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VA Agrees to Share Information on Restricted Treatments

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced they would be sharing new information, from the electronic health record (EHR) database, with the Department of Defense (DoD), according to an article in The Health Care IT News. This new information may significantly help treat veterans with disabilities.

Prior to last week, the VA had an internal rule limiting how it shared its information regarding treatment for specific health issues. That regulation has now been removed, and the VA will now share that treatment information with the DoD as it relates to: 

• HIV;
• sickle cell anemia;
• alcoholism or alcohol abuse; and
• drug abuse.

Updating and removing the regulation may allow the VA to more fully collaborate with the DoD. This will hopefully mean "better and more timely" delivery of treatment, benefits, and service for veterans receiving joint care from the agencies. At the very least, it can minimize the possibility of dangerous drug interactions and unnecessary medical procedures.

The VA's restriction did nothing but create an "impediment," according to VA Sec. Eric Shinseki. The more information shared between the agencies, the more "accurate and comprehensive data" is compiled. The more accurate that becomes, the better the level of services provided becomes.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.