My LTTE on improvements by the VA since 2008 printed today...

[w8liftinglady]

I thought it important to show that we DO support veterans...and there have been tremendous advances in VA treatment since Democrats took control.

http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/10/01/opinion/doc4ca5fb5c0dabe884307462.txt

To the Editor,

As a member of Veterans for Common Sense, Veterans for Peace and the mother of an Iraq War veteran, I try to stay up-to-date on Veterans Administration rulings as they effect my family and friends directly. In the last two years I have finally been seeing a marked improvement in the mindset of the VA. Two events happened on Sept. 29 that confirmed a new direction.

The first event is the revelation that the VA will be reviewing thousands of claims of Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Following oversight requests from Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka, the VA has agreed to review 19,000 claims from previously-denied “Brown Water” and other veterans. These veterans served in waterways leading into Vietnam and had previously been denied service-related disabilities.

The second event is the announcement of the VA’s final rule on presumptive diseases as they relate to Gulf War one, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This provision ensures that a veteran merely needs to show deployment “in country” to qualify for “service connection” and VA compensation and medical treatment. This relates to nine specific infectious diseases seen in many GW1, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki has proven himself to be a true veterans’ advocate. His statement, “This is part of historic changes in how VA considers Gulf War veterans’ illnesses” ��” couldn’t have come at a better time. One million new applicants were received by the VA medical system in 2009.

My friend Larry Scott of VA Watchdog has provided a list of links for those seeking VA benefits:

http://www.vawatchdog.org/va%20links%20ez%20guide.htm

You may also call the VA North Dallas Medical Center at 214-857-1365 or 214-857-2664.

I would advise every veteran of Vietnam, Gulf War one, Iraq and Afghanistan who may have any of these conditions to contact the VA ASAP.There is change on the horizon.

The VA still has a long way to go in treatment of our veterans.The appointment of Secretary Shinseki was a huge step in the right direction. Let’s hope we are truly seeing “a historic change” in support of our veterans.

[w8liftinglady]

1. Kicking..I'll posts replies..if any-

most of the "Red Brigade" have no first hand experience with these

[Frustratedlady]

2. I was able to get survivor's benefits for ALS

They treated me with the utmost respect and attention. The only people I had trouble with were the supplemental/prescription insurance companies. But, after several days of jumping through their hoops, we had a 3-way call to the company and the VA representative asked what the problem was in canceling my insurance. Talk about jump...there were suddenly NO problems at all...they'd cancel immediately and the check would be in the mail...you betcha!

I was very impressed with every VA person I contacted and continue to be impressed.

[w8liftinglady]

3. i am so glad for you...one of the local docs was responsible for that

Dr. Haley has been committed to fighting for Gulf War one vets

http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/facdir/cma/fileuploads/1/facdir12888/ALS_Haley_paper_in_Neurology.pdf


as the VA is not perfect,I have worked with Veterans for Common Sense to restore Gulf War Illness funding to UTSW(It was removed due to Haley's outspoken opinion of direct cause and effect of chemicals as they relate to Gulf war Syndrome...hence forcing the VA to admit the veterans were entitled to service-related compensation for Gulf War Syndrome...which they didn't want to do)

[Frustratedlady]

4. This was from the Korean War...Lou Gehrig's Disease.

He died in 1999, but I was still able to receive survivor's benefits. I knew they had suspected a connection after WWII, but could never prove it. Now, I see they are questioning Lou Gehrig ever having ALS. They now think it was due to being hit too many times in the head during ballgames.

That "discovery" may be due to a rise in ALS from the Iraq/Afghanistan wars.

My husband was never hit in the head to my knowledge. I hope they don't change their minds and withdraw benefits.

[Frustratedlady]

5. I also meant to thank you for the article. Very interesting. n/t