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Board Founded By: Doc McKelvie
Founded: 09 Aug 2006
Moved to FPB: 29 April 2007
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Originaly Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 12:28 pm
By; DocMcKelvie
Today I thought I would simply dirext you to the DVA's homepage. Besides having links to the many individual parts of the DVA, there is an appeal out, at present for Volunteer Drivers for the vans supplied by the Disavled American Veterans (DAV). If you're available and interested then you should check this article out. Her's the DVA's homepage website: http://www.va.gov/ .
That's it for today folks. Take care and see you again ASAP.
Originaly Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:36 am
By: DocMcKelvie
Well the President and Congress finally did right for our veterans by passing and signing into law "S. 3421, the Veterans Benefits, Healthcare, and Information Technology Act of 2006". To learn more about what this new legislation means to vets go to this URL: http://www.military.com/veterans-report/president-signs-veterans-benefits-bill . To get the full "VETERANS REPORT", including other information that is important to our current active/reserve duty personnel, from Military.com go to this URL: http://www.military.com/NL_MR/1,14852,4040,00.html .
You can read the DVA's "VAnguard Magazine" online at the following URL: http://www.va.gov/opa/feature/vanguard/ . Also, if you want to catch up on what has been happening at thre DVA, you can read the DVA's news release for the period of 05/12/2006 to 05/01/2006 at this URL: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/index.cfm . Sorry if dates appear confusing; but this is how we post the dates on this side of the pond, dd/mm/yyyy.
That's it for the DVA today. See you again ASAP. Meanwhile, take care and all my best to you and yours.
Secretary Nicholson: Increase Protects Purchasing Power
WASHINGTON – Millions of veterans and eligible family members will see their disability compensation, pension, and survivors' benefits increased as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an annual cost-of-living increase for key benefits.
"We want all veterans with disabilities related to the defense of our country to receive the benefits they have earned," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "With this increase, we ensure their payments keep pace with the cost of living."
A recent law signed by President Bush provides a 3.3 percent increase in disability compensation and survivors' benefits. Eligible veterans and family members will see this increase starting in their January 2007 checks.
Under the veterans disability compensation program, tax-free payments will generally range from $115 to $2,471 per month depending on the degree of disability. Special payments up to $7,070 per month apply to the most severely injured veterans.
Pension disability benefits will also be increased by the same percentage and effective on the same date. The maximum annual rate for permanently and totally disabled veterans can range from $10,929 to $18,234. Payments under this program are based on household income.
This increase also applies to survivors of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) survivors’ benefit payments can range from $1,067 to $2,443 per month.
Survivors of wartime veterans receiving death pension are also entitled to an increase. The maximum annual payment rate for a surviving spouse can range from $7,329 to $11,715. Benefits under this program are intended to bring an eligible spouse’s income to a level established by law.
Under each benefit program, additional allowances may be payable for helpless, minor or school age children.
For more information about VA benefits and services, go to VA’s website at www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
Originaly Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:24 pm
By: Scottish Lady
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2007
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1271
VA Health Care System Outscores Private Sector Again
Secretary Nicholson Cites Seven Years of Success
WASHINGTON -- For the seventh straight year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has received significantly higher marks than the private health care industry on a leading independent survey of customer satisfaction.
“Our patients are the best judges of our health care system, and for the seventh consecutive year, VA has received high marks from its customers in this independent study,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “This study reaffirms VA’s success in providing world-class health care to our nation’s veterans.”
The annual results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) also showed that overall satisfaction of patients for both inpatient and outpatient services increased last year at VA medical facilities.
The new ACSI survey results showed that the VA scored 84 percent in customer satisfaction for inpatient services, up one point from the 2005 rating. The rating of 82 percent for outpatient care was two points higher than last year’s mark. VA significantly outscored the private sector in both categories, by 10 points for inpatient care, and eight points for outpatient care.
Inpatient and outpatient scores on the 100-point scale also were significantly higher than the average of 71 percent for inpatient and 73 percent for outpatient services for other federal health care systems.
VA also scored 94 percent for “veterans loyalty” and 91 percent for customer service, each a one-point increase over those figures for 2005.
“It is very gratifying to know that our veteran patients think so highly of our care,” said Dr. Michael J. Kussman, Acting Under Secretary for Health. “Our goal is to provide veterans with the best possible health care. And we’re doing just that.”
The 2006 survey included 260 inpatients discharged in September and 260 outpatients who received care in September. The report was produced by the National Quality Research Center at the University of Michigan Business School and the Federal Consulting Group.
The ACSI survey is the latest recognition of VA’s high-quality care. Earlier this year, VA won the prestigious “Innovations in American Government” Award from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government for its advanced electronic health records system and performance measurement system.
Originaly Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:27 pm
By: Scottish Lady
VA Secretary Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
January 12, 2007
Civil Rights Pioneer “Dignified the Service” of All
WASHINGTON -- In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday Monday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson recommitted the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to the civil rights pioneer’s vision of equality and justice.
In a speech given to VA employees, Nicholson said, “Dr. King’s selflessness as a soldier for equality mirrors the courage and bravery of black Americans who have answered liberty’s call for heroes, even when the society around them denied them their basic rights.”
African Americans make up about a quarter of VA’s 230,000 employees. More than 2.6 million black Americans are veterans.
“I believe that Dr. King would approve of VA’s ministry to America’s defenders,” Nicholson added. “He would know that today, in affirmation of his challenge -- to work passionately and unrelentingly to make the American dream a reality -- VA employees of every race and creed are dignifying the service of those Americans who stepped forward to answer freedom’s call.”
VA’s programs for African Americans and other minority members include special outreach programs overseen by the Department’s Center for Minority Veterans, an Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans that advises the secretary on issues affecting these veterans, and efforts by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to help businesses owned by minority veterans learn how to obtain government contracts.
“Dr. King closed his famous letter from the Birmingham jail with this hope that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty,” Nicholson concluded. “Such radiant stars shine every day across VA’s vast constellation.”
Secretary Nicholson hosted an observance ceremony for Dr. King at VA's headquarters yesterday in Washington, D.C., where Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, was a featured guest.
Originaly Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:28 pm
By: Scottish Lady
VA Helps Disabled Veterans Take to the Slopes
January 16, 2007
“Examples for Us All” at Winter Sports Clinic: Secretary Nicholson
WASHINGTON – Recently wounded veterans from the Global War on Terror will be among 350 disabled veterans who will ski the Rocky Mountains at the 21st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo. from April 1-6.
“The daily courage and determination of these true American heroes are examples for us all,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “The men and women of the Department of Veterans Affairs are proud to serve these wounded and disabled veterans on their path to recovery.”
The annual winter clinic is a rehabilitation program open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injuries or disease, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions, orthopedic amputations or other disabilities, who receive care at any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility.
Last year, more than 55 newly injured OIF/OEF veterans challenged themselves against the slopes and joined in fellowship with other veterans at the clinic.
During the six-day program, veterans will learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and be introduced to a variety of other adaptive activities and sports, such as rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling and sled hockey. The U.S. Secret Service will also teach a course on self-defense for people with disabilities.
Most notably, however, the clinic will again offer a training and development program designed for top-level skiers. The program has been made possible through an agreement with the United States Olympic Committee and is used to identify potential Paralympic athletes.
Jointly sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the clinic is hosted each year by the Grand Junction (Colo.) VA Medical Center and VA’s Rocky Mountain Network.
“Once again, our friends in DAV are lending their compassion and their first-hand experiences to help at this special event,” Nicholson said. “VA relies on strong partners like DAV to maintain the high quality of our services.”
Known for inspiring "Miracles on the Mountainside," the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic shows that the lives of veterans who have a variety of disabilities can be changed forever when they discover the challenges they can overcome, Nicholson added.
“The DAV is proud to team with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide this opportunity for so many brave, wounded warriors,” said DAV National Commander Bradley S. Barton. “It is truly a miracle to see the transformation take place on that mountain as these men and women push themselves to the limit and rehabilitate both body and mind.”
VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with recreational therapy programs at each of its 155 hospitals. DAV, which has co-sponsored the event since 1991, is a nonprofit, congressionally chartered veterans service organization, with a membership of more than one million wartime disabled veterans.
# # #
Further Information:
Jenny Tankersley Ballou, VA public affairs coordinator for the Winter Sports Clinic, (757) 728-3450; Rob Lewis, DAV Communications, (859) 442-2049; or log on to the event’s web site at: http://www.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2007/default.cfm.
People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe to the VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution List.
Originaly Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:36 pm
By: Scottish Lady
VA Expands Service at Idaho Clinic
January 16, 2007
Secretary Nicholson: World-Class Care Accessible to More Veterans
WASHINGTON -- Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson recently approved the expansion of health care services and a new facility for veterans in Lewiston, Idaho.
“By opening for longer hours and improving the range of available services, we are making VA’s world class health care more accessible for veterans,” Nicholson said. “These improvements will allow veterans to receive more timely care from primary care providers closer to home in Lewiston.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in 750 square feet of rented space in Lewiston. The parent facility for the Lewiston CBOC is the VA medical center in Walla Walla, Wash., about 110 miles from Lewiston.
About 1,700 veterans from a four-county area surrounding Lewiston traveled to VA’s Walla Walla facility for health care last year. In order to improve access to primary care and primary mental health care for those patients, VA will relocate the clinic into a larger space with approximately 3,500 square feet. and extend hours from two days per month to a full five day, 40 hours per week operation.
The expanded space will accommodate a primary care team, a primary mental health provider and support staff. Mental health services would include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse group clinics.
With Secretary Nicholson’s approval, VA’s Walla Walla medical center can now begin the lease acquisition process. A completion date has not been set.
Originaly Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:38 pm
By: Scottish Lady
Journal Article Praises VA Health Care
January 17, 2007
Secretary Nicholson: Further Proof of VA’s Top Quality Care
WASHINGTON -- “One of the most striking examples of American health care success” -- that is one medical journal’s recent assessment of the health care system operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The most recent tribute to VA’s health care system came in an article in the medical journal Neurology.
“The quality of VA’s health care system is recognized by medical professionals and, most importantly, by veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “Repeatedly, the medical community holds up VA’s health care system as a model.”
“The VA has achieved remarkable improvements in patient care and health outcomes, and is a cost-effective and efficient organization,” according to the journal. For example, the article cited VA's comprehensive coverage and said it is especially suited to manage chronic disease.
Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Health, said the article underscores the Department’s commitment to high quality patient care.
“This shows that VA’s health system is recognized internationally as the benchmark for health care services,” Dr. Kussman said. “It further demonstrates that our commitment to high quality care is benefiting the men and women who have earned the best possible care through service to our country.”
The Neurology article is the second recent study citing the quality of VA health care. In December, a comprehensive study by Harvard Medical School said federal and military hospitals, such as those run by the VA, provide the best care available anywhere for some of the most common life-threatening illnesses.
In 2006, VA received the prestigious “Innovations in American Government” Award from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government for its advanced electronic health records and performance measurement system.
Oriiginaly Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:40 pm
By: Scottish Lady
Harvard Gives Federal Hospitals Top Grades
January 18, 2007
Secretary Nicholson: Second Accolade for VA from Prestigious School
WASHINGTON – A comprehensive study by Harvard Medical School concludes that federal hospitals, including those run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provide the best care available anywhere for some of the most common life-threatening illnesses.
“This recognition by Harvard should assure veterans of the quality of VA’s world-class health care system,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “Veterans have earned only the best. And we can prove that’s exactly what VA is providing.”
The study was published December 11 in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a journal for health care professionals. Researchers looked at congestive heart failure, heart attack and pneumonia across the health care industry and found that patients in federal facilities are more likely to receive high-quality care than those in for-profit hospitals.
Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Health, said the report is the latest example of VA setting standards for health care in the United States.
“This study further demonstrates that VA is providing high quality health care to veterans,” Dr. Kussman said. “Our computerized system of electronic health records and performance measurement means that veterans are getting the top-level care and treatment they have earned through service to our country.”
The study found that hospitals operated by the federal government and the military received higher performance ratings than other hospitals studied. A large percentage of federal hospitals are operated by VA.
“This suggests that lessons learned from (VA’s) decades-long experience in quality improvement deserve further study,” said Dr. Bruce Landon of Harvard, the study’s lead author.
The study assessed the quality of care for congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction – commonly referred to as heart attack -- and pneumonia in more than 4,000 hospitals in the United States.
The Harvard Medical School study is the latest recognition of the high quality of VA health care. In 2006, VA received a prestigious “Innovations in American Government” Award from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government for its advanced electronic health records and performance measurement system.
Originaly Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:42 pm
By: Scottish Lady
VA’s Electronic Patient Records Are a Model to Industry
January 19, 2007
Care is Better and Cheaper, Says Secretary Nicholson
WASHINGTON -- Computerized patient records, like the system pioneered at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the 1990s and now covering all of VA’s 7.6 million enrolled patients, can improve the quality of care, save lives and conserve important health care dollars, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.
“A doctor, nurse or other health care provider can use the VA system to update a patient’s history, place orders, review tests and enter new data from a visit or a procedure,” Nicholson said. “All of this information is available wherever patients are seen -- in acute settings, clinics, exam rooms, nursing stations and offices.”
Nicholson, who oversees the nation’s largest integrated health care system, spoke Friday in Houston at a conference sponsored by Dell Inc. on “Advancing E-Health.” He also officiated at the opening of a new state-of-the-art surgical suite at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.
Based largely upon VA’s success, President Bush announced a plan in 2004 to make electronic health records the norm for most Americans within 10 years.
“My Department knows that the President’s initiative is one that will save lives and revolutionize the quality, safety and effectiveness of health care across American, because it has done so at VA,” Nicholson continued. “And the amazing thing is that, with electronic health records, better quality care actually costs less.”
Between 17 percent and 49 percent of all laboratory tests in the private sector are needlessly performed because of missing paperwork. One of every five medication doses in typical private-sector hospitals and skilled nursing homes is given in error, the VA Secretary noted, with 7 percent of those errors potentially life-threatening.
“With VA’s electronic health records and other computerized systems, we have almost eliminated prescription errors and the need to duplicate lab tests,” Nicholson added.
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