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Archive for April, 2012
Thursday, April 26th, 2012
After hundreds of soldiers and veterans had their diagnoses for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) wrongfully reversed, the U.S. Army has reevaluated their diagnosis and rating system.
The improper conduct at the Madigan Army Medical Center caused army officials to evaluate the current practices in place to diagnose and evaluate soldiers and veterans who suffered the symptoms of PTSD. A new policy was recently issued that addresses some of the poor practices used at Madigan in hopes that future decisions will be more accurate and fair.
One of the focuses of correcting the diagnosis problem was discontinuing the use of tests to determine if a soldier or veteran was faking PTSD symptoms. The new policy downplays this “phenomenon” and gives a more broad guidance to how Army medical staff evaluates patients. Use of the standard medications to treat PTSD has also been criticized in the new policy, which may lead to more alternative methods to being used.
The Army is promoting a more direct, personal analysis of symptoms by their treating physicians so that a better treatment program can be developed. Veterans who suffer from PTSD may quality for veterans’ disability benefits, which can help them obtain more comprehensive care through the VA health care networks.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: post-traumatic stress disorder, Veterans disability
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, US Military Legislation, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
Up until recently, when a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was necessary due to increases in consumer prices, recipients of Social Security benefits and retired military pay automatically received this adjustment while veterans’ disability benefit recipients and beneficiaries had to rely on an act of Congress to make sure they received the same compensation.
The American Heroes COLA Act (HR 4142) is a bill that helps protect disabled veterans’ rights to the COLA as consumer prices continue to rise. The bill has passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s disability assistance panel by voice vote and will now be sent to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for a final consideration.
As the permanent COLA bill awaits decision, the standard bill to allow for the yearly COLA in 2013 is also awaiting a decision by Congress. According to lawmakers both bills have a good chance of passing and taking effect next year.
If the American Heroes COLA Act passes into law, disabled veterans and their families will no longer have to wait twice every year to see if a COLA will increase their benefits. Those receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will only have to wait for the announcement from the Social Security Administration that the COLA was approved for the upcoming year.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: cost of living adjustment, Veterans Disability Benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, US Military Legislation, Veterans' Benefits | No Comments »
Monday, April 23rd, 2012
As more soldiers return from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has seen a drastic increase in the number of veterans seeking psychiatric care for a variety of service-related mental conditions. With the VA health system lacking in psychiatric professionals, a new plan has been put into action to hire more staff to support the growing need for mental health services.
The VA announced an initiative to hire an additional 1,900 mental health staffers to add to their current workforce of more than 20,000 employees. Of the 1,900, 1,600 will be nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, while the remaining 300 will be support staff to help the backlogged mental health care programs.
At many VA hospitals and clinics, a veteran may be waiting for weeks or months for appointments with a mental health professional. Delays between sessions can stall the treatment process or leave a veteran waiting for care as their symptoms persist and worsen.
With waiting times still exceeding the normal levels at most VA facilities, it is important that veterans seek their rightful benefits as soon as possible, which is where an attorney can help.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans’ Mental Health
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, April 19th, 2012
New research from the Pentagon has shown that improved medical care on the battlefield has led to more concussions being diagnosed among active duty troops. When a concussion is detected early enough, a soldier can often receive the necessary treatment to prevent more serious long-term brain damage.
On the other hand, the number of concussions suffered by troops in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars is a cause for concern. An average of 16 concussions was reported every day in Spring 2011, the highest average of any period in the past 10 years of war. Considering these statistics, researchers are divided on whether these statistics show that there are more combat-related injuries or if the better detection methods are the cause for more diagnoses.
A simple concussion can lead to serious brain damage, if it is not detected and treated quickly enough. The hectic nature of active combat often forces soldiers to continue operations after exposure to an explosive attack. While they may not have external wounds, they often suffer unknown head trauma that can lead to mental impairment without care in the long run.
Many disabled veterans develop brain injuries and cognitive disorders later in life because of lingering wounds they were unaware of during active duty. A disability claim can give a veteran the necessary compensation to receive the required care but these claims can often be difficult to pursue without proof.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Concussions, Veterans disability
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
Many disabled veterans who struggle with the disability claims process blame some of their frustrations on the confusing terms used in the forms and correspondence with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In 2010, the Plain Writing Act was passed to promote simplification and clarity in official governmental publications. Everything from bills to brochures is now being evaluated before being put forth to the public eye.
For decades those who write the laws and government correspondence have used antiquated, often confusing terms that can make reading an official document much more difficult for those who do not handle these letters on a regular basis. Terms like “shall” or “no-cost” can be ambiguous or confusing, while others like “hence forth” are words of the past.
Making changes to a terminology system that has been in use for decades is a huge challenge that can take years to fully become effective. In the meantime, a veterans’ disability attorney can help you interpret the documentation involved in your veterans’ disability benefits claim and make sure you understand everything related to your case before you take action.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: veterans disability claims, veterans legislation
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
In early 2012, a transformational plan was piloted at 4 regional Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offices. With the success of this trial, the VA has selected 12 more regional offices to implement the new plan by the end of the year. If successful, the transformational plan will be put to use at the remaining 40 regional offices throughout 2013.
The basis of the transformational plan is a 3-fold system involving people, processes, and technology enhancements. There were more than 40 measures tested and evaluated for this plan with a goal of reducing the backlog of claims.
In 2009, the VA had issued a objective for their department to achieve 98% accuracy on claims and resolve each one in less than 125 days – all by the year 2015. So far their efforts are paying off with measures, such as quality review teams and simplified rating letters. Other measures in the works include a formalized process for sorting documents by priority, new electronic claims processing systems, and segmenting types of claims to be funneled to the most appropriate teams.
While the VA has been working diligently on their side to improve efficiency and accuracy, a veteran filing disability benefits for the first time can also help speed their claim along on their own by working with a veterans’ disability attorney to prepare your forms so you can avoid some of the delays or denials that come from inaccurate or incomplete information.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans disability claims
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, VA News, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Monday, April 16th, 2012
White House officials announced last week that new initiatives will train more than 3 million nurses to better recognize and treat the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and other seriously disabling mental health issues in soldiers and veterans. New lessons on symptom identification, signs of mental impairment, and disability treatments will be among some of the focuses the new curriculum will emphasize.
The American Nurses Association is planning on making the new resources available to professional development courses and medical journals so others can access the information as well.
This is just one of the many programs the White House has launched under its Joining Forces campaign, which celebrates its 1-year anniversary this month. The program has so far helped thousands of veterans find jobs, return to school, and has raised awareness for veterans’ advocacy in communities across the nation.
The main resource for veterans seeking assistance with disabling conditions is still the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides disability benefits to those who qualify. These benefits and resources available can help a veteran stay financially and emotionally afloat, as medical recourse is sought.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Veterans disability, Veterans’ Mental Health
Posted in General, Vet Groups & Networking, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Friday, April 13th, 2012
The long awaited merger between the medical records systems of the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun its transitional phase.
During the first phase of the transition, the 2 electronic systems will be merged onto a new framework, a process that has been simple for some of the legacy components but difficult for other parts. Karen Guice, the acting chief information officer for the Military Health System (MHS), says that her departments goal is to eliminate the old systems completely and phase out redundant components.
A structural change is also coming along with the technological processes, with a new Defense Health Agency, being developed within the DoD. This agency will take over administration of the Tricare, clinical and business processes of the MHS. Part of their new duties will be to begin monitoring the military health care systems in the Washington area.
When any changes to government systems are made, there may be risks that some information could be lost or become inaccurate. Disabled veterans are especially dependent on their medical record accuracy to help them during the veterans’ disability benefits claim process. A disability rating is determined through medical history, which could be compromised during any sort of system maintenance.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: U.S. veterans, veteran medical records
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
A recent Fox Business report has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is struggling to get a new contract award approved for their yearly spending for medication at VA hospitals.
The story reveals 2 small drug companies filed protests with the Government Accountability Office to argue against the VA’s decision of not including part of the contract to utilize small businesses. This has held up the start of the new contract indefinitely after previous estimates had the 8-year agreement set to start May 10.
It has been revealed that the current contract with McKesson Corp. can be extended as needed, if the protests continue to further delay.
With millions of veterans depending on VA hospitals and clinics for medications necessary to treat chronic or disabling conditions, it is important that the VA continues to provide adequate resources. Many veterans are on daily prescriptions that help manage disabilities, such as heart disease, diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other physical and mental conditions.
By applying for veterans’ disability benefits, you can make sure you are evaluated for the proper disability care you need to live a healthy life after service. Access to the VA hospitals and clinics across the nation is just one of the many benefits available to veterans with service-related illnesses and conditions.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, prescription drugs for veterans
Posted in General, VA News | No Comments »
Monday, April 9th, 2012
Recent reviews of the staffing at many hospitals and clinics supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have shown a serious shortage of psychiatrists available to attend to veterans with mental conditions.
The VA reports that there’s a 15% national vacancy rate for mental health professionals at VA run hospitals and clinics. This number is as high as 20% in some areas, such as the northwest and south. In September 2011, it was determined that 266 psychiatrists needed to be hired at VA facilities across the U.S. to meet increasing demands, yet the hiring process was taking an average of 8 months to complete.
This news is concerning to many disabled veterans who are seeking diagnosis and treatment for common mental health disorders connected to their military service. Many veterans are waiting weeks, even months for evaluation or treatment for conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is diagnosed to 10,000 veterans every 3 months.
Applying and qualifying for veterans’ disability benefits is an important step in becoming eligible for mental health treatment through the VA hospitals. A veteran who’s experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder should get in touch with a veterans’ disability attorney to learn about their right to evaluation and treatment for their condition, even if it may take some time to obtain service from a VA psychiatrist.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans disability, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
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