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Archive for July, 2012
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
With more women joining the military than ever before, the Army has had to make several adjustments to their standards for soldiers. According to Stars and Stripes, body armor is one of the most recent areas to be addressed when looking to provide the best protection to our female service members in combat.
The standard issue body armor used by all soldiers was often too long or broad-shaped for the female body. This has been found to cause uncomfortable pressure points and may even open up vulnerable gaps in areas where the plating fails to fit properly.
Army officials have taken in the information from several female service members and developed 100 prototypes which will be put to use by the female engagement teams in the 101st Airborne Division this fall. The female soldiers will give their critiques on the body armor’s fit, size, and weight which will allow for revisions to be made by the military equipment divisions.
After taking the feedback into consideration, the Army hopes to have a new design of body armor available to all female troops by summer of 2013. The improvements in body armor over the past few decades have led to a lower instance of combat injuries becoming fatal thanks to the better protection.
Even with good body armor protection, a soldier can suffer serious combat injuries that may result in disabling conditions. In these cases, they may qualify for veterans’ disability benefits when their physical injuries cause them to meet the disability rating qualifications.
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: body armor, Female service members
Posted in VA News | No Comments »
Monday, July 30th, 2012
While the secretaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense were praised for their departments’ improvements to veteran services, according to Stars and Stripes, some areas remained under scrutiny.
The plan to improve the Transition Assistance Program was praised as the secretaries detailed the current progress and long term impact. However, those in attendance were quick to point out several older initiatives designed to help disabled and aging veterans that have not shown much recent progress.
One of the main focuses was on the progress of transitioning veterans’ medical files from physical documents to an electronic health records. This process is a key component to realizing the promised Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record which would follow a service member from enlistment through their veteran years.
Committee members were told that the full integration of health records between the two departments was not expected to be completed until 2017. The departments have been working for 10 years toward developing the electronic system, and with final agreements in place they are working on moving forward with preliminary transition tests.
Electronic health records are still a while away for many veterans, meaning obtaining medical evidence of a disabling condition related to military service can still be difficult for a disabled veteran working alone. A veterans’ disability attorney can help ease some of the burden of filing a veterans’ disability claim.
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: Disabled Veterans, Electronic Health Records
Posted in Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Friday, July 27th, 2012
When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched its eBenefits web portal they did so with a goal of registering 1.65 million veterans and service members by 2012. The quarterly report released in July has revealed that not only has this goal already been met, but exceeded, with 1.67 million users already accessing their benefit information online.
The online eBenefits system helps veterans and service members review their benefit information for many of the services and compensation programs available through the VA. Pension funds, disability benefits, and health care programs can all be viewed through the portal’s single sign-on premier account. The sign-on simplifies the online access process by integrating with other online information, such as the VA’s myHealtheVet where health care benefits are managed.
As the VA continues to expand their online tools many veterans are choosing to manage their benefits on their own. If you already receive veterans’ disability benefits, this can be a great tool to make sure you are receiving the latest information on your status. However, for veterans who have yet to apply for veterans’ disability benefits, you will need to seek alternative help before the online access will be of use to you.
An experienced veterans’ disability attorney can be much more helpful than online systems, especially when it comes to making sure you file a full and complete veterans’ disability benefits claim. The online process cannot catch the many mistakes a veteran can make in their application that could delay or unfairly deny a valid disability claim, but an attorney can.
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: ebenefits, veterans’ disability benefits
Posted in Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Thursday, July 26th, 2012
Army Times reports many research studies have been conducted to evaluate the damage from open-air burn pits. These may have contributed to disabilities faced by soldiers who were stationed at or near them during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. While the pits were supposedly all shut down in 2010, the health effects on veterans in these conflicts are still being diagnosed today.
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are now filing veterans’ disability claims citing deployment near burn pits exposed them to toxic fumes and airborne contaminates, as well as contaminated water. These environmental conditions are believed to cause disabling conditions such as respiratory illnesses.
The companies being held responsible include Halliburton, Kellogg, Brown, and Root. They are seeking a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, citing they should be covered under government immunity because they were performing services for the military.
There are steps being taken to create a registry of the locations of open-air burn pits in the Middle East that could be responsible for veterans experiencing health effects later on in life. When a veteran files a claim for disability related to exposure from burn pit toxins, a veterans’ disability attorney can help with obtaining the proper evidence to support their claim.
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: Burn Pits, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
Posted in Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
On July 24th the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric K. Shinseki addressed the attendees of the VFW annual convention to report on the latest progress of his department.
In a report from the VA, Secretary Shinseki proudly announced the various areas of growth and improvement the VA has had in the past three and a half years. As the U.S. comes out of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, they have seen an increase in the number of veterans seeking VA services.
Mr. Shinseki explained some of the issues the VA has had to contend with due to the increased number of veterans. One of his points was the complexity of combat injuries that were once fatal are now treatable, but often result in lifelong disabilities. Another issue his department has dealt with was the low enrollment of veterans in the VA’s program – in 2009 there were over 23 million veterans, yet only 7.4 were enrolled in VA benefit programs.
Since 2009, the VA has worked on increasing access to disability benefits, eliminating the backlog of disability claims, and ending veteran homelessness. His speech concluded with an overview of initiatives being implemented to realize these goals, as well as some highlights of how certain veteran groups will continue to benefit from VA services.
With several generations of veterans, each prone to different unique disabling conditions due to their military service, there is no “one-size-fits-all” disability claim process. A veterans’ disability attorney can give you the individual guidance for your specific disability claim and help you seek the veterans’ disability benefits you deserve.
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 (VA), Secretary Eric K. Shinseki
Posted in VA News | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 24th, 2012
According to Veterans Today, the HR 4155 bill, known as the Veteran Skills to Jobs Act, will allow veterans to apply skills they learned in their military service to applications for federal licenses. Skills such as firearm safety and other security or weapons-related training would be able to qualify a veteran for certain federal licenses that require civilian certifications in these areas. This removes the need for redundant training and can speed up the process of obtaining a license that is necessary for certain types of employment.
The other bill, HR 4114, is the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Act which will bring veterans’ disability benefit pay up to the same level of compensation as Social Security and other federal benefits. The COLA is approved automatically for other federal benefits, but must be approved by the Senate every time before it can increase veterans’ disability benefits.
The Veteran Skills to Jobs Act passed the Senate on July 11th and awaits President Obama’s signature to become law. The COLA Act is still awaiting Senate approval but with little controversy at House level, there’s little risk it will gain any opposition in the Senate.
There are several other bills awaiting decisions at various levels of government, including one for education benefits, one for military family housing, and one for veterans’ fiduciary rights. As the laws change for veterans benefits and resources it is important to have a veterans’ disability attorney helping with your veterans’ disability claim so you are taking full advantage of what is available to you and your family.
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 (COLA), veterans’ disability benefits
Posted in US Military Legislation | No Comments »
Monday, July 23rd, 2012
A July 17th press release from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new funding initiative to help secure housing for an estimated 42,000 veterans and their families.
The funding goes to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program which is part of the VA’s campaign to end veteran homelessness by 2015. Nearly $100 million is going to this initiative which will distribute the grants in 49 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico to 151 community agencies for veteran services.
The funding helps to offer area veterans and military families resources for obtaining VA benefits, case management, and other public benefit programs. Many of these programs use the funding to help veterans with financial support for rent payments, security deposits, and other needs in obtaining secure housing.
Disabled veterans are a specifically at-risk group when it comes to homelessness, as many of their disabling conditions require a safe, secure location for them to be able to recover and live comfortably. Many homeless veterans struggle with some form of service-connected disability and they may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation for any reason you should not give up without a fight! 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: grant program, homeless veterans
Posted in Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, July 19th, 2012
Many disabled veterans believe that any discharge aside from honorable automatically denies them from seeking veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans Today tells a different story.
A recent appeals case is providing hope for many veterans who received “other than honorable” (OTH) discharges and are suffering from service-connected disabling conditions. Navy veteran Stephen Norko is one of the few veterans to win a rare appeal after his veterans’ disability claim as denied due to an OTH.
Norko was discharged after a failed drug test in 1992, but his past record was fairly clean and even contained a few commendations and honorable discharges prior to re-enlisting over the years. Before his appeal, he was homeless, sick, and unemployed with no way to get health care through the VA.
After a VA health care outreach social worker heard his story, the local homeless shelter helped connect him to a veterans’ advocacy group who began to fight for his case. As his appeal began, U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro became involved and pulled for Norko to receive VA health care while his case was awaiting decisions.
As his health improved, so did his status with the VA, where some believe that the OTH discharge is being used inappropriately in some cases where dishonorable behaviors are caused by mental health problems. As more research connects military service to increased development of disabling mental conditions, the VA may need to revise its review of discharge status when determining veterans’ disability benefits.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation for any reason you should not give up without a fight! 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: other than honorable (OTH) discharge, veterans benefit appeals
Posted in General | No Comments »
Thursday, July 19th, 2012
Many disabled veterans believe that any discharge aside from honorable automatically denies them from seeking veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans Today tells a different story.
A recent appeals case is providing hope for many veterans who received “other than honorable” (OTH) discharges and are suffering from service-connected disabling conditions. Navy veteran Stephen Norko is one of the few veterans to win a rare appeal after his veterans’ disability claim was denied due to an OTH.
Norko was discharged after a failed drug test in 1992, but his past record was fairly clean and even contained a few commendations and honorable discharges prior to re-enlisting over the years. Before his appeal, he was homeless, sick, and unemployed with no way to get health care through the VA.
After a VA health care outreach social worker heard his story, the local homeless shelter helped connect him to a veterans’ advocacy group who began to fight for his case. As his appeal began, U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro became involved and pulled for Norko to receive VA health care while his case was awaiting decisions.
As his health improved, so did his status with the VA, where some believe that the OTH discharge is being used inappropriately in some cases where dishonorable behaviors are caused by mental health problems. As more research connects military service to increased development of disabling mental conditions, the VA may need to revise its review of discharge status when determining veterans’ disability benefits.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation for any reason you should not give up without a fight! 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: other than honorable (OTH) discharge, veterans benefit appeals
Posted in Disabled Veterans | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Unlike other government disability benefit programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do not get an automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) when one is necessary. For veterans’ disability benefit rates to receive an increase from a COLA, Congress has to approve a bill for it every year the SSDI program has the same increase.
According to Military Times, the COLA has been announced for 2013 benefits under the Social Security Administration. Now a bill to give the same increase to veterans’ disability benefits has passed in the House of Representatives.
HR 4114 passed the House with a unanimous 369-0 vote and now moves on to the Senate floor for a second review. The bill calls for a COLA between 1.3% and 1.9% with the final number being decided upon in October.
While there has been a history of the COLA legislation passing with no issues in the past, there is always the chance that the bill could be shot down due to talks about a deficit reduction agreement. There has also been mention of changing how COLAs are calculated for beneficiaries, but these changes would need more consideration before the bill would be signed into law in November.
As long as this legislation moves through as it typically does, veterans who receive disability benefit pay should see an increase in their checks starting in January 2013. Veterans who do not see the correct increase in their checks, or those who have yet to apply for disability benefits, can find help through a veterans’ disability attorney.
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 (COLA), Veterans' Benefits
Posted in US Military Legislation | No Comments »
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