by: NBC News and news services
President-elect Barack Obama has selected retired Gen. Eric K. Shinseki to be the next Veterans Affairs secretary, telling NBC News in an exclusive interview that "he and I share a reverence for those who serve."
Obama will announce the selection of Shinseki, the first Army four-star general of Japanese-American ancestry, at a news conference Sunday in Chicago. He will be the first Asian-American to hold the post of Veterans Affairs secretary, adding to the growing diversity of Obama’s Cabinet.
“I think that General Shinseki is exactly the right person who is going to be able to make sure that we honor our troops when they come home,” Obama said in an interview with NBC’s Tom Brokaw on “Meet the Press” to be broadcast Sunday.
Sunday also marks the 67th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
NBC released a transcript of the interview after The Associated Press reported that Shinseki was Obama’s pick.
Shinseki’s tenure as Army chief of staff from 1999 to 2003 was marked by constant tensions with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, which boiled over in 2003 when Shinseki testified to Congress that it might take several hundred thousand U.S. troops to control Iraq after the invasion.
Rumsfeld and his deputy, Paul Wolfowitz, belittled the estimate as “wildly off the mark,” and the army general was forced out within months. But Shinseki’s words proved prophetic after President George W. Bush in early 2007 announced a “surge” of additional troops to Iraq after miscalculating the numbers needed to stem sectarian violence.
Obama said he selected Shinseki for the VA post because he “was right” in predicting that the U.S. will need more troops in Iraq than Rumsfeld believed at the time.
“When I reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by our veterans and, I think about how so many veterans around the country are struggling even more than those who have not served — higher unemployment rates, higher homeless rates, higher substance abuse rates, medical care that is inadequate — it breaks my heart,” Obama told NBC.
Shinseki, 66, will take the helm of the government’s second largest agency, which has been roundly criticized during the Bush administration for underestimating the amount of funding needed to treat thousands of injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thousands of veterans currently endure six-month waits for receiving disability benefits, despite promises by current VA Secretary James Peake and his predecessor, Jim Nicholson, to reduce delays. The department also is scrambling to upgrade government technology systems before new legislation providing for millions of dollars in new GI benefits takes effect next August.
Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, and chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, praised Shinseki as a "great choice" who will make an excellent VA secretary.
"I have great respect for General Shinseki's judgment and abilities," Akaka said in a statement. "I am confident that he will use his wisdom and experience to ensure that our veterans receive the respect and care they have earned in defense of our nation. President-elect Obama is selecting a team that reflects our nation's greatest strength, its diversity, and I applaud him."
Veterans groups also cheered the decision.
"General Shinseki has a record of courage and honesty, and is a bold choice to lead the VA into the future," said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "He is a man that has always put patriotism ahead of politics, and is held in high regard by veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan."
Obama’s choice of Shinseki, who grew up in Hawaii, is the latest indication that the president-elect is making good on his pledge to have a diverse Cabinet.
In Obama’s eight Cabinet announcements so far, white men are the minority with two nominations — Timothy Geithner at Treasury and Robert Gates at Defense. Three are women — Janet Napolitano at Homeland Security, Susan Rice as United Nations ambassador and Hillary Rodham Clinton at State. Eric Holder at the Justice Department is African American, while Bill Richardson at Commerce is Latino.
Shinseki is a recipient of two Purple Hearts for life-threatening injuries in Vietnam.
Upon leaving his post in June 2003, Shinseki in his farewell speech sternly warned against arrogance in leadership.
“You must love those you lead before you can be an effective leader,” he said. “You can certainly command without that sense of commitment, but you cannot lead without it. And without leadership, command is a hollow experience, a vacuum often filled with mistrust and arrogance.”
Shinseki also left with the warning: “Beware a 12-division strategy for a 10-division army.”
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Brain-injured Troops Face Long Term Health Risks
22 percent of Iraq vets affected by traumatic head wounds, report finds
by: the Associated Press
Many of the thousands of troops who suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan are at risk of long-term health problems including depression and Alzheimer's-like symptoms, but it's impossible to predict how high those risks are, researchers say.
About 22 percent of wounded troops have a brain injury, concluded the prestigious Institute of Medicine — and it urged precise steps for studying how these patients fare years later so that chances to help aren't missed.
The Veterans Affairs Department, which requested the report, and the Pentagon already are taking some of the recommended steps. But a report out Thursday highlights the urgency.
"I don't think we really knew how big a hole in scientific knowledge there is about blast-induced brain injuries," said Dr. George Rutherford of the University of California, San Francisco, the report's lead researcher.
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a signature injury of the Iraq war. Most aren't penetrating head wounds but damage hidden inside the skull caused by an explosion's pressure wave. It can range from a mild concussion to severe injury. And because symptoms may not be immediately apparent, troops may not seek care.
"If you have a gunshot wound to some specific part of your brain, I can tell you the consequences," Rutherford said. But with blast concussions, it's not even possible to say "if you have six of these, are you six times more likely to have something bad happen to you than if you've had one?"
Returning soldiers have reported headaches, dizziness, memory loss, confusion, irritability, insomnia and depression. The military has said most recover with treatment.
"There's clearly a whole bunch of people who have mild TBI who have no negative outcomes," Rutherford agreed.
But his committee examined decades of studies into mostly civilian injuries and found:
Also, it urges the Defense Department to conduct rigorous studies and a VA-run registry of TBI patients to identify long-term risks and factors that improve or worsen outcomes, in comparison to deployed troops with non-brain injuries.
The veterans agency said it would consider the recommendations, and has 60 days to decide whether those long-term disorders will be presumed linked to brain-injured veterans' military service.
by: the Associated Press
Many of the thousands of troops who suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan are at risk of long-term health problems including depression and Alzheimer's-like symptoms, but it's impossible to predict how high those risks are, researchers say.
About 22 percent of wounded troops have a brain injury, concluded the prestigious Institute of Medicine — and it urged precise steps for studying how these patients fare years later so that chances to help aren't missed.
The Veterans Affairs Department, which requested the report, and the Pentagon already are taking some of the recommended steps. But a report out Thursday highlights the urgency.
"I don't think we really knew how big a hole in scientific knowledge there is about blast-induced brain injuries," said Dr. George Rutherford of the University of California, San Francisco, the report's lead researcher.
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a signature injury of the Iraq war. Most aren't penetrating head wounds but damage hidden inside the skull caused by an explosion's pressure wave. It can range from a mild concussion to severe injury. And because symptoms may not be immediately apparent, troops may not seek care.
"If you have a gunshot wound to some specific part of your brain, I can tell you the consequences," Rutherford said. But with blast concussions, it's not even possible to say "if you have six of these, are you six times more likely to have something bad happen to you than if you've had one?"
Returning soldiers have reported headaches, dizziness, memory loss, confusion, irritability, insomnia and depression. The military has said most recover with treatment.
"There's clearly a whole bunch of people who have mild TBI who have no negative outcomes," Rutherford agreed.
But his committee examined decades of studies into mostly civilian injuries and found:
- Moderate-to-severe TBI is linked with later-in-life risks including Alzheimer's-like dementia, Parkinson's-like symptoms, seizures, problems with social functioning and unemployment.
- TBI in general is linked to depression, aggressive behavior and post-concussion symptoms such dizziness and amnesia.
- If mild TBI caused loss of consciousness, a risk of later memory, movement and seizure problems cannot be ruled out.
Also, it urges the Defense Department to conduct rigorous studies and a VA-run registry of TBI patients to identify long-term risks and factors that improve or worsen outcomes, in comparison to deployed troops with non-brain injuries.
The veterans agency said it would consider the recommendations, and has 60 days to decide whether those long-term disorders will be presumed linked to brain-injured veterans' military service.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Bases Brace for Surge in Stress-related Disorders
Associated Press
Some 15,000 soldiers are heading home to this sprawling base after spending more than a year at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and military health officials are bracing for a surge in brain injuries and psychological problems among those troops.
Facing prospects that one in five of the 101st Airborne Division soldiers will suffer from stress-related disorders, the base has nearly doubled its psychological health staff. Army leaders are hoping to use the base's experiences to assess the long-term impact of repeated deployments.
The three 101st Airborne combat brigades, which have begun arriving home, have gone through at least three tours in Iraq. The 3rd Brigade also served seven months in Afghanistan, early in the war. Next spring, the 4th Brigade will return from a 15-month tour in Afghanistan. So far, roughly 10,000 soldiers have come back; the remainder are expected by the end of January.
Army leaders say they will closely watch Fort Campbell to determine the proper medical staffing levels needed to aid soldiers who have endured repeated rotations in the two war zones.
"I don't know what to expect. I don't think anybody knows," said Gen. Peter Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, as he flew back to Washington from a recent tour of the base's medical facilities. "That's why I want to see numbers from the 101st's third deployment."
What happens with the 101st Airborne, he said, will let the Army help other bases ready for similar homecomings in the next year or two, when multiple brigades from the 4th Infantry Division and the 1st Cavalry Division return.
Noting that some soldiers in the 101st Airborne units have been to war four or five times, Chiarelli said he is most worried the military will not be able to find enough health care providers to deal effectively with the troops needing assistance.
Many of the military bases are near small or remote communities that do not have access to the number of health professionals who might be needed as a great many soldiers return home.
More than 63,600 active duty Army soldiers have done three or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. That is a nearly 12 percent of the total number of soldiers who have deployed at least once. Roughly four in 10 soldiers who have gone to war have served more than one deployment — and that number is growing steadily.
One solution under discussion is the formation of mobile medical and psychological teams that can go to Army bases when they are expecting a surge in activity from returning units.
At Fort Campbell, the director of health services, Col. Richard Thomas, has roughly doubled his authorized staff of psychologists and behavioral specialists to 55 and is trying to hire a few more.
"I think we have enough staff to meet the demands of the soldiers here, but I could use more, and I'll hire more if I can," said Thomas. "I'll hire them until they tell me to stop."
He said he expects the increased staffing levels to last at least through next year.
'They're not bipolar'For the first time, Thomas said, every soldier returning home will have an individual meeting with a behavioral health specialist and then go through a second such session 90 days to 120 days later.
The second one is generally the time when indications of stress surface, after the initial euphoria of the homecoming wears off and sleeplessness, nightmares, and other symptoms show up.
"We're seeing a lot of soldiers with stress related issues," he said. "They're not bipolar or schizophrenic. But they're deploying three and four times and the stress is tremendous. They're having relationship issues, financial issues, marital problems — all stress related."
According to Dr. Bret Logan, deputy commander for managed care at the base, extended war zone stints that have lasted as long as 38 months over the course of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have taken a severe toll.
More than 3,000 of the 15,000 troops returning home, Logan estimated, probably will experience headaches, sleep disorders, irritability, memory loss, relationship strains or other symptoms linked to stress disorder.
Medical staff at Fort Campbell say they also worry that there will be a new surge of suicides — an escalating problem in recent years, largely related to the stresses of war.
Jon Soltz, an Iraq war veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org, said more soldiers will have stress-related problems, and the military must be vigilant in diagnosing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder to head off more serious issues. "The longer you are there (at war), the more PTSD you're going to see. You wonder when it's going to be your time," he said.
Each returning soldier is evaluated through a seven-day reintegration program. It includes medical checkups, tests, lectures on suicide prevention and relationships, and other sessions to help them transition back into life at the base and with their families.
During his visit to Campbell, Chiarelli took a spin on one of the base's simulators, which are used for soldiers having neurological or stress problems. The simulator can be used to test soldiers' reflexes or as a way to work someone back into everyday situations.
With occupational therapist Eileen Hayes watching over his shoulder, Chiarelli adeptly negotiated the city streets, sudden turns and other obstacles moving at him on the small screen.
The simulators said Logan, put patients in high stress scenarios to test their decision-making ability while under duress.
While soldiers have been routinely deploying for 15-month tours, most Marines serve about seven months and airmen deploy for about four months, although some may serve for tours of six months or longer.
Late this past summer, Pentagon leaders ordered a change, saying any soldier who deployed in August or after would serve 12-month tours. Army leaders say they want to reduce that to nine months, but doing so will be difficult considering the strains of fighting two wars at once.
Logan said that some 85 percent of those soldiers with stress disorder symptoms will recover with the help of some treatment or medication. But the other 15 percent will require more intensive help.
Some 15,000 soldiers are heading home to this sprawling base after spending more than a year at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and military health officials are bracing for a surge in brain injuries and psychological problems among those troops.
Facing prospects that one in five of the 101st Airborne Division soldiers will suffer from stress-related disorders, the base has nearly doubled its psychological health staff. Army leaders are hoping to use the base's experiences to assess the long-term impact of repeated deployments.
The three 101st Airborne combat brigades, which have begun arriving home, have gone through at least three tours in Iraq. The 3rd Brigade also served seven months in Afghanistan, early in the war. Next spring, the 4th Brigade will return from a 15-month tour in Afghanistan. So far, roughly 10,000 soldiers have come back; the remainder are expected by the end of January.
Army leaders say they will closely watch Fort Campbell to determine the proper medical staffing levels needed to aid soldiers who have endured repeated rotations in the two war zones.
"I don't know what to expect. I don't think anybody knows," said Gen. Peter Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, as he flew back to Washington from a recent tour of the base's medical facilities. "That's why I want to see numbers from the 101st's third deployment."
What happens with the 101st Airborne, he said, will let the Army help other bases ready for similar homecomings in the next year or two, when multiple brigades from the 4th Infantry Division and the 1st Cavalry Division return.
Noting that some soldiers in the 101st Airborne units have been to war four or five times, Chiarelli said he is most worried the military will not be able to find enough health care providers to deal effectively with the troops needing assistance.
Many of the military bases are near small or remote communities that do not have access to the number of health professionals who might be needed as a great many soldiers return home.
More than 63,600 active duty Army soldiers have done three or more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. That is a nearly 12 percent of the total number of soldiers who have deployed at least once. Roughly four in 10 soldiers who have gone to war have served more than one deployment — and that number is growing steadily.
One solution under discussion is the formation of mobile medical and psychological teams that can go to Army bases when they are expecting a surge in activity from returning units.
At Fort Campbell, the director of health services, Col. Richard Thomas, has roughly doubled his authorized staff of psychologists and behavioral specialists to 55 and is trying to hire a few more.
"I think we have enough staff to meet the demands of the soldiers here, but I could use more, and I'll hire more if I can," said Thomas. "I'll hire them until they tell me to stop."
He said he expects the increased staffing levels to last at least through next year.
'They're not bipolar'For the first time, Thomas said, every soldier returning home will have an individual meeting with a behavioral health specialist and then go through a second such session 90 days to 120 days later.
The second one is generally the time when indications of stress surface, after the initial euphoria of the homecoming wears off and sleeplessness, nightmares, and other symptoms show up.
"We're seeing a lot of soldiers with stress related issues," he said. "They're not bipolar or schizophrenic. But they're deploying three and four times and the stress is tremendous. They're having relationship issues, financial issues, marital problems — all stress related."
According to Dr. Bret Logan, deputy commander for managed care at the base, extended war zone stints that have lasted as long as 38 months over the course of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have taken a severe toll.
More than 3,000 of the 15,000 troops returning home, Logan estimated, probably will experience headaches, sleep disorders, irritability, memory loss, relationship strains or other symptoms linked to stress disorder.
Medical staff at Fort Campbell say they also worry that there will be a new surge of suicides — an escalating problem in recent years, largely related to the stresses of war.
Jon Soltz, an Iraq war veteran and chairman of VoteVets.org, said more soldiers will have stress-related problems, and the military must be vigilant in diagnosing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder to head off more serious issues. "The longer you are there (at war), the more PTSD you're going to see. You wonder when it's going to be your time," he said.
Each returning soldier is evaluated through a seven-day reintegration program. It includes medical checkups, tests, lectures on suicide prevention and relationships, and other sessions to help them transition back into life at the base and with their families.
During his visit to Campbell, Chiarelli took a spin on one of the base's simulators, which are used for soldiers having neurological or stress problems. The simulator can be used to test soldiers' reflexes or as a way to work someone back into everyday situations.
With occupational therapist Eileen Hayes watching over his shoulder, Chiarelli adeptly negotiated the city streets, sudden turns and other obstacles moving at him on the small screen.
The simulators said Logan, put patients in high stress scenarios to test their decision-making ability while under duress.
While soldiers have been routinely deploying for 15-month tours, most Marines serve about seven months and airmen deploy for about four months, although some may serve for tours of six months or longer.
Late this past summer, Pentagon leaders ordered a change, saying any soldier who deployed in August or after would serve 12-month tours. Army leaders say they want to reduce that to nine months, but doing so will be difficult considering the strains of fighting two wars at once.
Logan said that some 85 percent of those soldiers with stress disorder symptoms will recover with the help of some treatment or medication. But the other 15 percent will require more intensive help.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Patient Shoots Himself Outside VA Medical Center
BY JOHN HOMAN, The Southern
A patient of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head Thursday afternoon outside the facility.
Hospital director Warren Hill said the incident occurred about 2:30 p.m. Hill, speaking at a news conference, said the patient was treated on site by medical personnel in the emergency room. They stabilized the man before he was transferred to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
The Marion facility has yet to receive the green light to resume complex surgeries, which is why the patient was transferred.
Southern Illinois Healthcare spokeswoman Rosslind Rice said at 4:30 p.m. the patient was “undergoing treatment” at Memorial Hospital. “No additional information is available at this time,” she said.
Hill said VA officials were in the process of trying to contact the man’s family members. He did not specify whether the man was an out-patient or an admitted patient. “This was a very tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the patient and the family,” he said. “We cannot disclose any more information on the person involved.”
A patient of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head Thursday afternoon outside the facility.
Hospital director Warren Hill said the incident occurred about 2:30 p.m. Hill, speaking at a news conference, said the patient was treated on site by medical personnel in the emergency room. They stabilized the man before he was transferred to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
The Marion facility has yet to receive the green light to resume complex surgeries, which is why the patient was transferred.
Southern Illinois Healthcare spokeswoman Rosslind Rice said at 4:30 p.m. the patient was “undergoing treatment” at Memorial Hospital. “No additional information is available at this time,” she said.
Hill said VA officials were in the process of trying to contact the man’s family members. He did not specify whether the man was an out-patient or an admitted patient. “This was a very tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the patient and the family,” he said. “We cannot disclose any more information on the person involved.”
VA Employee, 13 Others Charged in Fraud Scheme
By BRETT BARROUQUERE • Associated Press
A Veterans Administration employee and 13 other people have been charged with conspiring to steal nearly $2 million in disability claims.
Veterans Affairs service representative Jeffrey Allan McGill and Daniel Ryan Parker, a veteran and officer with the Disabled American Veterans, were among the 14 charged Wednesday by a federal grand jury with conspiring to defraud the United States of $1.9 million through the submission of false veterans disability claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The indictment outlines an alleged scheme for veterans to falsely claim to have suffered from bipolar disorder, hearing loss, frostbite, back injuries and other ailments and disabilities. The indictment says veterans received lump-sum payments for back pay and then kick backed as much as two-thirds of it to Parker and McGill.
"They're all veterans," U.S. Attorney David Huber said at a news conference Thursday. "That's what's sad about all of this."
Parker, 37, of Crestwood, is free on $25,000 bond. He is also charged with stealing $47,000 from Disabled American Veterans. His attorney, Brian Butler of Louisville, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. A phone message left for McGill, 37, was not immediately returned Thursday morning.
Huber said the remaining defendants, who live in Kentucky, Illinois and West Virginia, would voluntarily surrender at arraignment on Dec. 16 in Louisville.
Huber said Parker and McGill received between $500,000 and $600,000 in kickbacks, with the rest of the stolen money being split among the participants. According to the indictment, starting in 2003 and continuing until this month, Parker and McGill recruited friends, relatives and acquaintances who were military veterans to file fraudulent claims with the VA. Parker and McGill then allegedly either altered the veterans' medical records, or created counterfeit medical records, to give the appearance that the veterans had service related disabilities. That resulted in the veterans receiving 100 percent disability for problems such as depression or cancer due to Agent Orange exposure during combat in Vietnam, according to the indictment.
Huber said the case came to light after a tip from a confidential source. He declined to discuss how the source knew about the alleged plot. "But for that confidential source, this case may not have been known for some time, if at all," Huber said.
Michael Keen, the resident agent in charge for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Louisville, said the scheme could hurt veterans who needed the allegedly purloined funds. "Obviously, the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't have a bottomless pit of money," Keen said.
Huber said prosecutors will try to recoup the money taken during the scheme.
A Veterans Administration employee and 13 other people have been charged with conspiring to steal nearly $2 million in disability claims.
Veterans Affairs service representative Jeffrey Allan McGill and Daniel Ryan Parker, a veteran and officer with the Disabled American Veterans, were among the 14 charged Wednesday by a federal grand jury with conspiring to defraud the United States of $1.9 million through the submission of false veterans disability claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The indictment outlines an alleged scheme for veterans to falsely claim to have suffered from bipolar disorder, hearing loss, frostbite, back injuries and other ailments and disabilities. The indictment says veterans received lump-sum payments for back pay and then kick backed as much as two-thirds of it to Parker and McGill.
"They're all veterans," U.S. Attorney David Huber said at a news conference Thursday. "That's what's sad about all of this."
Parker, 37, of Crestwood, is free on $25,000 bond. He is also charged with stealing $47,000 from Disabled American Veterans. His attorney, Brian Butler of Louisville, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. A phone message left for McGill, 37, was not immediately returned Thursday morning.
Huber said the remaining defendants, who live in Kentucky, Illinois and West Virginia, would voluntarily surrender at arraignment on Dec. 16 in Louisville.
Huber said Parker and McGill received between $500,000 and $600,000 in kickbacks, with the rest of the stolen money being split among the participants. According to the indictment, starting in 2003 and continuing until this month, Parker and McGill recruited friends, relatives and acquaintances who were military veterans to file fraudulent claims with the VA. Parker and McGill then allegedly either altered the veterans' medical records, or created counterfeit medical records, to give the appearance that the veterans had service related disabilities. That resulted in the veterans receiving 100 percent disability for problems such as depression or cancer due to Agent Orange exposure during combat in Vietnam, according to the indictment.
Huber said the case came to light after a tip from a confidential source. He declined to discuss how the source knew about the alleged plot. "But for that confidential source, this case may not have been known for some time, if at all," Huber said.
Michael Keen, the resident agent in charge for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Louisville, said the scheme could hurt veterans who needed the allegedly purloined funds. "Obviously, the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't have a bottomless pit of money," Keen said.
Huber said prosecutors will try to recoup the money taken during the scheme.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Veteran Consumer Councils: A Voice for Change
The Mental Health Strategic Plan for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) strongly encourages the promotion of Consumer Councils. These councils are operated by veterans, with VA staff serving as non-voting consultants. Typical aspects of the mission may include advocacy, problem-solving, and assisting with a recovery orientation to mental illness such as through stigma reduction. Meetings may also be for the purpose of exchanging facts or information, providing personal input, or expressing opinions and ideas.
Consumer Councils benefit the veterans and the VA in many ways. The council can assist in improving mental health services, promote opportunities for growth, improved veteran and staff satisfaction, increase communication and shared responsibility and decision making, resulting in improved mental health services. Consumer councils may provide feedback to mental health leadership based on individual inputs from council members; this input is not consensus based.
Consumer Councils are comprised of veteran officers including a chairperson, other veteran members, a VA staff consultant(s) who facilitates functioning of the council and may include the Local Recovery Coordinator, Mental Health Leadership, who respond to the council's input, and other interested staff and members of the community, such as family members, Veterans Service Officer (VSO) representatives, and members of the mental health organizations. Consumer Councils initially establish their mission and bylaws, including criteria for membership.
VA staff should be aware of how Consumer Councils may be impacted by the Federal Advisory Council Act (FACA) Guidelines. To be consistent with these guidelines, meetings are established by the veterans and they set parameters for the operation of the council as independently as possible; VA staff should avoid establishing, managing or controlling consumer councils. VA staff may give information, make recommendations, provide guidance and facilitate communication with VA leadership in a consulting and liaison role. The VA cannot provide major funding for a consumer council; however, it can provide meeting space, clerical help, and small items like stationary supplies.
Consumer Councils benefit the veterans and the VA in many ways. The council can assist in improving mental health services, promote opportunities for growth, improved veteran and staff satisfaction, increase communication and shared responsibility and decision making, resulting in improved mental health services. Consumer councils may provide feedback to mental health leadership based on individual inputs from council members; this input is not consensus based.
Consumer Councils are comprised of veteran officers including a chairperson, other veteran members, a VA staff consultant(s) who facilitates functioning of the council and may include the Local Recovery Coordinator, Mental Health Leadership, who respond to the council's input, and other interested staff and members of the community, such as family members, Veterans Service Officer (VSO) representatives, and members of the mental health organizations. Consumer Councils initially establish their mission and bylaws, including criteria for membership.
VA staff should be aware of how Consumer Councils may be impacted by the Federal Advisory Council Act (FACA) Guidelines. To be consistent with these guidelines, meetings are established by the veterans and they set parameters for the operation of the council as independently as possible; VA staff should avoid establishing, managing or controlling consumer councils. VA staff may give information, make recommendations, provide guidance and facilitate communication with VA leadership in a consulting and liaison role. The VA cannot provide major funding for a consumer council; however, it can provide meeting space, clerical help, and small items like stationary supplies.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Travel Reimbursement Increases for Eligible Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that eligible veterans will see an increase in the mileage reimbursement they receive for travel to VA facilities for medical care.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced today that he will use his authority to raise the mileage reimbursement from the 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile for all eligible veterans.
“We owe it to our veterans to give them the best care possible,” said Peake. “The increase will once again provide assistance to our veterans, especially in these difficult economic times, to help offset gasoline costs and to assist veterans with access to the VA’s world-class health system.”
Congress, which mandates such increases, recently provided funding to VA to increase the reimbursement rate, which goes into effect on November 17, 2008. Service connected veterans, veterans receiving VA pensions, and veterans with low incomes are eligible for the reimbursement.
“As I have travelled the country and spoken with many of our veterans, they have expressed the need for such an increase,” added Peake. “We are pleased to be able to provide them with the increase needed and we will continue to work with our veterans to ensure they receive the quality care they need.”
While increasing the payment, the current deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements will remain frozen at $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, and capped at a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. On January 9, 2009, these deductibles will decrease to $3 for a one way trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $16 per calendar month. Deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced today that he will use his authority to raise the mileage reimbursement from the 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile for all eligible veterans.
“We owe it to our veterans to give them the best care possible,” said Peake. “The increase will once again provide assistance to our veterans, especially in these difficult economic times, to help offset gasoline costs and to assist veterans with access to the VA’s world-class health system.”
Congress, which mandates such increases, recently provided funding to VA to increase the reimbursement rate, which goes into effect on November 17, 2008. Service connected veterans, veterans receiving VA pensions, and veterans with low incomes are eligible for the reimbursement.
“As I have travelled the country and spoken with many of our veterans, they have expressed the need for such an increase,” added Peake. “We are pleased to be able to provide them with the increase needed and we will continue to work with our veterans to ensure they receive the quality care they need.”
While increasing the payment, the current deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements will remain frozen at $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, and capped at a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. On January 9, 2009, these deductibles will decrease to $3 for a one way trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $16 per calendar month. Deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.
VA Expands Protections for Veterans After Shreddergate
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced special procedures for processing claims from veterans, family members, and survivors whose applications for financial benefits from VA may have been mishandled by VA personnel.
These special procedures come after an audit by VA’s Inspector General found documents waiting to be shredded at some of VA’s regional offices that, if disposed of, could have affected the financial benefits awarded to veterans and survivors.
“I am deeply concerned that improper actions by a few VA employees could have caused any veterans to receive less than their full entitlement to benefits earned by their service to our nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “In rectifying this unacceptable lapse, VA will be guided by two principles – full accountability for VA staff and ensuring veterans receive the benefit of the doubt if receipt of a document by VA is in question,” he added.
VA worked with the six largest veterans service organizations in developing these special new procedures. The procedures will assist veterans and survivors in establishing that an application or another document was previously submitted to VA, but was not properly acted upon by VA and was not retained in the veteran’s records.
The special procedures cover missing documents submitted by a veteran or other applicant for VA benefits during the 18-month period between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008.
VA will process any missing applications or evidence resubmitted under these special procedures as if the document had been originally submitted on the date identified by the claimant.
Veterans and other applicants have one year, or until November 17, 2009, to file previously submitted documents under these special procedures. Veterans not covered by these special rules who believe relevant material is missing from their files can submit additional documentation at any time. An award of benefits earlier than April 14, 2007, may be established if there is credible corroborating evidence supporting an earlier date of document submission.
When this problem of mishandled documents was uncovered on October 14, 2008, VA immediately ceased all shredding activities while it established tighter controls over all claims documents and conducted special training for all employees who process veterans’ applications.
All regional office shredding equipment and operations are now under the strict control of the facility records management officer. Every employee has been given a separate receptacle for papers appropriate for shredding. These receptacles are subject to review by supervisors and other officials. Before any claims document can be shredded now, it must now be reviewed by two people and the facility records management officer.
VA’s Inspector General is continuing to investigate a small number of cases where inappropriate shredding may be traceable to a specific employee. Legal and disciplinary action will be initiated to hold accountable any employee who has acted improperly.
Veterans and others who are concerned about missing documents and want more information on the special processing procedures may call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance or go to our website at http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/specialprocedures_qa.asp. They may also send an e-mail inquiry through IRIS@va.gov or visit their local VA regional office.
VA representatives will review VA’s record systems to verify receipt of applications and supporting evidence and will assist anyone desiring to file a claim under the special processing procedures for missing documents.
These special procedures come after an audit by VA’s Inspector General found documents waiting to be shredded at some of VA’s regional offices that, if disposed of, could have affected the financial benefits awarded to veterans and survivors.
“I am deeply concerned that improper actions by a few VA employees could have caused any veterans to receive less than their full entitlement to benefits earned by their service to our nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “In rectifying this unacceptable lapse, VA will be guided by two principles – full accountability for VA staff and ensuring veterans receive the benefit of the doubt if receipt of a document by VA is in question,” he added.
VA worked with the six largest veterans service organizations in developing these special new procedures. The procedures will assist veterans and survivors in establishing that an application or another document was previously submitted to VA, but was not properly acted upon by VA and was not retained in the veteran’s records.
The special procedures cover missing documents submitted by a veteran or other applicant for VA benefits during the 18-month period between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008.
VA will process any missing applications or evidence resubmitted under these special procedures as if the document had been originally submitted on the date identified by the claimant.
Veterans and other applicants have one year, or until November 17, 2009, to file previously submitted documents under these special procedures. Veterans not covered by these special rules who believe relevant material is missing from their files can submit additional documentation at any time. An award of benefits earlier than April 14, 2007, may be established if there is credible corroborating evidence supporting an earlier date of document submission.
When this problem of mishandled documents was uncovered on October 14, 2008, VA immediately ceased all shredding activities while it established tighter controls over all claims documents and conducted special training for all employees who process veterans’ applications.
All regional office shredding equipment and operations are now under the strict control of the facility records management officer. Every employee has been given a separate receptacle for papers appropriate for shredding. These receptacles are subject to review by supervisors and other officials. Before any claims document can be shredded now, it must now be reviewed by two people and the facility records management officer.
VA’s Inspector General is continuing to investigate a small number of cases where inappropriate shredding may be traceable to a specific employee. Legal and disciplinary action will be initiated to hold accountable any employee who has acted improperly.
Veterans and others who are concerned about missing documents and want more information on the special processing procedures may call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance or go to our website at http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/specialprocedures_qa.asp. They may also send an e-mail inquiry through IRIS@va.gov or visit their local VA regional office.
VA representatives will review VA’s record systems to verify receipt of applications and supporting evidence and will assist anyone desiring to file a claim under the special processing procedures for missing documents.
Friday, November 7, 2008
VA Announces Expansion Of Disability Evaluation System Pilot
In a VA news release, wounded service members leaving the military will have easier, quicker access to their veterans benefits due to the expansion of a pilot program that will offer streamlined disability evaluations that will reach 19 military installations, representing all military departments.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the expansion of the Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot which started in the National Capitol Region in coordination with Departments of Defense (DoD). The pilot is a test of a new process that eliminates duplicative, time-consuming and often confusing elements of the two current disability processes of the departments.
“Providing Service members going through the disability process with comprehensive information about their benefits from both departments and delivering their VA benefits as fast as possible is our goal. This single evaluation will help us do just that,” Tom Pamperin, deputy director of VA’s Compensation and Pension Service, said. “The program expansion will allow wounded warriors a smoother and more efficient transition to getting services from the VA.”
The initial phase of the expansion started on Oct 1, with Fort Meade, Md. and Fort Belvoir, Va. The remaining 17 installations will begin upon completion of site preparations and personnel orientation and training, during an 8-month period from November 2008 to May 2009.
“The decision to expand the pilot was based upon a favorable review that focused on whether the pilot met its timeliness, effectiveness, transparency, and customer and stakeholder satisfaction objectives,” said Sam Retherford, director, officer and enlisted personnel management, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “This expansion extends beyond the national capital region, so that more diverse data from other geographic areas can be evaluated, prior to rendering a final decision on worldwide implementation.”
The remaining installations to begin the program are: Army: Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Drum, N.Y.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Richardson, Alaska; Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas; and Fort Polk, La. Navy: Naval Medical Center (NMC) San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Calif.; NMC Bremerton, Wash.; NMC Jacksonville, Fla.; and Camp Lejeune, N.C. Air Force: Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.; and Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
In November 2007 VA and DoD implemented the pilot test for disability cases originating at the three major military treatment facilities in the national capitol region. To date, over 700 service members have participated in the pilot over the last ten months.
The single disability examination pilot is focused on recommendations from the reports of the Task Force on Returning Global War on Terrorism Heroes, the Independent Review Group, the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (the Dole/Shalala Commission), and the Commission on Veterans’ Disability Benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the expansion of the Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot which started in the National Capitol Region in coordination with Departments of Defense (DoD). The pilot is a test of a new process that eliminates duplicative, time-consuming and often confusing elements of the two current disability processes of the departments.
“Providing Service members going through the disability process with comprehensive information about their benefits from both departments and delivering their VA benefits as fast as possible is our goal. This single evaluation will help us do just that,” Tom Pamperin, deputy director of VA’s Compensation and Pension Service, said. “The program expansion will allow wounded warriors a smoother and more efficient transition to getting services from the VA.”
The initial phase of the expansion started on Oct 1, with Fort Meade, Md. and Fort Belvoir, Va. The remaining 17 installations will begin upon completion of site preparations and personnel orientation and training, during an 8-month period from November 2008 to May 2009.
“The decision to expand the pilot was based upon a favorable review that focused on whether the pilot met its timeliness, effectiveness, transparency, and customer and stakeholder satisfaction objectives,” said Sam Retherford, director, officer and enlisted personnel management, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “This expansion extends beyond the national capital region, so that more diverse data from other geographic areas can be evaluated, prior to rendering a final decision on worldwide implementation.”
The remaining installations to begin the program are: Army: Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Drum, N.Y.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Richardson, Alaska; Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas; and Fort Polk, La. Navy: Naval Medical Center (NMC) San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Calif.; NMC Bremerton, Wash.; NMC Jacksonville, Fla.; and Camp Lejeune, N.C. Air Force: Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.; and Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
In November 2007 VA and DoD implemented the pilot test for disability cases originating at the three major military treatment facilities in the national capitol region. To date, over 700 service members have participated in the pilot over the last ten months.
The single disability examination pilot is focused on recommendations from the reports of the Task Force on Returning Global War on Terrorism Heroes, the Independent Review Group, the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (the Dole/Shalala Commission), and the Commission on Veterans’ Disability Benefits.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
President-Elect Obama Promises to Veterans
In the coming months, this nation will know more about how President-elect Barack Obama intends to run this country and the Veterans Administration. We will soon learn of who the President-elect intends to appoint as the Secretary of Veteran's Administration. The following compiles his promises made in regards to Veterans.
Expand Vet Centers: Barack Obama will expand and strengthen Vet Centers.
Fully Fund VA Medical Care: Barack Obama will fully fund the VA so it has all the resources it needs to serve the veterans who need it, when they need it. The current administration....has consistently underinvested in healthcare for our heroic veterans.
Allow All Veterans Back into the VA: Barack Obama is committed to ending the unfair ban on healthcare enrollment of certain groups of veterans, including “Priority 8” veterans who often earn modest incomes. He has voted to end this unfair policy, which has resulted in the VA turning away nearly one million veterans since 2003. As president, one of Barack Obama’s first acts will be signing an executive order reversing this ban.
Reduce the Claims Backlog: Barack Obama will hire additional claims workers and convene our nation’s leading veterans groups, employees, and managers to develop an updated training and management model that will ensure VA benefit decisions are rated fairly.
Build an Electronic VBA: Barack Obama will transform the paper benefit claims process to an electronic system that will be interoperable with the VA’s health network as well as military records. This will reduce error rates, improve timeliness, and enhance the overall quality of the claims decisions.
Update the GI Bill: The new GI Bill will allow veterans who served after 9/11 to receive payments covering tuition up to the cost of the most expensive in-state public school, a monthly stipend equivalent to housing costs in their area and additional benefits, and an extended period of time in which vets could use the benefit.
Combat Homeless Among Our Nation’s Veterans: Obama will establish a national “zero tolerance” policy for veterans falling into homelessness.
Fight Reservist Employment Discrimination: Barack Obama will invest additional resources into enforcement and investigation in order to crack down on employers who are not following the letter and spirit of the law.
And something that has personally affected my family, and does not apply to us anymore, but is still VERY noteworthy...
End Stop-Loss: Barack Obama will end the policies that allow a service-person to be forced to remain on active duty after his or her enlistment has expired.
While none of these policies have been implemented and it remains to be seen what will occur in the coming months and years, the upcoming administration appears to be aware of veteran problems and appropriately attempting to address the problems.
Expand Vet Centers: Barack Obama will expand and strengthen Vet Centers.
Fully Fund VA Medical Care: Barack Obama will fully fund the VA so it has all the resources it needs to serve the veterans who need it, when they need it. The current administration....has consistently underinvested in healthcare for our heroic veterans.
Allow All Veterans Back into the VA: Barack Obama is committed to ending the unfair ban on healthcare enrollment of certain groups of veterans, including “Priority 8” veterans who often earn modest incomes. He has voted to end this unfair policy, which has resulted in the VA turning away nearly one million veterans since 2003. As president, one of Barack Obama’s first acts will be signing an executive order reversing this ban.
Reduce the Claims Backlog: Barack Obama will hire additional claims workers and convene our nation’s leading veterans groups, employees, and managers to develop an updated training and management model that will ensure VA benefit decisions are rated fairly.
Build an Electronic VBA: Barack Obama will transform the paper benefit claims process to an electronic system that will be interoperable with the VA’s health network as well as military records. This will reduce error rates, improve timeliness, and enhance the overall quality of the claims decisions.
Update the GI Bill: The new GI Bill will allow veterans who served after 9/11 to receive payments covering tuition up to the cost of the most expensive in-state public school, a monthly stipend equivalent to housing costs in their area and additional benefits, and an extended period of time in which vets could use the benefit.
Combat Homeless Among Our Nation’s Veterans: Obama will establish a national “zero tolerance” policy for veterans falling into homelessness.
Fight Reservist Employment Discrimination: Barack Obama will invest additional resources into enforcement and investigation in order to crack down on employers who are not following the letter and spirit of the law.
And something that has personally affected my family, and does not apply to us anymore, but is still VERY noteworthy...
End Stop-Loss: Barack Obama will end the policies that allow a service-person to be forced to remain on active duty after his or her enlistment has expired.
While none of these policies have been implemented and it remains to be seen what will occur in the coming months and years, the upcoming administration appears to be aware of veteran problems and appropriately attempting to address the problems.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Portland VA hospital mistakenly posts vets' personal data online
by Michael Milstein, The Oregonian
Personal information, including some Social Security numbers, of about 1,600 patients at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland was inadvertently posted on a public Web site, Portland VA officials said Saturday. The breach also involved patient information from other VA hospitals around the country, but Portland VA spokesman Mike McAleer did not know how many patients were affected nationally.
The affected Portland patients had stayed in local lodging at the VA's expense while undergoing treatment at the Portland VA Medical Center, McAleer said. Most were from Oregon.
The VA is offering affected patients free credit monitoring and fraud alert services, a step that Congress required in 2006 after previous data security lapses at the VA.
The disclosure did not include Social Security numbers of all 1,600 patients, McAleer said. In some cases, only patient names or partial names were posted online. He did not have a breakdown of how many Social Security numbers were released. No medical information was disclosed, he said.
The release occurred when the VA inadvertently included personal patient information in agency financial records transferred to the federal Web site USAspending.gov, McAleer said. The site allows the public to search for details of government contracts and spending.
He said the records transferred involved the VA's spending on behalf of patients at local hotels.
VA officials removed the information from the Internet as soon as they realized it was there, but McAleer did not know how long the information was publicly available. The Portland VA began notifying affected patients about the lapse by letter a little more than a week ago. "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or worry this may have caused you," said one letter from David Stockwell, acting director in Portland.
VA patient Mary Birmingham of Wilderville, near Grants Pass, received a letter last week saying that her Social Security number had been disclosed. She said she had resisted VA suggestions that she access her records on the Internet because she feared such a lapse. "I have never felt like it was secure enough to be doing that," she told The Oregonian. "I feel even less secure about it now."
The letters from the VA explain to patients how to sign up for a credit monitoring service free for one year to detect any evidence of identity theft. In 2006, Congress required the VA to provide such services when patient data are compromised. The VA also must provide identity theft insurance and fraud alerts, which are notices on people's credit reports requiring institutions to check with them before issuing credit cards or other credit. Congress passed the law after a laptop computer containing the names and Social Security numbers of 26.5million veterans and 2.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve was stolen from the home of a VA employee in 2006.
The same law required the VA to use encryption to better protect personal patient data and to centralize its information security systems. After the 2006 incident, all VA employees also received training in the proper handling of sensitive information.
Personal information, including some Social Security numbers, of about 1,600 patients at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland was inadvertently posted on a public Web site, Portland VA officials said Saturday. The breach also involved patient information from other VA hospitals around the country, but Portland VA spokesman Mike McAleer did not know how many patients were affected nationally.
The affected Portland patients had stayed in local lodging at the VA's expense while undergoing treatment at the Portland VA Medical Center, McAleer said. Most were from Oregon.
The VA is offering affected patients free credit monitoring and fraud alert services, a step that Congress required in 2006 after previous data security lapses at the VA.
The disclosure did not include Social Security numbers of all 1,600 patients, McAleer said. In some cases, only patient names or partial names were posted online. He did not have a breakdown of how many Social Security numbers were released. No medical information was disclosed, he said.
The release occurred when the VA inadvertently included personal patient information in agency financial records transferred to the federal Web site USAspending.gov, McAleer said. The site allows the public to search for details of government contracts and spending.
He said the records transferred involved the VA's spending on behalf of patients at local hotels.
VA officials removed the information from the Internet as soon as they realized it was there, but McAleer did not know how long the information was publicly available. The Portland VA began notifying affected patients about the lapse by letter a little more than a week ago. "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or worry this may have caused you," said one letter from David Stockwell, acting director in Portland.
VA patient Mary Birmingham of Wilderville, near Grants Pass, received a letter last week saying that her Social Security number had been disclosed. She said she had resisted VA suggestions that she access her records on the Internet because she feared such a lapse. "I have never felt like it was secure enough to be doing that," she told The Oregonian. "I feel even less secure about it now."
The letters from the VA explain to patients how to sign up for a credit monitoring service free for one year to detect any evidence of identity theft. In 2006, Congress required the VA to provide such services when patient data are compromised. The VA also must provide identity theft insurance and fraud alerts, which are notices on people's credit reports requiring institutions to check with them before issuing credit cards or other credit. Congress passed the law after a laptop computer containing the names and Social Security numbers of 26.5million veterans and 2.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve was stolen from the home of a VA employee in 2006.
The same law required the VA to use encryption to better protect personal patient data and to centralize its information security systems. After the 2006 incident, all VA employees also received training in the proper handling of sensitive information.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Soldier Suicide Study - Long Overdue
On October 23rd, the Army and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) entered into a partnership to determine the root of why soldiers commit suicide. This partnership begins a five-year, $50 million, research project to determine the factors behind soldier suicides and how to prevent them.
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren said the new partnership would be building on work that is already underway in order to conduct the most far-reaching and comprehensive research project ever undertaken on suicide and its prevention. "It's a five-year study to examine the mental and behavioral health of soldiers with particular focus on the multiple determinants of suicidal behavior and resiliency across all phases of Army service," Geren said. "Family members and family relationships, including parents and siblings, will also be included in the study where it's appropriate." The National Guard and Army Reserve will also be included in the study.
An Army Science Board study would follow to identify correlated risk factors with recommendations for actionable mitigation strategies and practices to prevent the suicides. The implementation of the mitigation strategies would not wait for the end of the study but will be put into practice as they reveal themselves.
Not only will the study help the soldier population but it will give NIMH a bigger picture on the suicide risk factors of the nation's population, according to NIMH Director Dr. Thomas R. Insel. "There are more than 30,000 suicides in the U.S. each year, actually 32,000 in 2006, the most recent year for which we have numbers," he said. "That's almost twice the number of homicides in the country. Suicide is really a significant public health problem. If we can reduce the rate in the Army, it will ultimately reduce the rate in the nation - those are really the goals for this collaborative effort."
Dr. S. Ward Casscells, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, said that "suicide rates aren't exactly plummeting." "Half the suicides we can't figure out what happened, so that's why we need the NIMH help," he said.
Geren said in 2007 the Army confirmed 115 suicides, 36 of 115 were deployed at time of death, 50 had been deployed prior to their deaths and 29 of the 115 had never been deployed. The Secretary expects suicide rates for 2008 will be up compared with 2007 rates.
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren said the new partnership would be building on work that is already underway in order to conduct the most far-reaching and comprehensive research project ever undertaken on suicide and its prevention. "It's a five-year study to examine the mental and behavioral health of soldiers with particular focus on the multiple determinants of suicidal behavior and resiliency across all phases of Army service," Geren said. "Family members and family relationships, including parents and siblings, will also be included in the study where it's appropriate." The National Guard and Army Reserve will also be included in the study.
An Army Science Board study would follow to identify correlated risk factors with recommendations for actionable mitigation strategies and practices to prevent the suicides. The implementation of the mitigation strategies would not wait for the end of the study but will be put into practice as they reveal themselves.
Not only will the study help the soldier population but it will give NIMH a bigger picture on the suicide risk factors of the nation's population, according to NIMH Director Dr. Thomas R. Insel. "There are more than 30,000 suicides in the U.S. each year, actually 32,000 in 2006, the most recent year for which we have numbers," he said. "That's almost twice the number of homicides in the country. Suicide is really a significant public health problem. If we can reduce the rate in the Army, it will ultimately reduce the rate in the nation - those are really the goals for this collaborative effort."
Dr. S. Ward Casscells, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, said that "suicide rates aren't exactly plummeting." "Half the suicides we can't figure out what happened, so that's why we need the NIMH help," he said.
Geren said in 2007 the Army confirmed 115 suicides, 36 of 115 were deployed at time of death, 50 had been deployed prior to their deaths and 29 of the 115 had never been deployed. The Secretary expects suicide rates for 2008 will be up compared with 2007 rates.
Cost of Living Allowance for VA Compensation - 2009
President Bush signed the veterans' cost of living allowance (COLA) for 2009 on September 25th. The veterans' COLA will be 5.8%, marking the largest COLA increase since 1982. When the Social Security COLA of 5.8% for 2009 was announced, the veterans' COLA went largely unannounced. However, traditionally the veterans' benefit increases at the same rate as Social Security. The new rate will take effect on December 1, 2008
The increase was determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on the corresponding increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Last year's COLA was merely 2.3%.
The increase was determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on the corresponding increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Last year's COLA was merely 2.3%.
Social Security Disability Benefits & VA Compensation
Many veterans and spouses do not know that a veteran can get both Social Security disability and VA compensation benefits. The veteran can get your entire benefit under VA Compensation and their entire benefit under Social Security Disability at the same time because there is no offset between the two programs.
When you get into VA pension, things become a little more complex. VA pension is a needs-based program for disabled veterans of wartime service. Veterans under the pension program can receive money up to the total pension amount. The VA will look at a veteran’s assets and countable income and if this is below the pension amount they will receive money to bring them up to the pension total amount. Income that does not count against the pension is welfare and other needs-based payments. These include supplemental security income (SSI), state welfare, general systems and home relief. The VA does count all family members income which can reduce or eliminate the veteran's pension. Social Security disability payments will count to reduce or eliminate pension amounts. This is because Social Security Disability unlike SSI is not a needs-based program. Workers compensation benefits paid either to the veteran or their spouse will count as income in calculating VA pension. It is also important to note here that even though VA pension is not offset by SSI payments, welfare or Medicaid these programs can count VA pension in determining eligibility for these programs. So unlike Social Security disability and VA compensation benefits, your amounts you get for SSI, Medicaid or welfare can be reduced or eliminated due to the income you receive from VA pension. So as you can see even though VA pensions are not offset by SSI payments, SSI payments are offset by VA pension benefits. This is done on the dollar for dollar basis.
Service-connected VA compensation benefits are usually not affected by employment. However, if the veteran has what they consider substantial gainful employment it may prevent benefits based on employability or individual unemployability. VA pension benefits will be eliminated if the veteran is engaged in substantial gainful activity. This is because in order to get VA pension one must be totally disabled.
Thus, ensure that you consider all of your options, including Social Security Disability benefits, which the veteran likely contributed substantially during their military service.
When you get into VA pension, things become a little more complex. VA pension is a needs-based program for disabled veterans of wartime service. Veterans under the pension program can receive money up to the total pension amount. The VA will look at a veteran’s assets and countable income and if this is below the pension amount they will receive money to bring them up to the pension total amount. Income that does not count against the pension is welfare and other needs-based payments. These include supplemental security income (SSI), state welfare, general systems and home relief. The VA does count all family members income which can reduce or eliminate the veteran's pension. Social Security disability payments will count to reduce or eliminate pension amounts. This is because Social Security Disability unlike SSI is not a needs-based program. Workers compensation benefits paid either to the veteran or their spouse will count as income in calculating VA pension. It is also important to note here that even though VA pension is not offset by SSI payments, welfare or Medicaid these programs can count VA pension in determining eligibility for these programs. So unlike Social Security disability and VA compensation benefits, your amounts you get for SSI, Medicaid or welfare can be reduced or eliminated due to the income you receive from VA pension. So as you can see even though VA pensions are not offset by SSI payments, SSI payments are offset by VA pension benefits. This is done on the dollar for dollar basis.
Service-connected VA compensation benefits are usually not affected by employment. However, if the veteran has what they consider substantial gainful employment it may prevent benefits based on employability or individual unemployability. VA pension benefits will be eliminated if the veteran is engaged in substantial gainful activity. This is because in order to get VA pension one must be totally disabled.
Thus, ensure that you consider all of your options, including Social Security Disability benefits, which the veteran likely contributed substantially during their military service.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Just Creepy: VA is to Deploy 'Mobile Counseling Centers'
In an alleged effort to bring mental health services closer to veterans, the VA has deployed 50 new "mobile counseling centers" which will be administered through the Vet Centers.
“Our widespread distribution of this fleet from coast to coast marks a new chapter in VA's innovation to reach rural and under served veterans with high-quality readjustment counseling,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.
I don't consider this "new" effort to be innovation but just creepy. Think about this, the mobile counseling center will reach each veteran how often? This convoluted effort smells like a pork barrel project to benefit the "mobile center" manufacturer.
An existing Vet Center will be assigned a vehicle and will travel around to access the rural resident veterans. The Vet Center counselors and outreach workers will travel for events and activities to reach a more broad geographic area.
This mobile counseling center seems ridiculous. It would seem more appropriate for the VA to pay for private counseling on a set rate scale, similar to facilities which provide services for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Therefore, the rural resident veterans could receive more regular counseling by a professional of their choosing without the veteran having to worry about when they will next have the short bus come to their rural neck of the woods.
Vet Centers were established to provide non-medical readjustment counseling in easily accessible, consumer-oriented facilities, addressing the social and economic dimensions of post-war needs. This includes psychological counseling for traumatic military-related experiences and family counseling when needed for the veteran’s readjustment.
As many of you know, the counseling provided by the VA and Vet Centers is not provided often enough. Thus, how will random trips to obscure parts of the country benefit the veterans who may need more regular therapy?
These vehicles will be used to provide outreach and direct readjustment counseling at active-duty, reserve and National Guard activities, including post-deployment health reassessments for returning combat service members. This seems like a very arduous task for the already overworked VA and Vet Center mental health facilities.
The vehicles will also be used to visit events typically staffed by local Vet Center staff, including homeless "stand downs," veteran community events, county fairs, and unit reunions at sites ranging from Native American reservations to colleges.
While most of their use will be in Vet Centers' delivery of readjustment counseling services, the local manager may arrange with VA hospitals or clinics in the region to provide occasional support for health promotion activities such as health screenings.
The 50 vehicles are being manufactured for VA by Farber Specialty Vehicles of Columbus, Ohio.
This "plan" seems like a complete waste of taxpayer money which could be spent towards individual counseling in a veteran's local neighborhood.
“Our widespread distribution of this fleet from coast to coast marks a new chapter in VA's innovation to reach rural and under served veterans with high-quality readjustment counseling,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.
I don't consider this "new" effort to be innovation but just creepy. Think about this, the mobile counseling center will reach each veteran how often? This convoluted effort smells like a pork barrel project to benefit the "mobile center" manufacturer.
An existing Vet Center will be assigned a vehicle and will travel around to access the rural resident veterans. The Vet Center counselors and outreach workers will travel for events and activities to reach a more broad geographic area.
This mobile counseling center seems ridiculous. It would seem more appropriate for the VA to pay for private counseling on a set rate scale, similar to facilities which provide services for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Therefore, the rural resident veterans could receive more regular counseling by a professional of their choosing without the veteran having to worry about when they will next have the short bus come to their rural neck of the woods.
Vet Centers were established to provide non-medical readjustment counseling in easily accessible, consumer-oriented facilities, addressing the social and economic dimensions of post-war needs. This includes psychological counseling for traumatic military-related experiences and family counseling when needed for the veteran’s readjustment.
As many of you know, the counseling provided by the VA and Vet Centers is not provided often enough. Thus, how will random trips to obscure parts of the country benefit the veterans who may need more regular therapy?
These vehicles will be used to provide outreach and direct readjustment counseling at active-duty, reserve and National Guard activities, including post-deployment health reassessments for returning combat service members. This seems like a very arduous task for the already overworked VA and Vet Center mental health facilities.
The vehicles will also be used to visit events typically staffed by local Vet Center staff, including homeless "stand downs," veteran community events, county fairs, and unit reunions at sites ranging from Native American reservations to colleges.
While most of their use will be in Vet Centers' delivery of readjustment counseling services, the local manager may arrange with VA hospitals or clinics in the region to provide occasional support for health promotion activities such as health screenings.
The 50 vehicles are being manufactured for VA by Farber Specialty Vehicles of Columbus, Ohio.
This "plan" seems like a complete waste of taxpayer money which could be spent towards individual counseling in a veteran's local neighborhood.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Some Veterans' Paperwork May Be Destroyed: VA Tightens Protections for Veterans Paperwork
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake promised to take quick action after documents relating to veterans' compensation applications were found in documents to be shredded. The documents had not been copied and could have affected some veterans' eligibility for compensation.
Peake said,“I insist on the highest possible standards for processing and safeguarding information in VA’s custody....It is unacceptable that documents important to a veteran’s claim for benefits should be misplaced or destroyed.”
The Inspector General's office is investigating, and anyone who violated Department policy on protecting documents will be held accountable. The documents were found during an audit at three of VA’s 56 regional benefits offices, which process applications for disability pay, VA pensions, educational assistance, home loans and similar financial benefits. The documents were returned to the proper offices for processing.
All document shredding by all of the VA regional offices has been suspended by Patrick W. Dunne, VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits. The IG and VA officials are trying to determine whether the problem is greater than just the regional offices.
The originals of veterans' important paperwork are returned to the veterans or families after the paperwork is no longer needed. Duplicate copies of paperwork no longer needed are appropriately destroyed to protect the privacy of veterans and their families.
This could mean that many veterans who recently applied for benefits should seek an appeal of a denial of compensation or a partial denial. Veterans seeking compensation should also maintain a copy of any paperwork sent in connection with their claim for compensation. For extra assurance, send the paperwork by certified mail, return-receipt requested. A veteran may also contact the regional office to request a copy of your claim file. Again, it is clear that any veteran who believes that an examiner failed to consider some important paperwork submitted should check to determine that the paperwork is even located in their claim file.
The location of the affected regional office has not been disclosed.
Peake said,“I insist on the highest possible standards for processing and safeguarding information in VA’s custody....It is unacceptable that documents important to a veteran’s claim for benefits should be misplaced or destroyed.”
The Inspector General's office is investigating, and anyone who violated Department policy on protecting documents will be held accountable. The documents were found during an audit at three of VA’s 56 regional benefits offices, which process applications for disability pay, VA pensions, educational assistance, home loans and similar financial benefits. The documents were returned to the proper offices for processing.
All document shredding by all of the VA regional offices has been suspended by Patrick W. Dunne, VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits. The IG and VA officials are trying to determine whether the problem is greater than just the regional offices.
The originals of veterans' important paperwork are returned to the veterans or families after the paperwork is no longer needed. Duplicate copies of paperwork no longer needed are appropriately destroyed to protect the privacy of veterans and their families.
This could mean that many veterans who recently applied for benefits should seek an appeal of a denial of compensation or a partial denial. Veterans seeking compensation should also maintain a copy of any paperwork sent in connection with their claim for compensation. For extra assurance, send the paperwork by certified mail, return-receipt requested. A veteran may also contact the regional office to request a copy of your claim file. Again, it is clear that any veteran who believes that an examiner failed to consider some important paperwork submitted should check to determine that the paperwork is even located in their claim file.
The location of the affected regional office has not been disclosed.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Iraq could prosecute U.S. troops - msnbc.com
Draft pact: Iraq could prosecute U.S. troops - Conflict in Iraq- msnbc.com
With a new pact, which is in continued negotiations and a draft as we speak, Iraqi officials could charge and prosecute soldiers for actions which occur while not on missions or while off bases. This could have ramifications for those soldiers on covert "missions" which are later denied by the US government. Similar actions occurred during Vietnam when soldiers somehow ended up in Cambodia.
Again, this pact sends the message to soldiers that their actions have ramifications. Now that major combat has ceased, this action may offer direct consequences for soldiers acting outside of the scope of their powers. However, the problem still arises when soldiers are "told" to do certain acts and then it is later denounced by the US government. What message are we sending these soldiers? This message clearly tells soldiers to keep inside any information which burdens them. Thus, perpetuating the problem with a veteran suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Veterans cannot get better without being offered some sort of immunity for actions which are made under stressful situations or direct orders. Much of what goes on is on direct orders and later denounced. Have they considered offering a statute of limitations for prosecution of soldiers for actions that occurred during wartime? Maybe then, veterans would seek the treatment they so desperately need.
This pact is a bad idea, with good intentions.
With a new pact, which is in continued negotiations and a draft as we speak, Iraqi officials could charge and prosecute soldiers for actions which occur while not on missions or while off bases. This could have ramifications for those soldiers on covert "missions" which are later denied by the US government. Similar actions occurred during Vietnam when soldiers somehow ended up in Cambodia.
Again, this pact sends the message to soldiers that their actions have ramifications. Now that major combat has ceased, this action may offer direct consequences for soldiers acting outside of the scope of their powers. However, the problem still arises when soldiers are "told" to do certain acts and then it is later denounced by the US government. What message are we sending these soldiers? This message clearly tells soldiers to keep inside any information which burdens them. Thus, perpetuating the problem with a veteran suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Veterans cannot get better without being offered some sort of immunity for actions which are made under stressful situations or direct orders. Much of what goes on is on direct orders and later denounced. Have they considered offering a statute of limitations for prosecution of soldiers for actions that occurred during wartime? Maybe then, veterans would seek the treatment they so desperately need.
This pact is a bad idea, with good intentions.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Veteran's widow sues U.S. over his suicide - Military- msnbc.com
Veteran's widow sues U.S. over his suicide - Military- msnbc.com
This tragic story echoes throughout the United States during this time of "war". The VA mental health system needs major overhauling. Not only does the VA need to provide more regular mental health care for Iraq veterans but the VA should provide services to aid the spouses and families of the Iraq veterans.
The system is a large cavernous bureaucracy with forms and red tape abundant. As far as personal experience, there is no one out there to help the families and spouses of Iraq veterans maneuver through the red tape. Thus, the problem could be quelled by providing assistance and guidance for these spouses and family members who are charged with the care of the mentally ill veterans.
There is a large need for services to be provided to spouses and family members of disabled Iraq veterans. This blog is dedicated to provide the most information possible to aid the spouses in aiding our soldiers who have been failed by our military and VA system. If you or your family member has a question regarding services or assistance, please comment or email me below. I will do my best to aid you in any way possible. We are performing our duties as vowed to our spouses, who selflessly served a world away.
This tragic story echoes throughout the United States during this time of "war". The VA mental health system needs major overhauling. Not only does the VA need to provide more regular mental health care for Iraq veterans but the VA should provide services to aid the spouses and families of the Iraq veterans.
The system is a large cavernous bureaucracy with forms and red tape abundant. As far as personal experience, there is no one out there to help the families and spouses of Iraq veterans maneuver through the red tape. Thus, the problem could be quelled by providing assistance and guidance for these spouses and family members who are charged with the care of the mentally ill veterans.
There is a large need for services to be provided to spouses and family members of disabled Iraq veterans. This blog is dedicated to provide the most information possible to aid the spouses in aiding our soldiers who have been failed by our military and VA system. If you or your family member has a question regarding services or assistance, please comment or email me below. I will do my best to aid you in any way possible. We are performing our duties as vowed to our spouses, who selflessly served a world away.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Spouses of Disabled Veterans Can Be Chared with Criminal Abandonment in Louisiana Divorce
Under a new statute in Louisiana, District Attorneys are given the right to charge persons with "criminal abandonment" of a child under 10 years old, the aged of 60 years or older, or the disabled. The statute, LSA-R.S. 14:79.1, reads as follows:
A. Criminal abandonment is any of the following:
(1) The intentional physical abandonment of a minor child under the age of ten years by the child's parent or legal guardian by leaving the minor child unattended and to his own care when the evidence demonstrates that the child's parent or legal guardian did not intend to return to the minor child or provide for adult supervision of the minor child.
(2) The intentional physical abandonment of an aged or disabled person by a caregiver as defined in R.S. 14:93.3 who is compensated for providing care to such person. For the purpose of this Paragraph an aged person shall mean any individual who is sixty years of age or older.
B. Whoever commits the crime of criminal abandonment shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
What concerns me of this new statute which was revised effective June 12, 2008, is that it could set up a situation of a criminal charge in a divorce between a disabled Veteran and their spouse.
The statute turns on the definition of "caregiver", which is any person or persons who temporarily or permanently is responsible for the care of the infirmed, physically or mentally disabled adult, or aged person, whether such care is voluntarily assumed or is assigned. "Caregiver" includes but is not limited to adult children, parents, relatives, neighbors, daycare institutions and facilities, adult congregate living facilities, and nursing homes which or who have voluntarily assumed or been assigned the care of an aged or infirmed person or disabled adult, or have assumed voluntary residence with an aged or infirmed person or disabled adult.
The caregiver must also be compensated. Normally, this would not affect most spouses in any case. However, the VA provides aid and attendance or housebound benefits to spouses charged with caring for a disabled Veteran.
Thus, a spouse who receives aid and attendance benefits for caring for her disabled Veteran spouse could be charged criminally during the process of a divorce or separation. Abandonment is not defined by the statute.
This provision for criminal abandonment of the aged or disabled is new, even though the provision for children is not, and was likely introduced due to large nursing homes abandoning their infirm patients, who died, during Hurricane Katrina.
The penalties for violation of the criminal abandonment code is a fine of no more than $1000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Thus, the criminal penalties could be hefty for a spouse merely divorcing.
Please contact your Legislator to carve out a special circumstance for individuals filing for divorce.
A. Criminal abandonment is any of the following:
(1) The intentional physical abandonment of a minor child under the age of ten years by the child's parent or legal guardian by leaving the minor child unattended and to his own care when the evidence demonstrates that the child's parent or legal guardian did not intend to return to the minor child or provide for adult supervision of the minor child.
(2) The intentional physical abandonment of an aged or disabled person by a caregiver as defined in R.S. 14:93.3 who is compensated for providing care to such person. For the purpose of this Paragraph an aged person shall mean any individual who is sixty years of age or older.
B. Whoever commits the crime of criminal abandonment shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
What concerns me of this new statute which was revised effective June 12, 2008, is that it could set up a situation of a criminal charge in a divorce between a disabled Veteran and their spouse.
The statute turns on the definition of "caregiver", which is any person or persons who temporarily or permanently is responsible for the care of the infirmed, physically or mentally disabled adult, or aged person, whether such care is voluntarily assumed or is assigned. "Caregiver" includes but is not limited to adult children, parents, relatives, neighbors, daycare institutions and facilities, adult congregate living facilities, and nursing homes which or who have voluntarily assumed or been assigned the care of an aged or infirmed person or disabled adult, or have assumed voluntary residence with an aged or infirmed person or disabled adult.
The caregiver must also be compensated. Normally, this would not affect most spouses in any case. However, the VA provides aid and attendance or housebound benefits to spouses charged with caring for a disabled Veteran.
Thus, a spouse who receives aid and attendance benefits for caring for her disabled Veteran spouse could be charged criminally during the process of a divorce or separation. Abandonment is not defined by the statute.
This provision for criminal abandonment of the aged or disabled is new, even though the provision for children is not, and was likely introduced due to large nursing homes abandoning their infirm patients, who died, during Hurricane Katrina.
The penalties for violation of the criminal abandonment code is a fine of no more than $1000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Thus, the criminal penalties could be hefty for a spouse merely divorcing.
Please contact your Legislator to carve out a special circumstance for individuals filing for divorce.
Monday, September 29, 2008
VA change to increase compensation for TBI - Army News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Army Times
VA change to increase compensation for TBI - Army News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Army Times
The VA has amended the rules for evaluation of claims for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This could affect those soldiers who already have received a service connected disability rating for TBI. Thus, disabled veterans already receiving compensation for TBI should file IMMEDIATELY for an increase.
As the spouse of a disabled veteran with PTSD and TBI, this may have a large impact upon our claim. My husband's disabilities related to the TBI will not improve, but the PTSD may (we pray every day). This possibility increases our fears that the VA could reduce his compensation. Note though the assertion is made that the rates will not decrease from the new rules.
Please discuss any decision to increase or be reevaluate with your VA representative prior to filing.
The VA has amended the rules for evaluation of claims for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This could affect those soldiers who already have received a service connected disability rating for TBI. Thus, disabled veterans already receiving compensation for TBI should file IMMEDIATELY for an increase.
As the spouse of a disabled veteran with PTSD and TBI, this may have a large impact upon our claim. My husband's disabilities related to the TBI will not improve, but the PTSD may (we pray every day). This possibility increases our fears that the VA could reduce his compensation. Note though the assertion is made that the rates will not decrease from the new rules.
Please discuss any decision to increase or be reevaluate with your VA representative prior to filing.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Discrimination Awaits Disabled Iraq Veterans
One thing I have noticed more recently is the gross prejudices that disabled Iraq veterans face, mainly in the workplace. Not only are these individuals disabled, but they face others who do not understand their disabilities or group them into one category...not desirable.
Post-traumatic stress disorder generally presents itself with the following symptoms:
(1) Having a loss of interest in important activities, feeling all alone, being unable to have normal emotions or feeling that there is nothing to look forward to in the future may also be experienced;
(2) Feeling that one can never relax and must be on guard all the time to protect oneself, trouble sleeping, feeling irritable, overreacting when startled, angry outbursts or trouble concentrating;
(3) Reliving the event through upsetting thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks, or having very strong mental and physical reactions if something reminds the person of the event; and
(4) Avoiding activities, thoughts, feelings or conversations that remind the person of the event; feeling numb to one's surroundings; or being unable to remember details of the event.
Many of these symptoms do not affect a person's ability to perform a job or function in society. While many individuals exhibit debilitating symptoms that results in them being unable to work, a majority do not experience these problems.
I have experienced misconceptions of my own colleagues, family members and friends, who inextricably believe that a disabled veteran with PTSD is "crazy". This can cause major implications for a disabled veteran's mental state, which is already fairly fragile.
These beliefs can be overcome with knowledge and understanding. Remember, we all have things which we do not know about others. Our first step should be to learn how to cope and deal with the disabilities of disabled veterans. After all, these are some of the results of the Americans with Disabilities Act, changing attitudes of individuals and providing opportunities for disabled Americans.
Many of the prejudices exhibited by potential employers and current employers may run afoul of the ADA, such as failing to offer time off from work for service-connected appointments or accommodating the schedule for someone who does not sleep at night but only in the day. Thus, if you are facing an issue with a disabled Iraq veteran being discriminated against on the basis of his disability and an employer's failure to provide reasonable accommodations, seek legal counsel immediately.
With understanding of the law and the disability, we can seek to improve the quality of life for our disabled Iraq veterans facing similar hurdles and problems which faced our disabled Vietnam veterans.
This information is not intended to be legal advice. Any person believed to have a cause of action for violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should seek legal counsel in their jurisdiction immediately.
Post-traumatic stress disorder generally presents itself with the following symptoms:
(1) Having a loss of interest in important activities, feeling all alone, being unable to have normal emotions or feeling that there is nothing to look forward to in the future may also be experienced;
(2) Feeling that one can never relax and must be on guard all the time to protect oneself, trouble sleeping, feeling irritable, overreacting when startled, angry outbursts or trouble concentrating;
(3) Reliving the event through upsetting thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks, or having very strong mental and physical reactions if something reminds the person of the event; and
(4) Avoiding activities, thoughts, feelings or conversations that remind the person of the event; feeling numb to one's surroundings; or being unable to remember details of the event.
Many of these symptoms do not affect a person's ability to perform a job or function in society. While many individuals exhibit debilitating symptoms that results in them being unable to work, a majority do not experience these problems.
I have experienced misconceptions of my own colleagues, family members and friends, who inextricably believe that a disabled veteran with PTSD is "crazy". This can cause major implications for a disabled veteran's mental state, which is already fairly fragile.
These beliefs can be overcome with knowledge and understanding. Remember, we all have things which we do not know about others. Our first step should be to learn how to cope and deal with the disabilities of disabled veterans. After all, these are some of the results of the Americans with Disabilities Act, changing attitudes of individuals and providing opportunities for disabled Americans.
Many of the prejudices exhibited by potential employers and current employers may run afoul of the ADA, such as failing to offer time off from work for service-connected appointments or accommodating the schedule for someone who does not sleep at night but only in the day. Thus, if you are facing an issue with a disabled Iraq veteran being discriminated against on the basis of his disability and an employer's failure to provide reasonable accommodations, seek legal counsel immediately.
With understanding of the law and the disability, we can seek to improve the quality of life for our disabled Iraq veterans facing similar hurdles and problems which faced our disabled Vietnam veterans.
This information is not intended to be legal advice. Any person believed to have a cause of action for violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should seek legal counsel in their jurisdiction immediately.
Friday, September 19, 2008
3 U.S. soldiers charged with murder in Iraq deaths - Los Angeles Times
3 U.S. soldiers charged with murder in Iraq deaths - Los Angeles Times
In recent news, three US soldiers were charged with pre-meditated murder of Iraqis. The nature of the "victims" relationship to the triggering event has not been disclosed at this point. As the spouse of a disabled Iraq veteran, this action by the United States is disturbing.
Treating PTSD involves recalling and processing the traumatic event(s) instead of avoiding the trauma, to basically desensitize yourself from the trauma. In many cases, the fear of prosecution prevents soldiers, particularly Iraq veterans, from ever confronting the particular traumatic event.
Stories abound of soldiers returning from war and harmlessly telling war tales only to later be prosecuted for murder or other war crimes. While I generally agree that these acts should be curtailed in Iraq, I also believe that knowledge is the key to preventing the problem, not prosecution. Often, the acts committed by the soldier was done in a threatening situation where the soldier had no time to react otherwise or where the soldier was actually told or encouraged to do these acts by a superior officer or other agency (CIA), which would later denounce the act if made public. These prosecutions, and their effect upon returning soldiers, need to be curtailed so that veterans can receive the help they need to deal with their debilitating problems. Otherwise, we are perpetuating the problem.
As the spouse of a disabled veteran, the need for treatment outweighs the preventative nature of prosecution. The acts occurring in Iraq will continue, and our returning soldiers will continue to keep the traumatic thoughts buried out of fear of prosecution, whether real or imagined.
In recent news, three US soldiers were charged with pre-meditated murder of Iraqis. The nature of the "victims" relationship to the triggering event has not been disclosed at this point. As the spouse of a disabled Iraq veteran, this action by the United States is disturbing.
Treating PTSD involves recalling and processing the traumatic event(s) instead of avoiding the trauma, to basically desensitize yourself from the trauma. In many cases, the fear of prosecution prevents soldiers, particularly Iraq veterans, from ever confronting the particular traumatic event.
Stories abound of soldiers returning from war and harmlessly telling war tales only to later be prosecuted for murder or other war crimes. While I generally agree that these acts should be curtailed in Iraq, I also believe that knowledge is the key to preventing the problem, not prosecution. Often, the acts committed by the soldier was done in a threatening situation where the soldier had no time to react otherwise or where the soldier was actually told or encouraged to do these acts by a superior officer or other agency (CIA), which would later denounce the act if made public. These prosecutions, and their effect upon returning soldiers, need to be curtailed so that veterans can receive the help they need to deal with their debilitating problems. Otherwise, we are perpetuating the problem.
As the spouse of a disabled veteran, the need for treatment outweighs the preventative nature of prosecution. The acts occurring in Iraq will continue, and our returning soldiers will continue to keep the traumatic thoughts buried out of fear of prosecution, whether real or imagined.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Widespread Lack of Support for Spouses of Disabled Iraq Veterans
I am the spouse of a disabled Iraq veteran. Labeling my wonderful spouse as 'disabled' is disheartening. The label is not a reflection upon who he is, but the cards with which he has been dealt.
I have felt alone in this world, as if I'm the only person attempting to cope with a husband who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), both widespread epidemics in this urban war. After speaking with a former classmate, I was given the contact information for another young woman dealing with the same issues--a husband with PTSD. I contacted her in California, worlds away from me. She too feels alone.
We are not alone. While I do not want to limit this blog to Iraq veteran issues, as Vietnam veterans experience(d) the same problems, I am focusing on the current, growing problem and the one with which I am currently dealing. My goal is to reach out to other spouses, fiances, boyfriends, girlfriends and other signficant persons in a disabled veteran's life.
I am here with my advice, support and sounding board for you. In the last year, I have had my share of experiences with the disabled veteran's problems, including their disability, the VA and Social Security Disability. The VA is lax in offering help or treatment to those of us providing for and taking care of a disabled veteran on a day-to-day basis. We need, not only, reform of the VA for treatment of the veterans but to offer treatment for the spouse who is entrusted the duty of daily care for disabled veterans. Some days, my mental health is so fragile that my thoughts turn to suicide. Where is my support group or therapist? Even in my closest friends I cannot confide as they cannot understand.
Please feel free to comment.
I have felt alone in this world, as if I'm the only person attempting to cope with a husband who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), both widespread epidemics in this urban war. After speaking with a former classmate, I was given the contact information for another young woman dealing with the same issues--a husband with PTSD. I contacted her in California, worlds away from me. She too feels alone.
We are not alone. While I do not want to limit this blog to Iraq veteran issues, as Vietnam veterans experience(d) the same problems, I am focusing on the current, growing problem and the one with which I am currently dealing. My goal is to reach out to other spouses, fiances, boyfriends, girlfriends and other signficant persons in a disabled veteran's life.
I am here with my advice, support and sounding board for you. In the last year, I have had my share of experiences with the disabled veteran's problems, including their disability, the VA and Social Security Disability. The VA is lax in offering help or treatment to those of us providing for and taking care of a disabled veteran on a day-to-day basis. We need, not only, reform of the VA for treatment of the veterans but to offer treatment for the spouse who is entrusted the duty of daily care for disabled veterans. Some days, my mental health is so fragile that my thoughts turn to suicide. Where is my support group or therapist? Even in my closest friends I cannot confide as they cannot understand.
Please feel free to comment.
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