The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it is piloting a new automated program for processing disability claims. The new program has been created to deal with a substantial backlog facing the agency, which often faces significant delays in processing disability claims. By automating much of the process, it is hoped that this backlog will be addressed, helping veterans to access the benefits they deserve far more quickly. Continue reading “VA Launches Automated Claim Processing Program”
Category: Veterans Disability Law
VA Proposes Waiver of Copays for Veterans at Risk of Suicide
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has proposed a new program that would eliminate copayments for outpatient mental health visits, and reduce copays for medications, for veterans at a high risk of suicide. This proposed rule change, published for commentary in the Federal Register on January 5, would make it substantially easier for veterans suffering from suicidal thoughts to seek mental health counseling and treatment. This, in turn, could help to deal with the high suicide rate that veterans suffer across the United States. Continue reading “VA Proposes Waiver of Copays for Veterans at Risk of Suicide”
Understanding Your VA Disability Rating
When a veteran applies for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, also known as the VA, they are assigned something known as a “disability rating.” This rating is an essential part of determining what kinds of benefits a veteran will receive. But what is this disability rating, and how does the VA decide what your rating is?
Three New Respiratory Ailments Added to VA Presumptive Disabilities List
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (also known as the VA) has added three new diseases to its list of presumptive disabilities based on the risk of toxic exposure. These three new diseases, which includes asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis, will now receive special treatment under the law, making it easier for veterans to apply for disability benefits based on those conditions. This will, in turn, reduce the difficulty that many veterans have had in seeking disability benefits from the VA.
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VA Renews Partnership With IHS to Help Native American Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) has announced that it is renewing its partnership with the Indian Health Service (IHS) to increase access to care for Native American and Alaska Native veterans. They are looking to improve access to Native American veterans who often suffer high barriers to accessing care, while also integrating the two healthcare systems to facilitate care. They are also looking to expand enrollment in the systems to help vulnerable populations better access the care they need.
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Five Ways To Maximize Your Chances At Obtaining VA Disability Benefits
If you are applying for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (also known as the VA), you may have questions about the process and what you should do. Fortunately, for most people the process is relatively simple, provided you follow certain basic steps. Here are five ways you can maximize your chances at getting VA disability benefits:
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Presumptive Period for Gulf War Veterans Extended Until 2026
In a recent press release, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it would be extending the presumptive period for veterans of the Persian Gulf War until December 31, 2026. This extension gives these veterans more time to apply for disability benefits if they are suffering from unspecified medical issues with no definitive diagnosis. It also means they may be able to recover benefits they might previously have been owed due to not having been properly diagnosed with a medical condition.
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VA Begins Administering COVID-19 Booster Shots to Vulnerable Vets
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun the process of administering booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine for vulnerable veterans. This program has been put into place after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot, to help veterans who are at higher risk due to coronavirus infection. Booster shots for other vaccines, including those created by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are still under review, but are also expected to be offered once they are authorized.
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Five Service-Related Disabilities That May Not Appear Right Away
Typically, when someone becomes disabled as a result of their military service, it is fairly obvious how they got their disability. However, a surprising number of veterans can spend months or years seemingly fine, only to manifest a service-related disability a long time afterwards. Here are five service-related disabilities that often do not appear right away:
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Suicide Rate for Veterans Dropped in Latest Annual Report
In their most recent annual report on the suicide rate of veterans, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) has announced that the suicide rate is on the decline, at the highest rate since 2001. This decline is seen as a result of efforts made by the VA to tackle the difficult issues of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems that are common among veterans. However, more work needs to be done for veterans who still struggle with their mental health after returning to civilian life. Continue reading “Suicide Rate for Veterans Dropped in Latest Annual Report”
