Forward Observer: Did Military Service Give You a Runny Nose?

VA Begins Processing Disability Claims for Certain Conditions Related to Particulate Matter

Have you been in Southwest Asia theater of operations during military service: Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea – and the airspace above these locations some time since 2 August 1990 on; or in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti since Sept. 19, 2001?

Have you developed asthma, rhinitis or sinusitis within ten years of a period of military of service?

LVMAC Tidbit: Updated Eligibility Requirements for Blue Water Navy Claims

“The Department of Veterans Affairs will soon mail letters to Blue Water Navy veterans and survivors who were previously denied benefits. The letters provide updated eligibility requirements approved in the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, the paperwork required of a veteran or survivor, and available resources to assist in the claims process. The law says that veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam from 1962-1975 are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange or other harmful herbicides. Exposure to these herbicides have been linked to a list of several harmful medical conditions:

LVMAC Tidbit: VR&E Program Now Offers “Tele-Counseling” to Improve Its Service

On 30 November, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) announced its ability to provide “Tele-counseling” to those disabled veterans desiring it.

The VA’s Tele-counseling, or virtual communication system, allows the use of any device with a webcam and microphone to communicate with one of its 1,000-plus Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC).  This capability reduces travel costs and time for both veterans and VRCs, thereby potentially improving a veteran’s access to necessary VR&E services.  “VR&E’s Tele-counseling service is another example of how VA continually modernizes in support of Veterans’ needs … [It provides] personalized, interactive face-to-face services regardless of location”, according to the Secretary of the VA, Robert Wilkie.

LVMAC Tidbit: New VA Schedule for Rating Hemic and Lymphatic Systems Meant to Ensure Consistent Decisons

Today the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it had updated portions, of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule), effective December 9, 2018,  which evaluate the hematologic and lymphatic systems.

One diagnostic code was removed, nine were added, and several were restructured.  The complete list of updates to the rating schedule are now available online.

LVMAC Tidbit: VA Updates Rating Schedule for Skin Conditions

“No conditions were removed from the new rating schedule for skin conditions. However, several diagnostic codes assigned to various skin conditions were restructured or revised as VA aims to have the rating schedule better reflect modern medicine,” according to the VA.  The new rating schedule for skin conditions goes into effect August 13.

Forward Observer: Blue Water Navy Act Edges One Step Closer

H.R. 299, The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017 [2018], introduced by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) edged one step closer to passage on 25 June with a 382-0 House vote.  If enacted, the Act would restore eligibility for VA healthcare and disability compensation for

LVMAC Tidbit: MOPH Truck Run Comes to Macungie

The Ford Motor Company in conjunction with the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), is giving away three trucks to amputee Purple Heart Veterans.  This good deed of caring for those who have borne the battle in their civilian life generally receives little attention in our area.

 As it happens, one of these trucks is stopping in Macungie area.  MOPH Chapter 190 (the Lehigh Valley chapter) and Bethany United Methodist Church (a local church which actively looks out for our veterans) are hosting a celebration event as a result.  You will get a chance to see the truck in operation and meet Justin Burdette, the Purple Heart veteran who was awarded the truck.

LVMAC Tidbit: Pennsylvania’s Unknown(?) Educational Gratuity Program for Disabled Veterans’ Children

Since it is operated by our Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and not the Department of  Education, you may have never thought to look for an educational program for your children on their website.  Therefore, for those of you rated with a 100% permanent disability from the military or the VA — or  your spouse died in a war, you might want to know about this program.  Every dollar helps to give your children a better life.  We took this from their Transition Assistance News article of May 2018, verbatim:

LVMAC Tidtbit: An Unusual Opportunity Presents Itself for Our Wounded Warriors

The flyer speaks for itself.  If interested, act fast and no later than 15 April.

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As of 2 April 2018

 

Forward Observer: Governor Announces Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Awards for 2018

On 12 March 2018, Governor Tom Wolf announced that 13 Pennsylvania county veterans’ affairs offices and 18 nonprofit organizations will receive in grants from the Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).