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Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
The House Armed Services’ Military Personnel Subcommittee is showing support for veterans collecting disability benefits through proposed personnel section of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) annual defense authorization bill.
Most notable for disabled veterans is the endorsement of the 1.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that helps offset the impact consumer good increases has on living expenses. While this increase is automatic for many other government benefit recipients it must be approved by an act of Congress for veterans’ disability benefits.
Other provisions in the draft support new benefits to allow servicemembers, involuntarily separated from the military, to remain in their military family housing for an additional 180 days and provides for continued use of the commissary for 2 years after separation. The proposed personnel section also calls for involuntarily separated members of the Selected Reserves to continue to receive Tricare health and dental coverage for up to 6 months
With military sexual assault continuing to be an area of concern, especially in the matter of veterans’ mental health, the proposal includes a call to strengthen the military’s response to these issues. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta had previously announced the military provisions that the DoD would be putting into effect to create specific plans to deal with assault allegations.
The proposed bill will be presented to the full House committee for a vote early this month, but legislators have stated that they don’t expect the bill to be passed by Congress prior to the November elections. Meanwhile, veterans seeking disability benefits are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to begin the claim process so they’re able to take advantage of the COLA benefit increase should the bill pass into law later this 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: veterans legislation, Veterans' Benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, US Military Legislation, Veterans' Benefits | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has confirmed that they are aware of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, between 1957 and 1987, but are still reluctant to connect it to service-related disabilities or illnesses for veterans disability claims. Currently, the VA is refusing to provide health care for supposedly related illnesses, until a direct connection is established – which may not happen until 2014.
Meanwhile, veterans of Camp Lejeune and their families that lived there during the 30 year period were exposed to industrial and toxic wastes. Studies already conducted on the contamination of the camp have shown that exposure for more than 20 years may result in disabling illnesses, such as kidney cancer.
House representative Jeff Miller of Florida is heading the proposal before the House Veterans Affairs Committee that calls for a special health care category for the veterans of Camp Lejeune. The proposal covers veterans stationed on the base during the 30 year period, as well as their families that lived with them.
The VA has processed over 1,000 claims from veterans at Camp Lejeune and found that 238 were qualified for benefits even without a special consideration for the contamination risks. All veterans who believe they are experiencing a disabling condition related to their military service should consult with an attorney to determine if they are eligible to file a disability benefits 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: Camp Lejeune, Disabled Veterans, Veterans Disability Benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
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 »
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