COASTAL LIVING
      

VA Claims Processing Task Force Established

In a recent Department of Veterans Affairs Press Release, it was announced that the Department's new Secretary, Anthony Principi has made a commitment to make the processing of applications/claims for benefits faster, easier, and more accurate.  His first major step taken toward this end was the recent signing of a charter to immediately establish within the VA, a special claims processing task force.

Secretary Principi stated that a comprehensive, top to bottom review of the claims process was one of his top priorities.  He further stated, "The benefits that veterans seek from VA were earned by their sacrifice and, sometimes, their suffering.  When we handle their claims, we should use the best processes available."

Vice Admiral Daniel Cooper will head the 10-person claims processing task force and will examine a whole range of issues and problems affecting the speedy processing of applications and claims, from the conducting of medical examinations to improved information technology, to efforts to reduce the significant backlog of unprocessed claims, and also to improve the accuracy of decisions.  The task force final report is due to the Secretary in approximately 120 days.

On the national level, the average time to process a disability compensation claim or a non-service connected pension claim is expected to increase from 202 days in 2001 to 273 days in 2002.  The factors lengthening the delay are numerous and varied, from new legislation increasing the VA responsibility to assist veterans in developing and in filing their claims to changes in the statutes which expanded the scope of benefits.

A salute to the Secretary is surely in order since the expeditious handling and efficient processing of claims has been a long-standing and recently worsening problem within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Agent Orange and Childhood Leukemia

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs recently announced that he is seeking congressional authority to provide benefits for the children of Vietnam veterans who have contracted a rare, deadly form of leukemia (acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)).

The decision to seek VA benefits was based on medical evidence provided by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that found "limited or suggestive" medical evidence of a link between AML in children and a veteran's service in the Vietnam War.   In response to the study, the Secretary obtained White House approval to seek legislation that would give the VA authority to provide health care, financial payments and other benefits to children afflicted with this cancer.  Details are being developed.  For additional information, call the Agent Orange Hotline at 1-800-749-8387 or contact County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440.

Memorial Day Observance

The Carteret County Veterans Council will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans' Memorial at the Carteret County Courthouse in Beaufort at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2001.  The guest speaker will be Major General Braaten USMC, The Commanding General of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and of all Marine Corps Air Bases on the East Coast.  All are invited to this observance to remember and to pay tribute to those members of our armed forces who valiantly served and who so unselfishly gave their lives in defense of our country.  Particulars concerning this Memorial Day Ceremony will be provided later this month.

Delays in VA Care

A 1998 statutory change in VA health care eligibility has opened the doors of the VA health care system to all veterans who served on active duty whether one's tour of active duty was six months or 30 years, whether one's ailments are service related or not, and irregardless of income or personal assets.  These changes in federal statutes opening VA Medical Center doors in less than one year attracted 4 million new patients to the VA Health Care System.  In the VA hospital network that serves our Region the number of new patients jumped 18 percent last year.

According to Mike Phaup, the Director of the VA Medical Center in Durham, "business is booming".  Needless to say there are delays in receiving routine medical services; of course, the providing of emergency and critical care has not been affected.  There are proposed changes in the works that will increase the Medical Centers' capability to provide the required health care services.  Once a veteran is in the VA health care system, we have been hearing many positive comments concerning quality of care and services.

The above said, if you are a veteran, and would like to receive VA heath care which includes a whole array of services including medicine/prescriptions, there is no time like the present.  The Department of Veterans Affairs needs to know the patient requirements and while there is a wait, the line for services is constantly moving.  A good resource to assist you in getting into the system is County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440.

 Repossessed Homes

           The VA sells homes that have been acquired after foreclosure of a VA-guaranteed loan.  These homes are available to both veterans and nonveterans.  Contact local real estate agents for available listings; or, check out the VA's website at www.vancprop.com or contact County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440.