by Jim Fausone
Veterans Disability Lawyer
Last week, Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC hosted the 2nd Annual Veterans’ Summit with the Canton Community Foundation. It takes months of preparation to pull off this Southeast Michigan event that had over 250 participants; 17 speakers; 15 participating organizations; 20 sponsors and served 3 meals. It was a team effort by Chandra, Attorney Kristina Derro, the General, Joann and everyone else that helped out. The speakers included representatives of VA, VFW, DAV, Marine League, Detroit VARO, County Counselors and others.
People came from hundreds of miles away and two states to attend this conference. We were able to help specific individuals throughout the day. For example, DAV assisted someone break a log jam on a claim. The Marine Corps League printed DD 214s for those that needed them. Questions were answered about burial entitlements for widows. For someone who needed emergency financial aid to save their house, the process got started that afternoon.
The success of the program suggests that holding it again in September 2012 would be worthwhile. We will begin gathering ideas for speakers and topics soon. If you want to see some pictures of the event, visit our Facebook page. If you want to read more and get a sense of the attendees views, click on:
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20110918/NEWS03/109180397/Veterans-get-benefit-help-second-summit?odyssey=modnewswelltextCantons
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Experienced and practical Michigan attorneys solving the problems of business owners, their families, and veterans... one case at a time.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
TBI Rehab in Michigan
by Jim Fausone
Veterans Disability Lawyer
VA has initiated a new program to help veterans with TBI. DOD has proven that cognitive rehab helps servicemen with TBI. VA is now conducting a pilot program pushing that rehab out to recent veterans using the private sector. The program helps veterans with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries who need long-term residential care by placing them in high-quality rehabilitation facilities that are closer to their homes and families. This avoids the cost and trauma of an institutional or hospital setting.
Michigan has great rehab facilities because of its long history of supplying health care to automobile accident victims under its unique no fault insurance programs. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, a Mason Michigan facility, was selected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to take part in a cutting-edge pilot program. Origami is one of 21 facilities in the nation to launch the Assisted Living for Veterans with TBI pilot program.
This is a great idea of using existing resources to medically service our veterans. VA does not have to re-invent the wheel and more people can be helped by the private sector's ability to scale up or down as needed. Read more at:
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/09/greater_lansing_facility_treat.html
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Veterans Disability Lawyer
VA has initiated a new program to help veterans with TBI. DOD has proven that cognitive rehab helps servicemen with TBI. VA is now conducting a pilot program pushing that rehab out to recent veterans using the private sector. The program helps veterans with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries who need long-term residential care by placing them in high-quality rehabilitation facilities that are closer to their homes and families. This avoids the cost and trauma of an institutional or hospital setting.
Michigan has great rehab facilities because of its long history of supplying health care to automobile accident victims under its unique no fault insurance programs. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, a Mason Michigan facility, was selected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to take part in a cutting-edge pilot program. Origami is one of 21 facilities in the nation to launch the Assisted Living for Veterans with TBI pilot program.
This is a great idea of using existing resources to medically service our veterans. VA does not have to re-invent the wheel and more people can be helped by the private sector's ability to scale up or down as needed. Read more at:
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/09/greater_lansing_facility_treat.html
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Veterans’ Summit 2011
by Kristina Derro
Veteran Disability Lawyer
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is sponsoring a free event in September that is organized by the Canton Community Foundation with funding provided by the Holbrook Charitable Trust. It will be an opportunity for veterans, their friends, and their family members to get together to learn about all the various benefits that are available from VA. The topics will include service-connected benefits, non-service connected pension, Aid and Attendance, health care, and various social services. Presenters will be VA employees, private attorneys, veteran service officers, county counselors, State of Michigan employees, and veteran-centric non-profit organizations.
It will be held Thursday, September 15, 2011 in Livonia, Michigan at Laurel Manor Banquet and Conference Center. While the event is free, attendees do need register. Attendees will also be provided with a free breakfast and lunch. For further information and to register, individuals can either access Canton Community Foundation’s website at http://www.cantonfoundation.org/ or call them at 734.495.1200.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Veteran Disability Lawyer
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is sponsoring a free event in September that is organized by the Canton Community Foundation with funding provided by the Holbrook Charitable Trust. It will be an opportunity for veterans, their friends, and their family members to get together to learn about all the various benefits that are available from VA. The topics will include service-connected benefits, non-service connected pension, Aid and Attendance, health care, and various social services. Presenters will be VA employees, private attorneys, veteran service officers, county counselors, State of Michigan employees, and veteran-centric non-profit organizations.
It will be held Thursday, September 15, 2011 in Livonia, Michigan at Laurel Manor Banquet and Conference Center. While the event is free, attendees do need register. Attendees will also be provided with a free breakfast and lunch. For further information and to register, individuals can either access Canton Community Foundation’s website at http://www.cantonfoundation.org/ or call them at 734.495.1200.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
More Ships Added to List of Brown Water Exposure
by Kristina Derro
Veteran Disability Lawyer
The VA has updated the list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships that have operated on Vietnam’s inland waterways, docked on shore, or had crewmembers sent ashore. The veterans who served on these ships during the time frame in question will be considered to have presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, allowing them to receive disability compensation for the 14 medical conditions associated with exposure to the herbicide.
Veterans who want to know if one of the ships that they served on made the list can visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange to view the exhaustive list. If veterans do not have access to the internet, they can contact VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3 to receive a list of the ships.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Veteran Disability Lawyer
The VA has updated the list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships that have operated on Vietnam’s inland waterways, docked on shore, or had crewmembers sent ashore. The veterans who served on these ships during the time frame in question will be considered to have presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, allowing them to receive disability compensation for the 14 medical conditions associated with exposure to the herbicide.
Veterans who want to know if one of the ships that they served on made the list can visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange to view the exhaustive list. If veterans do not have access to the internet, they can contact VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3 to receive a list of the ships.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Monday, August 29, 2011
Social Security Disability
by Kristina Derro
Veteran Disability Lawyer
For those individuals who think that only the VA system is backlogged, recent findings indicate that Social Security’s disability program is almost as bad. This is extremely disheartening, since most individuals who qualify for VA service-connected benefits will also qualify for Social Security disability benefits. And, in fact, most usually receive Social Security disability benefits first and use it to provide themselves with meager support as they wait years for their VA benefits to be adjudicated.
Applications for Social Security’s disability program are up nearly 50 percent over a decade ago. With the U.S. economy losing nearly 7 million jobs in recent years, individuals with disabilities who lose their jobs have been unable to find new ones. As a result, the rush for benefits is adding to a growing backlog of applicants. Most individuals wait two years or more until their cases are resolved.
Also compounding the problem is the fact that the program is being hit by an aging population; obviously disability rates rise as a population ages. This is especially troubling given that new Congressional estimates say that the trust fund which finances Social Security disability will run out of money by 2017, leaving the program unable to pay benefits unless Congress acts.
Right now Congress is targeting overpayments, where people continue to get paid despite getting a job and no longer qualifying for the program. Last year alone, Social Security found that the overpayment amounted to $1.4 billion. In the deficit reduction package enacted this month, Congress boosted Social Security’s budget by about $4 billion over the next decade to invest in programs that identify people who no longer qualify for the disability benefits. It is estimated that the increased enforcement would save nearly $12 billion over the next decade.
Needless to say, the crush of applicants has impacted the legitimate applicants who often have to wait years to receive benefits. About 2/3 of initial applications are rejected, and an appeals process can take two years or more.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Veteran Disability Lawyer
For those individuals who think that only the VA system is backlogged, recent findings indicate that Social Security’s disability program is almost as bad. This is extremely disheartening, since most individuals who qualify for VA service-connected benefits will also qualify for Social Security disability benefits. And, in fact, most usually receive Social Security disability benefits first and use it to provide themselves with meager support as they wait years for their VA benefits to be adjudicated.
Applications for Social Security’s disability program are up nearly 50 percent over a decade ago. With the U.S. economy losing nearly 7 million jobs in recent years, individuals with disabilities who lose their jobs have been unable to find new ones. As a result, the rush for benefits is adding to a growing backlog of applicants. Most individuals wait two years or more until their cases are resolved.
Also compounding the problem is the fact that the program is being hit by an aging population; obviously disability rates rise as a population ages. This is especially troubling given that new Congressional estimates say that the trust fund which finances Social Security disability will run out of money by 2017, leaving the program unable to pay benefits unless Congress acts.
Right now Congress is targeting overpayments, where people continue to get paid despite getting a job and no longer qualifying for the program. Last year alone, Social Security found that the overpayment amounted to $1.4 billion. In the deficit reduction package enacted this month, Congress boosted Social Security’s budget by about $4 billion over the next decade to invest in programs that identify people who no longer qualify for the disability benefits. It is estimated that the increased enforcement would save nearly $12 billion over the next decade.
Needless to say, the crush of applicants has impacted the legitimate applicants who often have to wait years to receive benefits. About 2/3 of initial applications are rejected, and an appeals process can take two years or more.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Thursday, August 25, 2011
QTC Sold
by Jim Fausone
Veteran Disability Lawyer
Many veterans that have had a C&P exam have run into a private QTC doctor. QTC is the largest provider of outsourced medical evaluation services to the federal government and, in particular, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), processing more than 450,000 evaluations last year. The VA has had a cozy relationship with QTC for years. This includes the movement from QTC to VA and back again. For example, former VA Secretary, Dr. James Peake, was Chief Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer of QTC before becoming the Secretary and former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi, was chairman of QTC.
Now the plot thickens. A large defense contractor, Lockhead Martin, has purchased QTC. It certainly raises the possibility that the DOD and VA interests will be placed above that of veterans at future exams. Should veteran advocates be concerned, it seems that "independent medical" exams by QTC may be an oxymoron.
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/08/22/3853954/lockheed-martin-agrees-to-acquire.html
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Veteran Disability Lawyer
Many veterans that have had a C&P exam have run into a private QTC doctor. QTC is the largest provider of outsourced medical evaluation services to the federal government and, in particular, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), processing more than 450,000 evaluations last year. The VA has had a cozy relationship with QTC for years. This includes the movement from QTC to VA and back again. For example, former VA Secretary, Dr. James Peake, was Chief Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer of QTC before becoming the Secretary and former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi, was chairman of QTC.
Now the plot thickens. A large defense contractor, Lockhead Martin, has purchased QTC. It certainly raises the possibility that the DOD and VA interests will be placed above that of veterans at future exams. Should veteran advocates be concerned, it seems that "independent medical" exams by QTC may be an oxymoron.
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/08/22/3853954/lockheed-martin-agrees-to-acquire.html
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
PTSD Drug Fraud
by Jim Fausone
Veteran Disability Lawyer
VA seems to try all kinds of quack medicine to "fix" veterans with PTSD. Another situation has arisen that an anti-psychotic drug used to treat PTSD has no more effect than a sugar pill. VA spent $717 million for this ineffective drug over the last decade.
Risperidone is the generic name for Risperdal, a drug developed by the Janssen Pharmaceuticals division of Johnson & Johnson to treat severe mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. VA researchers published Aug. 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded, "treatment with risperidone compared with placebo did not reduce PTSD symptoms."
If you or a veteran you care for was given this drug, you should evaluate if your disability rating is correct. If VA reduced your rating because you were being effectively treated - that turns out not to be true. You may want to read the article below and contact a lawyer.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110822_6423.php?oref=topstory
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
Veteran Disability Lawyer
VA seems to try all kinds of quack medicine to "fix" veterans with PTSD. Another situation has arisen that an anti-psychotic drug used to treat PTSD has no more effect than a sugar pill. VA spent $717 million for this ineffective drug over the last decade.
Risperidone is the generic name for Risperdal, a drug developed by the Janssen Pharmaceuticals division of Johnson & Johnson to treat severe mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. VA researchers published Aug. 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded, "treatment with risperidone compared with placebo did not reduce PTSD symptoms."
If you or a veteran you care for was given this drug, you should evaluate if your disability rating is correct. If VA reduced your rating because you were being effectively treated - that turns out not to be true. You may want to read the article below and contact a lawyer.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110822_6423.php?oref=topstory
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
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