(September 6, 2005)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

National VA Council, President

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In This Briefing: Pay, Leave, and Veteran's Benefits

Related to Hurricane Katrina

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The following information is provided to assist employees affected by Hurricane Katrina on issues such as pay, leave, veteran’s benefits, etc.

I. Veterans Health Administration

Telephone Number:

1- 888-766-2474

(This telephone number is operational between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Central Time)

Web site:

<http://vhashriisa1.v16.med.va.gov/Index.asp%20>

(This web site links to other sub sites covering issues such as:

Donations for Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans

Employee Information and Toll Free Numbers, etc.)

II. Veterans Benefits Administration

Telephone numbers:

1- 918- 781-7900 (employees of VARO New Orleans)

1- 800- 435-3782 (all other employees)

Web sites:

<http://www.vba.va.gov> and <http://www.va.gov>

III. Office of Personnel Management

Web site:

<http://www.opm.gov/oca/compmemo/emerg.asp>

 

IV. Department of Veterans Affairs

Web Sites:

<http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/Worklife/IndexLeave.htm>

(This site links to the OHRM/LR Worklife and Benefits Service home page. Please scroll to OHRM/LR Leave Flyers to access information on Human Resources Flexibilities Available to Assist Federal Employees Affected by Severe Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters)

<http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/Benefits/Benefits.htm>

(This site links to the Benefits Home Page for accessing general information on benefits.)

Additionally, we have attached a flyer that transmits important information to HR offices on Hurricane Katrina and special procedures regarding the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program, Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, Federal Flexible Spending Account Program, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The attached Benefits Administration Letter (BAL) from the Office of Personnel Management provides a quick update on how this disaster may affect our various benefit programs.

Another Update on Hurricane Katrina