TAPS TEAMS UP WITH GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY TO HELP BEREAVEMENT PROFESSIONALS
Caregivers assisting children, veterans, military families, military survivors & people going through life transitions to benefit from 3-day training July 22-24 in coping with grief and loss.
WASHINGTON – Comforting a grieving child whose lost a parent, helping a veteran struggling with the death of a friend, reaching out to support the family of a fallen soldier, and supporting people coping with major live transitions are challenging for social workers, counselors, pastors, and other caregivers. READ MORE »
DEADLINE TO OPT-IN TO PTSD LAWSUIT FAST APPROACHING
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans diagnosed with PTSD resulting in a discharge from active duty between 2002 and 2008 have until July 24, 2010 to file their paperwork and opt-in to the class action lawsuit filed by the National Veterans Legal Services Program. Qualifying veterans stand to receive additional benefits but time is running out for thousands of veterans who qualify for help through the lawsuit, and some could miss out on this opportunity to get their benefits improved and upgraded.
SECRETARY SHINSEKI ANNOUNCES NEW PTSD DISABILITY CLAIMS PROCESS IN OP-ED
In an editorial published on July 12 in USA Today, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki announced the implementation of new guidelines for the adjudication of veterans’ disability claims for PTSD. Based on research conducted by the Institute of Medicine that found an inherent link between PTSD and service in a combat zone. The new regulation takes effect July 13, 2010 applying both to all claims after that date as well as claims received prior to July 13 that have yet to be adjudicated. READ MORE »
VA SET TO CHANGE PTSD DISABILITY COMPENSATION PROCESS AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK
WASHINGTON (Stars and Stripes) — Veterans could find an easier path to receiving disability payments for post-traumatic stress disorder under new rules expected to take effect as early as next week.
The policy change, in the works at the Department of Veterans Affairs for months, would reduce the burden of proof on claiming stress disorders related to their time in the military. Advocacy groups have been pushing for the change for years, saying existing rules cheat many former servicemembers out of rightful compensation. READ MORE »
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR WOUNDED WARRIOR FAMILY CAMP
The National Military Family Association is now accepting applications for its 2010 Operation Purple Healing Adventures program. The Program will take place at Olympic Park Institute in Port Angeles, Washington from August 23-27. Set in the heart of Olympic National Park on the shores of Lake Crescent, Olympic Park Institute offers families the opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Families will canoe on the lake, experience fly fishing, and enjoy exploring the camp’s beautiful surroundings with outdoor educators. READ MORE »
LAWMAKERS CALL FOR VA OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL TO BETTER SERVE VETERANS
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, June 30, 2010, Chairman [Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations] Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) conducted a hearing to evaluate the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The hearing marks the first Congressional oversight hearing on the OGC in more than three decades.
