WoVets Organization

09/01/2017

EnrollmentVeterans, VA Health Care, and the ACA
Veterans, VA Health Care, and the ACA

On Friday, July 11, our colleagues at the Veteran’s Health Administration shared information about Veterans and the Affordable Care Act. The slide presentation will be posted on our Resources for Assisters Page soon. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants all Veterans to receive health care that improves their health and well-being. VA will assist Veterans and other beneficiaries to determine their eligibility for VA health care and other health coverage options. If enrolled in VA health care, a Veteran does not need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards. The ACA does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs. Veterans and other beneficiaries not currently enrolled in VA health care can apply for enrollment with VA at any time. VA will continue to provide Veterans with the high quality, comprehensive health care and benefits they earned through their service. Veterans’ family members and Veterans not eligible for VA care may secure coverage through the Marketplace.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive health care programs, services and benefits to Veterans and other beneficiaries who are enrolled in the following programs:
Veterans Health Care Program:Veterans may apply for enrollment in the Veterans health care program at any time. There are no enrollment fees, premiums, or cost shares. Some Veterans may have copays for care or medications.
Veterans can apply for the VA health program: (1) online at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, (2) by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387), (3) by visiting a local VA health care facility, or (4) by printing the application from the website and mailing it to: Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647.
VA Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA):Spouses, surviving spouses, children, and certain primary caregivers of certain Veterans may be eligible for VA Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) Health Benefits under certain conditions.
For more information about CHAMPVA, call 1-800-733-VETS (8387). To apply for CHAMPVA, send complete package to: CHAMPVA-Eligibility, PO Box 469028, Denver, CO 80246-9028. Application and other forms are located at http://www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/champva/apply.asp.
Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program:VA provides cost-free health care benefits to certain children of Vietnam Veterans and Veterans of covered service in Korea who have been determined eligible by the Veterans Benefits Administration for a stipend related to the diagnosed condition of spina bifida.
For more application information about the Spina Bifida Health Care Program, call 1-888-820-1756, option 5.
ACA implications for Veterans:
If a Veteran is enrolled in VA health care, he/she does not need to do anything else to meet the standards of the ACA.
If a Veteran has other forms of health care coverage, such as a private insurance plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE, he/she can continue using VA along with those other plans.
A non-enrolled Veteran’s service-connected status does not impact their ability to seek health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This means that a veteran or their family member who is eligible for, but is not enrolled in, a VA health care program may still be eligible for assistance purchasing coverage through the Marketplace, such as receiving an advance premium tax credit (APTC) and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
If a Veteran or eligible family member is enrolled in a VA health care program, he/she is not eligible for assistance (such as APTC/CSRs) in purchasing insurance through the Marketplace. In order to become eligible for assistance, the Veteran must cancel their VA enrollment.
How to cancel enrollment in the VA health care program:
If a Veteran chooses to cancel their VA health care enrollment, he/she can reapply at anytime, but the re-enrollment decision will be based on VA eligibility rules at the time of reapplication. That means they may not be able to re-enroll.
Cancelling enrollment means the Veteran will not have health care coverage through the VA. If the Veteran does not have other health insurance, he/she will not meet the standards of the health care law.
If a Veteran wants to cancel their VA health care enrollment, he/she must do so in writing. Signed and dated requests should be mailed to: Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647.
For more information about Veterans, VA health care, and the ACA, please visit www.va.gov/aca.
Information for Veterans already enrolled in VA health care: http://www.va.gov/health/aca/EnrolledVeterans.asp.
Information for Veterans not enrolled in VA health care: http://www.va.gov/health/aca/NonEnrolledVeterans.asp.
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With VA health care, you’re covered for regular checkups with your primary care doctor and appointments with specialists (like cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers). You also gain access to home health and elder care, plus medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions.

08/01/2017

Military Sexual Trauma (Elements of Claim)

08/01/2017

Military Sexual Trauma (Elements of Claim(

05/28/2017

VA offers comprehensive care for Women Veterans.
Services Offered:
• alcohol and drug abuse treatment
• cervical cancer screening
• colposcopy
• evaluation and treatment for trauma
• incontinence treatment
• mammography
• menopause management
• mental health services
• osteoporosis evaluation and treatment
• primary care
• reproductive benefits
• trauma recovery
• screening for HIV/STDs
• social work
Mental health services, including treatment for Post Traumatic Stress disorder and Military Sexual Trauma are also available. Treatment for substance abuse is available as well.
**Patients will be referred to community providers for any service not available at the VA. American lake/Seattle

05/28/2017

VA offers comprehensive care for Women Veterans.
Services Offered:
• alcohol and drug abuse treatment
• cervical cancer screening
• colposcopy
• evaluation and treatment for trauma
• incontinence treatment
• mammography
• menopause management
• mental health services
• osteoporosis evaluation and treatment
• primary care
• reproductive benefits
• trauma recovery
• screening for HIV/STDs
• social work
Mental health services, including treatment for Post Traumatic Stress disorder and Military Sexual Trauma are also available. Treatment for substance abuse is available as well.
**Patients will be referred to community providers for any service not available at the VA.

02/28/2017

Elements of Your Claim
Military sexual trauma (MST) is sexual harassment that is threatening or physical assault of a sexual nature. Both men and women serving in the military can suffer from MST. MST is an experience, not a diagnosis. MST may cause disabling conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and sexual arousal disorder. Your claim for VA Disability Compensation (“VA benefits”) must identify at least one “disabling condition.” The VA addresses MST differently than other issues because of its severity and complexity.
To win an MST claim you will need the following:
1. Completed VA Form 21-526 (link is external)
2. Diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, or depression from your healthcare provider.
3. Nexus Letter (see definition of “nexus” below) signed by your doctor.
4. Evidence
*Filing Your Claim
It is important to file your claim as soon as you can. When a claim is awarded, the compensation is calculated back to the date you filed your claim. Do not rush while filling out the form. Every section must be filled out except for sections VII, VIII, IX, and X. If something does not apply to you, then put ‘N/A,” “not applicable.” Do not leave any of the required boxes blank as this may delay your claim. You do not need to attach all of your evidence when you first file. You can send your nexus letter (see explanation below) and other evidence as you collect it. Go to our "How to File A VA Claim for Disability Compensation" guide for more help on filling out VA Form 21-526 (link is external). Make copies of everything you send to the VA.
*Diagnosis
You must have a diagnosis, for example PTSD, anxiety, depression and/or sexual arousal disorder from your doctor. Again, filing for “MST” won’t work because MST is the cause, not the condition.
Nexus Letter/Note
A letter from your doctor or a note in your medical record saying it is “more likely than not” that your disability was caused/aggravated by an event during your military service (service-connected) is a “nexus letter or note.”
For example, a nexus letter needs to say:
"After reviewing the medical records of [Veteran's name], it is my opinion that more likely than not, her/his [insert the condition you are filing for] is a direct result of military sexual trauma s/he experienced while serving on active duty."
*Evidence
One way that MST claims are treated differently is the use of “alternative evidence.” In the past, evidence of sexual assault (service medical records (SMR), police reports, and r**e-kits) was often "sanitized" (deleted) from military records. Or, evidence never existed in the first place because the victim did not come forward for fear of retaliation and/or reprisal. Because MST claims usually lack “traditional” evidence, a person filing for a service-connected condition, mental illness and/or a physical disability caused by MST can fill out VA Form 21-0781a. The information requested through this form can help you supply the evidence you will need to substantiate your claim.
If you have recently experienced repeated harassment, assault and/or r**e and are currently in the service, it is very important to request that your military records be saved and unaltered for 50 years. This is referred to, in military terms, as “retention of restricted report documentation.” This means that your military records cannot be “sanitized or destroyed.” This is important so that evidence critical to your claim will not be destroyed.
When gathering evidence, you must:
• establish the event (sexual harassment and/or personal assault),
• prove that the event caused (or aggravated) your condition, and
• prove that you still suffer from the condition.
If military records have not been sanitized or destroyed, then the VA will more readily find records from any military institution you went to for assistance, such as the military police or medical facilities. Also, civilian police departments, hospitals and clinics are more likely to keep your records unaltered. Evidence from a hospital can help win your claim. The VA can request treatment records from non-military hospitals or clinics only if you complete a VA Form 21-4142 (link is external) consent form. You must complete a form for each medical facility you are trying to get records from.
You can accomplish the first two requirements noted above by completing the alternative evidence form, VA Form 21-0781a.
Important: While the form allows for two incidents to be used as evidence, many experts advise against filling out a second incident. That is because the extra time needed for investigation will further delay what may become an already long claims process. If you can get police or treatment records of any kind for any incident, use that incident to complete the alternative evidence form.
Send in copies of any records that show changes or problems in your military service after the assault: a decline in performance, going to sick call, being AWOL, Article 15, civilian hospital appointments, abortion clinic records, etc. Also, send letters from people who knew you at the time or who knew you before and after your service. They should describe your behavioral changes. Each letter should be signed: “I swear this is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.”
*Global Assessment of Function (GAF) scores can be assigned by your mental health provider at each appointment you have. Attach your GAF score to VA Form 21-526 (link is external) or send it in with your VA file number (usually your social security number) by certified mail, return receipt requested. To get a GAF score, you may need to specifically ask for one.
(StateSideLegal)

02/23/2017

How to Encourage Women to Go After More Leadership Roles
by Alison Napolitano Military.Com
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of women in leadership roles in this sector has risen steadily for the last two decades—and two are even vying for the Oval Office. However, Pew also notes the disparity in this trend when it comes to business: "Compared with their representation in the political realm, women have made only modest progress in gaining top leadership positions in the business world. Today, 26 women are serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies (5.2 percent). The share serving as CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies is virtually the same (5.4 percent)."
To gain insight into how women can be encouraged to go after more leadership roles, MBA@UNC, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School's online MBA program, published a series of interviews with women who lead nonprofits. Here, we'll dig into the perspectives of two: Amy Palmer, the president and CEO of Soldiers' Angels, a nonprofit that provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard; their families; and a growing veteran population; and Jennifer Windsor, the CEO of Women for Women International, a nonprofit that works directly with women who are isolated and displaced in post-war regions of the world.
Why do women shy away from leadership roles?
According to a 2015 McKinsey & Company study, "Women in the Workplace," women face a number of challenges in terms of pursuing leadership roles, including:
Too much stress and pressure. This was the top-cited concern—not just related to maintaining a work-life balance, but because respondents felt that the path to leadership roles is more difficult for women than it is for men.
An uneven playing field. The study found that women are "almost four times more likely than men to think they have few opportunities to advance because of their gender—and they are twice as likely to think their gender will make it harder for them to advance in the future."
Inequality at home. "Even in households where both partners work full time, 41 percent of women report doing more child care and 30 percent report doing more chores." It's a dynamic that can have a significant impact on work-life balance for women.
Different circles of influence. Study results indicated that men typically collaborate with male counterparts in their networks, and women with mostly female or mixed groups. Since men hold the majority of senior leadership positions, women may have less access to those who can support them for promotion.
How can women become better represented in the C-suite?
The leadership perspectives that both Palmer and Windsor offer help to address how women can be better represented in the C-Suite. The following are a few of the key takeaways that women who are seeking leadership roles in any sector can apply to their careers:
Nurture your entrepreneurial spirit. Even if you don't have aspirations to own your own business, most companies are looking for leaders who are able to think as if they do. Windsor said that although she sees an inherent entrepreneurial spirit in nearly all of the women she works with, getting the needed education is key: "I think education plays a transformative role in giving people—especially the women we serve—the confidence to take risks and become entrepreneurs."
Have a role model. Palmer noted that it's been important for her to have female leaders she can look to for inspiration: "My role models include women in business who understand the importance of giving and serving others."
Hone your leadership skills. This includes both leadership values and actions—which Windsor aptly summarized: "To me, leadership is first about being willing to listen and learn, about identifying the strengths and passion of your team, and continuing to inspire them to believe in themselves and the work you're doing together."
Believe in yourself. Palmer said it's one of the key traits she looks for in female leaders: "I am looking for women who believe in themselves and believe they are equally as capable and deserving of a job as their male counterparts. I'm also looking for people who are creative thinkers and who are innovative and passionate about our mission."
Sharpen your business skills. Even if you don't think you'll need them, you likely will. As Windsor noted, "I wish I had learned more business skills. Running a nonprofit organization requires knowledge of financial and management skills, and the ability to think strategically."
Be a mentor. The importance of being a mentor to other women is something that both Palmer and Windsor highlighted. Windsor said, "It's also incumbent on those of us who have reached senior roles to continue to provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for women who are not as far along in their careers—and to encourage our male colleagues to do the same." Palmer said that she does a lot of outreach to provide mentorship as well, "I often volunteer to speak at events and conferences focused on women in leadership … . I also focus on working with fellows and interns in our organization to ensure we are reaching as many young women as we can."
When asked how she thought more women could be encouraged to go after leadership roles, Windsor summarized the ongoing changes that need to be made in our country.
"In the United States, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to make sure women have the same opportunities as men to take on leadership roles," she said. "This includes establishing work-life policies that actually work for families, and changing the conversation and outdated expectations that assume women are the default parents and caregivers."

02/23/2017

Valuing the Community Leadership of Our Veterans, Bill Rausch
Executive Director, Got Your 6

Advocacy Veterans show high civic engagement and bring powerful leadership to their communities. We need to bring their stories to the forefront.
Over the years we’ve asked our service men and women for a lot. We’ve asked them to leave their families behind, put themselves into harm’s way, and make sacrifices that most Americans have only seen in movies. Today, we have one more thing to ask of them: What’s next?
Homecoming leaders
Each year, a quarter of a million service members exit the military and reenter civilian life. That’s a fantastic opportunity for our country and for our veterans. They might open a business in your neighborhood, run for public office, or just be the one to lend you a helping hand when you need it.
The good news is that veterans are the leaders we're searching for. The latest Census data confirms that veterans volunteer, engage with local governments and community organizations, vote and help neighbors at rates higher than their non-veteran counterparts. Unfortunately, all too often, those positive stories are not being told.
“By making the transition back to civilian life easier, we can unlock tremendous potential to tackle America's problems.”
Energizing communities
It’s impossible to talk about veteran reintegration without considering civic engagement because veterans return home to communities — to their friends, families, and neighbors. Veterans are always looking for new ways to serve and communities are looking for leaders to tackle local problems. Recognizing this connection — the symbiotic relationship between veterans and communities — allows us to support successful veteran reintegration while making our communities stronger at the same time.
We as a country need to come together to empower our transitioning veterans. By making the transition back to civilian life easier, we can unlock tremendous potential to tackle America's problems. We must make it a priority to bring the stories of our veterans into popular culture, uniting veterans and non-veterans in order to lead a resurgence of community here at home.
We saw great things of them while they served in the military, and we look forward to seeing what our veterans accomplish in the next chapter for their lives.

02/09/2017

Navigating Your C & P Examination (Compensation and Pension)
By: Lora Wentzel, Veterans Advocate
C&P exams, or Compensation and Pension Exams, will be required by the VA in order to process your claim. Here’s a couple of reminders and a few Do’s and Don’ts to help you through this exam.
1. Do be on time.
2. Do take a list of your symptoms. Even the ones you’d really rather not talk about, or that may be embarrassing. Ask a spouse or friend to help you compile the list. Often, a spouse may notice that when you bend down to pick up something, you are always holding your back, or that at the end of the day, you check the locks on the house and window three or four times before going to bed.
3. Do be polite. Being rude or profane will not help your claim at all.
4. Do be honest and forthright. When you first walk in the room, and the examiner asks you how you are, this is the time your exam really starts. Tell the examiner exactly how you are. If your back hurts, say so. Most veterans are conditioned to not complain. If you have trouble stating how you are, it’s safe to say, “I’ve had better days.” After all, if you were “okay”, you wouldn’t be at a C&P exam.
5. Don’t lie. Don’t embellish your symptoms. Referring to your list that you brought, explain to the examiner what your symptoms are, without resorting to exaggeration. Lying will just cause more problems.
6. Don’t be afraid to tell the examiner when something hurts or if you have trouble with performing an exercise.
7. Don’t complain about the VA system in general. Your C&P exam is not the time to air grievances. (For example, how long you waited, how long you’ve had this claim in, what the nurse said to you when you called…)
8 . Do remember that anything you say in the exam room may be written into your C&P exam. For example, if you are asked about your hobbies, it’s always safer to say that you can’t participate in them as much as you used to. Your C&P exam is not a social occasion where you are exchanging information with a friend.
9. Do write down your impressions after the exam. If you felt ignored, or felt something did not go well, document it while it is still fresh in your mind.
10. Don’t lose your cool with the examiner if you think the exam went badly. Again, document what you remember and what bothered you as soon as you can.
For more information on what will go on during your particular C&P exam, many find the disabilities benefits questionnaire that is provided by the VA to be helpful.

12/02/2016

What Happens if My Service Connected Condition Causes Other Disabilities?
You probably already know that veterans can receive disability compensation from the VA if they have a current disability which either began during military service or was caused by or aggravated by service. But did you know that a veteran is entitled to the same service-connected compensation for secondary disabilities? What I mean by this is that if the veteran has a service-connected condition which causes or aggravates another disability, the veteran is entitled to compensation for this new or worsened disability.

Consider, for instance, a veteran who has a service-connected ankle disability. You may or may not know that the maximum disability rating for an ankle is typically about 20% (barring a situation where the ankle is completely frozen at an odd angle). That ankle disability, however, can cause a veteran to walk with a limp. Years of walking with an altered gait, and favoring that ankle, could and often does cause problems in the veteran’s knees, his hips, and his back. If that happens, the veteran is entitled to secondary service connection for those knee, hip and back disabilities.

Common secondary disabilities to be aware of include retinopathy or neuropathy caused by diabetes, radiculopathy in the arms or legs caused by disabilities of the cervical or lumbar spine, or erectile dysfunction which could be caused by a number of conditions, including medications taken to treat service-connected disabilities. Another secondary disability that I see quite often is depression or anxiety caused by a veteran’s chronic medical problems and pain.

Aggravation is typically a more complicated issue to argue and prove to the VA, but the law provides that if a service-connected condition worsens a non-service-connected condition, the veteran is entitled to additional compensation and service connection for the aggravated condition. Let me provide an example to try and clarify this issue…suppose a veteran has a service connected disability which prevents him from taking a particular medication needed to control a non-service connected condition…the non-service connected condition is, of course going to be worsened by the veteran’s inability to take the proper medications. The veteran will, then, be entitled to compensation for that worsening or aggravation.

Be aware of the relationship between your service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities. If your service-connected condition is causing or complicating your non-service-connected conditions, you are entitled to additional compensation and should file a claim for secondary service-connection as soon as possible.
by S. Brewer