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     As was reported in last Friday's Legislative Update, our discussions with the Military Services have convinced us they're trying their best to process thousands of Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) applications as quickly as possible. But the work is going more slowly than they had hoped, often requiring detailed reviews of medical files a foot deep.

     As of late last week, the Army, with the largest population of disabled retirees, has two dozen people working on processing the 17,234 Army retiree applications received so far. They've approved 1,123 applications; denied 1,042; and are holding another 1,015 for VA medical docu-mentation, which takes an average of 120-180 days to get.

     All the Services process applications on a first-in, first-out basis. With 3,500 reviewed, the Army is only 20 percent of the way through applications on hand.

     The Air Force has received a total of 6,937 applications, and has approved 584 and denied 546. The Navy has received 6,150 applications, with 520 approved and 236 denied.

     The Services would much prefer a cleaner, faster process, but they're hampered by a complex set of criteria that must be substantiated before a case can be approved. Some applications can be approved quickly because they include all necessary documentation, highlighted and tabbed for easy review. But more often than not, the Services have to go to the VA for the member's medical file, which can take more than 4 months to get.

     We're not making excuses for the length of time it takes to process these applications. We're simply pointing out that the detailed reviews pose major challenges for Service and VA administrative systems. Some are in the process of hiring more people, but they weren't funded for any such requirement, and hand review is still hand review.

     Our message to CRSC applicants: (a) be patient, (b) don't call the Service to inquire about your case status since this takes time away from the processors, and (c) watch our updates for further information. It's certainly nothing like a perfect process-but the Services are trying, and they're frustrated, too, that it's taking longer than expected.

     When we get some solid facts, our Legislative or Benefits Update subscribers will be the first to know.

2. DoD Announces Contract Award For TRICARE Retail Pharmacy Contract

     The new retail pharmacy program will be fully portable, allowing beneficiaries access to network pharmacies while traveling outside of their regions. Retail pharmacies comprise one of three venues through which pharmacy services are available. Beneficiaries may also obtain prescription medications from their military treatment 

     Express Scripts Inc. will inform beneficiaries about network coverage and procedures for filling prescriptions at their neighborhood pharmacies.

3. VA Looking For Former POWs

     The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is asking former prisoners of war not currently using VA benefits to contact VA to find out if they may be eligible for disability compensation and other services.

     The VA has expanded policies to cover increasing numbers of former POWs as new illnesses have been found related to captivity. The VA is asking former POWs not receiving benefits who did not receive a VA letter recently to call the department at 1-800-827-1000.

     Nine out of ten former POWs are veterans of World War II, and their service predates the use of Social Security numbers as a military "service number." That, coupled with the decades that have elapsed since their service, makes it difficult for VA to track down those who have not opened a file with VA in recent years.

     The most recent expansion of VA benefits for former POWs was a July regulation that added cirrhosis of the liver to the list of diseases to which entitlement to disability compensation is presumed in former POWs. Similar policies making it easier for former POWs to obtain compensation have been enacted for POWs detained for 30 days or more who develop specific illnesses.

     Former POWs have a special eligibility for enrollment in VA medical care and are exempt from making copayments for inpatient and outpatient medical care. They have the same copay rules as other veterans for medications and for extended care. Free dental treatment for any dental condition is available to former POWs held for more than 90 days.

4. TMA Updates Tricare Standard Directory

The Tricare Management Activity has updated their Tricare Standard Provider Directory to provide more streamlined, detailed results; improved search tips and explanation of search results; and added questions frequently asked in searching for a provider who will accept TRICARE. This contributes in the efforts to communicate TRICARE Standard benefits information in an easily accessible, easy to understand format. The Directory can be found at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/standardprovider/

5. DoD Approves Use Of Ceremonial Bugle

The Department of Defense announced today it has approved the use of the ceremonial bugle as an alternative to the recorded version of Taps played on stereo at military funerals.