Forward Observer: Did Military Service Give You a Runny Nose?

VA Begins Processing Disability Claims for Certain Conditions Related to Particulate Matter

LVMAC Poster Art 2005Have you been in Southwest Asia theater of operations during military service: Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea – and the airspace above these locations some time since 2 August 1990 on; or in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti since Sept. 19, 2001? Have you developed asthma, rhinitis or sinusitis within ten years of a period of military of service?
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LVMAC Tidbit: VA Pushing Automated Travel Claims

Brand-New Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS)

The Veterans Health Administration is urging those who seek travel reimbursement to use an automated, self-serve system through a newly released, six-part video series. See below. Hopefully they will not abuse those veterans who do not have access to the internet, something that is common in Pennsylvania, especially among the older veterans — but not necessarily so.

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LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC Changes Its COVID-19 Guidance — What a Difference Three Days Make

Today, just after publishing over the weekend the Wilkes-Barre VAMC’s 5 February call-out to those veterans 75 or older, Wilkes-Barre VAMC again changed its policy.  Now you can be 65 or older and can get the vaccine at your local clinic.

What is next?   We have heard that some VA Medical Centers are enrolling veterans on-site with proof of a DD Form 214, if they have not been using the VA healthcare system.

Stand by for news.

Here is the new policy: (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VAMC “Don’t Call Policy” Ends for COVID-19

Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center has just announced it is issuing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to those 75 and older under the conditions below.  No doubt because of special storage requirements, the vaccine will only be issued at the Medical Center itself and not from closer outpatient clinics — not exactly the best option for a 75 year old or, for that matter, anyone who lives in the Lehigh Valley.

However, it is a good step forward; and considering the vaccines are free no matter the source, you have more local options already. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit: Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Virtualizes Its Community Town Hall

What:  The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre is hosting a Live Virtual Community Town Hall Meeting through Wilkes-Barre VA Facebook page. Veterans, family members and the public can provide online feedback utilizing the live chat feature during the broadcast.

Who:  Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Director Russell E. Lloyd will host the meeting.   All are welcome as this is a public meeting. (more…)

LVMAC Tidbit: VA’s “Bangor Clinic” Reopens

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre announced today the re-opening of our Tobyhanna and Northampton (Bangor, PA) Community Based Outpatient Clinics at a 50% face-to-face pre-COVID capacity, effective 28 September.  All services remain available, and veterans who need to be seen will be scheduled for care. (more…)