FW: viVA Las Vegas News You Can Use

Thank You

Robert Serge

Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

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From: vva17fstvice@live.com
To: rserge1@outlook.com; sawchuk1@cox.net
Subject: FW: viVA Las Vegas News You Can Use
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 13:12:40 -0500

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Subject: viVA Las Vegas News You Can Use
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2014 15:31:08 -0800
From: David.Martinez2@va.gov
To: Truelson@att.net; Rangerh75@gmail.com; Budbanks1@cox.net; Bakerwriter@cox.net; ctrex40@cox.net; pvanevada@gmail.com; ERRLVN01Niceguy@aol.com; sherri.wright@us.af.mil; acchief@aol.com; KeleenR@aol.com; jtasby2003@yahoo.com; nvpva@aol.com; Psobel1paul@aol.com; Vva17fstvice@live.com; rtfain@gmail.com; russchilders@cox.net; Vfwpsc05@clear.net; Vvastatecouncil@aol.com; Wcbaumann1@aol.com; betrony@veterans.nv.gov

Dear Members of the Director's State Commanders Advisory Council: 

I would like to keep you apprised of some current topics impacting Veteran health care here at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS).

Joint Commission

VASNHS underwent its tri-annual unannounced Joint Commission accreditation survey on January 28-31.  This was the first comprehensive hospital survey since opening the new medical center. The surveyors consistently cited not only the beautiful new facilities, but more importantly, the engagement of our staff, willingness to participate in the survey process, and the staff's knowledge, competence, and demonstrated commitment to caring for our Veterans.  We had zero findings in Behavioral Health Care and zero findings in Life Safety.  We had a few findings under Hospital and Home Care which we will be addressing and submitting plans to demonstrate corrective action.

Opioid Management

As a result of dramatic national increases in overdose deaths from prescription opioid medications (eg. Hydrocodone, Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, and Methadone), VA is making changes in the treatment of pain management.  VASNHS providers are closely reviewing the risks and benefits of pain therapy, and opioid medications or doses may be changed if presenting a high safety risk.  Veterans who may not understand the reason for changes may be contacting your office.

Acute Rehabilitation

VASNHS plans to open 10 acute rehabilitation beds toward the end of February/beginning of March.  These beds are located in the Community Living Center (CLC) building with plans to add 10 additional beds in the near future. Veterans will benefit from an intensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.

Dialysis Expansion

VASNHS is expanding its Dialysis Unit capacity.  Currently, dialysis services are available at the medical center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Starting in mid-March, dialysis will be available six days per week adding Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to improve Veteran access.  This will shift services currently provided in the community to the medical center.

Automated Telephone System

VASNHS recently expanded the functionality of its automated telephone system.  New features will allow Veterans to call and request medication renewals and cancel their clinic appointments over the telephone. 

Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)

At a national level, VA is changing the format of its Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).  VASNHS is taking identification pictures at the medical center, Primary Care Clinics, and Pahrump Primary Care Outpatient Clinic.   Cards are issued from a national centralized location; however, cards are not being issued at this time due to technical issues.  It is anticipated that cards will be issued at the end of February 2014.  Veterans can continue to use their existing cards and any eligible Veteran without a card will not be turned away.

Survey of Veteran Enrollees' Health and Reliance Upon VA

The Department of Veteran Affairs will be conducting the 2014 VHA Survey of Enrollees in order to better understand the health care service needs of Veterans.  This information supports annual VHA projections of enrollment, utilization, and expenditures, as well as a variety of high level VHA budget and policy related analyses.  VHA will be randomly sampling enrollees in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) who will be contacted starting the week of February 18.

Construction

·         Construction of the administrative building continues at the medical center campus with a tentative completion in late 2014. 

·         The Women's Health Center on the third floor of the medical center is currently under construction with an anticipated summer 2014 completion.

·         An Emergency Room expansion project will soon break ground with an estimated completion in early 2015.

·         VASNHS has received preliminary approval for a Fisher House to be constructed on campus.  Construction will begin in late 2014/2015. 

·         Construction of the Laughlin Clinic continues with an estimated completion in summer 2014.

·         VASNHS is working on securing a new lease in Pahrump to expand clinical space.  The existing clinic will remain open until a new lease and construction is completed.

Thank you for your continued support of our health care system and the Veterans we serve.

Isabel Duff, MS (SES)

Director

Fw: MOPH Region VI Weekly Report 1/30-2/12/2014

Commander Small and Jim Richards:

Weekly reports generated by Region VI NSOs, 1/30-2/12/2014.

San Diego VARO:

Contacted Region VI NSO offices for various confirmations of equipment, various veterans and status along with follow-up.  Responding to many emails, along with various research data and various NSOs needing guidance or claim clarification.

Continuing my quest again for an office somewhere between Fresno and Bakersfield.  This is difficult as there is no space for MOPH at the VA Hospital or Veteran Center.  Unless I can locate another facility, the only other option would be trying for another area or paying out of pocket for space, which would not be feasible, as they (NSO) would not have access to various programs needed from the VA. 

Researching data for the training class I am instructing on Survivor Benefit Information of Military  Personnel KIA and what benefits they may be entitled, (monthly DIC, Pension, Education, Medical, etc. (spouse, parents, children)).

Continue with training of new NSOs and AAs in both VARO San Diego and VARO Los Angeles locations.   Continue on Follow-up with NODs and Appeals, as well as responding to phone calls, emails, claim review, etc.

Continue to review data in VCMS and checking Share/Vacols, Virtual VA, etc. for accuracy. Continue checking daily timecards and daily sign offs.  Reviewing  and submission of VCMS Monthly Reports. 

Eddie Kimes, NSO - Las Vegas:

Checked VCMS and Share for claim status and awards.  Conducted veteran consultations.  Attended DRO hearing 2/3/14.

Returned phone calls and made appointments.

Filed new claims and POAs and submitted various claims and evidence with signature paperwork.

Went to Vet Center for veteran consultations and assisted living facility to file elderly veteran�s aid and attendance claim.

Joseph Phillips, NSO - VAMC Long Beach, CA:

I continue seeing Vets about a myriad of veteran�s services.  I inputted award letters into VCMS and updated diary entries.  Assisted Surviving Spouse with a Fee Basis claim.  Assisted homeless Vet with a discharge up-grade.

Assisted homeless Vet with getting a free meal in the cafeteria.  I also referred him to the Villages of Cabrillo (Center for Homeless Vets).  I had an impromptu meeting with the Chief of Volunteer Services regarding the difficulty we are having in getting DBQs completed by VA physicians.  I sent him an e-mail explaining the FDC process and the importance of DBQ�s.  I also sent him VHA Directive 2013-002:  DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE FOR DISABILITY EVALUATION PURPOSES.

Tony DeVore, NSO - VARO San Diego, CA:

Had a very busy end of the month and the beginning of the month has been busy with Award Letters and Ratings received.   Have had several appointments this 1^st week of Feb and several hearings to prepare for in the next few weeks.

Continue general office duties, returning emails, making and receiving telephone calls regarding status, claims and general information.  Filing, purging, reviewing pending claims/appeals and continue training of new AA.

Arthur Harris, NSO - VARO Oakland, CA:

This week the phone calls are normal, the veteran coming in with appointments were similar as last week. We have spent the week doing the monthly reports and checking and updating VCMS, VBMS and SEP; also reviewed two cases for appeal this week to include one expedited case of a terminal veteran. 

Tennell Brady, NSO - VARO Los Angeles, CA:

During the week, this office conducted numerous live interviews, responded to telephone calls and submitted claims to the VA.   I went with Daniel Soto to Wadsworth to begin his tenure at that building.   I will venture with Mr. Soto to Sepulveda for the same reason. This office received a new copier/fax/scanner.   We began the process of installing and ensuring that it was connected to RO systems.

Attended a meeting with new temporary Director of LARO, Mrs. Julie Bear. Topics of discussion included the opening of new DBQ clinic at the outpatient clinic at Sepulveda, and the pending development of a DBQ clinic at Wadsworth; the ongoing development of the VA Systems of VBMS and SEP.  

Johnnell Jackson, NSO - VARO Los Angeles, CA:

I�ve received multiple phone calls, faxed veterans information where needed, filed award letters as well as correspondence, mailed paper work to their designated areas, made appointments for veterans, helped veterans with various questions, sent claims to the VA to be date stamped.

Daniel Soto, NSO - VAMC Sepulveda/Wadsworth:

I completed the VCMS trainer courses.  I also was in contact with volunteer services to expedite my transition with gaining computer access at Wadsworth and Sepulveda location.  I assisted the staff with interviews and completing forms for clients.

Ron Quinata, NSO - Guam:

Assisted veterans/dependents;  Forwarded $500 donation to MOPH.  Received another
client's donation, $200 to MOPH National Service Program for Office needs, will forward to HQS MOPH.  Veteran received Retro $32,764.00.

Continued administrative work in the office, i.e. updating VCMS, following up on letters received, filing letters received many telephone calls, email responses.

Jay Parker, NSO - VARO Phoenix:

Walk-ins have been a little slow this week.  Have had several requests for increase and status checks over the phone.

The VA is starting to push harder for D2D. That is only in the sense of sending more information on the nature of it.  The VA Change officer is sending a power point on D2D.  I think this is great because it allows us to become familiar with the program.

I met with the VA concerning the dropped document (upload issue�s) problem with Von Apps.  They have installed a fix, success remains to be seen.

During one of my visits to the hospital a veteran pulled a knife on a nurse.  Because this is the third time in two years VHA is considering security checks at the doors.

There have been two incidents with our clients this week.  They both have received decision letters for someone else in the same envelope with their decision.

As usual purging and retiring of claim folders.

Helping Tucson with some issues.  Going upstairs to have some things corrected for Tucson.

General office duties.

Cheryl Paden, NSO - VAMC Tucson:

I have helped Veterans with their pending claims.

I returned messages and emails some trying to find out what they need to bring in to start a new claim and some to get updates on their pending claims.

I gave paperwork/homework to Veterans so I can submit FDC claims for them.

I have reviewed decision letters, worked on filing and general office duties.  Continued other normal daily activities, filing, reviewing , etc.  I am back to working on cleaning the files.

I am still doing research on Korat and Saudi for 2 new claims, so I can do a fully developed claim for a veteran that was stationed there and he called and is just about ready to come and see me.

I had to do some work on getting my new printer to fax properly and to scan documents.

Raphael Paris, NSO - VARO Honolulu:

Several veterans came in to find out status of claims.  Received memorandum rating for vocational rehabilitation for veteran, informed veteran that she will receive a letter asking her to come in for orientation.

Submitted supporting medical documents per request NSO Guam for veteran pending reduction in service connection condition.

Veterans came in to submit NOD.  Met with veteran about upcoming hearing for reduction in service connection condition. Submitted additional STR�S from reserve unit for veteran pending service connection condition. Submitted 21-22 with informal claim for veteran.  Submitted supporting medical documents per request NSO Guam for veteran pending reduction in service connection condition, also 21-526EZ for new claim.

Met with Hawaii rainbow chapter MOPH over the weekend to discuss changes with VA and discuss award letter with veteran, also discuss possible increase claim with another veteran at meeting.

Received correspondence and award letters for both Honolulu and Guam, mailed out letters to Guam.  Returned/received calls from veterans asking for status of claims.

Continue input into VCMS of awards, claims, etc.  General office duties, including making of new files, purging.  Follow-up on pending claims.

Breana King, NSO - VAMC Loma Linda:

This week at the Medical center was fairly busy.  I saw quite a few Vets week and I signed a few new POA�s and submitted new claims to the Regional Office.  Since the last day of the month fell this week, I worked on getting all mail sent out.  

I try to coordinate their claim appointments with their Medical Appointments here at the VAMC, so must Vet will be returning next week with their claim packets and 21-22.

I entered all claims and updates into VCMS. I did my weekly claim status checks with the Regional Offices, and I returned phone calls. As usual, Fridays are my filing and Administration days.

Michael Mullen, NSO - VAMC La Jolla:

It was very busy at the end of last week, but not so much for the start of this one.   I answered calls, returned messages, I saw a lot clients last week, and I submitted evidence for existing claims.  I spent a good portion from the start of this week reviewing and explaining rating decisions to my veterans.   So overall, this has been a pretty mixed week of business.

Answered a lot of calls, returned messages, and submitted some evidence for existing claims. There wasn�t anything out of the ordinary, but later this week I�ll be writing up my PPT for the Ancillary Benefit class I�m teaching for the training in Orlando.

Erin Hamlin, NSO - Salt Lake City:

Made and returned numerous phone calls.

Reviewed BDD/PLCP Rating Decisions and no PLCP SOCs.  Forwarded BDD/PLCP Development Letters and BDD/PLCP Submittals for other Service Offices.  I also continue my efforts to go through my office files and get them in order.

FW: NDVS eNewsletter - Legislative Symposium Registration Growing

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 17 Member

Blog Master

To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

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Subject: NDVS eNewsletter - Legislative Symposium Registration Growing
From: pio.ndvs@veterans.nv.gov
To: rserge1@outlook.com
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2014 01:41:29 +0000

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Nevada Department of Veterans Services eNewsletter Register for Veterans Legislative Symposium Continues The Veterans Legislative Symposium is scheduled for March 8 in Reno, NV and registrations have continued to pick up. The meeting is intended to bring together leaders and those interested in veterans issues together to plan for the upcoming 78th legislature in 2015.  If you are interested, please reply to the email below so we can put you on the list and update you as the March 8 draws near. Space is limited to 200 attendees. Date: March 8, 2014 | Location: Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, NV. | Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Coffee service will be provided throughout the meeting. To attend, reply to pio.ndvs@veterans.nv.gov with the subject line "Veteran Legislative Symposium".   Women Veterans Wellness Event - February 22 The second Las Vegas Women Veterans Wellness event is planned for February 22. This year the Nevada Department of Veterans Services is joining forces with the Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Program "She Wore These" boot decorating event to celebrate Women Veterans Make History Month.  Women Veterans are encouraged to bring boots or other military footwear and personalized decorating items and join their sister Veterans for a boot decorating day and wellness event. There will be Education and Employment information with vendors that available to hand out information on various topics. Event Information: Rio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Pavilion 2 | February 22, 10 am - 4 pm RSVP: Yvonne with the Nevada Department of Veterans Services at 702-501-9432, betrony@veterans.nv.gov, or Carol at the VA 702-791-9000 x19451    . NDVS Speakers Program The NDVS will begin a speakers program in 2014 to discuss veterans issues and NDVS programs and plans. "We have many programs and issues we want to present and discuss with organizations throughout the state. Speaking at organizational meetings and events will give us the opportunity to involve communities and gather information about veterans concerns," says Director Kat Miller. If your veteran or community organization is interested in the NDVS speaking at one of your group meetings, please contact Pamela at the NDVS Reno office - (866) 630-8387 ROVER February Schedules Click the links to see the list of upcoming locations for the NDVS Veterans Service Officer (VSO) during February and March. "We're asking for the assistance of community businesses and individuals to download a flyer from a location near them and post it so veterans and their families can become aware of our ROVER Outreach program for veterans," said Director Kat Miller. "Through the assistance of each community, we can alert more veterans to our visits and get them the assistance they need." See Schedules. Suicide Prevention If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Learn More. Upcoming NDVS Events Calendar Veterans Services Commission Meeting TBD Announced Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery Unaccompanied Services - Every Thursday, 8:40 am More Information Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery Unaccompanied Services - Fourth  Thursday, 3 pm Elko - Combat Veterans Support Group 4th Monday of the month - Elko VFW - 775-777-1000 Reno - Lady Veterans Meeting 4th Wednesday (or last) of the month - Carrows Restaurant @ Wells Ave, Reno 6 pm Additional information email: nvangel@charter.net (note "Lady Vets") More Information License Plates - Available To Order Ten different license plates are available for veterans, spouses and children and each one helps fund the various NDVS outreach programs which assist veterans throughout the state. Click Here to Order. Thunderbirds Available Now Women Veterans Survivor Benefits in Nevada Survivor benefits in Nevada is a topic that we have been working on over the last few years. As most know, these are benefits for spouses and family members of service members who are lost, often in combat. Survivors are a part of a special group of Nevadans called Gold Star Families, and there are several ways that we at the Nevada Office of Veterans Services serve them. Learn More. Are you a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran business owner in Nevada? According to Nevada Revised Statutes NRS 333.3368 and 338.13846, you have a veterans preference regarding contracts for Purchasing contracts and State Public Works contracts under $100,000.00. Contact the Nevada Purchasing Division or the Nevada State Public Works Division for more information. Also, if you are looking for employment with the State of Nevada and you are a veteran or service connected disabled, you get a preference when competing for state jobs according to Nevada Revised Statutes 284.260. This statute explains that if the employment opportunity requires a test, a veteran with disabilities is awarded 10 additional points, and a veteran is awarded five addition points on a passing examination. Go here to see Nevada job opportunities that might be available.  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2014 Nevada Department of Veterans Services - All rights reserved. You are receiving this email per your request to be included on the Nevada Department of Veterans Services eNewsletter Our mailing address is: Nevada Department of Veteran Services 5460 Reno Corporate Dr. Suite 131 Reno, NV 89511 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Fwd: 31 Preventable Veteran Deaths, No Serious Discipline Spark Miller , Rubio...

Please note: forwarded message attached

From: Goberh@aol.com

Subject: Fwd: 31 Preventable Veteran Deaths, No Serious Discipline Spark Miller, Rubio...
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 11:58:12 -0500 (EST)

Fw: MOPH in Army Times

---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: LITTLE4J@aol.com

Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 11:13:39 -0500 (EST)

We have been quoted in the Army Times, 10 February 2014 issue.  The article starts on page 6 "Hagel calls for review of military medals, awards".  Our sections is on page 8, titled "Leave the Purple Heart alone"

" Modern warfare has raised new questions about the criteria for the Purple Heart, which recognizes any and all troops who are wounded in "any action against an enemy of the United States".

Several years ago, the military wrestled with whether so-called "invisible wounds" should qualify troops for the Purple Heart, leading to the approval of the medal for those who sustain a traumatic brain injury.  But despite calls from some advocates, Purple Hearts still are not awarded to troops diagnosed with post-traumatic stress.

In addition, many people have questioned why the victims of the Fort Hood, Texas shooting in 2011 were not awarded Purple Hearts, since the convicted shooter, Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, clearly was motivated by a belief in radical Islamic jihad.  Critics says that's inconsistent with the decision to award the medal to troops injured in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart has few concerns about the current law and support's the Pentagon's decision not to grant the medal to Fort Hood victims. And many experts say that despite the controversies, it should not be changed.  "I think the Purple Heart is in pretty good shape," Borch said." 

Fwd: Test of S. 25

Please note: forwarded message attached

From: Goberh@aol.com

Subject: Fwd: Test of S. 25
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:48:21 -0500 (EST)

Fwd: RELEASE: Miller Announces Legislation to Help Bring Much-Needed A ccounta...

Please note: forwarded message attached

From: Goberh@aol.com

Subject: Fwd: RELEASE: Miller Announces Legislation to Help Bring Much-Needed Accounta...
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 10:08:16 -0500 (EST)