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Archive for the ‘Veterans' Benefits’ Category
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 »
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 »
Thursday, April 5th, 2012
A recent boost in funding, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to its Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program (HUD-VASH), is hoping to benefit more than 10,000 homeless veterans across the U.S.
The HUD-VASH program is designed to provide veterans with permanent housing options, case management, and supportive services to insure they have a stable place for themselves and their families to live. HUD has allocated $72.6 million in new funding to help expand and support these services to our military families.
Obtaining permanent housing is a struggle many veterans face, especially those who are disabled due to their service. They cannot afford housing considering their disability may keep them from working. Many disabled veterans can suffer extra burdens to their health when they are unable to find permanent housing to take care of their needs.
While any veteran can seek assistance through the HUD or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), disabled veterans can often obtain expanded resources when they apply and qualify for veterans disability benefits. Help can be found through a trusted disability attorney when you want the veterans’ disability benefits application process to be handled properly.
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, veteran housing benefits
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Vet Groups & Networking, Veterans' Benefits, 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 »
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
U.S. veterans face many unique challenges when they retire from military service and several federal programs are available to help them leap over the obstacles. Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor announced $15 million in grants to be allocated to the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) – a unique federal program that focuses solely on employing homeless veterans.
Organizations at both national and local levels who seek to focus on hiring homeless veterans are applying for the grants, and the HVRP is holding 2 teleconferences that will provide information. On Thursday, April 5, new applicants can call in to find out about the requirements and attributes of a successful homeless veteran hiring strategy. On Friday, April 6, another call will be designated for returning applicants who are seeking additional grant money to continue to improve existing programs.
Homelessness, unemployment, and disability can all go hand-in-hand for many veterans. A combat-related disability can render a veteran unable to work and afford adequate housing. Many veterans are unable to obtain treatment for their disabilities, which is why it is critical for them to seek veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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, veteran employment
Posted in General, Vet Groups & Networking, 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 »
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 »
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
Drone pilots are part of the latest soldier populations to be evaluated for issues regarding soldiers’ mental health, during deployment. The role of drone pilots may seem safe from physical hazards, but the schedules, remote combat exposure, and emotional situations these soldiers are placed in can create mental hazards instead.
Soldiers involved in the drone aircraft programs fill a variety of roles, but the conditions are similar: long hours staring at computer screens where they witness combat from thousands of miles away with little or no ability to react. While most of a drone pilots’ duties involve surveillance and little enemy attack, they must bear witness to the attacks involving the ground troops.
In recent evaluations by the Air Force, drone pilots may often feel a sense of helplessness when they see ground troops in active combat and can’t intervene to help. Many reported emotional turmoil when they had to survey battle zones for casualty reports.
Facing these difficult emotional situations, during active duty, can lead to future long-term damage to a soldiers’ mental health. While the Air Force is helping current soldiers cope, by offering better access to psychologists and chaplains, for recent Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans the damage may already have been done.
Psychological disabilities are among the many conditions that may qualify veterans for disability benefits. It’s necessary to have mental health evaluations and evidence to support your claim, which an attorney can help you with.
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: drone pilots, Veterans Disability Benefits, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
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