Doug Karr

Doug Karr

Petty Officer Second Class, United States Navy Veteran.

Posts about "veteran health"

2 0 1 2Mar29

Maine Establishes Veteran Treatment Courts

For some Americans, this may have been a long time in the making, but recently Maine demonstrated how valuable their veterans are to their state by mandating the establishment of a specialized court for veterans.

This court is entirely different than what we all may think of “traditional” courts. In fact, these courts offer veterans a second chance after committing a crime.

Tags: Afghanistan, Iraq, Veteran Health, Veteran Treatment Courts, Veterans

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Days before President Barack Obama and the First Lady host a White House dinner in honor of Iraq War veterans, top veterans' organization officials are instead calling for a more public celebrations.

According to Paul Rieckhoff, Founder of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the White House dinner is “a wonderful gesture from the First Family and an incredible honor for the few invited to attend.”

Tags: Afghanistan, IAVA, Iraq, President Barack Obama, VA, veteran health

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President Barack Obama's Federal Budget proposal pleases 4 of the nation's largest veterans organizations, even as these organizations agree there is a lot more room to improve.

American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) push the Obama Administration and Congress to extend the proposed Federal budget to $68 billion for Veterans Health Care and Benefits.

Tags: veteran health, AMVETS, Barack Obama, budget, veterans, VFW

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It is everyone's favorite time of year: tax time. In an effort to relieve some of the stress associated with April 15, we've put together some useful and timely information for employers of veterans and active duty service members. Some of the following information is new for this tax season.

Employers of Veterans

As of today, the IRS published additional information for employers who have hired veterans in 2011. There is a tax credit available for such employers. Depending on the business structure, the credit is worth up to $9,600 per veteran employee (for-profit businesses) and $6,240 per veteran employee (non-profit organizations and other tax-exempt businesses).

Tags: tax season, veteran health, veterans

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2 0 1 1Dec15

Rise in PTSD for Women in Combat

According to a story released by CNN on December 13, there are more cases of women diagnosed with and suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than at any other time of our nation’s military history.

The reason for this sharp increase is simple: there are more women in combat today than ever before.

Tags: Department of Veteran Affairs, ptsd, veteran health, women

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The United States Committee on Veterans Affairs is launching an investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs in regards to claims of inadequate staffing, long lines for mental health care and whether VA employees work to reach numbers rather than focusing on providing necessary mental health care.

veteran health

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the committee, charged George J. Opfer, Inspector General of the VA, to take a considered and serious look into the allegations brought forth before the panel.

Tags: Department of Veteran Affairs, mental health, PTSD, veteran health

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This is a fantastic time of year: parties, presents, friends and celebrations. Whether we’re all ready or not, the holiday season is officially in full swing. However, one of the biggest issues with the holidays is that many of us are caught up in the festivities rather than taking the time to remember and acknowledge what the season is all about: spending time with our loved ones and being grateful for another year.

Connections, bonds and a sense of belonging are what all of us crave, and those without, get the full weight of their absence. According to the Huffington Post, even the best of us are affected by loneliness during the holidays.

Tags: Goodwill, USAgain, veteran affairs, veteran health

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In an ongoing effort to provide all veterans, from the World Wars through our continuing efforts in Afghanistan, and their families much needed support and resources, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new website.

“Make the Connection” is a website devoted to the unique needs of veterans.

Tags: american legion, veteran health, wounded warrior project

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2 0 1 1Nov15

The Hidden Cost of War: Homeless Veterans

Regardless of how you look at it, the sheer volume of veterans from the time of the Vietnam Conflict through current war efforts abroad who are homeless is tragic, devastating and entirely unnecessary. According to 100,000 Homes Campaign – an organization dedicated to providing homes to the homeless– there are nearly 76,000 homeless veterans today.

Homelessness among veterans is a solvable problem. Fortunately, there are many advocates, friends and communities of supporters that are continuously fighting this epidemic, simply because they understand that homelessness isn’t an endgame for veterans.

Tags: mesothelioma, veteran health, veteran homelessness, veterans

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2 0 1 1Nov11

Broken Promises: The Veteran Health Epidemic

On Veterans Day, its critical for all of us to remember, celebrate and honor the service of the men and women in arms today and, of course, our veterans.

One of the best ways to celebrate Veterans Day is to continuously advocate for better healthcare and treatment for our veterans and our active duty service members. We need to provide them with the same care that they showed us in protecting our rights, country and beliefs. President Obama summed up this thought in his annual Presidential Proclamation for Veterans Day by reminding everyone “to keep the promises we have made to all who have answered our country's call.”

Tags: asbestos, mesothelioma, veteran health, veterans day

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The three elements below are key for everyone’s long, healthy and happy life. However, for those brave men and women who served our country proudly and protected our nation’s interests, healing them, as a whole, is a priority.

It’s all to clear that many of our brothers and sisters in arms don’t return from the front lines with physical or psychological trauma. Nonetheless, every single veteran does need a little help getting back in to his or her “old” life.

Tags: Veteran healing, veteran health, wounded warrior project

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Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there that are preying on the public’s goodwill towards veterans and other military service members. Though charity schemes aren’t limited to just veterans’ groups, many organizations claim to support veterans’, offer resources and services really do not.

Whether you’re looking to make sure that your donation is working the hardest for you or if you’re looking for a charity to help you out as a veteran, knowing which charities are reputable and responsible is key.

Tags: veteran charities, veteran health

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2 0 1 1Oct11

Vets and the Flu: How to Stay Healthy this Season

‘Tis the season for stuffy heads, sneezing and generally feeling awful. Flu season is already on us and we all need to stay safe and healthy so that we can prevent the continuous spread of this awful bug.

Though many of us attribute anything from stomach illnesses to colds to the flu, the flu or influenza is actually a potentially deadly member of a virus family. Recently, the H1N1 flu epidemic not only caused many deaths but headlines across the world. The H1N1 is a strain of influenza and is no longer a major health threat.

Tags: CDC, flu, H1N1, veteran health

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2 0 1 1Sep23

Online Communities for Veterans

There’s an entire world online for veterans to be a part of. From discussion groups and forums to social networking sites specifically created for veterans of different combat situations and branches.

Find support, advice and resources for you and your family. Connect with other veterans from all branches and wars. Share stories, experiences and information.

Tags: navy veterans, veteran health, veterans

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It doesn’t matter what you believe or what your political views are, our veterans and active men and women in the service deserve our collective thanks.

1.     Say Thank You
If you spot a veteran, an active duty service member or a reservist, just stop, say hello and thank them. That’s all you need to do.

Tags: American Legion, USO, veteran health, wounded warrior project

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2 0 1 1Sep16

Veterans by the Numbers

Looking at the numbers generated by our veterans is shocking for many reasons.

First, the number of living veterans from all of the 20th century wars into our current conflicts is amazing. They are strong and resilient. These brave men and women keep the memory of their service alive.

Tags: Afghanistan, Iraq, VA, veteran health

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American Legion

As the largest veterans organization, the American Legion not only supports veterans but the community. Believing that any great change starts in the neighborhoods of veterans, the American Legion supports veterans and their families, provides academic scholarships and promotes patriotism among the younger population.

Disabled American Veterans

The DAV’s mission is to promote the needs and interests of our disabled veterans in the community and at the governmental level. Similarly to the American Legion, DAV provides “grass-roots” assistance to disabled veterans including rides to their medical appointments.

Tags: American Legion, D.C., veteran health, Veterans, VFW, Washington

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On September 21st, the Department of Veterans Affairs released a statement in which they promised that “21st century technology will improve service.” A new, multi-year program called Veterans Relationship Management, or VRM, pledges to “greatly improve veterans’ access to health care and benefits information.”

VA Secretary Erik Shineski believes that the VRM will definitely enhance the way that today’s veterans access health and other benefits information through the use of technology.

Tags: Secretary Erik Shineski, VA, veteran health

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The American Veterans (AMEVETS) 2010 Symposium for 21st Century Veterans was held from August 9-11th in Louisville, Kentucky, and brought together over one hundred young war veterans to discuss a range of issues, including health benefits. 

Also on the agenda were discussions about health care and the transition from active duty back into civilian life. The symposium was sponsored by Health Net Federal Services. This year, it was held in tandem with the AMVETS 66th National Convention, which is attended by veterans of all ages along with their children, spouses and even grandchildren.

Tags: 9/11, AMVETS, asbestos cancer, mesothelioma, veteran health, veterans

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2 0 1 0Jun08

Young Vet Wrestles with The G.I. Bill

Six-year army veteran Willie Holmes, 25, was granted $2,751 for housing through the G.I. Bill when he decided to pursue a graduate degree in health service administration at Fort Hamilton Army Base in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Yet when Holmes ventured to New York City for eight days to apartment hunt he encountered several problems.

Holmes was repeatedly told that Harlem was the most practical neighborhood for him given its low rent housing. Yet with school being in Brooklyn and Holmes hoping to continue his modeling career in Manhattan, Holmes decided against the area. With his list of requirements in hand, Holmes set off to find a new home one of the boroughs.

Tags: G.I. Bill, mesothelioma, VA, veteran health, Willie Holmes

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