Author Archives: ron
VA disability ratings – Post-9/11 vet ratings far higher than prior generations:
According to a government report, Post-9/11 active-duty veterans have disability rates significantly higher than those of previous generations. About 41 percent of those who served after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zones … Continue reading
VA Telehealth – virtual clinics | mental health & primary care treatment:
The Department of Veterans Affairs, which already has the biggest telehealth program in the United States, is expanding its coverage to fill critical gaps in areas such as mental health and primary care. In fiscal 2018, VA conducted more than … Continue reading
S. 374 and H.R. 1092, the Service members and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2019:
This legislation will codify VA regulations regarding the adjudication of claims for mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, associated with experiencing Military Sexual Trauma (MST). It would also add technological abuse, defined as “behavior intended to harm, threaten, intimidate, … Continue reading
VA disability system update – proposed reform to reduce medical exams:
Administration officials this year are re-upping a series of reforms to the veterans disability system they estimate would cut down on tens of thousands of unneeded medical exams and save billions of dollars. The moves, part of President Donald Trump’s … Continue reading
VA Agent Orange benefits update:
Three years after a scientific body recommended that the Department of Veterans Affairs consider adding three conditions — bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s-like symptoms — to the list of qualifying diseases tied to Agent Orange, affected veterans may soon find … Continue reading
Bill expanding veteran volunteer guardianship program passes Oklahoma House:
Senate Bill 931, by Sen. Paul Rosino (R-Oklahoma City) and Rep. Nicole Miller (R-Edmond) establishes the Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act to provide a platform to recruit local volunteers to serve veterans who can no longer manage their own affairs … Continue reading
About 21,000 troops booted so far under ‘deploy or get out’ policy:
About 21,000 nondeployable troops have been forced out of the ranks since the Defense Department’s “deploy or get out” policy began last summer, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan announced on Thursday. “A key element of strengthening our military and increasing lethality is ensuring … Continue reading
This proposed VA health care change could save you time — and save VA billions:
Administration officials this year are re-upping a series of reforms to the veterans disability system they estimate would cut down on tens of thousands of unneeded medical exams and save billions of dollars. VA spokesman Curt Cashour said the change reflects a … Continue reading
VA to offer new nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression:
The VA announced March 19 that its healthcare providers will now be able to offer the newly approved Spravato nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. The treatment will be made available to veterans based on their individual medical needs, combined … Continue reading
• Senators urge VA not to fumble expansion of caregiver benefits:
“VA continues to miss deadlines and not get it right, “Senator Patti Murray said in a phone interview Wednesday. “And we have got to make them step up to the plate and make this work.” In a Feb. … Continue reading