News Blog

LVMAC Tidbit: VR&E Program Now Offers “Tele-Counseling” to Improve Its Service

On 30 November, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) announced its ability to provide “Tele-counseling” to those disabled veterans desiring it.

The VA’s Tele-counseling, or virtual communication system, allows the use of any device with a webcam and microphone to communicate with one of its 1,000-plus Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC).  This capability reduces travel costs and time for both veterans and VRCs, thereby potentially improving a veteran’s access to necessary VR&E services.  “VR&E’s Tele-counseling service is another example of how VA continually modernizes in support of Veterans’ needs … [It provides] personalized, interactive face-to-face services regardless of location”, according to the Secretary of the VA, Robert Wilkie.
(more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: TRICARE Open Season Extended

Verbatim from the TRICARE.mil website

Missed TRICARE Open Season?  There’s Still Time to Act!

12/11/2018

If you missed TRICARE Open Season, you still have time to enroll. For this year only, you can enroll in or change your TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan through Dec. 31, 2018 for coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2019. You may also change your type of enrollment, like switching from individual to family coverage. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: New VA Schedule for Rating Hemic and Lymphatic Systems Meant to Ensure Consistent Decisons

VA LogoToday the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it had updated portions, of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule), effective December 9, 2018,  which evaluate the hematologic and lymphatic systems.

One diagnostic code was removed, nine were added, and several were restructured.  The complete list of updates to the rating schedule are now available online. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer: Having the Courage to Do the “Write” Thing for the Blue Water Navy Act

LVMAC Poster Art 2005As has been reported, the Blue Water Navy’s Agent Orange bill continues to be stalled in the Senate despite years of effort to correct a poor decision made by the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2002 (a reversal of policy) and its obfuscating subsequently.  This year, the House finally got the the gumption to act and unanimously passed H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2018, in July to end the injustice of denying Vietnam, Korean DMZ, and Thailand veterans who suffer from life-threatening health conditions related to exposure to Agent Orange the care and benefits they deserve.

Our senators have yet to prove themselves equally concerned and courageous. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: The Latest on the Veterans Suicide Issue

The following is an excerpt from the minutes of the monthly VISN-4 veterans service organizations’ conference call in November.  It addresses the issue of suicides among veterans:

In September, VA released national and state-level findings from its most recent analysis of Veteran suicide data, from 2005 to 2016. The analysis is part of VA’s ongoing examination of non-Veteran and Veteran death records that is being used to evaluate and improve VA’s Suicide Prevention Program. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: Commercial Truck Drivers Are a Critical Profession Needed in the Lehigh Valley

On 20 November, LVB.com (a media product of Lehigh Valley Business) reported, “The trucking industry has a shortage of drivers, and many military veterans get out of the service and struggle to find the right job to be their second career.”  The article stated Mack Trucks is donating one of its locally manufactured Anthem Trucks to the American Trucking Association to help recruit and hire veterans into the trucking industry.

The “Education and Talent Supply Report” recently released by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation suggests (more…)

By LVMAC, ago