Infantrymen don’t get post-traumatic stress. We’re tough and we train for combat, and mental stress affects only the weak and unprepared. The only things that can hurt us are bullets and bombs. Before I left for Iraq, I believed every …
Having grown up with the advent of the internet, the idea of medical records being electronic and shareable seems like a no-brainer to me. When I arrived at VA, however, I realized that something that sounds so simple actually requires …
Physician at the VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion
Health and health care are distributed unevenly in this country and minority populations often get less of both. Members of minority communities have higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
Last November, I talked about the introduction of Hospital Compare, which allows the public to view and compare hospitals based on measurable statistics, like surgical death rate and hospital readmission rate. The theory went like this: if hospitals were compared …
Filling out long and confusing forms isn’t a process that endears most people to government agencies—and it’s for a good reason. Forms and applications usually require information not readily available, or it might be difficult to know exactly what to …
As a sophomore in college, the first of every month became a VA ritual for me. I would certify my enrollment for the Montgomery GI Bill, then I would call to check the status of my disability claim. “Still being …
VA Decreasing GI Bill Processing Time with New Automation Tools
14 Feb 2013
Communications specialist with the Veterans Benefits Administration
Roger W. Baker, the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology testified today before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Love Your Heart
14 Feb 2013
Registered Dietitian at the Dayton, OH VA Medical Center
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This February, in honor of American Heart Month, join the fight against heart disease and love your heart.
The Benefits of a Paperless Claim
13 Feb 2013
Supervisory Veterans Service Representative; Team Lead for VBMS Transformation at the Salt Lake City Regional Office
While standing outside the audiology clinic at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, a Veteran explained to me that he was deaf in one ear, had significant hearing loss in his other ear, and that he was in need of hearing aids. He could not afford them and was hoping VA could help. Staff at VA’s audiology clinic recommended the Vet file a VA disability compensation claim for his hearing loss.
Valor Games coming to more cities in 2013
11 Feb 2013
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran; Public Affairs Officer, Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events
This year, Veterans with physical disabilities will have more opportunities to get active and involved in sports. The Valor Games are coming to more cities across the country this year.
VBA Twitter Town Hall Series: Disability Compensation
8 Feb 2013
U.S. Army Veteran; Communications Specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last Thursday, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) continued our monthly Twitter town hall series with an event focused on VA disability compensation exams.
Blue Button for America
5 Feb 2013
Presidential innovation fellows working on Blue Button for America at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In August 2010, President Obama announced the Blue Button. Today, it has been downloaded 2.7 million times and the program has been adopted by both the Department of Defense and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
VA Disability Compensation Increases in 2013
4 Feb 2013
Communications specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment.
Building Renovation to Help Homeless Veterans
1 Feb 2013
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Sixty-five homeless Veterans will have a chance to transition back into society when the renovation of a building is completed at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
