Pension Insider
By David Austin
December 7, 2018
Presumptive Categories
Veterans who served “boots on ground” in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. Also, veterans who served on some bases in Thailand, along the Korean DMZ, and “Brown Water” Navy veterans during certain periods of time. All veterans who served during the specified time period, and in the specified locations, and who are diagnosed with certain conditions are presumed to be service-connected.
Veterans who participated in atmospheric nuclear testing; occupied or was a POW in Hiroshima or Nagasaki; served before February 1, 1992 at a diffusion plant in Paducah, Kenrucky, Portsmouth, Ohio, or Oak Ridge, Tennessee.; or served before January 1, 1974 at Amchitka Island, Alaska. All veterans who served during the specified time period, and in the specified locations, and who are diagnosed with certain conditions are presumed to be service-connected.
Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War and had a condition or conditions that began on active duty or before December 31, 2016. Some conditions that started after separation are presumed service-connected if the veteran served in the specified location. All veterans who served during the specified time period, and in the specified locations, and who are diagnosed with certain conditions are presumed to be service-connected.
Camp Lejeune Veterans
Veterans who served in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987, were presumed to be exposed to contaminated water. There are 15 disabling conditions that are attributed to toxic water exposure. All veterans who served during the specified time period, and in the specified locations, and who are diagnosed with certain conditions are presumed to be service-connected.
Veterans Who Need Immediate Help
The Veterans Crisis Line is a FREE, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care. The caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping veterans of all ages and circumstances.
This FREE support is:
- Confidential
- Available every day, 24/7
- Serves All Veterans
- Serves All branches of the Armed Forces
- Serves the National Guard and Reserve
- Serves a veterans family members and friends
Call: 1-800-273-8255 press option #1
or
Text 838255 (Text conversation)
or
Call support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889
Those That
Serving
Served
Free Vietnam Lapel Pin
All living U.S. veterans who served on active
duty between November 1, 1955 to May 15,
1975, regardless of location, are eligible for
the official Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. Most pins are given to veterans at official military ceremonies in most communities that celebrate military events. For additional information about your free Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin call 1-800-827-1000 or a veterans organization near you. Additionally, veterans can pick up a new, free Vietnam Lapel pin commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War in person at Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores, some commissary locations or again, at partner events outside military gates nationwide. Veterans who do not have access to military installations and need help finding an event where they can receive their pin can call the commemoration office at 877-387-9951.
Request Free Vietnam Lapel Pin
VA Updates Disability Rating Schedule Related to Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems
Effective December 9, 2018, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated portions of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule) that evaluates the hematologic and lymphatic systems.
These federal regulations used by the Veterans Benefits Administration help claims processors evaluate the severity of disabilities and assign disability ratings.
One diagnostic code was removed, nine were added, and several were restructured.
The complete list of updates to the rating schedule are now available online.
The Veteran Directed Care Program
Are you familiar with the VDC program? Most veterans have no idea the program exists. Those who know of the VDC program have no idea what the program is really about.
For starters, VDC is an outstanding benefit available to veterans who are currently enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. Fortunately for veterans, many services are available from the VA health care system, and many are provided through VDC, at no cost to the veteran. For example:
1. Assistance with household tasks, such as cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal preparation;
2. Assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication reminders;
3. Help with home modifications, repairs and maintenance;
4. Emergency Response System;
5. Accompaniment to medical appointments and non-medical transportation;
6. Consumable medical supplies such as nutritional supplements and
7. Support, goods or back-up services that help veterans remain at home.
Complete form below to discover how to quickly qualify for VDC.
To qualify for VDC the veteran must request a Geriatric Extended Care Assessment (GEC) from the VA Medical Center or CBOC where they receive health care services. The veteran may request the GEC by telephone (800-827-1000).