Legal Help for Veterans blog.
May
19

More focus needed on physical health effects of PTSD, says study

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has long been considered a psychological condition. However, researchers are now saying it should be viewed as a systemic disorder that can also take a damaging toll on bodily health. A new study has found that adults with PTSD are at a higher risk of suffering a broad range of health […]

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May
10

Drug maker fined $19.8 million for overcharging the VA

News and Press

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been overcharged for several drugs for nearly a decade, resulting in a steady decrease of financial resources that should have gone to veterans’ care. A French pharmaceutical company will pay $19.8 million in fines to resolve allegations that it incorrectly billed the VA for certain medications. “Overcharging VA […]

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Apr
28

Viral Facebook photos of veterans in ER prompt investigation of VA hospital

Uncategorized

A Facebook post showing photos of one wheelchair-bound veteran slumping over in pain and another lying on the floor at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital have gone viral online. The post has triggered an internal investigation into the facility’s practices. A couple waiting in the emergency room at the Durham VA Medical Center […]

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Apr
17

Veteran’s suicide in VA parking lot highlights shortcomings of disability benefits process

Medical Issues / Disability

Veterans are promised care in return for their service to our nation. However, many former service members struggle for years to get the financial support and benefits they deserve. The recent suicide of a 63-year-old Navy veteran is yet another tragic reminder that a lot more needs to be done. Police from the Durham VA […]

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Apr
11

Veteran Caregivers are Being Dropped from Roles by VA

Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press

Kristina Derro, Esq. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers is a program used to provide stipends for family caregivers who are forced to stay at home to take care of their veteran family member. Since these veterans have suffered serious injuries, the program is a great way to give […]

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Apr
07

VA transitioning to commercial software to better serve veterans

News and Press

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) efforts to serve the nation’s veterans as efficiently as possible have long been hampered by its outdated information technology system. Now, the agency is looking to replace its current system with a commercial electronic health record (EHR) system. During a House Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing, VA Secretary David […]

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Mar
31

New bill to launch mental health treatment program for veterans

Mental Health

Two senators introduced legislation that seeks to provide cutting-edge medical treatment for veterans struggling with mental health issues. The No Heroes Left Untreated Act will open up treatment options to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Senate legislation aims to establish pilot programs at two Department of Veterans Affairs […]

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Mar
22

VA Expands Mental Health Care to Veterans with Other-than-honorable Discharges

Mental Health, News and Press

Kristina Derro, Esq. Beginning this summer, the Department of Veterans Affairs will offer urgent mental health care to thousands of veterans with less-than-honorable discharges. The announcement was made earlier this month by VA Secretary David Shulkin who noted that former service members are more likely to have mental health distress, as well as much higher […]

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Mar
17

Whistleblowers claim culture of retaliation persists at VA

News and Press

A recent report from the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) shows that whistleblowers still face retaliation when reporting wrongdoing at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It has been almost three years since a whistleblower revealed that hundreds of veterans died while awaiting appointments at the Phoenix VA hospital. Now, whistleblowers allege little has changed […]

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Mar
08

Opioid Theft at VA Hospitals Leads to Reformed Policies, Firmer Enforcement

News and Press

Kristina Derro, Esq. As a result of the epidemic that has been plaguing the nation, individuals are looking for the easiest place to get their hands on prescription opioids. In recent years, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities have been one of the many victims of this epidemic. In 2009, there were 272 reported incidents […]

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