Douglas Karr, Petty Officer Second Class, United States Navy Veteran
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Veterans Blog
Important information about the flu vaccine & veterans
With the approaching flu season almost underway, the VA will offer any veteran 65 years or older, or those with chronic respiratory problems the high-dose flu vaccine. This particular vaccine will include three strains of the flu, including the H1N1.The high-dose vaccine will reduce the number of elderly patients sickened or killed by influenza this year.
Dr. Marvin Bittner, acting chief of infectious diseases for the VA’s Nebraska-Western Iowa regions said, “he and other physicians in the region this year considered what would best protect senior citizens against the flu. Our answer was high-dose.”
For veterans who may have been in contact with asbestos, while serving on military ship are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Patients with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that forms in the lungs and abdomen, should take full advantage of the high-dose vaccine, for these veterans are especially susceptible to all strains of the flu.
Lyle Cave, Army veteran who uses VA medical services said, “he’s satisfied that the higher does is right for him if that’s what his doctor recommends.”
The high-dose vaccine will be for VA members, especially those who may have come into contact with asbestos free of charge at their local VA. The 21 VA regions are the only facilities that will automatically offer the high-dose vaccine to senior citizens, and mesothelioma patients.
Dr. Rich Martinello of Washington, D.C. said, “I think that there’s enough data right now that I personally am enthusiastic about it.”
The dust may have settled, but the impact of 9/11/01 still lingers on
As the ninth anniversary of the attacks on America approaches, people throughout our country are feeling sad, or angry, and are taking time to reflect on how our nation has changed since that day. There are obvious changes, like the war against terror that America became involved in not long after 9/11, or the empty space in Manhattan amidst tall skyscrapers where three structural landmarks once stood like beacons.
But it’s the less-obvious impacts of 9/11 that I want to call to your attention today. Like the first five Ground Zero workers and first responders to pass away in 2009 following illnesses attributed to toxic exposures. Like the longterm health worries that other workers and New Yorker’s who lived and worked nearby have to deal with because close to 2 million tons of debris released an immeasurable amount of toxins, including asbestos and benzene, into the air surrounding Ground Zero for days, weeks, and months after the attack. Like the fact that the House shot down a bill that would have allocated billions of dollars to those who are suffering due the dust that hung over Manhattan nine years ago.
An anniversary, by definition, is a “day that commemorates and/or celebrates a past event.” While we often think about September 11, 2001 and feel sad, it’s important, too, to think about how this tragedy has brought us together as a country, and as communities, and as families.
As soon as they heard about what had happened, thousands of regular Americans packed a bag, got into their car, and began driving towards New York City. Some were volunteer firefighters, some were doctors, some were construction workers – and some were people who just felt compelled to be there and serve others. Firefighters and police from all over New York City and the entire state, who consider other first responders to be their brothers or sisters, left their families and headed to Ground Zero to assist with the recovery of survivors, and eventually, bodies.
Members of the military volunteered, providing security and other duties at Ground Zero. It was a time when Americans were proud to live in our country, and suddenly felt a sense of kinship with their neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers.
People began to act differently. Teenagers hugged their parents. People offered to carry someone else’s bag of groceries to their car at the supermarket. Neighbors who saw each other every day but rarely took the time to socialize began to say hello in the morning. Everyone, even those who had little themselves, wanted to know what they could do to help. Donations in the form of money, supplies and more were pouring in to the American Red Cross.
What we must remember is that there will always be adversity. As the greatest nation in the world, it is to be expected. How we behaved in the minutes, days, months, and now years after 9/11/01 is how we must always behave: selfless, generous, caring, and tolerant. Other groups wanted to cripple America nine years ago, but here we are, still free We’re still free, and since 9/11, we’ve given the lives of our military men and women in order to try and free others living in countries who do not have the opportunities and fortunes that we do. What does that say about our country, do you think? I think it says that we will not be broken, and we will rise from the ashes of any great tragedy that we endure.
Please take some time today to think about those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and to think about how we can do our best as Americans to honor those lives each day.
VA sending letters to beneficiaries of military members
The Dept. of Veterans Affairs has confirmed that it has sent 10,000 letters to the beneficiaries of military members with life insurance policies in an effort to clear up confusion surrounding a number of issues, including death benefits provided through what is called an “Alliance Account.”
In addition, the VA is creating a group of experts who will be responsible for reviewing the current life insurance program. Prudential Financial, Inc. covers the program, which includes accounts similar to money-market accounts that are put in place to help surviving family members of deceased military men and women cover funeral and other costs.
A spokesperson for Prudential says that the company “continues to work with VA to address the concerns that have been raised’ regarding the handling of these accounts.
In July, the mother of a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan went public with concerns that she was being “misled” by the VA, which prompted NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to call for further investigation of the current death benefit practices. Right now, Prudential places earnings into money-market-esque accounts belonging to military members and then provides the beneficiary with a checkbook that they can use to withdraw funds. If the beneficiary wants, they can write a check immediately and deposit the money into a different account. Some prefer to receive a check in the mail, but this is only done by request.
Beneficiaries receive interest rates dictated by the money-market industry, and Prudential guarantees a minimum rate of over 0.5 percent per year. They have provided the military with life insurance services for over 45 years. The Alliance Accounts were introduced in 1999. A letter introducing the program promised to “better serve beneficiaries.”
Some critics of the death benefit accounts offered by the VA and Prudential say that they are “deceptive” because they allow the insurers to hold off on paying the benefits while they earn investment gains on the funds.
About 60,000 accounts are currently active, and the money within is guaranteed to be “secure” and “available” at any time to the beneficiary. The military offers coverage up to the amount of $400,000 per military member.
The recent letters distributed to beneficiaries more clearly described the offerings of the Alliance Account and provided additional information to those concerned about their account.
Veterans can seek free legal assistance through Project Salute
A great program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in partnership with the university’s Veterans Law Clinic, is working to address the many legal needs of Michigan veterans. Project Salute focuses on helping vets obtain pension and disability benefits by providing them with education, representation by a law student and in some cases, referrals to attorneys who will work pro bono.
Project Salute has hosted over 65 clinics for vets in 2010, and they have 35 more scheduled for the fall, according to the project’s executive director, Tammy Kudialis.
“More than 36,00 troops have been wounded in action, and all of those veterans need our help,” she says. “You may think of the Veterans’ Administration helping older veterans who served in Vietnam, Korea and even World War II but Afghanistan is the longest running war in U.S. history.”
Kudialis believes that the work of Project Salute sends an important message of support to the veterans they assist,
“They had our back when our country needed defending,” she says, “And now we need to have their back. That’s why we do this.”
As the number of men and women returning home and becoming veteran’s increases, the work of these kinds of veteran-assistance organizations is crucial. Many of the vets that receive help from Project Salute are suffering from various illnesses and require medical help – help that many of them could just not afford without disability and pension checks. Most vets currently receiving aid from the project are Vietnam vets, but Kudialis expects that to change. Often, a veteran becomes ill and needs help maneuvering the VA system in order to obtain the benefits they desperately require, and that’s where Project Salute shines.
The project’s volunteer lawyers and law school students host monthly training programs on the web for other potential volunteers, which provide training on the many ways they can assist the veterans. About one hundred second and third-year law students from the University of Detroit participate in the project, and many handle client cases on their own. Volunteers, though, come from a diverse background: there are corporate attorneys from firms on the Fortune 500 list, and there are lawyers operating their own, smaller firms.
Many of the volunteers are family members of veterans or members of the military who are currently serving. Volunteer training is available online in either eight-hour or three-hour programs. There is undoubtedly a lot to learn about the numerous services offered to vets through the VA.
There are an estimated 90,000 new cases filed by vets seeking benefits annually, and more than 200,000 cases are currently pending. “Seeing some of these cases makes you feel heartbroken,” Kudialis says.
That’s why, this fall, Project Salute will continue its mission to assist Michigan veterans, and will be present at two big upcoming events: one in Kalamazoo in October and another coming up in Detroit next month. A group of volunteers from Ford will also be training new volunteers at the Detroit VA Hospital and Center this fall. Vets will have the opportunity to meet with lawyers who can answer questions about navigating the VA benefits system. The project will also be assisting clients at Highland Park’s Piquette Square, a housing development built solely to house veterans.
The project makes its way across the country in their “Mobile Law Office,” or MLO, a thirty-one foot traveling office donated by General Motors. Since 2008, the MLO has allowed Project Salute to connect with veterans in thirteen states, twenty-two cities, across a 35,000 mile span. Kudialis’s father drives the MLO, and her mother handles the administrative duties. Her husband, a Navy veteran, is also a part of Project Salute.
The MLO allows law students to become directly involved with clients, and now, across the nation, Project Salute has connected with many attorneys who are willing to provide free legal services to the project’s veteran clients. Kudialis hopes to continue establishing partnerships with attorneys willing to work for free.
“It’s a program that is so necessary, and yet you may not think of [it] when you’re looking for pro bono work as a lawyer,” she says.
The next online training seminar for attorneys will be September 23rd, and those interested can register for this and other webinars by visiting the Project Salute Events page. You can also make a donation by visiting their website.
Thanks to the Traverse City Record-Eagle for sharing this story.
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AMVETS 2010 symposium brings together hundreds of vets with a focus on health issues
The American Veterans (AMEVETS) 2010 Symposium for 21st Century Veterans was held from August 9-11th in Louisville, Kentucky, and brought together over one hundred young war veterans to discuss a range of issues, including health benefits.
Also on the agenda were discussions about health care and the transition from active duty back into civilian life. The symposium was sponsored by Health Net Federal Services. This year, it was held in tandem with the AMVETS 66th National Convention, which is attended by veterans of all ages along with their children, spouses and even grandchildren.
The goal of the symposium was to “meet the changing needs of a new generation of wartime veterans.” Steve Tough of Health Net said that “we commend AMVET’s dedication to being a leader in the discussion by recommending opportunities to better serve veterans returning from current conflicts.”
A diverse group of post-9/11 vets were invited to participate in a number of forums in an effort to pinpoint the issues facing the newest group of veterans (the last symposium was held in ’06). The outcome was a report that will serve as a guide for various veteran-support agencies. Vets held discussions in small group settings and focused on issues including the G.I. Bill, PTSD and suicide prevention, and women’s health care.
Many veterans did not have to pay out of pocket to attend the symposium, as their attendance costs were sponsored by donors.
Back in 2006, the report following the symposium revealed much different challenges and issues for veterans, but some recurring issues included struggles to obtain health care benefits, delayed payments for veteran college tuition, pay rate discrepancies following their return to the workforce, and general issues obtaining and keeping a civilian job.
While these are all present issues for post-9/11 vets, the issue of mesothelioma and other cancers that may be tied to exposures sustained during military service may not arise for decades. Mesothelioma cancer is a disease that WWII veterans are especially familiar with (and at least 30% of vets diagnosed happened to be Navy vets!), as asbestos exposure was prevalent during WWII. Mesothelioma takes years to develop and once a vet is diagnosed, treatment options like chemo are just a matter of keeping the patient comfortable and trying to delay the inevitable for as long as possible.
Perhaps at the 2050 symposium, veterans who joined the military following 9/11 and had been living as civilians for decades will be discussing their new concerns about asbestos cancer. For now, veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where asbestos exposure still occurs, can remain hopeful that by the time they are in their seventies or eighties, there will be a mesothelioma cure. Those who find themselves struggling with this disease now are sadly not as fortunate.
For more information about this year’s symposium, visit AMVETS.org. To learn about the many ways in which military asbestos exposure impacts vets, visit our Veterans and Mesothelioma section.
VA updates information on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses
The Dept. of Veteran Affairs has released additional information for veterans with Gulf War Illness, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War. For those vets who served but do not yet receive the Gulf War Review newsletter [download it here], here’s some important information:
Almost 700,000 men and women participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm between 1990 and 1991, during the Gulf War. Since their return, a quarter of these vets have developed illnesses believed to be related to toxic exposures sustained during the Gulf War conflict. The VA calls these diseases “Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses.”
Vets who suffer from these illnesses are eligible for VA healthcare benefits and disability compensation. Many of the illnesses Gulf War vets face are, according to the VA, unexplainable, but research has shown that exposure to burn pits, depleted uranium, pesticides, biological and chemical warfare agents, oil well fire smoke, petroleum, anti-nerve agents, [Pyridostigmine bromide] and several different vaccinations, including anthrax and botulinum toxoid may be the cause of illness in Gulf War vets.
Gulf War vets can receive a health examination that will determine their eligibility to receive healthcare for illnesses associated with their service from the VA. It’s free of cost, very comprehensive, and following the exam, a VA healthcare professional will discuss the results with you, face-to-face. Illnesses associated with the above exposures include but are not limited to:
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Symptoms of these and other related diseases include weight loss, cardiovascular problems, ongoing fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain, respiratory problems, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, menstrual issues in female vets, neurological issues, and more.
As a new category of Gulf War veterans – those who have served in OEF/OIF - the VA is continuing to monitor Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses. Vets in Iraq and Afghanistan endure many of the same exposures mentioned previously, but may also develop illnesses as a result of exposure to CARC paint, chromium, and toxic embedded fragments [including depleted uranium].
In addition, OEF/OIF veterans may have been exposed to carcinogenic asbestos while they served overseas. Asbestos exposure is the only conclusive cause of the fatal cancer known as mesothelioma, which plagues countless veterans [especially WWII vets]. While mesothelioma navy cases are the highest, veterans from all branches may be at risk. Mesothelioma has a latency period of up to fifty years, so veterans may not exhibit any symptoms until their well into their seventies or eighties. By then, it’s often tedious to determine just where they were exposed to asbestos. More information about how asbestos affects those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan may be found by visiting our Asbestos Exposure in Iraq information section.
To learn more about Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses, go to the VA website and search for “Gulf War.”
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VA adjusts medical marijuana policy
Veterans being treated with medical marijuana no longer need to worry about being cut from veteran benefit plans. The change comes from a departmental directive from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs stating that veterans prescribed medical marijuana in the 14 states where the practice is legal may not lose eligibility for VA health plans.
The new policy does outline several limitations. VA physicians may not prescribe the drug to be used in VA facilities, and the Veterans Association will not pay for the marijuana.
While the new policy does state that no veteran may be cut from VA programs because of their medical marijuana treatments, the Veteran Health Administration reserves the right to alter treatment plans for those prescribed. Such changes will be made on an individual basis.
The rule only applies to the 14 states where medical marijuana is legal, as it is an illegal drug according to federal law. Such states include California, Colorado, New Jersey and Washington. Further, the use of the drug may only be prescribed for specific conditions including glaucoma, chemotherapy-induced nausea, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and chronic pain.
Vets find themselves suffering from a number of diseases and cancers that can be associated with toxic exposures sustained during their time in the military, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure – and there was no shortage of opportunity to be exposed while in the military. Vets may have been exposed while living in base housing [asbestos was found in common materials like floor and ceiling tiles and drywall] or while working and living on board naval ships. In fact, there are hundreds of Navy ships confirmed to have contained asbestos, and as a result, mesothelioma navy cases are the highest. Asbestos may also have been found in military weapons, vehicles, and airplanes. Not to mention that asbestos was found in a brand of cigarettes popular with veterans – any older vets remember Kent cigarettes? There was asbestos in the filters of their cigs manufactured and sold between 1952 and ’56!
While the use of marijuana for medical conditions is still controversial, the VA has decided to address it in an effort to best-serve their veterans. According to the VA, the policy on medical marijuana use will stand until July 2015.
For more veteran news and updates, follow us on Twitter @veteransblog and connect with us on Facebook.
Bunkers in Baghdad - a favorite military support organization!
If you haven’t already checked out our popular Twitter account, head on over to Twitter.com/veteransblog and follow us! We have 711 of the best following us for daily updates, including news, quotes and more of interest to the veteran and military community. We’re also on Facebook, so if you’re into social media become a fan of our Facebook page – we post links and other information there as well.
Today I rediscovered one of the coolest military support charities while browsing my Twitter updates – Bunkers in Baghdad (bunkerstweets on Twitter) is a non-for-profit charity based out of Buffalo, NY that collects both used and new golf equipment – shoes, golf balls, clubs, etc. – and sends them over to our men and women protecting our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have shipped over an impressive 1,000,000 golf balls and over 35,000 clubs in less than two years!
What’s so great about this organization is that their efforts allow wounded soldiers to incorporate the game of golf into the rehab programs. It’s what the organization calls “a slice of home” for the folks who have to be away from home.
Bunkers in Baghdad also provide golf equipment for many Wounded Warriors Programs nationwide.
If you’re interested in supporting this organization, here’s what you can do:
Make a monetary donation: visit their donate page to submit a cash or credit card donation.
Donate golf equipment: send your donations to the following address, or drop it off at the following locations if you happen to be in the area:
Mail:
Bunkers in Baghdad, Inc. Attn: Joe Hanna, President
665 Main Street Suite 400
Buffalo, NY 14203
Drop Off Locations:
The Goldberg Segalla LLP offices at 665 Main Street, Fourth Floor in Buffalo
Storage unit in Grand Island, NY (call Joe Hanna to schedule a drop off time)
Buy a Box:
The Bunkers Buddies program allows students from middle schools in the Western NY area to ship boxes of golf balls right to the troops using a special rate from the US Postal Service. Each box costs $15. Students can fill the box up with 200 golf balls, cards, and letters to the troops. Checks for boxes sent through the Bunkers Buddies program can be mailed to the address above to the attention of Joe Hanna.
To become a Bunkers in Baghdad partner, or for any additional information, you can call President Joe Hanna at 716-566-5447 or email him at jhanna@goldbergsegalla.com.
I love to find out about new organizations that are strictly devoted to boosting the morale of our men and women overseas. Thanks to Joe Hanna and all who support this charity!
Vets may be eligible to receive hearing aids, glasses through VA
A friend of the veterans’ blog wanted me to share this important information with veterans in the Houston County area of Minnesota.
Rob Gross, Director of Houston County Veteran Services, says that a large number of vets are eligible to receive hearing aids and eye glasses through a VA medical center. Those eligible must meet at least one of the following requirements:
Must have a compensable service-connected disability
Must have been a former POW
Must have received a Purple Heart service award
Must be receiving benefits under Title 28 of US Code (U.S.C.) 1151
Must be in receipt of an increased pension due to the fact that they are homebound and require regular assistance
Those who have vision or hearing loss or impairment connected to diseases and chronic medical conditions for which the vet is receiving care at a VA medical center, or a condition that occurred following treatment for another illness, i.e. stroke, brain injury, etc.
Those with evident functional or cognitive issues that affect the veteran’s ability to perform daily tasks
Those who have vision or hearing impairments so significant that they interfere with their daily lives, including participation in medical treatment
Those who have service-connected vision disabilities rated zero percent or service-connected hearing issues rated zero percent
For veterans who are interested in learning more about their eligibility, the first step is to verify your enrollment in the VA Healthcare Network. Enrollment permits the vet to receive both inpatient and outpatient services ranging from immunizations to surgery to mental health services.
Vets in Houston County can call 507-725-5805 to enroll or ask questions regarding VA Healthcare Network available services.
Many vets face hearing and vision loss, especially in their older years. But there are also other, perhaps more serious health risks that all veterans face, and that is the development of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that occurs in the lining of the heart, lungs or abdomen. Mesothelioma is caused by previous asbestos exposure, and countless vets were exposed while serving on naval ships, while working on military vehicles or planes, and while living in aging military housing. Many veterans receive a mesothelioma diagnosis each year, and 30% of them happen to be Navy vets.
It’s crucial that vets – as well as active military personnel – monitor their respiratory health. Mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases have long latency periods, as long as fifty years, and symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses like lung cancer or even the flu, so diagnosis can be tricky.
All vets should call their local VA with questions they may have about medical issues and their health.
Soldier and veterans' advocate passes away at age 61
To serve your country is one of the most honorable things you can do in your life; but to continue that service and dedication as a veteran an advocate for fellow soldiers goes above and beyond.
The late Jack Perry Harrison of Woodstock, Georgia not only fought for his country but he fought for his fellow soldiers long after his time in the military. Perry was known state wide for his volunteer, dedicating his time to veterans and their families. Full military burial was given Monday to the Vietnam veteran at the Georgia National Cemetery in Sutallee. The service was officiated by the Rev. Claude Smithmier.
The 61-year-old served in both the Army and Air Force. He was a door gunner on a Huey helicopter and combat medic during his tour in Vietnam. After his service he owned and operated Jack Harrison Contracting Company.
During retirement, Jack became a full time advocate for veterans and their families. He provided much needed support and spoke up to ensure veterans received adequate medical care. He worked closely with those who experienced service related injuries and made certain their widows were cared for. Harrison is estimated to have helped nearly 4,000 Veterans Administration claims during his seven years as a veteran advocate.
His familiarity with military induced injuries and illnesses grew when he himself applied and learned the process. Harrison was exposed to Agent Orange during Vietnam and was declared 100 percent disabled when he began receiving benefits in 2003.
Serving in the military has proven to have its fair share of health risks. Like Agent Orange, asbestos use also caused detrimental effects to soldier’s health. Heavy use of asbestos products in the military has lead to many mesothelioma cancer cases among U.S. veterans.
Appreciation for Harrison’s work has been continuously commemorated. He was elected twice by 850 wartime veterans and American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta and was also given the American Legion’s highest honor- “Legionnaire of the Year’- at both the state and district level.
We mourn the death of a truly incredible individual but celebrate his life and the thousands of lives he has touched.
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