Tag Archives: Veterans Benefits

VAOIG’s TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL REPORT OUT

As usual about this time every year, the VA’s Office of Inspector Gadget has to engage in puffed shirtery and extol their virtues to any who will pause to listen. Old growth trees are sacrificed on the altar of expediency … Continue reading

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THANKSGIVING FACEPLACE

It’s that most beautiful time of the year. I’m on Day 150 of 168. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and summer is behind us. The greenhouse is popping with the winter lettuce and Pak Choy. No typo there. All … Continue reading

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Arizona Veteran receiving non-VA emergency care screwed by private hospital and the VA

When a veteran is enrolled in VA, and Medicare (original or Medicare Advantage), and then is rushed to a non-VA hospital in an emergency (as advised by the VA), what is supposed to happen? Is he responsible for the portion … Continue reading

Posted in Guest authors, Medical News, Medicare for VETS, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained, vA news, VA+ Social Security | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Poor VHA business practices hurt all veterans

In 2012, OIG determined that the VHA had mismanaged its Medical Care Collections Fund (MCCF) program.  They write:  VHA is authorized to bill third-party health insurance for covered health care provided to veterans at VA and non-VA medical facilities. The MCCF program … Continue reading

Posted in Guest authors, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained, vA news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

PRESUMPTION JUNCTION, WHAT’S YOUR FUNCTION?

Shades of Sesame Street. Now you’re going to have that antique ditty running through your brain for a week. Presumptions. This seems to be the new lightning rod of Veterans Law. VA has always held a royal flush in this game … Continue reading

Posted in Presumption of Regularity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Another strategy for getting veteran-related questions answered clearly

I’ve often been impressed with the clarity of reports written by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) at the Library of Congress (LOC).  I had a few questions about Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions  (2/24/14) and sent an … Continue reading

Posted in Guest authors, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

VETERANS DAY 2014

I was beseiged this afternoon with emails asking if my joke posting for today was all I planned on putting up. Well, not exactly. That space was supposed to be occupied by a long story with photos of Butch Long … Continue reading

Posted in Inspirational Veterans, KP Veterans, Veterans Day, Vietnam War history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

CAVC–PROFFER V. McDONALD–TAILORING THE PRESUMPTION

I have written of reversals about all manner of cases. I have written of the Presumption of Regularity and it’s increasing importance in jurisprudence where the VA is fond of telling the truth partially but fudging on the “and they lived happily ever after.” … Continue reading

Posted in CAVC Knowledge, CAVC ruling, Presumption of Regularity, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Focused VA dental care for Class III and Class VI veterans

This post is a follow-up to July post, HCV infection and veterans’ oral health.  Can we decipher this VA-speak together? The Fact Sheet, Dental Benefits for Veterans (IB 10-442, February 2014) lists the eligibility for different veterans by class.  These classes are described in VHA … Continue reading

Posted in Guest authors, HCV Risks (documented), Medical News, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mileage exception for “geographically challenged” veterans in NH, Alaska & Hawaii

When I first read about the 40-mile distance from place of residence as the standard for the Veterans Choice Act, I assumed, as did many, that meant 40-miles from a VA hospital.  Wrong! …Veterans may qualify based on their place … Continue reading

Posted in Guest authors, Medical News, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments