Legal Help for Veterans Comments on Global Liver Institute Collaboration with the VA to Aid Veterans with Liver Disease
May 05, 2024
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced its partnership with the Global Liver Institute (GLI) to address the healthcare of Veterans suffering from liver diseases. Unfortunately, Veterans are at higher risk for substance use disorders involving drugs and alcohol. These disorders and conditions often lead to liver disease. Thus, the collaboration between the VA and GLI should increase awareness of the various liver conditions that impact the nation’s Veterans. Understanding the cause of liver conditions is crucial to getting Veterans the healthcare and service-connected benefits the law entitles them.
Why do Veterans Have Higher Rates of Liver Disease?
Veterans may develop liver disease for various reasons, and several factors can contribute to the prevalence of liver diseases among this population. Some veterans may have been exposed to hepatitis viruses during their military service, which can lead to chronic liver conditions. This exposure may occur through contaminated blood products, shared needles, or other risk factors. Substance abuse, including alcohol, can be more common among veterans, potentially leading to alcoholic liver disease. Deployment-related stress and trauma can contribute to substance abuse issues.
Additionally, Veterans may be at a higher risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome, both of which are risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These conditions can be linked to lifestyle factors and sedentary behaviors. Further, some Vietnam-era veterans were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, which has been associated with various health conditions, including liver diseases. Veterans may receive prescription medications for service-related injuries or conditions, some of which can have hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) effects. Mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, can contribute to unhealthy behaviors and substance abuse, which may increase the risk of liver disease.
It’s important to note that not all veterans develop liver diseases, and the prevalence can vary depending on individual factors and the era of military service. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical care are crucial for managing and treating liver diseases in veterans.
VA Benefits for Liver Disease
Veterans with liver diseases may be eligible for various benefits and healthcare services through the VA, whether related to their military service or not.
Disability Compensation
Veterans can apply for disability compensation if they have a liver disease that is service-connected or aggravated by their military service. Service connection can be established if there is evidence of the disease’s onset or worsening during active duty or as a result of military service-related exposures.
Medical Care
The VA offers comprehensive medical care for veterans with liver diseases. This includes diagnostic testing, treatment options, and ongoing management of liver conditions at VA healthcare facilities.
Hepatitis C Treatment
Veterans with hepatitis C, a common cause of liver disease, can receive specialized treatment through the VA. The VA has made significant efforts to screen, diagnose, and treat veterans with hepatitis C, providing access to newer and highly effective antiviral medications.
Liver Transplants
Veterans with advanced liver diseases may be eligible for liver transplants through the VA healthcare system if they meet specific medical criteria.
Prescription Medications
The VA provides prescription medications for eligible veterans, including those needed to manage liver diseases and related conditions.
Reimbursement
Veterans needing to travel to receive VA medical care for liver diseases may be eligible for travel reimbursement to cover transportation costs.
VA Hepatitis C Resource Centers
The VA has established Hepatitis C Resource Centers to provide information, support, and care coordination for veterans with hepatitis C and related liver conditions.
Veterans with liver diseases need to contact an experienced VA Disability attorney to determine their eligibility for benefits and navigate the claims process. Eligibility for benefits may depend on the severity of the condition, the veteran’s service record, and other service-connected disabilities. “We are immensely pleased to see a focus on this crucial health concern for veterans,” said a spokesperson for Legal Help for Veterans. “The GLI and the VA are taking a significant step forward in addressing this often-overlooked aspect of veterans’ health, and we believe the positive effects will be far-reaching.”
Are You a Veteran Suffering from Liver Disease?
If you are a current or former service member who has been diagnosed with liver disease, the recent shift in the VA’s position may benefit you. At Legal Help for Veterans, Attorney James Fausone has connected countless servicemembers to the benefits they need and are entitled to. As a fellow veteran and active member of the National Organization for Veteran Advocates (NOVA), Attorney Fausone understands the challenges veterans face when trying to obtain benefits and has developed an effective way to connect deserving servicemembers with meaningful—and in some cases, life-changing— benefits. To learn more, and to schedule a free case evaluation, call Legal Help for Veterans, LLC at 1-800-693-4800. You can also reach us through our online contact form.