Department of Veterans Affairs

LVMAC Tidbit: VA Caregiving Assistance is finally going to expand

Long overdue, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), formerly reserved to only those who served during the “Global War on Terror” for improper reason, will expand sometime in October, with a launch date to be announced in mid-September.

PCAFC expansion will open up the program to eligible WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans. In addition, eligibility will change: veterans must have a single or combined VA service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher. This applies regardless of whether the disability is the result of an injury, illness or disease.

One welcomed addition is that family caregivers will also have access to financial planning,legal services in addition to robust educational and supportive services, such as workshops, self-care courses, a caregiver support line, psycho-educational group calls, and peer support mentoring. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

VA closes Northampton County outpatient clinic over workload caused by the pandemic

The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center has announced it will be temporarily closing the Northampton County Clinic in the vicinity of Bangor as of 4:30 p.m. today.  It was a short notice notification.  Those seeking seeking in-person care will have to travel to the Allentown Outpatient Clinic or Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center,  both over 45 minutes away from the current location.

Their announcement stated that this was being done out of an abundance of caution related to the transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus illness.  A little late to think of that. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: New Procedures at VA Cemeteries Due to Cornavirus

It was to be expected, but now it is official:

As of 20 March, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will only conduct committal services for groups of 10 or fewer people.

But as of 23 March, committal services (including honors) will not be conducted until further notice.  Both of these announcements, especially the latter, will affect the rendering of military honors.  They are discontinued until further notice — including those conducted by The American Legion, VFW, etc.   The same is occurring de facto at private graveside services, and funeral homes are limiting presences at their facilities, as you might have read. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: Updated Eligibility Requirements for Blue Water Navy Claims

“The Department of Veterans Affairs will soon mail letters to Blue Water Navy veterans and survivors who were previously denied benefits. The letters provide updated eligibility requirements approved in the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, the paperwork required of a veteran or survivor, and available resources to assist in the claims process. The law says that veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam from 1962-1975 are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange or other harmful herbicides. Exposure to these herbicides have been linked to a list of several harmful medical conditions: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre Holds First VA Healthcare Enrollment Fair in Allentown

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to Host VA Enrollment Fair in Allentown

 VA Enrollment Fair, Thursday, October 24th from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Allentown Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 3110 Hamilton Blvd. Allentown, PA 18103.

A Veteran’s eligibility for health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is based on a variety of criteria related to their service.  Although not all Veterans are eligible for VA health care, most Veterans who served on active duty with an other than dishonorable discharge are eligible to receive some level of care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Just as VA Healthcare eligibility criteria changes over time, so may a Veteran’s eligibility for care.  A Veteran once deemed ineligible for VA health care may become eligible if they experience changes in income level, health, or suffer a catastrophic event. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago