The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) was forced to close down many of its services to the public during the coronavirus crisis. During the height of the pandemic, the risk that vulnerable patients would be infected was too great. Thanks to these efforts, though, the rate of COVID-19 infection has dropped enough that the VA is now reopening many of these shuttered services to the public. Continue reading “VA Services Resume After Being Halted During COVID-19 Crisis”
Category: Veterans Disability Law
Appeal Your Veterans’ Disability Ruling With the VA
You served your country dutifully, and became sick or injured as a result. You were promised that if that happened, you would have access to veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). And yet, your claim was denied, or you had much less in benefits than you believe you are entitled to. In that case, it might be time to ask for an appeal of that decision. Continue reading “Appeal Your Veterans’ Disability Ruling With the VA”
Five Potential Problems When Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits
If you have served in the military and suffered a physical or psychological disability as a result, you are entitled to disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). However, before you can gain access to those benefits, you first must go through an application process, during which problems can potentially arise. Here are five potential problems you may face when applying for veterans’ disability benefits: Continue reading “Five Potential Problems When Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits”
Senate Introduces Measure to Help Veterans Affected by Toxic Exposure
Among disabled veterans, few groups have more difficulty obtaining compensation for their disabilities than those who suffer because of toxic exposure. These veterans often find it difficult to prove that their injuries are tied to their military service, making it difficult for them to obtain compensation for their injuries. Now, however, a measure has been introduced in the Senate that, if passed, would make it easier for veterans suffering from toxic exposure to seek treatment for their conditions. Continue reading “Senate Introduces Measure to Help Veterans Affected by Toxic Exposure”
What Does it Mean to Be 100 Percent Disabled According to the VA?
If you are a disabled veteran and have undergone an assessment for your disability status, then you have likely been assigned a number representing what “percent” disabled you are. This number is crucial for determining the amount of benefits you receive from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), including the amount of compensation you receive each month. But what does it mean to be one hundred percent disabled, or any other percent, and how do they come to that determination? Continue reading “What Does it Mean to Be 100 Percent Disabled According to the VA?”
Mental Health Issues Remain a Priority for VA During COVID
During the coronavirus pandemic, people are understandably concerned about their physical health, and want to avoid potential infection as much as possible. However, while the primary focus at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) has been on veterans’ physical well-being, their psychological health has often suffered as a result. The VA, however, has many services available for veterans suffering mental health issues during the coronavirus crisis. Continue reading “Mental Health Issues Remain a Priority for VA During COVID”
VA Begins Reintroducing Healthcare Services at Select Facilities
As with most government offices, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shut down all but its most essential functions to comply with coronavirus quarantine orders. However, starting May 18, the VA began reopening certain select healthcare facilities to the public, to eventually return to its previous levels of functionality. The goal is to once again provide VA services that have not been available for the past few months, while still protecting veterans from coronavirus infection. Continue reading “VA Begins Reintroducing Healthcare Services at Select Facilities”
Policy Paper Claims Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange on Guam
In a recently published policy paper, two groups claim there is evidence veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Guam during the Vietnam War. The paper says that tens of thousands of veterans who served in Guam during the War may have been exposed to the herbicide and become ill as a result. If confirmed, it could help thousands of Vietnam-era veterans claim disability benefits for ailments believed to have been caused by Agent Orange exposure. Continue reading “Policy Paper Claims Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange on Guam”
VA Health System Faces Rush of Coronavirus Patients
Even under normal circumstances, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) struggles with the burden of helping all the veterans who require medical assistance. However, the strain has become particularly acute with the coronavirus pandemic underway, with other, less urgent care often being pushed to the side to make way for emergency cases. As a result, many veterans, especially disabled veterans, struggle to maintain their health during the crisis. Continue reading “VA Health System Faces Rush of Coronavirus Patients”
VA Prepares to Deal with Coronavirus
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has already taken measures to deal with the spread of the coronavirus, to help protect disabled veterans from the impact of the disease. Of particular concern are those disabled veterans currently residing in VA nursing homes, who are particularly vulnerable to the infection. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie has tried to reassure veterans and their families, saying: “We will get over this and we will make sure everything is done to protect those who have done so much for our country.” Continue reading “VA Prepares to Deal with Coronavirus”
