News Blog

LVMAC Tidbit — Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Announces New One-Number, Call Center

On 17 February, in an effort to improve contact between the serviced veterans and their assigned clinical teams, Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), the Wilkes-Barre VAMC has announced the opening of a one-stop call center with a one-call number (1-877-928-2621) beginning 19 February 2016.   It is intended to help those using the Medical Center and their Community-Based Outpatient Centers (CBOC) — the Lehigh Valley has two of these, one in Allentown and another in the Bangor area; and it will provide veterans with a direct line of contact to schedule or cancel appointments, relay messages to their provider, request medication refills, or have their calls routed to the appropriate service. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — Important Funding Opportunity from Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Request for Proposals Finally Issued

 LVMAC Poster Art 2005On 8 January, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), after unexplained foot-dragging resulting from the budgetary impasse, finally announced the availability of up to $550,000 in competitive grants.  It gives the Lehigh Valley community of nonprofits an opportunity to do more for its military veterans and their families.  The suspense for submitting a proposal is 5 February 2016, 4 p.m.

The source of the funding is through the Veterans Trust Fund, which was created to expedite or expand services to veterans and their families using an alternate source of PA DMVA VTF Logofunding.  Over the years, the gears of state government have ground far too slowly to be responsive to their needs. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — Not There Yet, Almost … VA Preparing to Allow Compensation for Camp LeJeune Water Contamination

VA Plans to Issue Regulations for Presumptive Conditions Which Will Expand Disability Benefits Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

LVMAC Poster Art 2005We’ve reported on this previously.  While someone located at Camp Lejeune during the period in question could seek and obtain healthcare from the VA,  compensation was another matter.

However, on 17 December the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it plans to propose expanded disability compensation eligibility for veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water while assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.  From 1953 to 1987, water sources at the base were contaminated with industrial solvents that statistically correlate with certain health conditions. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Commonwealth Creates a Veterans Registry to Help Connect Veterans to Services

PA DMVA Logo 2

 

 

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 17, 2015

 

Veterans Encouraged to Connect with DMVA for Assistance
With Obtaining Benefits, Services

Harrisburg, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs encourages Pennsylvania veterans to connect with them via their new online Pennsylvania Veterans Registry at www.register.dmva.pa.gov for assistance with obtaining veterans benefits and services. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — Change 2 to the Veterans Choice Program – Further Tinkering This Time …

But Expect More to Come

LVMAC Poster Art 2005On 1 December, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it again was making changes to its Veterans Choice Program after “learning from our stakeholders what works and what needs to be refined …” It is the second major announcement, since the program began on 5 November 2014.  As previously reported, the “as the crow flies” 40 mile rule was changed to actual driving distance on 24 April 2015.  A back story to this last announcement has been barely noticed. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago