Posted on April 6, 2021April 6, 2021

VAntage Point Update

VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Challenge America Veteran Arts Community, a new national arts initiative for Veterans 04/06/2021 02:00 PM EDT Challenge America Veteran Arts Community, CAVARTS.org, offers an inclusive community where Veterans with an interest in the arts can support each other. The post Challenge America Veteran Arts Community, a new national arts initiative for Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Joe F. Edwards Jr. 04/06/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Joe Frank Edwards Jr., who served as a fighter pilot during the Persian Gulf War and a NASA astronaut. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Joe F. Edwards Jr. appeared first on VAntage Point. VA health care referrals are getting easier than ever for Veterans 04/06/2021 09:50 AM EDT VA is using Referral Coordination Teams to simplify the process when a Veteran’s health care provider refers them to another provider, whether in VA or in the community. “She called and made it easy.” The post VA health care referrals are getting easier than ever for Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. VA facility stores COVID-19 vaccine at ultra-low temperatures for use by Native Americans 04/06/2021 09:00 AM EDT The freezers, which are much larger than a standard household refrigerator, can each store about 40,000 vials. Every vial contains up to six doses of the vaccine. About 70,000 doses have been administered thus far. The post VA facility stores COVID-19 vaccine at ultra-low temperatures for use by Native Americans appeared first on VAntage Point. New survey shows Veterans are optimistic about homebuying, finances in 2021 04/06/2021 08:00 AM EDT Guest post: After a booming home market in 2020, a new survey shows that Veterans are optimistic about homebuying and finances in 2021. The post New survey shows Veterans are optimistic about homebuying, finances in 2021 appeared first on VAntage Point. Veterans unable to work due to service-connected disability can qualify for independent living assistance 04/05/2021 08:00 PM EDT Eligible Veterans can qualify for independent living services through the Independent Living track through VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment benefit program. The post Veterans unable to work due to service-connected disability can qualify for independent living assistance appeared first on VAntage Point. AARP’s free financial workbook helps Veterans and military caregivers plan future 04/05/2021 06:00 PM EDT AARP’s free Financial Workbook for Veteran and Military Caregivers can help you get organized and take control of your future. It is designed to help manage the complex responsibilities of caregiving. The post AARP’s free financial workbook helps Veterans and military caregivers plan future appeared first on VAntage Point. Live Whole Health #66: Lower body chair yoga practice 04/05/2021 04:00 PM EDT You may think of yoga as a practice only done by the young and flexible, but all of us can do it. After a recent knee surgery, I was unable to get around without crutches, but I was still able to do breathing practices, meditate, and even do some yoga postures in a chair. The post Live Whole Health #66: Lower body chair yoga practice appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on April 5, 2021April 5, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Gold Star spouses eligible for special VA benefits 04/05/2021 02:00 PM EDT Gold Star Spouses are never forgotten. VA provides a variety of benefits that can help them navigate life after losing their spouse. The post Gold Star spouses eligible for special VA benefits appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Ramon Padilla Munguia 04/05/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Ramon Padilla Munguia, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Ramon Padilla Munguia appeared first on VAntage Point. The magic that therapy dogs bring to Veterans 04/05/2021 10:00 AM EDT Army Veteran Cheryl Bann has seen first-hand the joy her therapy dog, Wilson, brings to Veterans at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Learn more about what the team does through VA’s partnership with @petsforhealth. The post The magic that therapy dogs bring to Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. How to get a virtual hearing at the BVA 04/05/2021 09:00 AM EDT The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) has held over 13,000 virtual tele-hearings. If you’re waiting on an appeal decision, here’s how to get one. The post How to get a virtual hearing at the BVA appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #236: Navy SEAL Veteran Mikal Vega, Actor, Founder of Vital Warrior 04/05/2021 08:00 AM EDT Mikal Vega is a SEAL, an accomplished actor, Kundalini Yoga teacher and founder of the nonprofit, Vital Warrior. He discusses the struggle of military transition, treating his PTSD without the use of pharmaceuticals, discovering alternative therapies, and founding a nonprofit with the goal of sharing what he has learned. The post Borne the Battle #236: Navy SEAL Veteran Mikal Vega, Actor, Founder of Vital Warrior appeared first on VAntage Point. Gardening can lead to healthier lives 04/04/2021 04:00 PM EDT Research has shown that those who garden seem to have lower levels of stress, lower levels of chronic inflammation, which can lower risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. The post Gardening can lead to healthier lives appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on April 4, 2021April 4, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Pittsburgh Veteran supports fellow Veterans in palliative care 04/04/2021 02:00 PM EDT Air Force Veteran Steven Hernandez is involved with end-of-life and palliative care for his local Veteran community. Pittsburgh’s Veteran Community Partnership serves Veterans with terminal illnesses. The post Pittsburgh Veteran supports fellow Veterans in palliative care appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Andree M. Sutton 04/04/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Andree M. Hampton Sutton, who served from 1979-2005 and retired as a chief master sergeant. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Andree M. Sutton appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on April 3, 2021April 3, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Jackson VA receives braille flag 04/03/2021 04:00 PM EDT Blinded Veterans Association of Louisiana/Mississippi presented Jackson VA medical center with a Bronze Raised Relief Braille Flag. It honors World War II heroes of the Blinded Veterans Association. The post Jackson VA receives braille flag appeared first on VAntage Point. Veteran able to virtually attend son’s funeral 04/03/2021 02:00 PM EDT Marine Veteran Jessie Barnes Sr. lost his son, Army Veteran Jessie Barnes Jr. A nursing home resident, he was not able to attend the funeral so the VA staff arranged for him to attend virtually. The post Veteran able to virtually attend son’s funeral appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Joseph Godenzi 04/03/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Joseph Adrian Godenzi, who served during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Joseph Godenzi appeared first on VAntage Point. Fresh Focus #24: MOVE! and SMART 04/03/2021 09:00 AM EDT Follow along with Beth Blair, RDN, to see how you can set yourself up for success by being SMART with the MOVE! weight management program. The post Fresh Focus #24: MOVE! and SMART appeared first on VAntage Point. Standing Ready #2: The Prosthetic Progression 04/02/2021 06:00 PM EDT Welcome to Standing Ready: An inside look at the histories and untold stories of VA’s innovations. Join VA historian Katie Delacenserie and producer Shawn Spitler for this new series. The post Standing Ready #2: The Prosthetic Progression appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on April 2, 2021April 2, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   VA seeks medical assistants, technologists to support Veteran care 04/02/2021 04:00 PM EDT Medical support assistants and medical technologists at VA help ensure that millions of Veterans across the country receive the care they need. The post VA seeks medical assistants, technologists to support Veteran care appeared first on VAntage Point. Iraq Veteran competing virtually in Winter Clinic 04/02/2021 02:00 PM EDT Iraq Army Veteran Seth Cole would prefer to be in Aspen for the Winter Clinic but plans to make the most of the virtual version this year from home. Sports are part of his rehabilitation goals. The post Iraq Veteran competing virtually in Winter Clinic appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Donnelly Wilkes 04/02/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Donnelly Wilkes, who served two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a combat medical doctor. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Donnelly Wilkes appeared first on VAntage Point. Marine Corps Veteran Richard: Why I get my health care at VA 04/02/2021 10:00 AM EDT Marine Corps Veteran Richard says VA came through when he needed help the most, enrolling him for care, bedside in a civilian hospital. “The only reason I am sitting here today is because of VA.” The post Marine Corps Veteran Richard: Why I get my health care at VA appeared first on VAntage Point. Review: For many men with prostate cancer, surgery risks outweigh potential benefits 04/02/2021 09:00 AM EDT The researchers conducted a systematic review of 67 studies to compare the effectiveness of watchful waiting versus radical prostatectomy, along with several other treatments. The review is one of the first studies to look at very long-term results. The post Review: For many men with prostate cancer, surgery risks outweigh potential benefits appeared first on VAntage Point. VBA has safely resumed in-person exams nationwide 04/02/2021 08:00 AM EDT VBA has safely resumed in-person Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams everywhere in the country and will schedule them as soon as possible. The post VBA has safely resumed in-person exams nationwide appeared first on VAntage Point. VA delivers COVID vaccines to homebound and rural Texas Veterans 04/02/2021 07:00 AM EDT William Harris wanted a COVID-19 vaccine but hadn’t left his home in years due to a severe case of COPD. So, VA came to him and others in rural Texas. The post VA delivers COVID vaccines to homebound and rural Texas Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. VA steps up for community fight against COVID-19 04/01/2021 06:00 PM EDT More than 100 VA employees support community vaccination efforts in several states and territories. They volunteer to give vaccines to local communities as part of VA’s 4th mission. The post VA steps up for community fight against COVID-19 appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on April 1, 2021April 1, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Veterans’ caregivers supported by social workers 04/01/2021 04:00 PM EDT The Caregiver Support Program celebrates VA’s social workers who are essential to program’s success. “They allow us to provide resources in a manner that caters to the real caregiver experience.” The post Veterans’ caregivers supported by social workers appeared first on VAntage Point. Lawrence “Yogi” Berra: All-Time Great 04/01/2021 02:00 PM EDT On this 2021 MLB Opening Day, we remember WWII Navy Veteran and New York Yankees legend and MLB Hall of Famer, Lawrence “Yogi” Berra. The post Lawrence “Yogi” Berra: All-Time Great appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Dwight Harry Gates 04/01/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Dwight Harry Gates, who served as an image interpretation specialist during the Vietnam War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Dwight Harry Gates appeared first on VAntage Point. VA believes in survivors of military sexual trauma 04/01/2021 10:00 AM EDT This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, VA speaks directly to MST survivors about their past trauma and their future recovery with the inspiring message: “We believe you — and we believe in you.” The post VA believes in survivors of military sexual trauma appeared first on VAntage Point. Military children qualify for a variety of VA benefits 04/01/2021 09:00 AM EDT Every April, the nation celebrates the Month of the Military Child – a time that honors all military children for their dedication and sacrifices. At VA, we honor military children year-round by providing them earned benefits. Dependents and surviving children of Veterans and service members may qualify for certain benefits, such as life insurance, education services and health care. The post Military children qualify for a variety of VA benefits appeared first on VAntage Point. Partnership assists Veterans with Parkinson’s disease 04/01/2021 08:00 AM EDT Vietnam Veteran nurse Lou Eisenbrandt would treat everything from malaria to massive head traumas in the Chu Lai 91st Evac Hospital. Today, her primary advocacy is more personal: Parkinson’s disease. The post Partnership assists Veterans with Parkinson’s disease appeared first on VAntage Point. Land a job at VA with these federal resume tips 03/31/2021 06:00 PM EDT Preparing one resume to apply for private sector and federal jobs is a common mistake. Learn how to tailor your resume to help you get hired at VA. The post Land a job at VA with these federal resume tips appeared first on VAntage Point. Every Veteran, spouse and caregiver in America eligible for COVID-19 vaccine 03/31/2021 05:00 PM EDT The SAVE LIVES Act gives VA the job of delivering vaccine to all Veterans in America, whether they’re enrolled in VA health care or not, as well as their spouses and their caregivers. The post Every Veteran, spouse and caregiver in America eligible for COVID-19 vaccine appeared first on VAntage Point. Veteran battled homelessness, now has a career helping others 03/31/2021 04:00 PM EDT After years of health issues, addiction, and homelessness, Navy Veteran Dawn Densel is healthy, has stable housing, and works for the federal government, thanks to VA and its many programs for Veterans experiencing homelessness. The post Veteran battled homelessness, now has a career helping others appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   IRS third round of economic impact payments going out 03/31/2021 03:00 PM EDT The IRS anticipates the third round of economic stimulus payments to be issued by April 7th to Social Security recipients and other federal beneficiaries who do not normally file a tax return. The post IRS third round of economic impact payments going out appeared first on VAntage Point. The women surgeons of Denver VA 03/31/2021 02:00 PM EDT Women surgeons make up 22 percent of all Denver VA surgeons, collectively providing care across 10 specialties for almost everything a Veteran patient would need from head to toe. The post The women surgeons of Denver VA appeared first on VAntage Point. VA and NASDVA host listening session for women Veterans’ care and concerns 03/31/2021 11:59 AM EDT The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) hosted an hourlong listening session earlier this month. In attendance were 12 women serving as state directors, commissioners or executives, the highest number in the organization’s history. The post VA and NASDVA host listening session for women Veterans’ care and concerns appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Grace Murray Hopper 03/31/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Women’s History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Grace Murray Hopper, who was a mathematician and computer pioneer. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Grace Murray Hopper appeared first on VAntage Point. COPD rehabilitation in Veterans’ homes bolstered by VA Video Connect 03/31/2021 10:00 AM EDT Louisiana Veterans with COPD can now receive pulmonary rehabilitation treatment in their homes with VA’s Video Connect. Mary Labiche and Zina White started the program and hold weekly sessions. The post COPD rehabilitation in Veterans’ homes bolstered by VA Video Connect appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Winterhaven Stand Down saved by generous support from community partners 03/31/2021 09:00 AM EDT For 26 years, the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (DC VAMC) has opened its doors to Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness for the annual Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down. The post VA Winterhaven Stand Down saved by generous support from community partners appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Chief of Staff: Standing on the shoulders of women Veteran pioneers 03/31/2021 08:00 AM EDT I felt great pride when Secretary McDonough swore me in as VA chief of staff during this year’s Women’s History Month. The post VA Chief of Staff: Standing on the shoulders of women Veteran pioneers appeared first on VAntage Point. The future of STEM is Women Veterans 03/30/2021 06:00 PM EDT Women Veterans continue to make positive strides in education, career and entrepreneurship, with many turning to STEM fields for their career choices. The post The future of STEM is Women Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 30, 2021March 31, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Veteran women get a little love and a mammogram 03/30/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA Connecticut decided to combine a VA Love-Your-Self Campaign with local providers Hartford Healthcare and Yale New Haven Health having their mobile mammography buses visit our facilities. The post Veteran women get a little love and a mammogram appeared first on VAntage Point. VICTORS: Caring for Veterans with significant visual impairment 03/30/2021 02:00 PM EDT The VICTORS outpatient program represents a unique team approach to vision rehabilitation using the disciplines of optometry, ophthalmology, social work, psychology and low vision therapists. The post VICTORS: Caring for Veterans with significant visual impairment appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Lauran Glover 03/30/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Women’s History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Lauran Glover, the first woman to lead the U.S. Army Drill Team. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Lauran Glover appeared first on VAntage Point. COVID-19 Vaccine: You Asked, We Answered – Part II 03/30/2021 09:50 AM EDT Your COVID-19 questions answered. VA is listening to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and hosting a blog series on questions from Veterans. Tell us what you think. The post COVID-19 Vaccine: You Asked, We Answered – Part II appeared first on VAntage Point. More than 50,000 Veterans have switched benefit payments to direct deposit 03/30/2021 09:00 AM EDT VA recently announced that more than 50,000 Veterans have switched to receiving their benefit payments through direct deposit. The post More than 50,000 Veterans have switched benefit payments to direct deposit appeared first on VAntage Point. Improving Reproductive Health for Women with PTSD 03/30/2021 08:00 AM EDT PTSD affects many areas of a woman’s life, including relationships, work, sleep and even reproductive health. Dr. Nillni’s research aims to understand the ways that trauma and PTSD impact women in their childbearing years, and especially during and right after pregnancy. Her research helps women get better care for PTSD during pregnancy, which benefits their families too. The post Improving Reproductive Health for Women with PTSD appeared first on VAntage Point. Disabled Veterans, active duty can get adaptive equipment for automobiles 03/29/2021 08:00 PM EDT Veterans and active duty with a service-connected disability that prevents them from driving an automobile may qualify for a VA program to purchase a specially modified motor vehicle. The post Disabled Veterans, active duty can get adaptive equipment for automobiles appeared first on VAntage Point. Florida Vet Centers honor Vietnam Era Veterans 03/29/2021 06:00 PM EDT Florida Veterans rode their motorcycles to honor Vietnam War Veterans. Staff from the area Vet Centers were on hand to recognize the Vets and answer questions about readjustment counseling services. The post Florida Vet Centers honor Vietnam Era Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. VA, DoD secretaries honor Vietnam War Veterans 03/29/2021 05:00 PM EDT Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III honored Vietnam War Veterans during a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 29, 2021. The post VA, DoD secretaries honor Vietnam War Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Live Whole Health #65: Checking in with your body 03/29/2021 04:00 PM EDT We often forget about our bodies until something starts to hurt or stops working. Have you thought about the miraculous way that your body functions? The post Live Whole Health #65: Checking in with your body appeared first on VAntage Point. Bridge My Return (BMR) is a free hiring platform connecting Veterans with military-ready employers 03/29/2021 02:00 PM EDT Bridge My Return (BMR) is a free hiring platform connecting Veterans with military ready employers. The post Bridge My Return (BMR) is a free hiring platform connecting Veterans with military-ready employers appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Drew Dennis Dix 03/29/2021 11:30 AM EDT On Vietnam War Veterans Day, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Drew Dennis Dix, a Medal of Honor recipient from the war. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Drew Dennis Dix appeared first on VAntage Point. Vietnam Veteran leads the way for tomorrow’s medicine 03/29/2021 10:00 AM EDT VA’s Million Veteran Program is one of the largest genetics research programs, supporting groundbreaking research in precision medicine. Vietnam Veteran Milton Verdoot shares his story for enrolling. The post Vietnam Veteran leads the way for tomorrow’s medicine appeared first on VAntage Point. Face of InnoVAtion: Ronald Major 03/29/2021 09:00 AM EDT Face of InnoVAtion is a regular series from the VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE) focusing on VA employees who are working to change and save Veteran lives. The post Face of InnoVAtion: Ronald Major appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #235: VA Secretary Denis McDonough 03/29/2021 08:00 AM EDT On Feb. 8, 2021, Denis McDonough was confirmed by the Senate to be the United States’ 11th Secretary of Veterans Affairs. On Borne the Battle he discusses the priorities behind his “First 100 Day Plan” for VA. The post Borne the Battle #235: VA Secretary Denis McDonough appeared first on VAntage Point. VBA salutes Vietnam War Veterans 03/29/2021 06:00 AM EDT During his inaugural address in 1961, President John F. Kennedy affirmed that the United States stood ready to pay any price and to bear any burden to preserve freedom and liberty. Vietnam War Veterans surely shouldered that burden. More than 58,000 of them paid the ultimate price and another 153,000 were wounded over the course of the conflict. Today, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, VBA joins the rest of the nation in honoring the service and sacrifice of all Veterans who served in the Armed Forces from 1955 to 1975. On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat troops … The post VBA salutes Vietnam War Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point.