Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — Hammer Training to Support Lehigh Valley Veterans

Hammer Training & Fitness Fundraiser Flyer 22March2014

Hammer Training and Fitness at 420 Allentown Drive, Allentown, PA 18109 is doing a good thing on March 22 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.  It is conducting a fundraiser for veterans (using LVMAC as the recipient to ensure the money raised is locally used) while also providing an entertaining event where veterans and others can gather at ease and mingle. The event consists of a seminar, a social, and exhibition bouts.  The latter two events are free, but donations are encouraged.  The social begins at 5 p.m. followed by the sparring matches starting at 7 p.m. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Oh Where, Oh Where Can Northampton County’s Director of Veterans Affairs Be?

Northampton County LogoWhile Lehigh County seeks a new County Director of Veterans Affairs, Northampton County is moving its as part of an effort to consolidate and centralize Department of Human Services operations within the county.  Effective March 10 you will find the Office of Veterans Affairs in the brand new Human Services Building at  2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem (Bethlehem Township).  An anticipated result will be convenient, one-stop shopping for human services, of which veterans affairs is meant to be a part. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit – Social Security Promises Expedited Veterans Disability Claims

Social Security Disability ClaimMany veterans with a VA-rated disability are unaware they may also be entitled to a Social Security benefit program known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) service-connected compensation program, it too has come under congressional scrutiny for its processing times. However, on 19 February Social Security Administration (SSA) officials announced plans to expedite disability claims for individuals with a VA approved, 100 percent disability rating. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — New “VIC” Card Rollout Faster Than Expected

VA Announces Rollout of Secure Veteran Health Identification Cards

On 20 February, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ay announced a phased rollout of its newly designed and more secure veteran identity card in response to their present identity card calamity.  The VA has responded more quickly than it originally anticipated.

In addition to being more secure, the card has been redesignated as the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) – replacing the Veteran Identification Card (VIC) introduced in 2004.

20140224_VA-ID-Card-Front

(more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Very First TBI Kinda, Sorta Presumptive Injury List is in Effect

Effective 16 January, a new regulation affecting those veterans living with Traumatic Brain Injury who also have Parkinson’s disease, certain types of dementia, depression, unprovoked seizures or certain diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands takes effect.

From a recent VA news release, “If certain Veterans with service-connected TBI also have one of the five illnesses, then the second illness will also be considered as service connected for the calculation of VA disability compensation.”  The Institute of Medicine has concluded there is sufficient correlation to link these diseases with moderate or severe Traumatic Brain Injury.  Servicemembers who are within 180 days of discharge may also file a pre-discharge claim for TBI and these secondary conditions.

Others have reported this ruling as establishing five new presumptive conditions.  This is incorrect. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago