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.
The coronavirus, also called COVID-19, is the single greatest healthcare crisis that has faced the United States in over one hundred years. In response to the unprecedented danger posed by the coronavirus, most state and federal agencies closed their doors to the public, or otherwise severely limited public access. While this was done in the interests of protecting people from the virus, this has also meant that a great deal of government business has been put on hold for the last several months.
Now, with the VA beginning to reopen its offices, people in select locations will be able to visit VA offices in person for examination and treatment. This is particularly good news for disabled veterans, who often rely on VA facilities for treatment of the conditions that resulted in their disability status. It is also good news for any veteran currently applying for disability, who has likely had their application delayed while VA offices were closed.
However, the VA still advises caution to veterans who may be rushing out to VA facilities to deal with their healthcare issues. The coronavirus is still a threat, and the VA will still be requiring social distancing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment for anyone entering their facilities. This is to protect both patients and staff from potential coronavirus infection, particularly for disabled veterans with conditions that put them at higher risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Although the courts are closed except for essential proceedings, our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. 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, or visit our contact page.
