Gulf War Illness

Gulf War vet health research lacking 11/14/08. Even as possibly hundreds of thousands of veterans suffer from a collection of symptoms commonly called Gulf War illness, the government has done too little to find treatments for their health problems nearly two decades after the war ended, a panel commissioned by Congress said. Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses via PhysOrg.com

Puget Sound VA Inspection

Healthcare Inspection Questionable Cause of Death VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle, Washington [08-02620-22] 11/12/08. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Healthcare Inspections reviewed allegations regarding the death of a patient in the community living center (CLC)1 at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System’s (VAPSHCS) American Lake (AL) Division. The purpose of this inspection was to determine the validity of the following allegations:
• The patient’s death was caused by equipment failure and not aspiration pneumonia.
• Staff did not communicate to the complainant that the patient “choked” and had to be suctioned prior to his death.
• The physician did not accurately annotate the cause of death (COD) on the official death certificate. VAOIG

Lawsuit Over VA Disability Claims

Advocacy Groups File Lawsuit Against VA Over Disability Claims Delays 11/12/08. Two veterans' advocacy groups on Monday filed a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs alleging that its failure to process disability claims in a timely manner has resulted in economic and other problems for hundreds of thousands of military personnel, the Cox/Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. Kaisernetwork.org via Medical News Today

Compensation for Families in Caregiver Roles

New York Times Examines Increasing Number of Families of Disabled Veterans Seeking Compensation For Caregiver Roles 11/12/08. The New York Times on Tuesday examined the increasing number of families of disabled veterans who are seeking compensation for their roles as caregivers. According to the Times, compensation for family members of disabled veterans has become a "pressing issue" because better medical technology has allowed more soldiers to survive with serious injuries. Kaisernetwork.org

Veterans Day is Today!

Veterans Day – November 11, 2008 is a day to honor all the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces and to thank them for that service. For information on the history of Veterans Day, this year’s national and regional observances, to read the President’s 2008 Veterans Day Proclamation or to download this year’s Veterans Day poster, visit this site. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans for America Survival Guide

American Veterans’ and Servicemembers’ Survival Guide 11/11/08. The new Survival Guide is a follow-up to the 1985 national bestseller, The Viet Vet Survival Guide. Just as the earlier book was a must-read for Vietnam veterans, the new book will prove an invaluable resource for the 1.7 million servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the 24 million veterans of past conflicts, and the families of all our troops and veterans. Unlike the earlier guide, the new Survival Guide is free for download here. Veterans for America

Well Done Series of Slide Shows

Military Photographers on the Frontlines 11/11/08. “The assignment... simple. The objective... illusive. The cost... immeasurable. We are the men and women who go through great risks to get the shot. We extraordinary videographers and photojournalists train with the best, operate in the worst and get noticed the least. Our mission is to be there when history happens. Ever notice that photo or video clip in the news, book, or documentary? Well, someone had to be there. Someone had to get the shot. Someone had to tell the story. We are that someone.” Courtesy of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Ansarov. DoD

Off Topic: AARP Looking After AARP not Elderly - Again

AARP Suspends Marketing, Sales of Benefit Plans Due to Grassley Inquiry 11/11/08. AARP on Friday said it would suspend marketing and sales of health insurance plans after Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) last week said the plans are misleading and do not work in typical situations, CQ HealthBeat reports (CQ HealthBeat, 11/7). Kaisernetwork.org

Commentary: AARP has shown over and over again that its primary interest is in itself, not in the the elderly it pretends to advocate for. This became very apparent to me with its support of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act,which the Los Angeles Times Dale Van Atta wrote about in his article "This Isn't the Old AARP".

There many others who understand AARP's primarily selfish interest as highlighted in By Raising Its Voice, AARP Raises Questions (BusinessWeek), A critical history of AARP (60 Plus Association), "The Empire Called AARP (Money Magazine), Detailed history of recent AARP lobbying (The American Prospect), and the book by Dale Van Atta titled "Trust Betrayed: Inside the AARP" (Regnery Publishing, 1998).

If AARP wants to show it has genuine interest in the elderly, the organization should sell off all its assets with the proceeds divided up between organizations who are truly interested in the needs of the elderly.

Volunteer Help for Veterans With Psychological Wounds of War

Mental health charity helping US war veterans gets boost 11/11/08. WASHINGTON (AFP) – Major US mental health organizations pledged to offer volunteer help on Monday for a non-profit group that provides free counseling to US soldiers suffering from the psychological wounds of war. AFP

Multimedia From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The American Veteran 11/10/08. A monthly video magazine featuring important veterans issues.

VA News 11/10/08. Weekly video featuring news and information about the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Military Health Management Conference

Military Health Management Conference To Take Place January 26-28, 2009 11/10/08. Worldwide Business Research presents Military Health Management, an event designed to provide the leaders and members of the Armed Forces, DoD, Veterans Affairs and US Military Hospitals the opportunity to share the strategic vision and critical next steps in improving the quality of military medical care and support. The main issues that will be addressed include: integration and interoperability of electronic medical records; continuity of care for wounded warriors and veterans; and providing in-theatre medical readiness. Military Health Management is taking place at The Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington, VA from January 26-28, 2009. PR-CANADA.net

Preventing PTSD

Stopping The Pain Of PTSD Before It Starts 11/10/08. New research by Israeli scientists from Ben Gurion University and Tel Aviv University, suggests that a large dose of a stress hormone may reduce the risk of PTSD, and its associated symptoms. The researchers, who report successful results in an animal model, are hoping this therapy could one day restore life to people who have experienced trauma. Medical News Today