Author Archives: Laura

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About Laura

NW Vermont.

Decisions, decisions: Stay with the VA or move on? Enroll in the VA or Obamacare?

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Laura

I hope I haven’t made any gross errors in this post.   Please fact check everything because I am a layperson trying to figure this out like everyone else. KEY FACT FROM THE VA ACA WEBSITE THAT IS HIDDEN IN … Continue reading →

Posted in VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Short-term care in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), Medicare and VA benefits

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Laura

I’m left with more questions after looking into this but here goes.  Short-term care is defined as 90-100 days or under.  Medicare Part A (Hospital) stops paying for care at SNFs at day 101 and beyond: For Medicare, you pay … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VA to Vets: Health Care Act talking points

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Laura

This week, the VA mailed my DH a shiny FAQ and a form letter about the health care law. They are “sell sheets” for the VA.  Could the VA be concerned that too many veterans will drop out of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, VA Health Care, vA news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Tomorrow’s veterans at work (Sept. 1,2013)

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Laura

A true image of natural leadership and diplomacy from Army’s Flickrstream “U.S. Army Capt. Steven Pyles, of Fort Washington, Md., troop commander, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, speaks with local residents during a counter indirect … Continue reading →

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FDA approved FibroScan (R) in April 2013. But will the VA buy them?

Posted on September 8, 2013 by Laura

We wish this non-evasive technology had been available in the United States market ten years ago. Instead, my DH had to endure getting stabbed with a long fat needle while fully awake.  According to a press release, FibroScan® has been available … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, HCV Health, HCV Risks (documented) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Dogs bless you”: service dogs for veterans

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Laura

We are huge fans of sharing our lives with furry companions, at one time sharing our property with a rescued yellow lab, five rescued beagles and two rescued cats.  It could get really noisy when they howled in chorus to … Continue reading →

Posted in All about Veterans, Guest authors, Inspirational Veterans, Medical News, PTSD, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two HCV Public Service Announcements on Youtube

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Laura

Anyone seen these on TV?  I haven’t.  The medieval theme doesn’t make sense until the knight lifts his sword to the Silent Dragon. I think the Willie Nelson HCV PSA (public service announcement) is a more effective communication.  I also … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, HCV Health, HCV Risks (documented), Medical News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The VA Advance Directive

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Laura

The VA makes this advance directive available: VA Advance Directive Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will (VA Form 10-0137). This advance directive form is an official document where you can write down your preferences for your health … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Medical News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Lincoln: “…To care for him who has borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan…”

Posted on August 24, 2013 by Laura

My DH and I watched director Steven Spielberg’s movie, Lincoln, last night. It tells the story of how the Thirteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution was narrowly passed.  We found it to be a fine and inspiring movie and … Continue reading →

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Your veterans’ benefits, SSA benefits and the threat of the chained CPI

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Laura

AARP has been educating seniors on what politicians are up to with the Chained CPI, which is “a fancy Washington term that means cutting the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for social security and veterans benefits.  The cut would start now and grow … Continue reading →

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