On October 24, Newsday reported that the Northport VA Medical Center is providing veterans living in the Town of North Hempstead the use of a mobile unit so that they can receive the necessary medical treatment. This was brought about as the result of a petition started by North Hempstead officials to provide medical services locally to veterans who live in the town so that they do not have to travel to Northport to get the care they need.
The “examination room on wheels,” as Northport VA Outreach Coordinator Joann DeMarco described it to Newsday, features handicap services, traditional diagnostic equipment and curtains so patients can have their privacy. There are nurses and a doctor on staff.
The mobile clinic is open three days a week, with appointments starting at 8 a.m. (Appointments are required and can be made by calling 631-261-4400, extension 4590.) On Monday, physical therapy services are offered, followed by podiatry services on Wednesday and primary care on Thursday.
The VA’s website currently lists 47 community-based outpatient centers in New York State, but only five are located on Long Island: Valley Stream, East Meadow, Riverhead, Patchogue and Bay Shore. U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice told Newsdaythere is not enough medical centers that only cater to Long Island’s veterans, saying there is only one VA hospital for 100,000 local veterans. Other local federal officials are looking to establish a permanent VA care facility in North Hempstead.
The mobile clinic is available to all veterans; they do not have to be a resident of North Hempstead Town.
VA medical care is one aspect of VA medical benefits that a disabled veteran may be entitled to. If you or a loved one is a veteran who requires regular medical care, and is seeking to apply for disability benefits, received a low disability rating, or has had an application for disability benefits denied, it is important to contact an experienced VA lawyer who may assist you or a loved one through the process. Filing an application for veteran’s disability benefits or appealing an application that has been denied, is a complex process that requires the attention of a skilled Veteran’s Affairs attorney.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP concentrate their practice in Veterans Disability Law. With over 50 years of combined experience between its lawyers, our attorneys may be able to assist you or a loved one in obtaining medical benefits you deserve. Call our office at (800) 395 -7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office.
