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May 16, 2012 – With more than 150 Facebook pages under its control the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expanding its reach into the social networking world.
This month the VA reached a 200,000-fan milestone on its main Facebook page. Disabled veterans, retired servicemembers, and military families are among many of the fans that have “liked” the page, which was created in 2009. The main Facebook page began an ongoing project to explore every possible resource for getting veterans connected to the services and support the VA provides.
While not all veterans are on Facebook, many of their family members are, and that allows the VA to provide information targeted to each portion of the vast audience they serve. Through the Facebook page the VA shares links to articles and resources on its website as well as YouTube videos answering veterans’ questions.
Better interaction between the VA and the veterans they serve is an important component of the Obama Administration’s “Open Government” plan, which fosters communication between departments and the citizens they support.
While the Facebook page can provide basic information on filing for veterans disability benefits you can get more personal assistance when you work with a Ft. Lauderdale disability attorney.
Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale Disability Attorney
Filing for veterans disability benefits is complicated and time-consuming, but at LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A., our Ft. Lauderdale disability attorney team is ready for the challenge. We like to empower our clients by providing a FREE veterans disability guide so you can learn more about the process of filing for disability benefits.
When you’re ready to get started, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. to begin your claim. Our state-of-the-art, customized intake and database system means less hassle, so you can focus on what’s most important to you instead of having to spend your days sifting through confusing legal red tape. Call today - 1-888-234-5758.
The Veterans History Project is an effort, by the American Folklife Center through the Library of Congress, that seeks to collect personal accounts from American veterans. Records, from World War I all the way through the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, have been collected through personal interviews, written correspondence, photographs, and artifacts.
The collection is currently available for search using the online database where veterans can be found by name or searches conducted using specifics about time periods, military branches, and other criteria. While not all of the materials have been made available digitally, there are several collections already live on the site for viewing and listening.
Veterans who are interested in participating can do so either through the mail or in person at the Washington D.C. headquarters in the Library of Congress. Submissions that can be mailed include recorded tapes, CD/DVDs, written materials, diaries, and other paper journals or logs.
Interviews are conducted by the veteran themselves, either on their own or through an acquaintance. This can be an excellent way for veterans to recount their history to younger generations, such as their children or grandchildren. There are also partner organizations that can help provide an interviewer to interested veterans.
Sharing war stories can help a veteran cope with a physical or mental disability they may be suffering from. In addition, veterans have a right to seek benefits to further help manage their combat-related injuries; however, if you’re 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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common ailment reported by service members returning home from deployment. Once diagnosed, patients are usually treated for this mental health condition with a combination of psychological therapy and medication. However, the Department of Defense is trying some alternative methods of treatment for soldiers including yoga classes.
The elements of yoga, including breathing, stretching and relaxation exercises, have been shown to help those suffering with anxiety and depression and the implications for treatment of PTSD are positive. Yoga can also be easily worked into a treatment plan as a complement to traditional methods.
A researcher at Harvard Medical School is currently conducting yoga trials on military personnel to see if the classes are helping to alleviate some of the symptoms and effects of PTSD. Even though it may take time for the trials to finish and be published you could still benefit from practicing yoga if you have symptoms of PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
November 7, 2011 - One of the ways that many businesses honor our U.S. veterans during Veterans Day is by offering special deals, discounts, and free items.
In 2011, the following national restaurant chains are offering these promotions:
You can find many more deals by visiting websites like VeteransDaySales.com or just by googling "veterans day freebies" or "veterans day deals." Leave a comment on the blog if you find a great deal to share!
Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale Veterans Disability Attorney
Filing for veterans' disability benefits is complicated and time-consuming, but at LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A., our team of disability attorneys is ready for the challenge. We like to empower our clients by providing a FREE veterans' disability guide so you can learn more about the process of filing for veterans' disability benefits.
When you're ready to get started, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. to begin your claim. Our state-of-the-art, customized intake and database system means less hassle, so you can focus on what's most important to you instead of having to spend your days wading through confusing legalese and legal red tape. Call today - 1-888-234-5758.
New legislation is being introduced that will address military sexual trauma (MST), a crime that can affect female military victims for years after the attack. There has been a strong move lately in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the military in general in addressing soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many victims of military sexual assault, however, believe there is not enough being done to address the issues specifically related to sexual violence.
Two bills are being simultaneously introduced addressing MST issues. The first is being introduced by Sen. Susan Collins, and will help the Pentagon pursue and prosecute soldier sex offenders while protecting victims remaining on active duty. The second is being introduced by U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and would make it easier for those MST victims suffering from PTSD related to their MST to receive their earned benefits.
The VA acknowledges the seriousness of MST and plans on issuing a formal response to Rep. Pingree's issues. The VA pointed out the progress it has made in addressing mental health issues related to sexual trauma, but many still take issue with the VA's failing in helping veterans get their deserved benefits.
The Department of Defense (DoD) acknowledges the severity of the MST issue despite a decrease in reported attacks between 2009 and 2010. MST remains a very serious issue in the military culture and one that must be addressed from a variety of angles, including prevention, prosecution and response.
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.
May 16, 2011 - The Naval Health Research Center has released a new report showing soldiers who suffered mental disorders prior to deployment are more likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during or after active duty.
The results of the study were detailed on Medical News Today which summarized the complete report available in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Data was gathered on more than 22,000 military personnel from a questionnaire that asked questions about their mental health before and after deployment.
This study, which began with the Millennium Cohort study in 2001, tracked the soldiers from their initial deployment to present day. Out of the participants, 3.3% had at least 1 mental disorder and 0.8% of the group suffered at least 1 physical injury during deployment. The follow-up questionnaire showed an 8.1% rate of PTSD among returning veterans.
A connection between physical injury and PTSD was observed, with injured soldiers having a 16.1% greater chance of developing the mental disability. The soldier's baseline mental health status was also a strong predictor of the severity of the injury.
The conclusions drawn from this study were that pre-deployment mental health evaluation may be useful to identify soldiers who are more vulnerable to developing PTSD. This may lead to an increase in preventative care to avoid the onset of this disabling mental disorder.
Contacting a Florida VA Disability Attorney
Filing for veterans' disability benefits is complicated and time-consuming, but at LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A., our team of disability attorneys is ready for the challenge. We like to empower our clients by providing a FREE veterans' disability guide so you can learn more about the process of filing for veterans' disability benefits. When you're ready to get started, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. to begin your claim. Our state-of-the-art, customized intake and database system means less hassle, so you can focus on what's most important to you instead of having to spend your days wading through confusing legalese and legal red tape. Call today - 1-888-234-5758.
May 3, 2011 - New studies conducted by Army medical experts show that evaluating troops for potential mental disorders prior to deployment helps decrease serious mental disability following active duty.
CNN reported that in January of 2011, the U.S. Army concluded studies regarding the potential for soldiers developing behavioral problems and other mental disorders. Army medical experts determined that a combination of pre-deployment screening for mental health risks and improved care during active duty helped reduce behavioral problems by 78% and suicidal thoughts by more than 50%.
The research was conducted on more than 21,000 soldiers who were deployed to Iraq in 2007 and 2008. More than half of these troops were evaluated before deployment and provided with additional mental health care during their active duty. The results showed that the continued psychological evaluation and care proved to lower the amount of combat stress, behavioral disorders, and suicidal behaviors.
As the Army struggles with increased rates of suicide and mental disorders in soldiers returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are focusing on improving the psychological care of our troops. The Army Surgeon General's office made a statement upon the release of the studies stating they will strive to implement new screening and treatment procedures for mental health by the summer of 2011.
Contacting a Florida VA Disability Attorney
Filing for veterans' disability benefits is complicated and time-consuming, but at LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A., our team of disability attorneys is ready for the challenge. We like to empower our clients by providing a FREE veterans' disability guide so you can learn more about the process of filing for veterans' disability benefits. When you're ready to get started, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. to begin your claim. Our state-of-the-art, customized intake and database system means less hassle, so you can focus on what's most important to you instead of having to spend your days wading through confusing legalese and legal red tape. Call today - 1-888-234-5758.
January 7, 2011 - West Palm Beach, FL - Working hand in hand with the VA Medical Center, the Palm Beach Circuit Court announced last month that they are developing a new court dedicated to veterans' cases for criminal charges.
The Daily Business Review recently featured a report on this new court, which will be conducted 2 afternoons a month by former Marine Corps. Sergeant Judge Ted Booras. The judge had already seen many cases of veterans with special needs due to disabilities and began researching statistics on how the criminal justice system treated veterans' cases.
At the same time Booras was working on his campaign, Roy Foster, an advocate for homeless veterans, was doing work of his own to start a veterans' court in Palm Beach County. Foster had seen the success of one of the first veteran's courts in New York and began modeling his new idea off of that success story.
Foster contacted numerous partners from the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and the West Palm Beach VA Medical Canter. It was at the VA Medical Center where he paired with Carla-Paula da Silva, a clinical social worker who was already conducting visits to jails in 3 counties to help work with incarcerated veterans with mental disabilities.
The partnership between Foster, da Silva and Booras came about after Chief Judge Peter Blanc introduced the 3 as individuals with a common goal. Booras immediately jumped at the chance to volunteer his time to hear cases specifically for veterans. Da Silva has been a strong supporter for promoting the program and offering new services to help veterans through the court process.
Veterans' court is unique in that convicted veterans can work out plans for rehabilitation for mental disability and substance abuse and complete the terms of probation without additional costs. Foster heads up the teams that pair veterans with support services and mentors to help get them on the right track to rehabilitation.
The new veterans' court in West Palm Beach is one of many services available to veterans who face unique challenges after returning from deployment. There are many resources you can seek when you suffer from issues housing, employment and disability issues. If you suffer from a disability related to your time in service, you should discuss your potential claim with a Florida veterans' disability attorney.
Contacting a Florida Veterans' Disability Attorney
If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability related to your military duty, order a copy of our FREE guide, Don't Panic: Win Your VA Disability Claim. Next, you should contact a veterans' disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility.
The process of securing veterans' disability benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, understand the inner workings of the Department of Veterans Affairs and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.
September 16, 2010 - Tampa, FL - The Department of American Veterans (DAV) truck rolls into central Florida this fall to bring mobile assistance to veterans across the state.
A report from WTSP10 News heralded the arrival of the truck at the DAV John McCarthy Chapter #4 center at 2612 North Tampa Street on September 16. The truck is a Mobile Service Office (MSO) that carries service officers and the necessary paperwork and equipment to provide services to veterans normally only available at DAV offices.
The program is designed to bring VA services to rural areas and lessen the burden of travel on veterans who cannot make it to their local offices. Services offered include assistance with claim filing, counseling and education on disability benefits.
The funding for this program comes from a $1 million pledge generously given by the Harley-Davidson Foundation in 2007. This pledge allowed the MSO program to expand its area, especially choosing to visit Harley-Davidson dealerships as points of operation during their runs.
The DAV truck continues its Florida tour with stops mainly in the central and northern parts of the state for the month of September. October 7-8, the truck will be in Deerfield Beach at the American Legion Post #162, located at 820 Southeast 8th Avenue. The Department of American Veterans website has a full schedule of the DAV truck locations throughout the year.
Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Veterans' Disability Attorney
If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability related to your military duty, order a copy of our complimentary guide, Don't Panic: Win Your VA Disability Claim. Next, you should contact a Veterans' Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility.
The process of securing veterans' disability benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a no-cost legal consultation - 888-234-5758.
September 7, 2010 -Veterans exposed to Agent Orange may find that previously ineligible symptoms and conditions will soon be covered by veterans' disability benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating its list of health problems linked to exposure to the Agent Orange chemical used during the Vietnam War. Currently, Agent Orange has been linked to various cancers, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes. Researchers are determining links to new conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple myeloma, heart disease, certain types of leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The 1991 federal law regarding Agent Orange requires examiners to find a link between Agent Orange and a disease "if the credible evidence for the association is equal to or outweighs the credible evidence against association." In essence, if a disease has more evidence that it IS linked to Agent Orange than evidence that it is NOT linked, it will be considered to have been caused by the agent.
According to reports from The Washington Post, as of September 1st of this year approximately 270,000 veterans are being compensated for diabetes alone because of Agent Orange exposure.
Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Veterans' Disability Attorney
If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability related to your military duty, order a copy of our FREE guide, Don't Panic: Win Your VA Disability Claim. Next, you should contact a Veterans' Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility.
The process of securing veterans' disability benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, understand the inner workings of the Department of Veterans Affairs and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.