Legal Help for Veterans blog.
Medical Issues / Disability, Mental Health, News and Press
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held a two-day summit focusing on the treatment and research of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Washington, D.C. During his opening remarks at the conference on Aug. 24, VA Secretary Robert McDonald said that investing in TBI research can help solve the many problems that veterans face, such as […]
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Claims Processing, News and Press, Veterans Law
U.S. Senator Gary Peters has introduced legislation to help veterans who may not be receiving all the benefits they are entitled to as a result of being improperly discharged from the military due to behavioral changes. Peters, of Michigan, said the bill would ensure the fair treatment of veterans who were discharged because of behavior […]
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Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press, PTSD
The results of a recent U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study show that mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy can be more effective in helping to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans than other forms of group treatment. The study was carried out at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where […]
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News and Press, Veterans Law
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Aug. 7 acknowledged that it violated VA policy by having unqualified medical personnel perform diagnostic exams for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The erroneous exams resulted in some local veterans being denied TBI benefits. There were more than 300 veterans involved, although the exact […]
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News and Press, Veterans Law
Congress on July 7 approved a bill that would allow veterans to obtain official identification cards through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Supporters of the measure say the ID cards would contribute to reducing identify theft, along with making it easier for veterans to prove their veteran status. Current federal law requires some […]
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Claims Processing, News and Press, Veterans Law
Following the Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling that legalized gay marriage in all 50 states, same-sex couples will now be able to receive veterans pensions, medical services, home loan guarantees and other benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials announced on June 29. The VA said that same-sex couples with military ties will be […]
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Medical Issues / Disability, Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) observed June 27 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness (PTSD) Day for the fourth consecutive year, while the Senate passed a resolution designating June as National PTSD Awareness Month in an effort to improve diagnosis and treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD. The resolution recognizes that PTSD is […]
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Medical Issues / Disability, News and Press
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine indicates that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. Some PTSD symptoms include nightmares, heightened emotional reactions and negative changes in mood. Researchers examined 159 Afghanistan and Iraq veterans with PTSD symptoms and found that 69 percent […]
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News and Press, Veterans Law
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is battling a budget crisis and accusations of mismanagement after an unfinished veterans hospital in Aurora, Colorado, has gone more than $1 billion over its original budget of $328 million. The VA developed a plan a decade ago for the medical center to replace old, congested facilities for […]
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News and Press
The number of unemployed veterans in our country today is simply unacceptable. Any man or woman who served bravely for our freedoms should not be homeless and jobless. Thankfully, the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has addressed this issue with the enactment of the Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services Program (HVCES). The aim of […]
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