Falls are a leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older Americans. Veterans encounter specific challenges that heighten their risk of falling, such as physical disabilities, chronic health issues, medications, limb loss, traumatic brain injuries and the aging process. https://t.co/jLJ9OcO6CE
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a challenging process for service members. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Solid Start Program plays a crucial role in connecting transitioned service members with resources after they discharge, but not before. Having an initial contact prior to discharge would help provide service members, who have ready access to their medical and personnel records, the information needed to file a disability claim. It also enables the VA to deliver a decision more quickly and assign a service-connected disability rating prior to military discharge.
S. 4748, the Veterans Transition Support Act, would improve the Solid Start program by requiring VA representatives to contact service members transitioning to civilian life 120-210 days before their discharge to help them file a disability claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program and provide contact information for an accredited representative, agent or attorney who may assist the member in filing claim for disability compensation.
Furthermore, the bill underscores the importance of easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources; points of contact; and referral protocols in the Department of Defense so that transitioning members who are in crisis or may need help can get it before discharge from military service.
DAV is proud to support the Veterans Transition Support Act, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 372, which seeks to improve and reform the mandatory Transition Goals, Plans, Success program. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that transitioning service members are informed about vital programs available to them and that support is available for those in mental health crisis before they separate from military service.
We call on DAV members and supporters to contact their senators and urge them to co-sponsor and support S. 4748, the Veterans Transition Support Act. https://t.co/m5pR917UeE
Many veterans throughout our country have a difficult time accessing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities due to the distance they have to travel. It is imperative that the VA continues to provide safe and reliable transportation options to VA facilities, so they can receive health care and services they need and deserve.
H.R. 9948, the Veterans Earned Transportation Act or Vets ETA would make permanent the VA’s authority to provide transportation service to veterans attending vocational rehabilitation or counseling sessions at VA facilities by removing the expiration date of Sept. 30, 2025.
DAV supports H.R. 9948, the Vets ETA, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 236. We must ensure that all service-disabled veterans have an effective and efficient transportation program to receive timely and high-quality VA health care, benefits and services.
We ask you to contact your representative and urge them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 9948. Thank you for taking action on behalf of service-disabled veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. https://t.co/2pK2Utcf0N
Many veterans continue to experience challenges in obtaining reimbursement for travel to their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical appointments. S. 2975, the Road to Access Act, would ensure that veterans receive the travel reimbursements they deserve by improving the payment and processing of travel allowances, making it easier for them to access the care they need. https://t.co/TX0clubP69
The Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act would permanently extend a pandemic-related exemption that allows Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care professionals to deliver, distribute, and dispense medically necessary controlled substances to veterans via telemedicine, even if they have not conducted an in-person medical examination. https://t.co/ThqdEqHL5G
H.R. 7504, the Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act, aims to improve veterans’ transportation options to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities for veterans living in rural areas. https://t.co/wfaZY9yDUI
The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (SPORT) Act would include adaptive prostheses and terminal devices in the VA medical services package for disabled veterans participating in sports and other recreational activities.
This bill would guarantee that certain veterans can obtain specialized prostheses for sports and recreation to include: customized limbs for activities like running, swimming, golfing, skiing and cycling. This support would allow them to engage in sports and recreational activities that are crucial for their fitness, independence and good mental health.
VA would not only furnish these devices, but also deliver training and support to assist veterans in effectively utilizing their new prostheses. Moreover, the legislation has the potential to promote research and the development of new adaptive technologies, guaranteeing veterans have access to state-of-the-art prosthetic and adaptive devices.
DAV supports this draft bill in accordance with Resolution No. 429, which supports sufficient funding for VA prosthetics and sensory aids; promotion of physical activity and overall well-being among ill and injured veterans; and engagement in sports and recreational activities using adaptive equipment.
We ask DAV members and supporters to contact their representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 9478, the Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (SPORT) Act. https://t.co/uigmjz4rrX
Since the beginning of the 118th Congress, hundreds of bills have been introduced to improve the health care and benefits provided to our nation’s veterans, their caregivers, families and survivors. https://t.co/mgRXejxIMz