Every veteran who has received disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (also known as the VA) has received a disability rating along with it. This disability rating is incredibly important, because it is directly tied to how much a disabled veteran and their family may receive in benefits. Here are five things you should know about your disability rating: Continue reading “Five Things to Know About Your Veterans’ Disability Rating”
Tag: Veterans Affairs
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”
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”
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”
Remote Questionnaires Questioned After Fraud Allegations
The practice of using remote questionnaires for disability determination evaluations by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is being brought into question after leading to an alleged fraud. Remote questionnaires conducted by private physicians have grown in popularity as a way of conducting evaluations without requiring travel to VA offices, which is convenient for veterans in isolated areas or who have mobility issues. However, the allegations of fraud show that the practice has serious flaws, and that the remote questionnaire is not an adequate replacement for evaluations within the VA system. Continue reading “Remote Questionnaires Questioned After Fraud Allegations”
What is the Process for Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits?
If you’re a veteran who became disabled as a result of your military service, you may be entitled to benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). If your application for disability benefits is accepted, you could be entitled to both financial assistance and healthcare through the VA health system, among other possible benefits. But what’s actually involved in applying for veterans’ disability benefits, and what does the application process look like? Continue reading “What is the Process for Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits?”
New Diabetes Care Program Introduced by VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new program that will focus on educating and caring for diabetic veterans. The program is focused on helping veterans with diabetes learn more about the technology they can use to monitor their condition, as well as what their various diabetes numbers mean. With better education, diabetic veterans will be able to better control their diabetes and, hopefully, prevent some of the more severe complications that can arise from the disease. Continue reading “New Diabetes Care Program Introduced by VA”
Board of Veterans’ Appeals to Introduce Virtual Hearings in 2020
When a veteran applies for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and gets denied (or else doesn’t receive the level of benefits they think they should be entitled to), they can appeal the decision to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Traditionally, these hearings are carried out in person and require the veteran to travel to the hearing if they want to participate. However, with the introduction of new virtual hearings, it will be possible to conduct these appeals online, without requiring veterans to travel to the physical site of their hearing. Continue reading “Board of Veterans’ Appeals to Introduce Virtual Hearings in 2020”
Bill Proposes Recognizing Iraq and Afghanistan Service as Health Hazard
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”