About one-third of VA outpatient medical appointments now take place outside VA facilities, but a new report shows that private referrals still involve lengthy wait times….Please click the link below to access the full article.
Tag: TBI
Veterans Tip: Applying For PTSD Benefits
Veterans commonly apply for PTSD benefits without specifically identifying additional mental health diagnoses and symptoms. Even if certain symptoms among PTSD, TBI and other mental health conditions overlap, the VA is required to consider the additional mental health diagnoses and symptoms; meaning that a claim for PTSD is rightfully a claim for any mental disability that is supported by a Veteran’s symptoms. Continue reading “Veterans Tip: Applying For PTSD Benefits”
Shoulder-Fired Weapons Linked to Traumatic Brain Injuries
Military personnel may be endangering their brains when they operate certain shoulder-fired weapons, according to an Army-commissioned report released recently. These bazooka-like weapons pose a hazard because they are powered by an explosion just inches from the operator’s head… Please click the link below to access the full article.
Katrina Still Affects LA Veterans’ TBI Claims
From 2007 to 2015, nationwide, the VA performed thousands of TBI examinations with examiners lacking proper qualifications. As Louisiana Veterans know, in the years following Hurricane Katrina, VA regional offices and medical centers in metro New Orleans lacked infrastructure, paper files, computer systems, civil servants and medical staff. Continue reading “Katrina Still Affects LA Veterans’ TBI Claims”
Recently Discharged Due to a Mental Health Condition?
Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.129, when a Veteran is released from service due to a mental health condition caused by a highly stressful event, the VA is required to assign an evaluation of no less than 50 percent; and the Veteran must be examined within 6 months of discharge. Veterans initially rated under § 4.129 should retain an attorney if they are notified the VA seeks reconsideration, i.e., a reduction/elimination of the rating, as the VA has that ability under certain circumstances.
TBI: What Recently Discharged Veterans Need to Know
Traumatic Brain Injury is an injury to the brain from external force, and it is a common condition among Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. 65% of blast-exposed patients from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have been diagnosed with a brain injury. Continue reading “TBI: What Recently Discharged Veterans Need to Know”