VA&R Report for August
Did you know recent studies suggests veterans are experiencing prostate cancer at a higher rate than the general population? This is a concerning trend that requires attention and action. Veterans must understand the increased risk and take steps to minimize it. The reasons for this increased risk are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to exposure to certain chemicals and toxins during military service. Veterans who served in Vietnam, for example, were exposed to Agent Orange, a herbicide that has been linked to several types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
Did you know Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to any sexual harassment or assault experienced by military service members during their time in service? This can include unwanted sexual advances, groping, rape, or any other form of sexual misconduct. MST can have significant impacts on the mental health and well-being of those who experience it, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Did you know veterans exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals while serving in the military would receive presumptive health care benefits under new legislation introduced in Congress?
Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint, Michigan reintroduced the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (VET PFAS Act), which would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover treatment of certain health conditions linked to PFAS exposure. Illnesses associated with PFAS exposure such as high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension would be considered “service-connected” injuries.
Did you know assisted living communities are places where veterans can reside in an apartment or a house room? There are many
benefits available for veterans. According to a recent research by BoomersHub, up to 44% of U.S. male seniors over 75 are veterans who can seek assisted living veteran benefits. Also, according to BoomersHub researcher and writer, "You can obtain assisted living benefits from the VA or apply for a veterans' home residency. Here, you can live out the rest of your days surrounded by veterans such as yourself.
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear a case on the handling of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs -- a proceeding that could provide additional education benefits for roughly 1.7 million veterans. The court announced recently that it would hear the case, Rudisill v. McDonough, which argues that service members enrolled in different versions of the GI Bill -- in Rudisill's case, the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill -- should be entitled to benefits under both programs up to a maximum of four years.
Did you know there is a new update regarding the VA funding fee? The VA funding fee is a fee that is charged to veterans who use their VA loan benefits to purchase a home. The fee is intended to help offset the cost of the VA loan program. The new update includes a reduction in the funding fee for certain veterans, as well as an exemptions for other veterans.
PTSD and tinnitus are the most common conditions reported by veterans in 2023 so far. PTSD is a mental health disorder that can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from anxiety and depression to flashbacks and nightmares. Hearing loss and tinnitus are also prevalent among veterans, often due to exposure to loud noises during combat. Back and neck issues are another common claim, often stemming from the physical demands of military service.
It’s been almost one year since President Biden signed The PACT Act into law, significantly expanding VA health care and benefits for veterans who faced toxic exposure during their service. There’s no deadline to enroll, but there is a deadline to get the benefits backdated. Veterans who apply by August 9, 2023, can have their new benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) are joining forces to tackle the alarming prevalence of hypertension among veterans. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Veterans, in particular, face disproportionately high rates of hypertension, making it crucial to address this issue and improve their cardiovascular health.
As a veteran, it is important to stay organized when filing claims for benefits. One way to do this is by using a claims checklist. This tool can help you keep track of all the necessary paperwork and documentation needed for your claim. By staying organized, you can ensure that your claim is processed efficiently and accurately. The claims checklist can also help you identify any missing information or documents, allowing you to gather them before submitting your claim. Overall, using a claims checklist is a practical way for veterans to manage the claims process and increase their chances of receiving the benefits they are entitled to.
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Did you know a VA renovation loan, sometimes called a VA rehab loan, allows veterans to finance both the purchase or refinance of a home and the cost of desired renovations? This loan type is ideal for veterans who want to buy a fixer-upper or upgrade their existing property to better suit their needs. By combining the purchase or refinance loan with the renovation funds, veterans can avoid the hassle of seeking separate financing for their home improvements. |
Please Remember………. That all gave some, but many gave all!