Advanced Search
Current and Breaking News for Professionals, Consumers and Media


Click here to learn how to advertise on this site and for ad rates.

News : National Author: Department of Veterans Affairs Last Updated: Apr 24, 2008 - 3:52:16 PM



VA Calling All Recent Combat Vets
By Department of Veterans Affairs
Apr 24, 2008 - 3:49:24 PM

Email this article
 Printer friendly page
Nearly 570,000 to be Reached by New Call Center

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - WASHINGTON, -- On May 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will begin contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans to ensure they know about VA's medical services and other benefits.

"We will reach out and touch every veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to let them know we are here for them," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "VA is committed to getting these veterans the help they need and deserve."

A contractor-operated "Combat Veteran Call Center" will telephone two distinct populations of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the first phase, calls will go to an estimated 17,000 veterans who were sick or injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. VA will offer to appoint a care manager to work with them if they don't have one already. Care managers ensure veterans receive appropriate care and know about their VA benefits.

For five years after their discharge from the military, these combat veterans have special access to VA health care. The Department screens combat veterans for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. VA personnel have been deployed to the military's major medical centers to assist wounded service members and their families during the transition to civilian lives.

For the new call center, the second phase will target 550,000 OIF-OEF veterans who have been discharged from active duty but have not contacted VA for services.

Once contacted, veterans will be informed about VA's benefits and services. The initial calls will be made by a private contractor, EDS, which specializes in technology services to improve business. If needed, VA employees will make follow-up calls.

"We will leave no stone unturned to reach these veterans," said Dr. Edward Huycke, chief of the Veterans Affairs - Department of Defense coordination office.

For the latest news releases and other information, visit VA on the Internet at

http://www.va.gov/opa.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com

Top of Page

HealthNewsDigest.com

National
Latest Headlines


+ Call For Nominations - Community Health Leaders
+ 2008 Idaho Potato Harvest Forecast: Plentiful, High-Quality Spuds
+ Four in Ten Voters Don't See Either Obama's or McCain's Health Care Plan as Better for Them
+ Biochemist Robert Tjian Elected as New Hughes President
+ Rush University Medical Center Nurse Receives March of Dimes Health Leadership Award
+ VA Announces $36 Million in Grants for Homeless Programs
+ Tributes.com Launches as the Most Comprehensive Online Resource for Local and National Obituary News & Personal Tributes
+ P.O.V.’s “Critical Condition” Reveals Impact of Being Sick
+ Clinical Trials: How You Make A Difference
+ The Colon Club's 5th Anniversary Edition of the Colondar is Now Available!



Contact Us | Job Listings | Help | Site Map | About Us
Advertising Information | HND Press Release | Submit Information | Disclaimer

Site hosted by Sanchez Productions