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Archive for the ‘VA News’ Category
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 »
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 »
Friday, April 6th, 2012
The month of April has been designated as a national observance of sexual assault awareness. In the military, sexual assault is an often neglected or hidden issue that causes physical and mental trauma to many soldiers every year.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been increasing their awareness of the issue of military sexual trauma through various outreach programs. Many victims keep silent about their attack due to fear of retaliation or humiliation. Others deny the event even happened, leaving the psychological damage to be done over time.
Soldiers who do not report the incident and seek immediate treatment can be more prone to mental disorders in the future. Many veterans who were victims of sexual trauma during service may develop disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression. These disabling conditions can impair their ability to work and associate with others socially.
The VA recognizes sexual trauma, during military service, as a service-connected injury that may qualify a veteran for disability benefits. Veterans who have suffered this serious act can find support and get treatment for any mental disabilities they may be experiencing through the VA and by applying 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: military sexual assault, Veterans disability
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Disability, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest funding sources for research and development of remote monitoring systems that can provide vital statistics to doctors anywhere in the world. This technology is being implemented in both regular health centers and VA hospitals that provide remote care to patients either in rural areas or overseas.
Veterans living outside the U.S. or those who require constant health care when they are not close to a VA hospital may benefit from remote patient monitoring services. Doctors can view up to date progress of a patient’s vital signs, mobility after surgery and much more. This critical data can be used to improve treatment of injured soldiers or veterans with chronic disabilities that require round-the-clock monitoring.
Remote medical treatment is not a new concept for the VA, the Telehealth system being used in the states has helped provide disabled veterans in rural areas with mental health treatment via video conference. The remote patient monitoring is the newest addition to the VA’s remote services and they hope to expand its use within the coming years, as more veterans are adapting to it.
Disabled veterans can benefit from a wealth of innovative treatments and support through the VA health care system, but often require a disability rating to do so. By applying for veterans’ disability benefits a veteran suffering from disabling combat-related conditions can obtain better resources to treat symptoms and improve his/her life.
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: Veteran Health Care, Veterans' Resources
Posted in VA News, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
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 »
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
There have been an additional 68 forms added to the veterans’ disability application process that are expected to help decrease the evaluation time for new disability claims.
These new disability benefits questionnaires are reports of specific medical details that can help give accurate and targeted evidence regarding a veteran’s disabling conditions. With more standardized, easily processed records the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hopes to speed up the evaluation process and decrease the current claims backlog.
With the addition of these new forms, 71 documents may now be necessary to show medical proof for a veterans’ disability claim, depending on the claimant’s medical conditions. These forms may be filled out by a veterans’ private physician or a VA health provider, but the costs of private physician’s services for the exam and forms will not be covered by the VA.
The amount of paperwork involved in a disability rating for veterans’ disability benefits can be overwhelming. A single error in your documentation could delay your claim approval for months, or even result in a wrongful denial. Working with a professional veteran’s disability attorney can help you avoid the risk of losing out on compensation that you need to medically cover you.
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 Disability Benefits, veterans disability claims
Posted in 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 »
Saturday, March 24th, 2012
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has teamed up with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to launch a new contest aimed at improving access for homeless veterans to services and benefits.
On Monday, March 19, the VA issued a press release announcing the contest, titled Project REACH – Real-time Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless. The Departments of Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services are also involved in the initiative that’s calling out to web and phone application developers.
The goal of Project REACH is to create a web and phone based app that provides recourses for homeless veterans in need of services, such as medical facilities, food banks, and housing. Based on the criteria for the contest, the winning app should also provide veterans with nearby VA services, employment information, crisis hotlines, and the whereabouts for legal assistance, such as where to locate a veterans disability attorney who can help you file or appeal a claim.
With veterans accounting for 1 of every 6 persons in homeless shelters and many veterans struggling to provide for their basic needs, a digital access hub could be a great asset to those in need and their caregivers.
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, Jon Bon Jovi, veterans homelessness
Posted in General, VA News, Vet Groups & Networking, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Dependents, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
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