Coronavirus Update: 8/5/2021 From the VAMC: The Hospital has sent out information stating that the Covid 19/Delta mutant virus is spreading rapidly through touch from gas pump handles. Recommended that when you pump gas wear gloves or use a disposable towel when fueling.
Be careful and stay mindful of your surroundings at all times.
On June 25, 2019, Public Law 116-23, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, was signed into law. This law goes into effect on January 1, 2020. The new law: - Expands the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange to Veterans who served on vessels operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia, between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. - The law may also qualify these Veterans for a presumption of service connection. To be entitled to disability compensation benefits, these Veterans must have one or more of the conditions asso¬ciated with Agent Orange exposure that are listed in 38 CFR §3.309(e).May allow previously denied claimants whose claims are granted under PL 116-23 to be eligible for a retroactive effective date. Moves the start date to be eligible for a presumption of service connection based on herbicide exposure in the Korean Demilitarized Zone from April 1, 1968 to September 1, 1967.May also provide benefits for spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta) to children of Veterans with covered service in Thailand between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.
VBA will concede all service within Da Nang Harbor as qualifying offshore waters under the new law. Presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. Blue Water Navy Veterans are encouraged to submit disability compensation claims for conditions presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. Veterans over age 85 or with terminal illnesses will have priority in claims processing.
Veterans who previously were denied for an Agent Orange related presumptive condition law will have their claim automatically readjudicated. Eligible survivors of deceased Blue Water Navy Veterans law will also have prior denied claims readjudicated or may file new claims for benefits based on the Veterans’ service. VA is sending outreach letters to claimants with previously denied claims.
How to apply for a Veteran ID Card A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card—and how to apply.
Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans need to know- (Updated 7/8/2020 at 3:08 pm) Our call centers and some VA health facilities are currently experiencing very high numbers of calls. To help us address the most urgent needs first, we ask that you use our online tools and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for routine or non-urgent questions. We’ll continue to update this page as the situation changes.
What's COVID-19? The CDC defines COVID-19 as a disease caused by a new type of coronavirus (or “novel coronavirus”). The virus that causes COVID-19 belongs to a large family of viruses that are common in people and different animal species. On rare occasions, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and then spread from person-to-person. This is how the COVID-19 virus started. People with COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills or repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
To learn more about COVID-19, prevention steps, guidance for high-risk groups, travelers, and more, visit the CDC.
Coronavirus VSO Information ATTENTION: Starting Monday, May 11, and until further notice, there is reduced access to Veterans Benefits Representatives due to COVID-19 requirements. Staff have been reassigned to help reduce the backlog of Unemployment Insurance Claims. KDVA Benefits staff will still be returning calls and filing claims, but there may be delays and wait times. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act claims now being determined December 31, 2019, 03:03:00 PM The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will begin deciding claims for the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 at 12:01 a.m., Philippine Standard Time, Jan. 1, 2020. The Philippines is the farthest east VA regional benefits office. https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5381
Commissary, Military Service Exchange, and MWR access extended to more Veterans beginning January 2020
New law provides eligible Veterans and Primary Family Caregivers with access to DoD and Coast Guard commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare, and recreation retail services.
