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SpeechVive now available for Parkinson’s patients in 20 VA medical facilities nationwide

Health

SpeechVive Inc. announced the completion of the 20^th VA Medical Center training for the use of the SpeechVive device. SpeechVive is an ear-worn technology that immediately improves speech loudness, clarity, and rate for people with Parkinson’s disease.

By using an automatic cue to speak louder in a noisy environment, SpeechVive aids people with a condition called “hypophonia” or “soft voice,” which causes Parkinson’s patients to speak in a hushed, whispery or even a hoarse voice. This condition can impair the ability for people with Parkinson’s to communicate effectively. It is estimated that as many as 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience speech and voice changes while only 3-4% are referred for speech therapy to address it.

The clinical data collected from a multisite clinical trial demonstrates that SpeechVive is effective in 90 percent of the people using the device. “Our team is working diligently to train speech pathologists in VA medical centers, giving them a new tool to use when helping veterans with Parkinson’s disease,” said Ashleigh Lambert, CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist and the clinical manager for SpeechVive.

Veterans with Parkinson’s disease can be seen by a speech pathologist at their VA to see if SpeechVive is appropriate for them. The VA considers SpeechVive a prosthetic device and provides it to veterans free of charge.

More than 1.5 million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s and it is one of the most common degenerative neurological diseases.

VA Facilities offering SpeechVive include:

Cincinnati VA Medical Center
Cleveland VA Medical Center
Maine VA Medical Center, Augusta
Salem VA Medical Center
Madison VA Medical Center
Tampa VA Medical Center
Brooklyn VA Medical Center
St. Albans VA Medical Center
New York City VA Medical Center
VA North Texas Medical Center, Dallas
VA South Texas Medical Center, Kerrville
VA Puget Sound, Seattle
VA Puget Sound, American Lake
Phoenix VA Healthcare System
San Francisco VA Healthcare System
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System, New Orleans
VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain
VA Medical Center Honolulu
Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Veterans Home, South Paris, Maine
VA West Palm Beach, Florida

About SpeechVive

SpeechVive is a Lafayette, Ind.-based corporation formed in 2011. The company is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with speech problems due to Parkinson’s and other diseases by enabling people to speak more loudly and communicate more effectively with their loved ones. www.speechvive.com

Providing Support for Veterans & Active Military Suffering From Mental Health Issues

Health

By Greg Munck

As a USMC combat veteran, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that trauma can have on individuals and their loved ones.

Trauma can come in many forms, including physical injuries, emotional distress and the stress of combat. For many veterans, the effects of trauma can linger long after they return home, leading to mental health issues such as PTSD, mTBI and moral injury that can cause depression, anxiety and hopelessness.

We are all in agreement that the most concerning issue facing veterans and active-duty personnel today is suicide. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 17-22 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States, and recent studies show it could be much higher than that. This is a tragic and unacceptable statistic that we must work to address immediately.

Suicide Prevention Requires a Multifaceted Strategy
Suicide prevention is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to helping veterans and active-duty personnel process trauma. There are steps that we can take to help prevent suicide and support those who are struggling with the effects of trauma.
The first step is recognizing the warning signs. These may include changes in mood or behavior, social withdrawal, increased substance use and expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek help immediately.

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by dialing 988 to provide support and resources to veterans and their families.

Another important step is promoting resilience, coping skills and faith. This can include:

• Participating in support groups, seeking professional counseling or attending a clinic.
• Engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, hiking and recreation.
• Maintaining strong social connections, whether through family, friends or veteran organizations.
A strong connection with my fellow combat veterans was the biggest thing I was lacking in my personal journey. For any combat veterans looking for a five-day clinic that provides all of these things at no cost, please apply at sofmissions.com (flight, hotel, food and care are included).

Faith Can Be a Powerful Tool in Coping With Trauma
As a pastor, I have found that faith is a powerful tool in coping with trauma and promoting healing. Many veterans find comfort and strength in their religious beliefs, and faith-based organizations can provide a supportive community and a safe space for processing difficult emotions.

There are multiple studies on how faith impacts PTSD, mTBI and moral injury conducted by university researchers. Here are a few of them:

• Duke University Medical Center (2021 study in the “World Journal of Clinical Cases” and 2018 study in the “Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease” by Dr. Harold G. Koenig)
• Luther University (2022 study in the “Psychology of Religion and Spirituality” by Professor Loren Toussaint)
These studies prove that individuals who reported higher levels of spirituality experienced better mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, as well as greater resilience, positive psychological outcomes and life satisfaction, compared to those who reported lower levels of spirituality.
This is just a sampling of studies that prove faith is a powerful tool for veterans struggling with the psychological effects of combat, including PTSD, mTBI and moral injury. Faith can provide a sense of meaning, forgiveness, purpose, mission and resilience, helping veterans cope with trauma and find healing and recovery.

There Is No Substitute for Mental Health Care from a Licensed Professional
No matter how you cope personally, it is important to note that faith is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Seeking help from a licensed therapist or counselor is essential for those struggling with mental health issues.

The three domains in processing trauma that I work with veterans on through my foundation, The Guide Soldier Foundation, and as the west coast ambassador for SOF Missions (sofmissions.com) are:
• Psychological Domain: PTSD
• Cognitive Domain: mTBI
• Spiritual Domain: moral injury

There are many different treatments in the Psychological Domain, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy. It is vital to find an approach that works for you and to work with a trained professional who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
As a pastor and combat veteran, I believe that it is essential to approach these issues with compassion, understanding and a willingness to seek help when needed. By recognizing the warning signs of suicide, promoting resilience, utilizing coping skills, embracing faith and engaging in processing trauma, we can work together to prevent suicide and promote healing for ourselves and our fellow veterans.

Greg Munck is a combat-promoted Marine who served his country in the Gulf War. Munck is the author of The Guide: Survival, Warfighting, Peacemaking. He is currently the lead pastor and co-founder of Crossline Community Church in Laguna Hills, California. Munck travels speaking for The Guide Soldier Foundation and SOF Missions, which serves active and veteran military personnel worldwide. He has been married to his wife, Kymbry, since 1992, and together they have five children who you may have seen in TV and film.

VHA-Uber Health Connect expands Veterans’ access to transportation

Health

two men in a ride share car talking in the front seat

Program aims to eliminate transportation as a barrier to Veteran health care

By Madison Coffey, Communications Officer, VHA Innovation Ecosystem

Transportation remains one of the greatest barriers to increasing Veterans’ access to health care. Veterans may face a wide range of transportation challenges ranging from not having access to transportation to relying on a caregiver who may be unavailable or to needing a long-distance drive to their nearest VA.

Following a successful pilot at 10 VA medical centers in 2022, the VHA-Uber Health Connect (VUHC) Initiative is now expanding to 60 new VAMCs to continue addressing this challenge. Eligible Veterans in 18 states and Puerto Rico will have access to supplemental transportation to and from their medical care, expanding access to the soonest and best care.

The start of the VHA-Uber Health Connect Initiative

In collaboration with VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE), the Veteran Transportation Program and Uber Health, VUHC first launched across 10 VAMCs between January 2022 and April 2023. Dr. Indra Sandal started VUHC as a 2021 Entrepreneur in Residence Fellow with VHA IE. The program proved a success with more than 32,000 rides completed across over 450,000 miles.

“My main goal was to improve Veterans’ mobility experience and access to care, but there was the added bonus of saving VA money with this program,” said Dr. Sandal, national lead for VUHC and chief of innovation at James A Haley VA in Tampa, Florida.

Survey feedback from 2,300 participants shows that 83% of Veterans would not have been able to access their medical care without the VUHC program.

Program reaches phase two

Since expanding in April 2023, VA staff have been eager to offer the program as another means of transportation for eligible Veterans. Jennifer Gerrib, assistant director for Malcom Randall VA in Gainesville, Florida, said, “I first heard about the program a year ago and I knew we had to have this program at our facility. I am very excited to have it here in Gainesville.”

From April to June 2023, VUHC completed more than 5,700 rides, making an immediate and tangible impact on Veterans’ access to care. “We are seeing an incredible impact already. Facilities in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Southern Nevada have already reached over 600 rides in those three months alone,” said Dr. Sandal.
Helping Veterans reach their VA care

Veterans continue to share positive feedback about their VUHC experiences. One Veteran at South Texas VA said, “The flexibility to request a ride when I am ready with a quick turnaround has been a game changer for me as an elderly Veteran.”

Ishmael Kwakwa, mobility manager for Pittsburgh VA, credited the early success of the program to teamwork, including his facility’s transportation staff who worked carefully to ensure a smooth roll out.

As the program expands, more Veterans across the country will have increased access to reliable transportation and fewer barriers to care. Eligible Veterans needing access to and from medical care may contact their primary Beneficiary Travel point of contact to learn more about VHA Uber-Health Connect Initiative at their facility.

Want to learn more about innovation at VA? Visit our website, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, and visit VA Pathfinder to learn more about our opportunities.

Drop the Damn “D”

DisabilityHealth

By Larry Broughton

I am aware of the challenges associated with transitioning back to civilian life after serving in the military. The daily reality of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for some veterans can have a profound effect on their lives and relationships, as well as their capacity to find and keep a job.

The unseen scars that trauma (such as sexual assault or combat) leaves behind can be challenging to explain to others, and many employers may not be aware of the signs or know how to make accommodations for PTSD sufferers. “Approximately 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 500,000 veterans are thought to experience PTSD.

Regrettably, many organizational leaders are unaware of the difficulties that PTSD-affected veterans encounter. Veterans may have trouble finding and keeping jobs as a result of this ignorance, which may exacerbate their symptoms and make it much harder for them to acclimate to civilian life.

In light of this, it’s critical for employers to become knowledgeable about PTSD and to take active steps to support veterans at work. Yet, we also need to be watchful of the language we employ while discussing the subject. Although, while PTSD is a genuine and serious condition, the word “disorder” maintains a negative connotation and can stigmatize those who experience it.

In particular, the diagnostic needs to be revised to remove the word “disorder.”

This is why:

The Label “Disorder” Is Stigmatizing

The term “disorder” indicates that the person with PTSD has some sort of underlying defect. People may feel ashamed as a result and be reluctant to get the assistance they require. Additionally, it supports the false notion that mental health issues are character flaws or shortcomings rather than treatable medical conditions. This may result in stigmatization and discrimination, both of which may hurt a veteran’s prospects for obtaining and retaining employment.

By excluding the word “disorder,” we may contribute to eradicating this stigma and facilitating open communication between veterans, co-workers and employers about their needs and experiences. This in turn can assist firms in providing better veteran employee support and fostering a more diverse workplace.

It’s a Natural Reaction to Trauma – It Is Not a Disease or Disorder

The term “disorder” should not be used to describe PTSD because it is inaccurate. In the conventional sense of the phrase, PTSD is not a disorder. Rather, it is a typical reaction to an unusual and stressful occurrence.

A person’s brain and body go through a number of physiological changes after experiencing trauma. These modifications are intended to assist the individual in surviving the trauma and defending themselves against further harm. In other circumstances, though, these modifications might continue for a long time after the trauma has passed, resulting in symptoms like hyperarousal, flashbacks and avoidance.

Young army soldier talking with doctor during his therapy

This reaction to trauma is normal and adaptive; it is not a pathology. By eliminating the word “disorder,” we can influence the dialogue around PTSD and frame it as a normal reaction to trauma that calls for assistance and understanding rather than stigma.

It Could Promote Help-Seeking Behavior

And last, removing the word “disorder” from PTSD may help veterans seek out assistance. When a condition is identified, a person may believe that there is an underlying issue with them that cannot be resolved. They may have feelings of helplessness and hopelessness as a result, which may deter them from reaching out for assistance.

We can lessen these feelings of hopelessness and inspire veterans to go for the assistance and resources they require to manage their symptoms and prosper in their personal and professional life by portraying PTSD as a typical reaction to trauma.

Employers have a significant voice in this discussion. They can make it easier for veterans and other workers who have Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) to disclose their illness and get the assistance they require by fostering an environment of understanding and support.

This can involve offering PTS information and tools, such as instructing managers on how to identify symptoms and provide accommodation, as well as providing employees and team members with private places to turn for assistance. It might also entail fostering an environment at work where mental health is valued, perhaps by providing flexible work schedules or mental health days.

Employers must also appreciate the distinctive skills that warriors with PTS can bring to the workplace. Many veterans may contribute significantly to their organizations because they have acquired abilities like adaptability, resilience and leadership from their military experience. Employers can aid veterans with PTS in feeling strong and valued at work by identifying and respecting their strengths.

Ultimately, the focus of the discussion around veteran PTS awareness should be on dispelling myths and fostering compassion. We can improve the way we communicate about mental health disorders and encourage people to get the care they require by eliminating the word “disorder” from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and concentrating on the normalcy of the symptoms.

Larry Broughton is a former U.S. Army Green Beret, best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker and leadership mentor. TheLarryBroughton.com

VA to pay for all emergency mental health care

HealthPTSD

Young depressed military man talking about emotional problems with psychotherapist at doctor's office

Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.

This expansion of care will help prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis. It will also increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA.

Preventing Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority and a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration. This effort is a key part of VA’s 10-year National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and the Biden-Harris administration’s plan for Reducing Military and Veteran Suicide. In September, VA released the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which showed that Veteran suicides decreased in 2020 for the second year in a row, and that fewer Veterans died by suicide in 2020 than in any year since 2006.

“Veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive the free, world-class emergency health care they deserve – no matter where they need it, when they need it, or whether they’re enrolled in VA care,” said VA Secretary for Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “This expansion of care will save Veterans’ lives, and there’s nothing more important than that.”

VA has submitted an interim final rule to the federal register to establish this authority under section 201 of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020. The final policy, which takes effect on Jan. 17, will allow VA to:

-Provide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of eligible individuals’ emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
-Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergency suicide care.
-Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.
-Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergency suicide care.

Eligible individuals, regardless of VA enrollment status, are:

-Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
-Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
-Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

Over the past year, VA has announced or continued several additional efforts to end Veteran suicide, including establishing 988 (then press 1) as a way for Veterans to quickly connect with caring, qualified crisis support 24/7; proposing a new rule that would reduce or eliminate copayments for Veterans at risk of suicide; conducting an ongoing public outreach effort on firearm suicide prevention and lethal means safety; and leveraging a national Veteran suicide prevention awareness campaign, “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.”

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

Source: VA.gov

VA plans to waive medical copays for Native American vets

Health

The sign of the Department of Veteran Affairs is seen in front of the headquarters building in Washington

By Leo Shane III

Veterans Affairs officials soon will waive most copayments related to medical care for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans in an effort to encourage more of them to use VA health services.

Officials detailed the effort in a proposed rule released in the Federal Register on Tuesday. They have not yet released a timeline for exactly when the copayments will be ended, but the final rule is expected to be approved in coming months.

The department has already pledged to reimburse all eligible veterans for any copayments made between Jan. 5, 2022, and the date of that final approval.

“American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans have played a vital role in the defense of the United States as members of the Armed Forces for more than 200 years,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “This rule makes health care more accessible and allows us to better deliver to these veterans the care and health benefits that they have earned through their courageous service.”

VA estimates about 150,000 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans are living in the country today, and Defense Department officials have estimated that roughly 24,000 active duty service members belong to the same groups.

Veterans Affairs officials said they do not have a reliable estimate on how many of those veterans are currently using department health care services.

Read the complete article on Military Times.

DID YOU KNOW?

Health

Hearing-related issues, particularly tinnitus and hearing loss, are the top service-connected disabilities affecting our nation’s veterans of all ages.Today, more than 2.7 million veterans receive benefits or are in treatment for hearing-related issues, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. Here are some additional compelling statistics:

People with untreated hearing loss have 46% higher total healthcare costs than people who treat their hearing loss.
The odds of a person reporting a symptom of depression increase at a rate of 1.63 per 25 decibels of hearing loss.
According to a recent National Health Statistics Report, male veterans are:
- 3% less likely to have excellent or good hearing
- 4% more likely to report little-to-moderate trouble hearing
- 5% more likely to report a lot of hearing difficulty or deafness
- 23% more likely to report having balance problems

…than non-veterans

What’s even more worrisome is these issues are inextricably linked to many other conditions, including social isolation, loneliness, depression and cognitive decline. A study published in the International Journal of Otolaryngology found compelling evidence connecting tinnitus with depression and anxiety for veterans: 72% of veterans with tinnitus had a diagnosis of anxiety, 60% had depression and 58% had both conditions.

Available Solutions

The Heroes With Hearing Loss® program, provided by Hamilton® CapTel®, is designed specifically to combat these issues by providing life-changing solutions that can re-establish and even deepen the connections veterans have with family, friends and healthcare professionals. These solutions include captioned telephone for home, work and while on the go.

Hamilton CapTel captioned telephones offer unique features ranging from touch-screen navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, speakerphone and more – making it possible to read what’s being said while on the phone.
Hamilton^®CapTel^® for Business, Interconnected by Tenacity™ is available to veterans who experience hearing loss and have difficulty hearing on the phone while in the workplace. Hamilton CapTel displays captions of what’s being said on the screen of a Cisco^® phone, allowing clarity and confidence on every business call.

Heroes Mobile^™ CapTel^® for iOS is available to veterans right now on the Apple App Store for download. The feature-rich app delivers the same Hamilton CapTel experience customers have enjoyed at home and at work for years – now at your fingertips wherever you go. It seamlessly integrates with device contacts and captions are fast and incredibly accurate.

Learn more about Heroes With Hearing Loss >

About Hamilton CapTel

Hamilton CapTel is provided by Hamilton Relay^®, a pioneer of telecommunications relay services (TRS). Since 1991, Hamilton Relay has been dedicated to serving individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking. Hamilton CapTel is dedicated to making phone conversations simple and accessible for individuals with hearing loss.

FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. IP Captioned Telephone Service may use a live operator. The operator generates captions of what the other party to the call says. These captions are then sent to your phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. To learn more, visit fcc.gov. Hamilton CapTel may be used to make 911 calls but may not function the same as traditional 911 services. For more information about the benefits and limitations of Hamilton CapTel and Emergency 911 calling, visit HamiltonCapTel.com/911. Voice and data plans may be required when using Hamilton CapTel on a smartphone or tablet. Courtesy of Cisco Systems, Inc. Unauthorized use not permitted. Third-party charges may apply: the Hamilton CapTel phone requires telephone service and high-speed Internet access. Wi-Fi capable. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. Copyright ©2022 Hamilton Relay. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a/ Hamilton Telecommunications.

Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Migraine

Health

soldier holding the side of head in pain

Do you experience recurring headaches accompanied by intense pain and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound? If so, you may suffer from migraine, a debilitating neurological disease that affects nearly 40 million Americans. While everyone experiences migraine differently, the impact can disrupt everyday life with attacks lasting from four to 72 hours.

Unfortunately, veterans are more likely to experience migraine and headaches than civilians, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs*. If you think you have migraine, it might be time to talk with your local Veteran Affairs doctor.

Here are some tips to help you get the most of out of your visit:

Make a list of questions to ask during your appointment
Be prepared to share your medical and headache history, including prior concussions, exposure to blasts, etc. that occurred during a military tour
Talk about potential migraine triggers, such as stress, weather or lack of sleep
Ask about treatment and prevention strategies, including an orally dissolving medication to treat and prevent attacks
Learn more about resources to help manage migraine, including National Headache Foundation’s “Operation Brainstorm”

*American Migraine Foundation. Veterans and Migraine. Available at: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/veterans-and-migraine/. Accessed September 12, 2022.

Veteran Suicide & Focusing on Suicide Prevention in the Military

HealthmilitaryPTSDResources

A marine sits with his hands in his faceon the ground contemplating veteran suicide

Since the beginning of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s tenure, he has been adamant about the importance of mental health in the military and prevention of veteran suicide. Secretary Austin has announced the establishment of a new program aimed at tackling one of the greatest issues surrounding mental health and military personnel: suicide prevention.

Secretary Austin’s newly established program, the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee (SPRIRC), will address and prevent suicide in the military pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

“We have the strongest military in the world because we have the strongest team in the world,” Secretary Austin stated upon establishing the program, “It is imperative that we take care of all our teammates and continue to reinforce that mental health and suicide prevention remain a key priority. One death by suicide is one too many. And suicide rates among our service members are still too high. So, clearly, we have more work to do.”

a military servicemember holds a pistol struggling with veteran suicide The SPRIRC will be responsible for addressing and preventing suicide in the military, beginning with a comprehensive review of the Department’s efforts to address and prevent suicide. The SPRIRC will review relevant suicide prevention and response activities, immediate actions on addressing sexual assault and recommendations of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military to ensure SPRIRC recommendations are synchronized with current prevention activities and capabilities. The review will be conducted through visits to numerous military installations, focus groups, individuals and confidential surveys with servicemembers contemplating veteran suicide.

The SPRIRC recently started installation visits to prevent veteran suicide. The installations that will be utilized in this study will be:

Fort Campbell, Ky.
Camp Lejeune, N.C.
North Carolina National Guard
Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
Camp Humphreys, South Korea

By December 20, 2022, the SPRIRC will send an initial report for review in advance of sending a report of findings and recommendations to Congress by February 18, 2023.

“As I have said many times, mental health is health — period,” Secretary Austin additionally stated, “I know that senior leaders throughout the Department share my sense of commitment to this notion and to making sure we do everything possible to heal all wounds, those you can see and those you can’t. We owe it to our people, their families and to honor the memory of those we have lost.”

To view Secretary Austin’s full memorandum on veteran suicide prevention and updates on the SPRIRC, visit the Department of Defense’s website at defense.gov.

Source: Department of Defense

The PACT Act and your VA benefits

DisabilityHealth

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

This page will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call us at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now.

What’s the PACT Act and how will it affect my VA benefits and care?

The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history.

The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

The PACT Act will bring these changes:

Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures
Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care
Helps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

If you’re a Veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits.

What does it mean to have a presumptive condition for toxic exposure?

To get a VA disability rating, your disability must connect to your military service. For many health conditions, you need to prove that your service caused your condition.

But for some conditions, we automatically assume (or “presume”) that your service caused your condition. We call these “presumptive conditions.”

We consider a condition presumptive when it’s established by law or regulation.

If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.

Read more about the PACT Act on the VA’s website here.

Improving Access to Healthcare

Health

soldier in wheelchair with son pushing him and daughter riding on lap

Google Cloud announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is partnering with Google Cloud to help developers implement new tools and applications that will improve veteran access to VA services and data.

Serving more than 19 million veterans and their families, the VA is the largest healthcare provider in the United States and manages a network of 170 medical centers and 1,000 outpatient sites. In addition to healthcare, the VA administers key veteran services ranging from education opportunities and unemployment assistance to housing aid, pension benefits and more. Ensuring veterans can access these services easily is a top priority for the VA.

Through a $13 million, multi-year contract, the VA will deploy Apigee, Google Cloud’s application programming interface (API) management platform. The implementation is part of the continued evolution of the VA’s Lighthouse API program, providing developers with seamless and secure access to VA APIs in the development of new tools and services. For example, with Apigee, developers can use the VA’s Benefits API to create applications that help veterans submit and track electronic benefits claims and add supplemental documentation. Developers can also easily access the VA’s Health APIs to build new online tools that help veterans manage their health and access their medical records.

“Google Cloud’s Apigee will help the VA to continue scaling the VA Lighthouse API program for third-party developers in a cost-efficient manner, offering veterans more choice in the applications and tools they use to obtain access to their data and services,” said Dave Mazik, director, VA Lighthouse. “This partnership is a logical next step to better connect veterans with VA services, innovate with trusted third parties and continue to offer a high-quality, digital-first customer experience to which they’re accustomed to in other areas of their lives.”

APIs are how software talks to software and how developers leverage data and functionality at scale in a secure fashion. They are products that need to be actively managed so that organizations and developers can execute business strategies and achieve innovation at scale.

“We’re honored to support the VA and our nation’s veterans,” said Mike Daniels, vice president of Global Public Sector, Google Cloud. “By making it easier for developers and partners to build new applications through Apigee, the VA is spurring innovations that will ultimately enable veterans and their families to more easily access important benefits and services.”

The VA’s Apigee deployment — built on Apigee’s FedRAMP-authorized platform — will support the department’s existing efforts to safeguard veteran data, in compliance with standards such as HIPAA regulations and the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically.

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud accelerates organizations’ ability to digitally transform their business with the best infrastructure, platform, industry solutions and expertise. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google’s cutting-edge technology — all on the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.

Source: Google Cloud