Common Concerns

 

 

 

 

VA

 

#1 Refill Prescriptions From Records on VA Site

For all of you who are veterans, have va benefits, and use the VA.
medical facilities, here is a web site you might want to take a look at.
http://www.myhealth.va.gov/

It allows you to look at your medical records and to refill prescriptions. It makes it easy for me to order my meds and I now get all of them from the VA.

Logan Grayson

#2 To all Vets and Webbies--

Let me give some additional info to our Vets.

The toll free number 1-800-827-1000 is in Milwaukee and I have found those folks to be magnificent in handling this Lary whose voice is a real bear on the phone. I have not had to call them often, but when I do, I can tell that they are making every effort to take care of me and they always have.

Here is the number I use to re-order meds: 1-800-379-8387. Remember I am in Lakewood Ohio (just west of Cleveland) so I don't know if it works everywhere. But that is how I re-order the meds and you do not have to speak, just enter your SSAN and the prescription number, and then the 'voice' will tell you that it is re-ordered and when it will be shipped or whatever else is appropriate. So simple. It is a great system. And just so you know, I not only get my treatment from the VA and all the meds I need, but also any equipment. The VA has provided me with a humidifier and a suction machine. In fact, they just replaced the suction device. I use it often every day and the original just plain wore out.

I am getting absolutely magnificent care from the VA, not only with the
throat but eyes and teeth and everything else.

This is one satisfied dude, let me tell you.

John Shepley
Lary Since Oct 2005

 

agent orange issues

 

VA Proposes Change to Aid Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange 3/25/10

On this site for News Releases from the
United States Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
<http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1876>

You will find the "official notice" from March 25, 2010

Proposed Regulation Change Adds Illnesses to List of Diseases Subject to
Presumptive Service Connection for Herbicide Exposure

 

VA Disability - Agent Orange

(Vietnam Era Herbicide)


There is an ongoing VA program for Agent Orange exposure.  Under the law, veterans who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 (including those who visited Vietnam even briefly), and who have a disease that VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange, are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. (The old 30 year post-exposure restriction no longer applies.)  Program details
The VA's Agent Orange Hotline is: 1-800-749-8387.

The Environmental Agents Service in the VA Central Office recently updated a series of Agent Orange fact sheets, known as Agent Orange Briefs.  These updated documents, dated August 2002, have been sent to all VA medical centers and to other interested parties.  All of them have been placed on the Internet. The revised briefs describe a wide variety of Agent Orange-related matters ... in fact, twenty-one "Briefs" are available.  If interested, have a look-see!

Representatives of many veterans service organizations have also been very helpful to Vietnam vets seeking disability compensation. Among these are:
The American Legion: 1-800-433-3318
Veterans of Foreign Wars: 1-800-VFW-1899
Disabled American Veterans: 1-877-426-2838
AMVETS: 1-877-726-8387
Vietnam Veterans of American:  1-800-882-1316

(Note: As of May 2003, Vets found by the VA to be at least 60% disabled due to Agent Orange may well qualify for the new Combat-Related Special Compensation recently passed by Congress.  You can read the details and get an application form.

On 27 April 2004, the Defense Department finally issued the long-awaited new rules for processing of Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) applications.  Effective January 1, 2004, this instruction replaces the guidance introduced last year.  The major change is expansion of eligibility to include all combat-related disabilities. Previously, only disabilities rated at 60 percent or higher or disabilities associated with a Purple Heart could qualify.  Also as a result of the new legislation, CRSC payments will include compensation for dependents, as applicable.

The new guidance addresses two previously unresolved issues-namely, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and compensation for Individual Unemployability (IU).  Both issues will be assessed after the Services have determined which of the applicant's disabilities are deemed combat-related. 

In the case of SMC, the Services will have to resolve whether any of the combat-related disabilities constitute the grounds for the Special Monthly Compensation award.  To make these determinations, the CRSC processing branches will be assisted by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The VA will provide descriptions of SMC criteria and will provide counsel in unusual situations. 

Individual Unemployability determinations will be based on the retiree's overall combat-related disability percentage.  If the Services award CRSC at 60 percent or greater, and the applicant also has been determined by the VA to be unemployable, then CRSC will be paid at the 100 percent rate, retroactive to January 1, 2004, as applicable. 

Retirees eligible under both concurrent receipt and CRSC criteria will have to choose between the two forms of compensation.  Recipients will have the option of changing their election on a yearly basis, so as to choose the more advantageous option, as concurrent receipt payment amounts will increase each year for the next 9 years.  The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is in the process of developing this election system.  Applicants also have the option of authorizing DFAS to automatically pay whichever amount is higher. 

2008 Update on Agent Orange Issues

 

Our VP Website Information, Ed Chapman, wrote to his Washington State Senator asking about where this stands. Here are excerpts from Senator Murray's reply:

"As you know, many servicemembers who served in the Vietnam War were exposed to Agent Orange, one of the dioxin-based herbicides that were intended for defoliation and crop destruction. It is speculated that exposure to even low levels of Agent Orange increases the risk of certain medical illnesses and disabilities, and certain genetic defects that may lead to increased risks of birth defects. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Air Force, and various veteran service organizations continue to conduct research and studies to collect data on the amount of exposure to Agent Orange and the effect it may have had and continues to have on veterans. I support these efforts in order to determine how affected veterans can best be treated and compensated for their disabilities.

In August 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CVAC) ruled on the Haas v. Nicholson case, relating to the so-called "Blue Water Navy" veterans. The Court held that veterans are entitled to disability benefits for being exposed to Agent Orange regardless if they served on the ground, aboard a ship, or on a plane. I was pleased with the CVAC ruling. Previously, a long standing policy of the VA was to only extend a presumption of connection for Agent Orange-related disability to those who served on the ground in Vietnam."

Senator Murray also explains the Agent Orange Equitable Compensation Act of 2007 (S. 2026) would prevent "Blue Water Navy" veterans from receiving benefits for Agent Orange exposure and that she opposes this legislation and will fight against its passage.

Veterans might be well advised to write their own elected representatives to see how they stand on the subject.

 

Special Compensation Claimants

Air Force News | February 06, 2008

Service Still Seeking Special Compensation Claimants

"Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit for Combat-Related Special Compensation was expanded to include all combat or combat-related disabilities rated as service-connected by the Department of Veterans Affairs at 10 percent or higher, but that increase has just not happened."

"The lack of participation could be attributed to two causes; many retired Airmen may not have heard about the program, or perhaps people are confusing the CRSC criteria with that of Concurrent Receipt."

To read details and to apply:

http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,161534,00.html?wh=benefits&ESRC=retirees.nl

http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/library/combat.asp

Navy - Chapter 61 Updates

 

For General Information

http://www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/crscb/crscmainpage.htm

CHAPTER 61 & TERA RETIREES NOW ELIGIBLE FOR CRSC

The FY 08 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act), signed by the President in early 2008, revised eligibility requirements for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC). All military retirees, other than some former reserve members with physical disabilities not incurred in the line of duty, are now eligible for CRSC compensation. These newly eligible veterans are mainly Chapter 61 (medical retirees) and Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) retirees.

Download entire notice

 

VA AUTOMATES DISABLED INSURANCE APPLICATION

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has expanded its online benefits applications to include Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance.

VA's Web site already provides online convenience for applications for compensation, pension, health care and vocational rehabilitation benefits as well as education enrollment certification.  The addition of Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) means veterans can be assured their application is transmitted to the VA Insurance Center in Philadelphia without mailing delay.

The application can be accessed through the online applications link at VA's main Web page or through the insurance Web pages.  To initiate the process through a secure Web site protecting users' privacy, eligible veterans should click on "Apply for S-DVI Insurance Online Using Our Autoform Application."

S-DVI is a VA program of life insurance that provides $10,000 of coverage to veterans who have received a service-connected disability rating for a new condition from VA within the past two years; were separated from service on or after April 25, 1951, under other than dishonorable conditions; and are in good health except for their service-connected conditions.

The online application process guides applicants through each step of the application with easy-to-use help screens and tools.  The first steps of the process will allow veterans to immediately determine if they are eligible for the insurance.  They will also be able to learn about the different types of insurance plans and premiums available to them.

Once transmitted, applications are immediately processed.  However, veterans who are uncomfortable submitting their application online may also print their application from the Web site and mail or fax it, just as they may do now with the paper version of the application.

"The new S-DVI online application allows veterans to apply for insurance at their own convenience," Tom Lastowka, director of the VA Regional Office and Insurance Center, noted.  "Not only can they go online and apply 24 hours, 7 days a week, but they can also stop while they are completing the application and come back and begin again where they left off."

"We think that veterans will find the online application the easiest way to apply, and believe that this will hold true for other online applications we are developing," Lastowka said.

 

USING THE VA MEDICAL FACILITIES

Recently a WW member (a retired military Vet) asked the membership about the wisdom of using VA Medical Facilities, even though currently covered by other medical insurance, such as TRICARE or USFHP programs.  Below are relevant parts from some of the responses from the WW membership:

 

(1) I'm also retired Air Force and under TRICARE, except I elected to take TRICARE Standard since it gives me more options about where I choose to get my medical care.  I've also tried the VA. I went to the VA Medical Center in Denver to see about getting them to pay for my TEP. I'm rated 100% disabled by the VA, and supposedly at the top of their priority for medical care. That was a couple of months ago, and I'm still waiting for an appointment. I don't know about VA in your area, but here they are pretty much overwhelmed by vets and simply don't have the resources to adequately take care of all of them.  You can really see where they need more funding to expand services. I'm still going to pursue getting the VA to pay for my TEP though. I haven't had any luck getting reimbursed by TRICARE for the money I put out for my last two prosthesis, and am still out about $300.  If I can order any future prosthesis through the VA I figure it will save me a bundle and avoid the hassle of submitting TRICARE claims.  There are no restrictions for using both TRICARE and VA, which is nice since it provides more flexibility in which one you want to use. [Dennis Bonar]

(2)  I am retired Navy and 100% disabled by the VA and am also at age 65 and have been put on Tricare For Life and I had been on Medicare since age 59 but went on regular Medicare this year and Tricare For Life. I have used the VA clinic for my SLP and also supplies like my HME and indwelling prosthesis and I have always had a choice of which one I want to use. My primary care doctor first started taking care of me at Vance AFB about 10 years ago and then about 4 years ago he retired and the base assigned both my wife and me to him as a civilian Dr. to be our primary care doctor. We still get most of our medications from the base and what they don't carry is covered by Tricare with a small co-pay.  I also paid Tricare premiums for my wife but found out that since I was 100% I didn't have to pay a premium for Tricare. It took quite a while and some letter writing but they returned $400.00 that I had paid in and then I was put on Tricare For Life at age 65, and there is no co-pay for doctors or premiums for Tricare. Hope this helps and if you need me to explain more of this please let me know. I was also given the option of using a VA clinic that we have but they are not equipped to take care of cancer related problems so I opted to use the VA hospital which is in Oklahoma City and 100 miles away, but it is well worth it to me. I have never had any type conflict and have always had the choice of which one I wanted to use. The disadvantage would be the time waiting for a VA appointment but that has never been a factor for me to see an SLP and the ENT's see me on annual basis.  [Logan Grayson]

(3)  I haven't really used TRICARE as I have had private insurance through my employer (which happens to be a health insurance company).  The employer provided insurance was free but is now up to $3000 a year as my share for a family plan so I am considering switching over to TRICARE in the future. I have been using the VA on occasion for the past year or so to get my foot in the door there.  I use primary care only and continue to use my private specialists under my private insurance.   I have to agree with some that the VA has been stressed and is trying to do too much with too little.  Since the doors were opened to all veterans in 1996, rather than just disabled vets, the budget hasn't keep up with the patient load.  To use the VA, you need to have a VA primary care provider who then refers you to the various specialty areas.  It is my belief that it is correct that use of the VA has no impact on his TRICARE standard. While I also doubt that it would impact PRIME, which is set up like a HMO, you should check with your local TRICARE office as the rules could be different. Since there is no cost to PRIME. I don't see why they should object.  Vets should be aware that the VA will bill any private health insurance for services that are not for service connected disabilities.  The VA does not expect the Vet to pay the private insurance cost share. (Non disabled vets may face a VA copay for certain services. ) [Nick Fuhs]

(4)   I had a visit early on with the VA SLP and clinic manager ( same guy). He showed me their catalogue while I was there. Since then, I Email him when I need an item and he orders it for me. As I do not have a TEP,  I can't speak for that process but for bibs, batteries, and a replacement SERVOX, I haven't needed a visit .  They seem quite happy to fill my needs without clogging up their calendar.  My primary handles both of my prescriptions in a similar manner on my visits by rewriting them into the VA system after reviewing what my private docs have ordered.  As mentioned earlier, I continue to use my private specialists.  I recently had my ENT recommend a room humidifier due to winter dryness.  I had him write a script which I faxed to my VA primary. A few weeks later, a humidifier arrived at my door from the VA vendor via surface mail.  If you don't have an initial primary visit within 30 days of registering (assuming that you are Category One), you could contact the patient advocate office.  Some VA centers, I am told, will extend that to specialty care as well, but there does seem to be a considerable difference of opinion on the matter. [Nick Fuhs]

(5)  I have been following the responses to your question re: VA healthcare.  I have found them to be interesting and informative.  My experience may shed a second opinion on the issue for you to look into.  In Delaware we have a VA clinic just 20 miles from where I live.  When they opened, I went to see what the requirements were for getting care from them.  It boiled down to this.

1.  I would forfeit my freedom to choose where I would get health care.  It would be only available through them.

2.  They would receive my Medicare part A & B payments as a result of their billing procedure.  Thus any attempt to seek healthcare from any other source would be at my expense.

 3.  Any care required which they could not provide would be provided at the VA Hospital in Wilmington, DE.  No option.

4.  Lary supplies would be provided on a case by case basis, as long as funds are available.  (this caveat had a ring all too familiar after spending 26 years dealing with fund availability)

In my travels, I have inquired from many concerning VA healthcare just as you have done here on the list.  I have found raves that would exceed the best in the civilian world.  I have also received some horror stories.  My concern is what option does one have if he is caught up in the horror end of the story?  That being said, I have chosen to not seek healthcare from the VA even though it costs me.  I use Medicare supplemented with Tricare For Life.  Don't confuse any other Tricare plans with Tricare For Life.  If you are not familiar with it you might choose to check it out.  It is free and takes no effort on my part other than to show up at the healthcare provider for service. [Max Hoyt]


(6)   I use the Biloxi, MS VA for ENT/SLP appointments, Laryngectomee supplies, some prescriptions that are mailed to the house, eyeglasses, dental and some medical conditions.  I also have the VA listed as the hospital of choice on my Medic Alert Information and personal data card. (100% SC) (100% CRSC). I also receive travel pay for each visit but I put all of it in a jar on my fireplace mantle to someday, help a laryngectomee less fortunate than me.


I use the Keesler AFB Medical Center, Biloxi, MS for some primary care, prescriptions, etc.  I prefer some of their medications over those of the VA medications. (Retired CWO4, USN) (Tricare).  Both facilities are within 40 miles of the house. I use a civilian Dermatologist and a civilian Rheumatologist because they are nearly next door to where I live. (Medicare and Tricare for Life).  Your medical options are numerous.


My Biopsy was at Keesler AFB and surgery was at MD Anderson, Houston, TX 6-24-03.  I still go to MD Anderson every 4 to 6 months for a follow-up and the cost is absorbed by Medicare/Tricare.  Also, Houston has one of the most modern VA Hospitals in the Nation.  I rarely spend any out of pocket money and do not pay any insurance premiums because my supplemental insurance company told me that renewal was not necessary after "Tricare for Life".


By the way, I was disabled prior to having my laryngectomee but did not utilize the VA until joining Web Whispers which MD Anderson recommended.  I became to realize that the VA would provide all my Laryngectomee supplies and that cut down 95% of my reimbursement paperwork with Medicare and Tricare.  That was a great relief.


When I applied and you approved my membership, you contacted Roger Jordan because we both live in Diamondhead, MS.  Roger, my wife and I met one morning to attend our first weekly Nu-Voice Club of the MS Gulf Coast. That first meeting was enjoyable, informative and I miss meetings only when on vacation, sick, traveling or have a conflicting medical appointment.  I have also been awarded 100% SC for my Laryngectomy and because of Vietnam duty, Combat Related Special
Compensation.


I appreciate receiving help from everyone that offered advise, prodding and all kinds of assistance.  I was going to send this directly to you but so many others have helped that I want to share some of my good news and thoughts with them also. [Paul Moody]

(7) I am having a TEP done at Tripler Army / VA care facility in Hawaii , they are very competent and caring and said this is the way it is done and
I don't doubt that . They said they have done many like this.

[Richard]

(8) One thing you can count is the V.A. treating you right because all the Vets I know love the treatments they receive from them and the speech pathologist are very good. Our groups pathologist was trained at the V.A in Minn. and she knows her stuff.

[Lou Chi 09]

(9) I have to add the Wade Park VA in Cleveland because of the most excellent treatment I have received there. All you Vets out there should feel very confident about the medical care you will get. And if perchance you end up at a facility that is less than A-One, check with us on the WW list and we can help you out. And I shall end with a mantra I have voiced before: all you taxpayers are getting your moneys worth from the Veterans Hospitals.

[John Shepley]

(10) I would like to mention the VA in Atlanta, GA. I have
been getting my care there for 10yrs now. The services there are
great, without them there is no doubt, I would not be alive today.
Kudos to the VA Medical system.

[Robert Pitts]

(11) I have had reason to go to the VA in Dayton, OH, Boston, MA,
Charleston, SC and of course my primary SLP & ENT are in Columbia, SC. The service and care I have received has been first rate in every case. The reports I get from other Vets, larys and non larys, is the same.

[Sapp Funderburk]

 

 

 

 

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