Two United States Senators, Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., have teamed up on a bipartisan bill that would classify military service in certain places and times in Iraq and Afghanistan as a health hazard. The “Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Recognition” bill is a response to health concerns over service members’ exposure to “burn pits,” which are places where the military burns waste. In proposing this bill, they hope to make it easier for veterans affected by certain diseases to get disability benefits. Continue reading “Bill Proposes Recognizing Iraq and Afghanistan Service as Health Hazard”
Tag: veteran health
VA to Implement New Device to Prevent Diabetic Limb Loss
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has started a program that would introduce a device capable of preventing limb loss as a result of diabetes. One of the potential side effects of diabetes is the development of diabetic foot ulcers, which, if left untreated, can result in infections and even necrosis, which necessitates the amputation of the afflicted limb. With this new technology, it is possible to detect the development of foot ulcers early, allowing for more effective treatments that leave a diabetic person’s limbs intact. Continue reading “VA to Implement New Device to Prevent Diabetic Limb Loss”
New Adaptive Sports Grants for Disabled Veterans
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently announced a new series of grants intended to improve access to adaptive sports programs. These programs are a kind of rehabilitation effort that helps improve people physically and psychologically by getting them active in sports. They are part of a broader ongoing effort to involve community groups in assisting disabled veterans in reintegrating into everyday society. Continue reading “New Adaptive Sports Grants for Disabled Veterans”
Veterans Fleeing Domestic Violence to Receive Support and Housing
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and unfortunately, veterans suffer the effects of domestic violence the same as anyone else. If anything, veterans, and particularly disabled veterans, can be particularly vulnerable to domestic violence, often feeling trapped in an abusive relationship because they’re uncertain where to go. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recognized this problem and has stepped up to help. Continue reading “Veterans Fleeing Domestic Violence to Receive Support and Housing”
New Program to Update VA Records Systems is Introduced
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently introduced a new program intended to take advantage of its new electronic records system, to better address the problems presented by the transition from paper to electronic records. Electronic health record modernization (EHRM) remains a consistent problem for the VA as it has tried to transfer its old paper records to a digital filing system for years. The hope is that this new program will help facilitate that process. Continue reading “New Program to Update VA Records Systems is Introduced”
New Telehealth Program for Veterans Brings Healthcare Home
As technology advances, so too do the tools available for providing healthcare to veterans. One potential leap forward in this so-called “telehealth” is the increased use of tablets. Tablets make it easier for people who have difficulty getting out of the house, including many disabled veterans, to speak face-to-face with their doctors. With this new initiative, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hopes to bring VA healthcare closer to home. Continue reading “New Telehealth Program for Veterans Brings Healthcare Home”
Mobile VA Clinic Makes a Stop on Long Island
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.
Continue reading “Mobile VA Clinic Makes a Stop on Long Island”
Veterans’ Disability Compensation Recipients Will Be Provided a Cost-of-Living Increase
The White House issued a briefing on October 10 that President Trump signed into law the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018. This allows those receiving veterans’ disability compensation to receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase similar to what Social Security recipients receive.
Continue reading “Veterans’ Disability Compensation Recipients Will Be Provided a Cost-of-Living Increase”
The VA and Walgreens Collaborate
In a previous article, the innovative technological advancement of “VEText” and its benefits to veterans was discussed. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs has not stopped there; the VA is continuously implementing new ways to improve how our nation’s veterans receive care.
Continue reading “The VA and Walgreens Collaborate”
VEText: An Innovation for Veterans
Over the years, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has struggled with contacting veterans and reminding them about their medical appointments. To help reduce no-shows and improve access to care, the Department recently launched its VEText program. Through VEText, an automated, interactive text message is sent to the veteran, in which they are reminded about their appointment and can either confirm or cancel it.
Continue reading “VEText: An Innovation for Veterans”
