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NERA is encouraged by this first major step in improv- information on these new services we would like to know
ing VA health care, but there is more to do. If our mem- about it. We will aggregate all information received and
bers experience issues or problems in accessing or getting present it to the VA officials at VA Central Office in DC.

Delays Processing Reserve Retirements

Most of the military reserve components are experi- partner organizations of The Military Coalition, is asking
encing undue delays in processing reservist retirement Congress to address this issue with a “Sense of Congress”
packages. These delays have variously blamed on a large in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
influx of “baby boomer” applications, transitioning currently being considered.
personnel, and antiquated IT systems. NERA, and our

Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act of 2019
NERA continues to support this legislation in both the This currently deducts annuity benefits paid to surviving
House and Senate to repeal the so called “Widows Tax”. spouses as an offset to VA benefit for survivors.

Proposed Deep Cuts in Medical Billets

The Department of Defense 2020 budget submission has amend the NDAA to require DoD to perform an analysis
called for a reduction of approximately 18,000 medical and report its findings before implementing any cuts.
positions. The Senate Armed Services Committee has
included these cuts in their mark-up of the 2020 National NERA continues to follow and advocate on many more
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). NERA, along with legislative and policy issues concerning compensation,
our partners on The Military Coalition, has strongly con- benefits and well-being of our members. If you have spe-
tended that these reductions were developed without a cific questions please email me at [email protected]
medical readiness requirement analysis in support of com- or send postal mail to my attention at NERA National
batant operational plans. We are requesting Congress to Headquarters.

NERA continues to follow and advocate on many other legislative and policy issues concerning
compensation, benefits and well-being of our members and their families. If you have specific
questions please email me at [email protected] or send postal mail to my attention at NERA
National Headquarters.

All military families can speak to a trained
professional 24/7 for free by contacting:

n The Military Crisis Line (visit the Military Crisis Line Chat or
call 800-273-TALK FREE to talk with a crisis counselor)
n The DCoE Outreach Center (visit Real Warriors Live Chat at www.
realwarriors.net/livechat or call 866-966-1020 FREE to talk
with a health resource consultant)
n Military OneSource (call 800-342-9647 FREE for one-on-one
counseling)
n Veterans Crisis Line (call 1-800-273-8255 FREE and Press 1, chat
online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or send a text message to
838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
365 days a year.)

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 9