DOD and VA still do not play nice with others

GERALD M. CROSS, MD, FAAFP
ACTING PRINCIPAL DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
May 8, 2007

Interoperable and bidirectional electronic health data sharing with DOD.

Overview
This progress includes the development of one way and bidirectional data exchanges to support service members who are separated and retired from active duty service. In addition, the data exchanges support active duty service members and veterans who receive care from both VA and DOD health care facilities. VA's achievements in the area of electronic health data sharing with DOD directly support the efforts to seamlessly transition our service men and women as they move from DOD facilities to VA facilities and Centers of Excellence to continue their care and rehabilitation. Striving to provide world class health care to the wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan remains one of VA's top priorities.

In March 2007, VA added a personal touch to seamless transition by creating 100 new Transition Patient Advocates (TPA). They are dedicated to assisting our most severely injured veterans and their families. The TPA's job is to ensure a smooth transition to VA health care facilities throughout the nation and cut through red tape for other VA benefits. Recruitment to fill the TPA positions began in March, and to date VA medical centers have hired 46 TPAs. Interviews are being conducted to fill the remaining 54 positions. Until these positions are filled, each medical center with a vacant TPA position has detailed an employee to perform that function. We believe these new patient advocates will help VA assure that no severely-injured Iraq or Afghanistan veteran falls through the cracks. VA will continue to adapt its health care system to meet the unique medical issues facing our newest generation of combat veterans while locating services closer to their homes. DOD and VA sharing electronic medical records facilitate this process.

It should be noted that sharing electronic medical records between DOD and VA is a longstanding issue, which has been the subject of several GAO reviews. Developing an electronic interface to exchange computable data between disparate systems is a highly complex undertaking. Let me assure the Committee that VA is fully committed to ongoing collaboration with DOD and the development of interoperable electronic health records. While significant and demonstrable progress has been made in our pilots with DOD, work remains to bring this commitment to system-wide fruition. VA is always mindful of the debt our Nation owes to its veterans, and our health care system is designed to fulfill that debt. To that end VA is committed to seeing through the successful development of interoperable electronic health records.

As part of our commitment to being veteran centric, we recently deployed the Veterans Tracking Application (VTA). It brings data from three sources, DOD, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) together for display on one platform creating the beginning of a truly veteran-centric patient tracking record.

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before you read what is now.

Another problem for veterans: VA can’t get medical records from DOD
The Blaze
Pete Kasperowicz
Aug. 29, 2014

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General has released a new report saying the VA is having major problems getting medical records from the Department of Defense.

The VA itself has been shown to be a broken agency filled with systemic problems related to delays in getting veterans health care, and attempts to cover up those delays. But the VA’s OIG report indicated at the Defense Department may be contributing to the VA’s inability to deliver care promptly. read more here

Six bullets ended life of Marine Cpl. Allan DeVillena II

Police shot Marine as he drove away, witness says
The Desert Sun
Brett Kelman
August 29, 2014

During a vigil in a Palm Springs parking garage on Nov. 15, 2012, Noah Gaoiran, 9, places a candle for his cousin, Marine Cpl. Allan DeVillena II.
(Photo: Richard Lui, The Desert Sun )

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A second witness to the fatal shooting of a Marine in southern California two years ago said that a Palm Springs police officer opened fire on the Marine's vehicle as he tried to flee.

Jawanda Terry, a member of a bachelorette party that witnessed the shooting, said in a sworn deposition that a police officer fired at a Chrysler 300 from behind, shooting three or four bullets through the rear window of the black sedan.

An instant later, Terry saw a second officer, dangling halfway out of the sedan's front-passenger window, struggling with the driver inside. The Chrysler curved to the right, then struck a concrete pillar.

Marine Cpl. Allan DeVillena II, 22, died in the driver's seat of his car, six bullet holes in his upper body. He was killed on the lowest floor of the public parking garage in downtown Palm Springs in the early morning hours of Nov. 10, 2012, the birthday of the Marine Corps. A passenger, Marine Pfc. Clinton Harris, was unhurt.
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Combat PTSD, more veterans live with it than die because of it

Anniversary Dates in the Mind Calendar 
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 30, 2014

We moved to Florida the summer of 2004 right before the area was hit by Hurricane Charley, Francis and Jeanne. Being from New England, these hurricanes freaked out my family and friends back home. It was a great summer up there but not much fun down here.

Ten years ago and I can still remember what it was like while the wind was making my patio doors move in and out waiting for the big wind to take them out. We were lucky. Some of our neighbors were not. The whole area was mess for a long time.

Living in Florida is strange at times. We get a lot of violent thunderstorms too. Years ago a storm came through producing a tornado near my house but far enough away that all I saw was rain. I was working in the area for a church. I was told the tornado crossed over the church, took off a few roof shingles, then passed by to the next neighborhood producing this.

Seminole County, Florida authorities and National Weather Service Meteorologists are surveying the damage after a tornado struck Oviedo, Florida on Election Night. They said it appears four houses were destroyed or severely damaged, eight were moderately damaged and another 32 suffered minor structural damage. (photos courtesy of The Orlando Sentinel) WKMG-TV reports that four people were injured in the tornado. -ERIC

Two years ago in another part of Oviedo tornado warnings sounded the alarm to find a safe place to wait for the danger to pass.

Tornado Sirens: Oviedo, FL
Jeff Rancourt
December 12, 2012

Anniversaries are not always happy ones. The damage gets cleaned up. Houses get fixed or built over the old foundations. Stuff gets replaced. Memories are a different story. Some fade as the bite is softened but as August came this year it was hard to forget. Some anniversaries sneak up on you.

Somewhere in your mind there is a constant calendar running with the days and rewinding your memory.

For veterans, most of the time, they have no clue what causes them to have harder days than most other days especially when they have PTSD. It seems to happen to them at the same time of year, year after year, lasting for days. They try to figure out what set the depression off and made nightmares stronger. They try to blame it on what someone said or did in the present and most of the time they can pull that off without noticing that the next year brings the same feelings.

If they are not aware of this, it is harder and harder to deal with and push to the past.

If you know a veteran with PTSD, you can see the change coming while they cannot explain what is going on with them. If you are a veteran, it is hard for you to explain it especially if you are not aware the date is connected to a time in your life when something tragic happened.

Take a look back at the months that are hardest for you and then think back to your worst nightmares. Nightmares are connected to events even if the events in the dreams do not meet with what you actually experienced.

Your mind calendar sends out the reminder that you have to take care of something and stop trying to repress it. You need to find a way to make peace with it without forgetting people you cared about. Remember the moments before "it" happened and stop letting that last image be frozen in your mind.

Once you make peace with it, then you can clean up the future, rebuild the foundation and replace the bad memories with ones that less painful.

Some think that they should forget their past but in doing so, you would have to let go of friends you lost, lives saved and people you cared about. You mind will only allow a place for those memories to hide until they gain enough strength to pop up when you least expect them to.

There is nothing about you that cannot be healed even if you cannot be cured. The good news is that you can come out on the other side of this storm better than you were before. The better news is that while it is hard to live with Combat PTSD, more veterans live with it than die because of it.

Evicted PTSD Veteran With Service Dog Win In Court

Condo Must Pay For Causing Dog's Eviction
Courthouse News
By JACK BOUBOUSHIAN
August 29, 2014

(CN) - A condo association must pay $5,000 in damages, plus $127,000 in attorneys' fees, for insisting that a veteran with PTSD get rid of his emotional support dog, the 11th Circuit ruled.

Ajit Bhogaita is a U.S. Air Force veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after he was sexually assaulted during his military service.

In 2001, he bought a condo unit in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

The condo association prohibits keeping dogs weighing more than 25 pounds, but Bhogaita bought a dog, Kane, in 2008 that was over the weight limit.

"Bhogaita's psychiatric symptoms improved with Kane's presence, so much so that Bhogaita began to rely on the dog to help him manage his condition," according to the judgment.

When the association ordered him to get rid of Kane two years later, Bhogaita argued that the dog was an emotional support animal, and filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

After a civil trial, a jury awarded Bhogaita $5,000 in compensatory damages for the Association's refusal to accommodate his disability. The court also awarded him $127,000 in attorneys' fees.
read more here

Vietnam Veteran Healing PTSD with Sea Knight

Patriots Point helicopter brings Vietnam vet face to face with war traumas
The Post and Courier
Schuyler Kropf
Aug 30 2014

Tinley had a lot to overcome. There was survivor's guilt and most nagging on his conscience was that the body of a very close friend was taken out with him on that 1967 flight.

"The more you actually confront something, the more it helps you," said Roger Tinley, whose treatment for PTSD involves visits to the same type helicopter - a twin-rotor Sea Knight undergoing refurbishment at Patriots Point - that airlifted him to safety after being wounded in Vietnam in 1967.
WADE SPEES/STAFF

The nightmare that haunts Vietnam War veteran Roger Tinley is anchored around the helicopter ride that saved his life.

On April 21, 1967, Tinley was part of a group of young Marines sent to reinforce the Que Son District of Vietnam. It was not a good day for the Americans. They faced heavy numbers of North Vietnamese and casualties ran high.

Tinley, a radio operator, was wounded by a grenade in the close-quarter fighting and spent that night helping to fend off the attacking forces as best that he and the rest of his group of Marine riflemen could.

When the shooting finally stopped, Tinley was medically evacuated on a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, the familiar tube-shaped workhorse chopper that's carried aloft by two giant whirling rotors.

But Tinley wasn't alone on the flight out. The bodies of eight other Marines killed in the fighting were packed inside with him. "Why me?" Tinley thought to himself as the ride's only survivor.

Decades would pass until he faced the chopper again.
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Veteran with H1N1 arrested at civilian hospital?

Veteran says he was arrested, kicked out of Grady Hospital
WSB-TV 2
August 28, 2014

ATLANTA — A veteran claims he went to Grady Memorial Hospital with serious flu symptoms and security guards kicked him out and called police to arrest him. Grady officials say their investigation tells a very different story.

The man now plans to sue Grady Hospital for the treatment he allegedly got from security guards.

Byran Jones said he battled swine flu earlier this year.

"My whole internal system was being destroyed, which is why I couldn't hold food, I was weak, headache, nausea," Jones said.

He said it was so bad he went by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital.

"I was trying to catch my breath, I collapsed on the stretcher. When I collapsed on the stretcher, a guard came over told me to get up," Jones said.

Jones, an Air Force veteran said he told the guard he couldn't walk. He claimed that's when Grady guards dragged him out.

"I was punched, kicked repeatedly while I was on the ground," Jones said.

Security personnel called Atlanta police, who arrested Jones on a breach of peace charge. Days later, another hospital diagnosed Jones with H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu.
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Orlando Vet Fest Brings Veterans and Robosaurus Together

Vet Fest, featuring Robosaurus, to cause road closures in downtown Orlando
WFTV News
August 29, 2014

ORLANDO, Fla. — Crews will shut down several downtown Orlando roads for the Vet Fest USA Street Party this weekend.

The street party was designed to raise money for veterans charities, and organizers expect thousands of people to come.

Robosaurus, the 50-foot tall transformer-looking dinosaur known for crushing cars, will appear at the event, which begins Saturday.

"We think this is going to be so much fun," said event creator Bob Snow.
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Vietnam Veteran Shot, Granddaughter Arrested Among Others

Man wanted in shooting of York Co. Vietnam veteran arrested in Union
FOX Carolina
By Casey Vaughn
Posted: Aug 28, 2014

UNION, SC (AP/FOX Carolina)
Union police noticed a car parked in an area with previous vandalism but after running the tag, they said they discovered the driver was wanted in Rock Hill on an attempted murder charge.

According to the Associated Press, the victim is a disabled veteran. Wayne Whiteside served two tours in Vietnam and his home flies the Marine Corps and American flags and has other Marines regalia.
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No charges for Vietnam Veteran after SWAT Standoff

No charges for Vietnam vet in DeKalb SWAT standoff
Atlantic Journal Constitution
Mike Morris and John Spink
August 28, 2014

A DeKalb SWAT standoff ended peacefully just before 7 a.m. JOHN SPINK

A Vietnam veteran will not face charges stemming from a predawn SWAT standoff in a DeKalb County neighborhood, police said.

Officers were called to a home on Black Oak Drive off Bouldercrest Road before daybreak Thursday on reports of shots being fired.

“They found a gentleman in the backyard, randomly taking shots into the wood line,” DeKalb police Capt. A.J. Andrzejewski said. “He claimed he saw some people back there.”

After officers arrived, the man ran back inside the house, firing additional shots.
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Fort Lee Sgt. 1st Class Paula Walker commented on stress in 2009

Fort Lee Sgt. Paula Walker Commented On Military Stress In 2009: Why Mental Health Is Not Only A Problem On The Frontlines
Medical Daily
By Stephanie Castillo
Aug 28, 2014

In 2009, Walker was stationed at Fort Eustis (also in Virginia) when former Major Nidal Hasan, a military psychiatrist, killed 13 people and injured more than 30 on Fort Hood. U.S World News and Report referenced an archived interview Walker gave regarding the incident, in which she said, “People are people. They go through things in life. They either handle stresses in a good way or in a bad way.”

After nearly 14 years on active military duty, Sgt. 1st Class Paula Walker, 33, shot herself in the head on Fort Lee’s military base. She’d been stationed there since December 2011.

Prior to the incident, Walker was reportedly irate, throwing objects around in a room she barricaded herself in. Fort Lee was on an hour-long lockdown while negotiators tried to talk her down. Walker was rushed to the VCU Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

The gun in question was not a military-issued weapon, which, it turns out, is not unlikely for Fort Lee. If a gun is properly registered, it is allowed on base. Otherwise, there are currently no metal detectors, according to a report from CBS 6 News.
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Latest Fort Lee Suicide Part of Many

Jonathan Shay continues "missionary work" for PTSD Veterans in Town Hall

Dozens gather to join forces in battle against PTSD
UpNorthLive
by Meghan Morelli
Posted: 08.28.2014

GRAND TRAVERSE CO. -- Post-traumatic stress disorder impacts 5.2 million adults every year. On Thursday, 7 and 4 News held a Your Voice, Your Future Town Hall on PTSD at Milliken Auditorium in Traverse City.

A panel of experts discussed the causes, symptoms, effects, and treatments of PTSD.

“It’s a widespread thing especially with a lot of the troops coming home nowadays and it’s something that more people need to be educated on,” said veteran, David Graves.

One of the experts was Doctor Jonathan Shay, a former staff psychiatrist at the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Boston, where his only patients were combat veterans with severe psychological injuries.

Dr. Jonathan Shay
For 20 years Jonathan Shay was a staff psychiatrist at the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Boston, where his only patients were combat veterans with severe psychological injuries. He retired from clinical work in May, 2008 to devote himself full time to preventive psychiatry in military organizations—what he calls his "missionary work." He is the author of Achilles in Vietnam: Combating Trauma and the Undoing of Character (1994) and of Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming (2002). He has been a MacArthur Fellow since January. He has written and lectured on a variety of topics relating to veterans for decades and held a variety of positions with US military institutions.

Linda Fletcher was also on the panel. She is a retired Army Nurse (Lieutenant Colonel) with a Masters in Trauma Nursing who has been involved in an independent study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for the last eight years.

Jacquelyn Kaschel, MLitt, CEIP-MH, PNH1 was another expert in attendance. She is the Executive Director of PEACE Ranch. PEACE Ranch is a center for experiential growth & learning where rescued, rehabilitated horses and licensed professionals help people dealing with a broad range of challenges including Addiction & Recovery, Behavioral & Emotional Issues, Marriage & Family Issues, Grief & Loss, PTSD & Trauma related issues.

Doctor Neil was the final panel expert at the event. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, has been in private practice for over 20 years. He has specialized in treating trauma for more than half of his career. Dr. O’Donnell uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and body based approaches to help those suffering from PTSD.
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Death of Fort Bragg Soldier Under Investigation

Fort Bragg soldier found dead on post
WRAL.com
August 28, 2014

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne paratrooper was found dead on post Saturday from a gunshot wound, the military announced Wednesday.

Sgt. Adam Gilliam, 28, of Morristown, Tenn., was a cavalry scout in B Troop, 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Military officials did not say whether the gunshot wound was self-inflicted or not.
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People raise thousands "Get Wet for a Vet"

"Get Wet for a Vet" raises $15K for homeless veterans
WSBT-TV Report
Aug 27, 2014

Veterans sleeping on the street down 40 percent

Number Of Homeless Vets Sleeping On Street Drops Nearly 40 Percent In 4 Years
The Huffington Post
By Robbie Couch
Posted: 08/27/2014

Thousands of homeless veterans have found stable housing in recent years, thanks to federal, state and local initiatives combating the crisis.

According to a press release issued Tuesday by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), data collected from the annual Point-in-Time Count showed there were 49,933 homeless veterans in the U.S. in January, reflecting a 33 percent decline since 2010. The data also revealed a nearly 40 percent drop in the number of veterans sleeping on the street.

The decline continues a downward trend: Last November, the VA announced a 24 percent reduction in veteran homelessness over the previous three years.
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