Veterans Affairs
Gates: injured troops face too much bureaucracy
Oct 27th
By KIMBERLY HEFLING–Associated Press–
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday that troops injured in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to face too many bureaucratic hurdles.
Paperwork alone for them can be “frustrating, adversarial, and unnecessarily complex,” Gates said.
Gates spoke at a mental health summit with Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. By appearing publicly together, they sought to reinforce their commitment to tackling veterans’ health issues and the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
Earlier this year, they pledged with President Barack Obama to create a system that would make it easier for the Pentagon and VA to exchange information so there is less of a wait for veterans to get disability benefits. The VA is struggling with a backlogged disability claims system with hundreds of thousands of claims that need to be processed.
Among U.S. troops who have fought in the recent wars, Gates says brain injuries and mental health ailments are “widespread, entrenched and insidious.” He noted that a RAND Corp. study last year estimated that there could be more than 600,000 service members with traumatic brain injuries or mental health issues.
Gates said there have been positive changes such as the doubling of the budget for mental health and traumatic brain injuries to almost $1.2 billion from last year, but other challenges remain such as filling a shortage of therapists in and near military installations.
About 2 million troops have fought in the recent wars. Tens of thousands have been physically injured, while hundreds of thousands have entered the VA’s health care system.
Shinseki said veterans from the recent wars are coming homes with “invisible wounds” that are just as debilitating as physical traumas sustained on the battlefield.
“Who’s vulnerable? Everyone,” Shinseki said. “Warriors suffer emotional injuries as much as they do physical ones.”
Popularity: 12% [?]
Webb Calls for VA Examination of Services at Hampton Veteran Medical Center, Citing Documented Deficiencies and Complaints
Oct 22nd
Washington, DC – Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) this week called on the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs to examine the quality of healthcare services being provided patients at the Hampton Veteran Medical Center (VMC) in Hampton, Virginia. Senator Webb cited the 149 complaints his office had received since 2007 from Virginians, critical media reports on the Hampton facility and two VA Inspector General investigations revealing that the medical center had failed to comply with a number of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies and guidelines.
“I am aware that the vast majority of the staff at the center is dedicated, hardworking and committed to veterans’ healthcare,” Webb wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. “Nevertheless, the allegations, news stories and GAO reports, when taken collectively, are a source of great concern.”
Senator Webb’s letter to Secretary Shinseki, calling for a review, follows.
October 19, 2009
The Honorable Eric Shinseki
Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20420
Dear Secretary Shinseki:
I am writing to convey my continued concern about the quality of healthcare services being provided patients at the Hampton Veteran Medical Center (VMC) in Hampton, Virginia.
Since January 2007, my staff has received 149 complaints about the Hampton VMC from patients or their spouses. The allegations range from abusive patient treatment to wrongful death. In addition, a number of news reports have raised serious concerns with the level of care provided at the Hampton VMC.
According to a Combined Assessment Program (CAP) Review of the Hampton VMC conducted by the VA’s Inspector General last year (Report Number 08-00916-204, 9/15/2008), this medical center failed to comply with a number of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies and guidelines.
This IG report also detailed unsatisfactory results of the Hampton VMC Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients (SHEP) that captures patient perceptions of care in 12 service areas: “The medical center’s inpatient and outpatient overall SHEP scores for FY 2007 and the 1st quarter of FY 2008 did not meet established targets and were lower than national and VISN scores.”
Another IG investigation of the Hampton VMC conducted last month (Report Number 09-02307-220, 9/18/2009) confirmed a patient’s accusation of a serious misdiagnosis by an attending doctor in the medical center’s Emergency Department (ED): “We substantiated the allegation that the treating physician did not conduct an adequate work-up of the patient’s stroke symptoms..” The report added that, “..the ED physician improperly copied and pasted laboratory results from a patient he’d seen earlier in the ED into the medical record of the complainant.”
I am aware that the vast majority of the staff at the center is dedicated, hardworking and committed to veterans’ healthcare. Nevertheless, the allegations, news stories and GAO reports, when taken collectively, are a source of great concern.
Therefore, I request a thorough examination of the Hampton VMC be conducted; that any deficiencies subsequently detected be corrected so as not to recur; and that I be informed of the results.
Sincerely,
Jim Webb
United States Senator
Popularity: 8% [?]
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Olympic Committee Launch Paralympic Community Initiative to Serve Physically Disabled Veterans
Oct 21st
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) signed a memorandum of understanding to provide Paralympic sport
programming and additional community support, including funding and resources, to injured servicemembers and Veterans across the country.
“Americans have a covenant to care for those who have served our nation with honor,” said Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA is proud to fulfill that covenant through this partnership with U.S. Paralympics, which gives injured Veterans an opportunity to rediscover their potential and redefine their capabilities. Too often, the world sees only their limitations – we know their potential. Disabled Veterans show us how to live life. Life for them is not just about winning or losing at sports events. It’s about the joy that comes from triumphing over adversity, and their triumph is the fight each and every day.”
Under the terms of the agreement signed today, the U.S. Olympic Committee and its Paralympic Division, along with USOC member organizations, including Veteran and military organizations, will expand rehabilitative support at the community level in collaboration with the VA, to injured Veterans. Support includes training, equipment, access to Paralympic mentors and ongoing sports programming in communities across the country.
“Research shows that sports and physical activity provide incredible healing power and contribute significantly to successful rehabilitation and re-engagement in life for people and soldiers who become physically disabled,” said Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, USOC. “A significant need is ensuring access to programs for injured Veterans at the community level. By collaborating with VA, we can ensure that Olympic and Paralympic community-based and Veteran sport organizations connect injured service members to local programs immediately, and resources are provided to those programs to meet the need through VA funded USOC grants.”
The Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 authorizes VA to award $8 million in annual grant support to the U.S. Paralympics to plan, develop, manage, and implement an integrated adaptive sports program for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.
Calling the partnership an important step in ensuring that USOC Paralympic Military Program is capable of supporting Veteran athletes, Chairman Filner said, “For many service members and Veterans who have been severely-injured, their rehabilitation can be a disheartening experience. The partnership between USOC and VA will provide injured service members and veterans more opportunities to heal and grow, while in an environment of athletic competition and sport. For so many wounded warriors, this program provides a valuable chance to explore new limits, dream new dreams, and continue their active lifestyle.”
In addition, $2 million in direct Veteran support will be provided for injured servicemembers who are seeking competitive sport opportunities.
“When I had the pleasure of visiting the U.S. Olympic Committee training site in Chula Vista, California, I saw first-hand how sports strengthen these heroes physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Congressman Buyer. “These qualities of the heart and mind translated into other areas of life often lead to great success and accomplishments, and I am excited about this milestone in Veterans’ rehabilitation.”
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., U.S. Paralympics is a division of the USOC and was formed in May 2001 with the goal of enhancing programs, obtaining funding and providing competitive opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in Paralympic sports.
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Popularity: 4% [?]
VA Contacting Veteran-Students about New GI Bill
Oct 20th
Calls Part of Systematic Outreach to Improve Service
WASHINGTON — Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be telephoning Veterans across the country to explain their education benefits under the new Post-911 GI Bill and ensure beneficiaries are able to receive payments due them.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of our highest priorities,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Instead of making people wait to hear from us, we’re reaching out to Veterans, so they can get the money they need to stay in school.”
The Department is conducting this telephone outreach in response to the large numbers of Veterans who have applied for education benefits for the fall 2009 semester. The calls are scheduled to go to Veterans who have applied for benefits under the new educational assistance program. Those who registered for advanced payments will be called, too, in ensure they received their benefits.
To protect the personal identity of Veterans, VA representatives making calls will not ask for any personal information, such as birthdates, bank account or social security numbers, but they may ask family members for information to contact Veterans who are away at school.
“Our procedures and policies to provide advanced payments remain in effect,” Shinseki said. “Meanwhile, we’re completing the on-time development of our automated processing system that will ensure timely delivery of checks in the future.”
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Popularity: 11% [?]
Secretary Shinseki Announces New Gravesite Locator
Oct 17th
For National Cemeteries and Veterans Buried in Private Cemeteries
WASHINGTON (Oct. 16, 2009) – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made the gravesites of more than 6.7 million Veterans easier to locate using handheld devices with Internet capability, such as “smart phones.”
“This innovative program continues VA’s commitment to use the latest technology to provide Veterans and their families with information they need,” said Secretary Shinseki. “It will simplify and enhance the experience of many who visit our national cemeteries.”
The latest improvement builds upon a service begun in 2004, when VA introduced an online nationwide gravesite locator, linked to its electronic burial records, that helps people find the cemetery in which their loved one is buried. The grave locations of Veterans and eligible family members buried in national cemeteries, or whose graves are marked with a government headstone, can already be found with desktop computers and at national cemetery kiosks.
The original gravesite locator — http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov – online since April 2004, continues to help Veterans’ families and others find the cemeteries where relatives, ancestors or friends are buried. The new Web site – http://m.va.gov/gravelocator — is enhanced for viewing and browsing on “smart phone” devices.
Users enter a name to search and click “Locate” to find where the loved one is buried. Users can limit the search to a specific cemetery if that information is known.
The Web site will provide the name of the cemetery and a grave location, offer a link to a Google map and driving directions to the cemetery and, if the deceased is buried in a national cemetery or state Veterans cemetery, provide a link to a cemetery map to help find the section where the grave is located.
In addition to the more than 6.7 million records now available, VA continues to add approximately 1,000 new records to the database each day.
In 2005, VA added to its database of national cemetery burial records the locations of 1.9 million veterans whose graves were marked with a government headstone since 1997. These are mostly private cemeteries. Burial records with cemetery maps available are for burials in VA national cemeteries, state Veterans cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery if the burials occurred since 1999.
Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.
In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 130 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 18,000 acres of land.
Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-1000.
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Popularity: 7% [?]
Secretary Shinseki Provides Update on the State of the VA to Congressional Panel
Oct 17th
U.S. Congress–House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs–
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, October 14, 2009, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bob Filner conducted a hearing to receive an update from Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. The forum provided an opportunity for Members of the Committee to direct questions to the Secretary regarding health care and benefits for veterans and specific challenges facing the Department.
“Our service members and veterans have proven their dedication with their bravery and their sacrifice,” said Chairman Filner. “America must continue to show her devotion to the heroes that have fought on the battlefields and returned home. The way in which we treat our veterans has a direct impact on our ability to recruit men and women in the future, and is a reflection of the values and ideals we hold as a nation.”
Shinseki provided a nine-month progress report on the state of the VA since becoming Secretary in January. The Secretary announced that a Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan is soon to be released that would outline the strategic goals that will drive decision-making over the next five years. He spoke of specific concerns that have been raised directly by veterans which include improving access to health care, reducing the time it takes for a disability claim to be fairly adjudicated, and the need for addressing the downward spiral that can lead to homelessness for veterans. With respect to the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, the Secretary discussed its emergency procedures to issue checks to veterans after initial delays and ensured that VA will mature its “information technology tools to assure timely delivery of checks in the future.”
The Secretary also addressed challenges, missed opportunities, and gaps in providing care and services to veterans. He said, “We will continue to look for and find our failures and disappointments; we will be open and candid with Veterans, the Congress, and other stakeholders when we fall short; and we will correct those problems, take the right lessons from them, and improve the process to achieve the best outcomes. In recent months, we have discussed with the Committee lapses in quality control and safety regarding endoscopes and other reusable equipment, erroneous notifications of ALS diagnoses, and expensive IT initiatives that were not meeting program thresholds.”
Chairman Filner discussed the need to rebuild confidence in the VA among veterans. He stressed the need for all Americans to know about efforts underway to provide better services to veterans. Filner cited the incredible commitment to end veteran homelessness in five years, the recent addition of three presumptive illnesses for Agent Orange veterans, and the revolutionary step to provide funding for veterans health care one year in advance.
WITNESS
- The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Popularity: 5% [?]
Door Opens to Health Claims Tied to Agent Orange
Oct 13th
By JAMES DAO–NY TIMES–
Under rules to be proposed this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to add Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease and hairy-cell leukemia to the growing list of illnesses presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange, the toxic defoliant used widely in Vietnam.
The proposal will make it substantially easier for thousands of veterans to claim that those ailments were the direct result of their service in Vietnam, thereby smoothing the way for them to receive monthly disability checks and health care services from the department.
The new policy will apply to some 2.1 million veterans who set foot in Vietnam during the war, including those who came after the military stopped using Agent Orange in 1970. It will not apply to sailors on deep-water ships, though the department plans to study the effects of Agent Orange on the Navy.
The shift underscores efforts by the secretary of veterans affairs, Eric Shinseki, a retired Army chief of staff and a Vietnam veteran himself, to reduce obstacles to sick or disabled veterans’ receiving benefits. The department has come under sharp criticism from Congress and veterans groups for long delays in processing disability claims.
“Since my confirmation as secretary, I’ve often asked why, 40 years after Agent Orange was last used in Vietnam, we’re still trying to determine the health consequences to our veterans who served in the combat theater,” Mr. Shinseki said in a statement. “Veterans who endure a host of health problems deserve timely decisions.”
The veterans department already recognizes more than a dozen conditions as being presumptively connected to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, including Hodgkin’s disease, prostate cancer and Type 2 diabetes.
But for diseases not on that list, veterans are required to provide evidence directly relating their service in Vietnam to their illness, a requirement that often leads to application rejections and prolonged appeals.
Veterans department officials estimate that about 200,000 veterans might seek benefits under the proposed change in policy. But they said they could not estimate the cost of the change until the policy underwent public review and was published in final form, which could take several months.
Popularity: 16% [?]
Breaking News–VA to Conduct Outreach to Recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill
Oct 9th
VA has requested The Virginia Veteran reach out to our readers with the following information. 
From Saturday October 10 through Sunday October 11, 2009, the Department of Veterans Affairs will be conducting outreach to Veterans who have applied for or received Certificates of Eligibility entitling them to use the new Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits program.
If you fall into this category, you may be contacted by phone this weekend by a representative of VA asking you how you plan to use your GI Bill benefits and how VA can assist in fulfilling your educational plans.
Your feedback is important to VA as the Department works to improve delivery of educational benefits to you and all other Veterans now and in the future.
VA–Sent this update just as we posted the prior info.
Weekend Calls to Improve Service
WASHINGTON – On October 10 and 11, representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be telephoning Veterans across the country to gauge their experiences with the educational benefits of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The Department is conducting this outreach to prepare for large numbers of new Veterans who are expected to apply for these benefits in the future. The calls are scheduled to go to Veterans who have applied for benefits under the new educational assistance program.
VA officials hope Veterans receiving the calls can spend the few minutes to help give VA the information it needs to improve services for future Veteran-students.
The VA officials making the calls will not ask for any personal information, such as bank account or social security numbers, but they may ask family members for information to contact Veterans who are away at school.
Popularity: 20% [?]
VA Counselor Allegedly Had Sex With Patient
Oct 8th
By DAN MCCUE –Courthouse News–
Administrators and employees at the Bay Pines Veteran’s Hospital in southwest Florida have been accused of ignoring an improper sexual relationship between a counselor and a patient being treated for multiple mental disorders.
In a federal lawsuit, the patient claims the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs failed to verify the credentials of counselor Cheryl Jimenez, who was not licensed to treat patients with mental disorders.
Brian Delahanty said he and Jimenez engaged in a three-month sexual relationship while he was being treated for severe bipolar disorder, depression and alcohol abuse. During this time, Jimenez also encouraged him to use drugs and alcohol to “treat” his conditions and repeatedly encouraged him to move in with her, Delahanty says.
He claims others at the Bay Pines Veteran’s Hospital knew about the relationship, but did nothing to stop it until another hospital employee filed a complaint.
Delahanty seeks unspecified damages for negligent hiring and retention, negligence, vicarious liability, and failure to investigate or properly supervise.
He is represented by Mark Morsch in Winter Park, Fla.
Popularity: 16% [?]
GI-Bill Update
Oct 6th
Virginia Veteran recieved the following update from the VA last evening. 
From May 1, 2009 to October 2009 VA has received approximately 290,000 Veterans applications for determinations of eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
a. 205,000 students have been deemed eligible and provided a certificate of eligibility
b. 64,000 students have enrollment certificates
c. 34,000 students have received payments (CHECKS BEEN SENT TO STUDENTS BEFORE EMERGENCY $3,000 ALLOWANCES)
d. 30,000 students have enrollment certificates and are awaiting payment (VA is authorizing payment for approximately 3,000 students per day and receiving approximately 2,000 enrollments daily from schools)
Emergency Payments:
* On Friday 10/2 and Saturday 10/3, VA regional office employees issued advance education payments to 14,298 Veterans totaling 41.6 million
* On Tuesday 10/6 9,366 Veterans who applied online on Friday and Saturday will be issued U.S. Treasury checks totally $27.3 million
* In total, approximately $70 million in payments will be issued as a result of the first 2 days of education advance payment processing
Popularity: 17% [?]
