single veteran = $459.00 weekly Married Veteran = $620.00 weekly Operation Victory in Louisville. Taking applications now at: www.wearehpi.org 15
Kentucky Veterans Employment, Training and Support Program Monica Acob, Program Coordinator, monica.acob@ky.gov KyVets Veteran Services: Assist with employment resources and opportunities Serves as a platform for Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs) and agencies who serve veterans . Provide guidance on resume and interview tips. Promote the reintegration of homeless vets and graduates of Veteran Treatment Courts. Collaboration with companies, chambers of commerce, community organizations, military installations and state agencies KyVets Employer Services: Education on why hiring veterans is good business Matching veterans' skills and experience to employer needs Free advertisement of positions Top talent referrals Promote Veteran owned businesses in Kentucky. ** Please share any upcoming career and resource events with KyVETS Program Coordinator Monica Acob at (502) 782-5740, or kyvets@ky.gov 16
Kentucky Women Veterans Program Addie Mattox, Program Coordinator, addie.mattox@ky.gov KDVA Women Veterans Program Coordinator: Perform outreach to improve women veterans awareness of eligibility for federal and state veteran s services and benefits; Assess the needs of women veterans with respect to benefits and services; Review programs, research projects and initiatives designed to address or meet the needs of Kentucky women veterans; Make recommendations to the commissioner to improve benefits and services; and Incorporate women veterans' issues in strategic planning concerning benefits and services. Primary Components: Advocacy and Public Awareness; Collaborate with federal, state and private agencies that provide services to women veterans; Research and information dissemination; Education via conferences, seminars and training workshops with federal, state and private agencies Honor and Recognition ** Please share any upcoming women veteran outreach events with KDVA Women Veterans Program Coordinator Addie Mattox @ (502) 545-4193 or addie.mattox@ky.gov 17
Activities, Initiatives and Programs Veterans Program Trust Fund Report to the Commonwealth Legislative Branch Support Veterans Service Organizations Activities and Events Represent the Governor at Veterans-related activities and events I Support Kentucky Veterans License Plate Eliminating Boarders Initiative Corporate Veterans Ambassador Nurses Loan Repayment Program 18
Achievements and Successes in 2021 Served as lead facilitator in the implementation of the Career Skills Program/DoD SkillBridge programs with Department of Defense and Commonwealth s first responder agencies: Law Enforcement Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Strengthen partnership/relationship with Federal VA Department through execution of joint Virtual Veteran Experience Action Center (V-VEAC) events and VA town hall calls. Veterans Program Trust Fund (VPTF) has administered over $564K in grants to support Commonwealth's veteran initiatives, programs and services. KDVA Annual State Conference The Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award 19
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (502) 564-9203 veterans.ky.gov 20
Proudly Serving Kentuckys Veterans Questions? 10
State Veteran Homes (SVH) Frequently Asked Questions 1. Est timing to get into our Veterans Center? Anywhere from weeks to several months depending on the existing waiting list. It is difficult to estimate during COVID. Right now, we have all admissions halted due to staffing vacancies, which further complicates estimating wait times. The problem existed before COVID but certainly has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Anyone that turns on the news these days knows everyone is being drastically impacted and we are among them. Our same mantra, no admissions if we can t provide care. 2. How does our nurse salaries compare across the nation? Nationally it is probably worse than the scenario below, but this is the information we are putting into the public record through our Additional Budget Request for the upcoming budget session. Always safe to use the same data. a. Market wage studies have demonstrated that all four state veterans homes were unable to offer competitive wages in their local market area. For example, according to the Kentucky Career Center s statistics, RNs earn an average hourly wage of $29.17/hour. The current average wage for an RN at KDVA s facilities is $22.97/hour. The new midpoint for RNs is $26.29/hour. b. Average wage $29.17 - $22.38/hour (current KDVA average wage) = $6.79/hour gap. c. Average wage $29.17 - $26.29/hour (requested midpoint wage) = $2.88/hour gap d. By going to midpoint, the wage gap will be reduced by 46% and provide for a more competitive wage. While the dollar amount is different for LPNs, medication aides, and NASRs, the new midpoint has a similar impact on the recruitment and retention effort of all nursing staff positions. 3. Internship opportunities we welcome internships and will work with any institution and individual to try to make those a reality. 23
FY 2022 First Quarter Data Documents Uploaded Total Region East JUL AUG SEP Calls 21-22 Total Claims ITF Forms Generated Communications 605 779 904 140 97 138 90 90 104 73 70 36 404 355 489 261 240 322 1196 1082 1038 Central JUL AUG SEP West JUL AUG SEP 1119 842 896 70 69 85 76 104 87 73 71 38 327 333 390 191 231 283 1209 1240 1159 918 471 897 162 108 71 124 104 87 73 38 219 550 571 511 241 336 242 1382 1444 1329 TOTALS 7431 940 866 691 3930 2347 11079 24
