Tidbits

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, 11 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — TRICARE Says Walking Is Not Good for Your Health (Service)

Walk-in Service to TRICARE Service Centers within the United States is ending 1 April, this year. TRICARE service centers overseas are not affected. Joint Base Dix-Maguire-Lakehurst’s service center is among the 189 facilities affected. (more…)

By LVMAC, 11 years ago

Tidbits

Forward Observer — Pension Scams Are Continuing

Interested in Aid and Attendance because you face or are in a nursing or personal care home in Pennsylvania? Beware, financial advisement predators may not be far behind, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appears to regulate them poorly — or this subject would not be continually coming up. (more…)

By LVMAC, 12 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — Cold Weather Alert Information for Helping the Homeless

See our Street Sheet Section and other resources on this Answers Desk page: Local Homeless Veterans Resources. ### As of 12 December 2013

By LVMAC, 12 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — “Leave Home Without It” (Your VA Card)

Protect your VA Card (Veterans Identification Card, aka VIC, which has been issued since 2004) against identity theft like you would your Social Security card. Leave home without it if you do not need it for an appointment. Don’t hand it to anyone but a VA employee. If you are using it for a purchase discount, be careful it is not scanned. The reason? (more…)

By LVMAC, 12 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — Phone Phishing — Don’t Get Caught

Gift Card for Personal Information Scam

Tis the season to deceive veterans … We thought you might want to know about this one because it is particularly devious in the way it is done. We wish to thank our Navy Club brothers from the Reading area for putting us onto it. (more…)

By LVMAC, 12 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — Discounting Veterans on Veterans Day

Nope, they’re not being disrespectful … but many businesses are offering free meals or discounted prices in recognition of veterans and their families this November, particularly on 11 November. Thought you might be interested. These two files offer a nearly complete list of what we know is out there but Read more…

By LVMAC, 12 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — The Cold Weather Season Has Arrived for Street Veterans

It is that time of year again when temperatures are getting cold again. Temperatures are predicted to be slightly below 32 degrees overnight throughout the next couple of days and into the weekend. I have spoken with both Shelter Directors (Salvation Army and Allentown Rescue Mission) who have agreed to Read more…

By LVMAC, 12 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — A Special Veterans Forum, Locally Grown, With a Point

The Lehigh County Veterans’ Mentorship Program, a beneficial county effort which plays shortstop to a full Veterans’ Treatment Court as practiced in other states and a few counties of this Commonwealth, is holding a special Veterans Forum partially as a result of recent veterans’ suicides in the area. It is entitled, “Hope, Healing and Returning Home.” Its purpose is to provide information regarding: suicide prevention, the Veterans’ Mentorship Program itself, and other support services. It will be held on 7 November, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the former Veterans Sanctuary site at 24 S. Fifth St., Allentown. (more…)

By LVMAC, 12 years ago

Tidbits

LVMAC Tidbit — Purdue Us! Want to See a Penn State Game?

Hurry if you want to see a Penn State football game on 16 November for free. They’re playing Purdue University. The school is offering 5,000 tickets to servicemembers (reserve and active), wounded warriors, Gold Star mothers and NOW veterans of any era, to include their family members, and we hear if you register now, you are virtually assured seating. Yes, you must register — the extended deadline is now 25 October. (more…)

By LVMAC, 12 years ago