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Archive for the ‘Disabled Veterans’ Category
Thursday, March 29th, 2012
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released the second in a series of reports published annually by the Gulf War Veterans Illnesses Task Force (GWVIT). This report contains input from hundreds of Gulf War veterans and hopes to serve as a plan of action for enhancements for care and services provided to this specific population.
Gulf War veterans are from an era where many of the combat-related exposures are just now manifesting as disabling diseases and conditions. The term “Gulf War Syndrome” was coined from these seemingly unconnected ailments and has been a subject of extensive research for several years.
The GWVIT focuses their concerns on providing health care and services to Gulf War veterans who may now be experiencing service-connected disabling conditions and need good quality care. A new clinical care model is detailed in the report, as well as the need for creating better links to specialized care and treatment methods for illnesses developed from that war era.
It’s important for Gulf War veterans to keep a good record of their health after service, as many new illnesses have been connected to exposure to the combat conditions in these areas. Regular checkups from your VA clinic can help with early detection of some of the illnesses that may qualify you for veterans’ disability benefits.
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: gulf war veterans, Veterans Health Care
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, VA News, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Monday, March 26th, 2012
The Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles Judge S. James Otero is continuing the allegations of a June 2011 lawsuit, filed by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), regarding misappropriation of VA-controlled land on the ACLU campus.
In the lawsuit, the ACLU claims that large portions of the VA-owned property, located near Wilshire and San Vicente Boulevard, were used for commercial leases rather than providing adequate housing to homeless and mentally disabled veterans. The accusations seek to hold the VA accountable for the lack of housing and treatment services for homeless veterans who suffer from mental disabilities.
According to the ACLU’s legal counsel, this is the first time a federal judge has allowed the VA to be held responsible for providing assistance to mentally disabled veterans.
Mentally disabled veterans make up a large portion of the homeless veteran population and require not only appropriate housing but also proper treatment for their physical and mental health conditions. By applying for veterans’ disability benefits, a veteran suffering from physical or mental illness has the chance of accessing better care and resources for medical treatment and life needs.
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: homeless veterans, mentally disabled veterans, VA lawsuits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, VA News, Vet Groups & Networking, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
Stars and Stripes reports that Senator Patty Murray cited the recent decisions made by the Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, to overturn diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in over 300 soldiers who sought medical retirement.
While these soldiers received treatment for their combat-related disability, while serving our country, once they applied for medical retirement their diagnosis was removed to save money. This ended the critical care that is necessary for them to deal with the disabling symptoms that come along with PTSD.
Many veterans face the challenges of living with the complications associated with mental health conditions on a daily basis. When the disorder becomes disabling and prevents a veteran from working, socializing, and caring for themselves or their family there are many resources that can help.
Veterans disability benefits are offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for honorably discharged veterans who have been diagnosed with a disabling condition related to their service in the military, such as PTSD. Applying for these benefits is dependent on the evidence you have to support your claim, a process which can be made easier with the help of a veterans disability law firm
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: PTSD, Veterans disability, Veterans Disability Benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Since 2008, Florida State University (FSU) has been 1 of 7 universities that hold a summer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV). The 2012 annual program begins in May with online components leading in to a 9-day residency at the university from June 19 through June 27.
The EBV is designed to provide experiential training and education for veterans who suffered service-connected disabilities. In many cases, these veterans are unable to return to their previous occupations, due to their disabilities, but they still have a desire to put their skills to use. Disabled veterans who start their own small businesses may find great satisfaction in building something they truly want to invest their abilities in.
Considering the support from the associated universities and other related organizations, the cost to attend a EBV is free to eligible applicants. To apply, disabled veterans may visit FSU’s application page to fill out the online application and view instructions. While there is no deadline, there are limited spaces available and veterans should apply as soon as possible.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and many other organizations also offer support and grants to many aspiring veterans.
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, veteran programs, veterans education
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Friday, March 16th, 2012
Navy Seaman Katherine Glover experienced sexual trauma during her service at a NATO base in Italy in 1985. It took her 17 years of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before she finally told a representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about her experience. The VA rep helped get Glover into treatment and began the process of applying for veterans disability benefits.
However, due to her lack of evidence of the service connection to her condition, caused repeated denials. It wasn’t until her case was examined using revised guidelines for sexual trauma that she finally won the retroactive and ongoing disability benefits she was entitled to. She will receive retroactive benefits of $150,000 dating back to her initial disability application in 2006 and then the monthly stipend, of $2,800, thereafter.
Any disabled veteran may run into a similar situation when they don’t have the ability to provide the medical and official evidence connecting their disabling condition to their military service. In Glover’s case it was due to lack of an incident report at the time of the assault, but veterans may also lack proof that they served in an area exposed to toxic materials, or that they served in an area at all.
The veterans disability benefit claims process isn’t always as simple as showing medical evidence and your discharge papers. There are many factors taken into consideration when making a disability determination, which is why it’s best to work with an experienced veteran’s disability attorney from the start to avoid unnecessary delays in your claim approval.
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: military sexual trauma, Veterans Disability Benefits, veterans disability claims
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, US Military Legislation | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 14th, 2012
As research continues to show the positive benefits of physical activity on the treatment, rehabilitation, and well-being of disabled veterans, more programs are being developed to support these endeavors. In recognition of these efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has granted new funding to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and their Parks: Return and Restore Program.
The NRPA works closely with the U.S. Paralympics division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, which helps support the development and participation in paralympic sporting activities. There are 9 park and recreation agencies across the U.S. that is included in the Parks: Return and Restore Program. These agencies received grants ranging from $2,500 to $500,000 to help support their efforts in providing disabled veterans with physical activity programs.
Many community organizations provide physical activity programs and paralympic sports leagues to help support their local disabled veterans. Physical activity has been shown to improve a veterans’ ability to cope with common disabling conditions both mentally and physically.
Aside from community resources, veterans anywhere can seek veterans’ disability benefits to help augment the local support they receive. Benefit pay, as well as assistance for medical care, housing, employment, and education are all available to disabled veterans who qualify as disabled through combat-related circumstances.
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, VA grants, Veterans Health
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Vet Groups & Networking, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Events | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
While veteran unemployment is no new situation for our service members, many previously employed veterans are finding it hard to return to the jobs they thought were protected for when they returned.
Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act employers of those who leave to serve in the National Guard or Reserves must restore their seniority, benefits, and pay upon their return. Unfortunately, obtaining your rights under this law is a very lengthy and often frustrating process, sometimes taking years until results are seen.
Many veterans have to take reduced salaries, hours, and job duties just to have some form of employment at their former occupation. In some cases, veterans have to work multiple jobs because their former primary employer cannot bring them back on at the level they were at prior to military service.
The case can be even more serious for veterans who return to the states with a combat-related disability. Disabled veterans are often unable to work at their prior profession due to physical or mental limitations, and in serious disability cases they may be unable to work at all.
Disabled veterans who find difficulty in obtaining gainful employment or are unable to work at all can find some relief by applying for veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once approved, a disabled veteran can obtain disability pay as well as connect to resources for medical care, jobs, and education opportunities.
Tags: Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, veteran employment, Veterans Disability Benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Since July 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line, an initiative started through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has helped field over 500,000 calls from veterans in need of crisis support. Over 18,000 serious cases have been handled by the team of responders, helping many troubled and disabled veterans find the help they need during these critical times.
To continue this positive outreach to veterans, and their friends and families, the VA is extending their services beyond the traditional telephone number and creating new collaborative efforts with like-minded organizations.
The technological advances include text messing services that allow veterans in need to confidentially text their concerns to responders at 83-8255 and receive immediate support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The texts are answered by trained VA professionals, many of whom are U.S. veterans, offering a more personal connection to crisis management.
In addition to the texting service, the voice call line has now extended toll-free service for the Europe military community. The new 0800-1273-8255 number will provide toll-free access to the same U.S.-based crisis help line that the current 800-273-8255 number offers.
A third enhancement to the Veterans Crisis Line is the collaboration with Vets Prevail and Vets4Warriors, 2 groups that utilize similar efforts to reach out to veterans in need of crisis support and resources. Both organizations will begin routing calls for mental health crisis to the VA’s lines.
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 crisis line, Veterans Mental Health, Veterans' Resources
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, VA News, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
None of Afghanistan War veterans who received the Purple Heart in a ceremony at the Marine Corps. Memorial on Thursday, February 16 were willing to discuss their fallen Marines.
The 4 Marines that received the Purple Heart were members of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, under the command of Capt. Paul Trembaly, who lost 2 Marines and had to medically evacuate 16 wounded, during their 7-month tour.
Trembaly realized the difficulties his remaining crew had in dealing with the losses they witnessed during their deployment. As part of a therapeutic effort he had the remaining 170 Marines of Company B flown to Bethesda, MD to visit their fellow wounded soldiers who were undergoing recovery at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The visit was therapeutic for both the active Marines and the wounded warriors they visited. Seeing that their own were being well taken care of was a relief to those who had to see soldiers removed from duty due to serious combat injuries.
Reluctance to discuss combat trauma and the emotions they may be experiencing after deployment is an issue many veterans face, which can often lead to the development of mental conditions. Depression, anxiety, uncontrolled anger, and night terrors are just a few of the symptoms that can develop when veterans are unable to cope with their military experience.
Many of these wounded Marines may face life as a disabled veteran following their recovery. Applying for veterans’ disability benefits is a way combat-wounded veterans can obtain help with finances, medical treatment, housing, employment, and much more.
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: Afghanistan War veterans, combat trauma, Disabled Veterans, Purple Heart, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
The veteran soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are showing a high number of common respiratory illnesses, including a rare disease that’s sparking some controversy.
While military veterans are able to seek treatment for respiratory conditions at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, many of these facilities treat only the acute symptoms and don’t investigate the long-term disabilities that some veterans may be facing. A rare respiratory disease, constrictive bronchiolitis, is difficult to diagnose and incurable, making it difficult for many disabled veterans to get the medical assistance they need.
Diagnosing this rare condition involves an invasive lung biopsy, which many VA hospitals are reluctant to perform as it’s a costly procedure. This has lead to many veterans potentially suffering from this disabling condition to have to seek a diagnosis from a doctor outside the VA hospital network – meaning high out of pocket costs that their veterans’ disability benefits or VA health care may not cover.
Disabled veterans and their families are seeking to draw attention to the many respiratory illnesses and disabling conditions that have been connected to burn pit exposure and desert air quality. Soldiers that served in the Iraq and Afghanistan War may have been exposed to several airborne toxins and particles that can cause shortness of breath, chronic bronchitis, and even cancers of the respiratory system.
Respiratory illness is just one of the many conditions a veteran may suffer from due to their military service. If you or a loved one is experiencing medical conditions that may be related to their service in the military you may qualify for veterans’ disability benefits.
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: constrivtive bronchiolitis, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, respiratory conditions, Respiratory Illnesses, Veterans Disability Benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
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