DECEMBER 2010 • VOl 6 | NO 1

Operation Enduring Freedom

Operation Iraqi Freedom

I N F O R M a t I O N F O R V E t E R a N s w h O s E R V E D I N I R a q & a F g h a N I s t a N , a N D t h E I R F a M I l I E s

Va to Cover New Illnesses for OEF/OIF and gulf war Veterans

a new Va regulation now makes it easier for Veterans to 

obtain disability compensation for certain diseases associated

with service in iraq and afghanistan, as well as the gulf War.

the final regulation, announced in September 2010, establishes

presumptive service-connection for nine specific infectious 

diseases associated with military service in Southwest asia during

the gulf War and other conflicts in iraq from august 2, 1990 to

the present; and in afghanistan on or after September 19, 2001.

“this is part of historic changes in how Va considers gulf War

Veterans' illnesses,” said Secretary of Veterans affairs, eric K.

Shinseki. “By setting up scientifically based presumptions of 

service connection, we give these deserving Veterans a simple

way to obtain the medical and compensation benefits they

earned in service to our country.” 

the regulation affects claims involving the nine diseases 

listed on page 3. Most of these diseases must be diagnosed within

one year of return from service, though some conditions may

manifest at a later time. 

continued on page 3

New Research will Increase

Understanding of OEF/OIF

Veteran health

the national Health Study for a new generation of u.S.

Veterans is a 10-year investigation by Va to study the health 

of oeF/oiF Veterans. the study will look at chronic and acute

medical conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (ptSd), 

traumatic brain injury (tBi), general health perceptions, 

reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, use of health care,

behavioral risk factors (e.g., smoking, drinking, sexual behavior,

and risky driving), and Va disability compensation.

Launched in 2009, the study has already reached out to 

assess the health status of a sample of 60,000 Veterans through

voluntary surveys and interviews. of this number, 30,000 were

deployed to oeF/oiF and 30,000 served elsewhere during the

same time period. the study includes Veterans from all branches

of service, representing active duty, Reserve, and national 

guard members. twenty percent of the 60,000 Veterans 

contacted are women.

over the 10 years of the study, Veterans will be asked to 

complete surveys about every three years and additional studies

may be included in this initiative. the research will help Va 

plan more effectively to provide the best care possible for the

nation’s newest generation of Veterans.

as a follow up within this study, the Mind study (Markers for

the identification, norming, and differentiation of tBi and ptSd)

continued on page 2

Va launches IOM study of Burn

Pit Illnesses in Veterans

Va has commissioned an 18-month study by the national

academy of Sciences institute of Medicine (ioM) to investigate

any association between exposure to burn pit smoke in iraq 

and afghanistan and illnesses reported by oeF/oiF Veterans. 

By mid-2011, the ioM will provide a report of any evidence-based

association between exposure to burn pit smoke and long term

health effects. Va will then convene a task force to review the ioM

report and recommend any updates or changes to benefits and

treatment based on the findings.

continued on page 2

FEatUREs

Va connects Veterans to Benefits and care......................3

Va expands efforts to address environmental exposures....4

new Benefits available for caregivers................................4

Fast Facts: environmental exposures.................................5

comprehensive Health care for Women Veterans...........6

Va Reaches out via Web and Social Media.........................6

Va Simplifies access to ptSd Benefits ...............................7

WRiiScs provide Specialized Health care ..........................7

new Hotline for Homeless Veterans...................................8

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif
2

about the OEF/OIF Review

the oeF/oiF Review is produced by Va’s environmental

agents Service (eaS) to provide information on health 

issues and other concerns of operation enduring Freedom

and operation iraqi Freedom Veterans, their families, 

and others interested in possible long-term health effects

of military service in Southwest asia. the Review provides

updates on a wide range of Va programs and other 

Federal resources for Veterans.

this issue was completed in december 2010, and does not

include developments that occurred after that time.

For past issues of the newsletter and related information, see the Web site at www.publichealth.va.gov/

exposures/oefoif.

Questions, comments, and suggestions for future issues

are encouraged and can be sent to: editor, oeF/oiF Review,

environmental agents Service (131), u.S. department of

Veterans affairs, 810 Vermont avenue, nW, Washington, 

dc 20420.

CONtINUED FROM PagE 1 New Research will Increase Understanding of OEF/OIF Veteran Health

will focus on helping clinicians more easily and accurately 

diagnose tBi and ptSd. traumatic brain injuries are caused by

impacts to the head, which may occur during a fall, motor vehicle

crash, or when the brain is shaken during a blast. ptSd is an 

anxiety disorder that can develop after a person has been

through a traumatic event. the symptoms of tBi and ptSd are

often similar, affecting how a person thinks and acts.

By closely examining Veterans with tBi and/or ptSd 

symptoms and comparing them to Veterans without these 

symptoms, the Mind study will explore the differences between

the two conditions and develop more accurate tools for diagnosis 

and treatment.

For more information, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/

newgenerationstudy or www.publichealth.va.gov/research/

epidemiology/research_studies.asp#MIND.

CONtINUED FROM PagE 1 VA Launches IOM Study of Burn Pit Illnesses in Veterans

one of a range of possible benefit changes could include a 

presumption of service-connection between burn pit exposure and

related illnesses. currently, when Veterans apply for benefits,

they must provide documentation of their exposure and 

establish a connection to a particular condition. Such a presumption

would relieve the Veteran of the burden of proving a connection

between burn pit exposure and related illnesses. 

Burn pits are areas in which jet fuel is used to burn refuse.

Sometimes, especially early in the conflict, the refuse included

plastics, metals, rubber, chemicals, petroleum, medical, and human

waste. Burn pits and incinerators have been used at u.S. military

bases throughout iraq and afghanistan. Smoke from these pits

can blow over bases and into living areas.

Short term health effects commonly related to smoke from

burn pits include burning eyes, nose, and throat irritation, cough,

short-term nausea, headaches, and skin rash. the long term

health effects of exposure to burn pit smoke are unknown. 

the ioM study will assist Va in determining any long term 

health effects.

Va believes that further scientific investigation will help ensure

that Veterans receive appropriate benefits and health care. 

For more information about potential exposure to toxins from

burn pits, possible health-related problems, and Va benefits, go to

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits.

In Every Issue

disability compensation from Va .............................................8

Free oiF Health Registry ............................................................9

news Briefs–Benefits and care for oeF/oiF Veterans ...........9

Health conditions Recognized .................................................10

Where to get Help and additional information....................11

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www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif
3

Va Offers “seven touches of Outreach” to Connect OEF/OIF/New Dawn

Veterans to Va Benefits and Care

Va’s outreach efforts connect returning Servicemembers with

the various health care, education, and other benefits they have

earned in service to the nation.

using in-person outreach events as well as Web and phone-based

resources available around the clock, Va works to enroll and 

register Veterans for their benefits as soon as they are eligible.

getting enrolled quickly is critical to 

accessing important benefits. For instance,

guard and Reserve members returning

from combat are entitled to five years 

of free Va health care and have 180 days 

to obtain a one-time dental evaluation 

and treatment.

Veterans can connect with specially

trained Va outreach staff or oeF/oiF

program Managers at any–or all–of the following touchpoint

opportunities designed to reach Servicemembers at least seven

times from the time they deploy through their first six months

back home.

touch point 1 is Va's Reserve component demobilization

initiative where oeF/oiF Veterans returning from the combat

zone are introduced to Va services during out-processing at 

the 61 demobilization sites. 

touch point 2 is Va's individual Ready Reserve Muster (iRR),

where iRR reservists are informed of their enhanced Va health

and dental benefits.

touch point 3 is Va's combat Veteran call center, which 

contacts oeF/oiF Veterans to ensure they are aware of Va

services and benefits. Veterans may also contact the call center

at 866-606-8216.

touch point 4 is dod's Yellow Ribbon program (YRp), where 

Va staff provides "boots on the ground" for Yellow Ribbon

events hosted by each of the services during the 30-60-90 days

post-deployment cycle. to learn about local YRp events, go to

www.jointservicessupport.org/OSD.

touch point 5 is dod's post-deployment

Health Reassessment (pdHRa), where 

Va supports the dod health assessment

and is able to link Veterans with 

appointments for mental health or 

other follow-up needs.

touch point 6 is Va's partnership with the national guard 

and the training of transition assistance advisors (taas), who

work for the adjutant general in each state. taas work to reach

out to Veterans and refer them to Va services or benefits.

contact information for each state’s taa is available online at

www.vet-trans.org/TAA/SearchTAA.asp.

touch point 7 is the www.oefoif.va.gov Web site that offers information on benefits, answers to questions, a blog community,

twitter feeds, and links to hot topics. there is also a section on

the Web site for women Veterans and family members.

in addition to the opportunities noted above, Veterans can

connect to Va benefits and services any time by visiting their

local Va Medical center (VaMc) and asking for the oeF/oiF

program Manager. a directory of VaMcs is available online at

www.va.gov/directory. 

CONtINUED FROM PagE 1 VA to Cover New Illnesses for OEF/OIF and Gulf War Veterans

to obtain disability benefits under the new rule, Veterans only

have to show service in Southwest asia or afghanistan, and a 

diagnosis of one of the nine diseases within the designated time

period after service. this will reduce the amount of paperwork

needed to apply for benefits and the amount of time required 

to process claims.

the conditions covered by the ruling are:

• Brucellosis

• campylobacter jejuni

• coxiella burnetii (Q fever)

• Malaria

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis

• nontyphoid Salmonella

• Shigella

• Visceral leishmaniasis

• West nile Virus

in the past, a Veteran was required to establish through 

medical evidence an actual connection between military service

in Southwest asia or in afghanistan, and any one of these diseases.

eligible Veterans are encouraged to apply for benefits at

http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp so that claims may be

processed. information is also available at www.publichealth.

va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/compensation_benefits.asp.

For more information about health problems associated with

military service during operations desert Shield, desert Storm,

enduring Freedom and iraqi Freedom, as well information 

about disability compensation and other Va benefits, go to

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif.

+
Va Expands Efforts to address Environmental Exposures: 

working with DoD to Identify and Contact affected Veterans 

Va monitors numerous hazards in iraq, afghanistan, and other

military installations that could potentially present health risks

to Servicemembers and Veterans. 

in a letter to Va Regional offices (VaRos) in april 2010, 

Va noted that “it is imperative that regional office personnel

are aware of these environmental health hazards and are 

well-trained to handle disability claims from Veterans based 

on exposure to them.”

Recognizing that not all Veterans may be aware of their 

exposure during service, Va is also providing information to 

clinicians about which Veterans may have been affected and

when to ask about exposures.

potential exposures for Veterans of iraq and afghanistan 

include burn pits; particulate matter; sulfur fires; and hexavalent

chromium exposure at Qarmat ali Water treatment plant 

in Basrah, iraq in 2003. other potential exposures include 

contaminated drinking water at camp Lejeune between 1953 

to 1987 and Veterans exposed to pollutants from a waste 

incinerator near the naval air Facility in atsugi, Japan, from 

the early 1980s to 2001.

Va is working with the department of defense to identify

and contact individuals who may have been exposed to specific

environmental hazards while serving in the military. However,

it may not be possible to identify all individuals because some

exposures, such as burn pits, are widespread. Veterans who 

believe they may have been exposed to one or more of these

hazards are encouraged to contact their local Va environmental

Health coordinator www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/

coordinators.asp.

PotentialEnvironmentalExposuresinIraqand

Afghanistan

• Burn pits: areas used to burn waste products at most 

forward operating bases. 

• Particulate matter: extremely small particles and droplets

in the air, such as those from dust storms and emissions

from local industries.

• Sulfur fire: Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide released

during the June 2003 fire at Mishraq State Sulfur Mine

near Mosul, iraq.

New Benefits available for OEF-OIF Veteran Caregivers

a new law will allow Va to provide primary caregivers of

Veterans of all eras with increased support and resources.

caregivers play a vital role in the lives of Veterans, 

especially as a new era of younger, severely 

injured Servicemembers return from iraq and

afghanistan. 

"caregivers are the family members and 

loved ones who take care of the severely injured

Veterans who need assistance on a daily basis," 

said Va Secretary eric K. Shinseki. "these

mothers, wives, fathers, husbands, and other

loved ones make tremendous sacrifices to be

there every day for the Veterans who served 

this nation. they are our partners in Veteran health care and

they deserve our support."

Va is rolling out a variety of programs for Veteran caregivers

in 2011. these include a caregiver Helpline, a comprehensive

caregiver Web site, and a variety of caregiver support and training

programs. Va has been consulting with Veterans organizations,

as well as individual Veterans and their family members, to ensure

these new programs are implemented to provide the best 

possible support for those who have sacrificed so much. 

the law authorizes Va to provide primary caregivers of

oeF/oiF Veterans with training, support, and access to health

care coverage, including mental health 

counseling. it will also allow eligible caregivers

to receive stipends, travel assistance to attend

appointments, family assistance, and respite

care when appropriate.

these benefits will add to the range of 

compassionate and practical programs for

Veteran caregivers currently available from 

Va, including in-home and community–based

care, respite care, education and training, and family support

services. For more information, go to www.caregiver.va.gov. 

to access these caregiver programs, contact the 

caregiver Support coordinator at the nearest Va Medical

center (VaMc). a directory of VaMcs is available online 

at www.va.gov/directory. 

“Caregivers... are our

partners in Veteran 

health care and they

deserve our support.”

4 www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif
5

Fast Facts: Environmental Exposures

toxic Embedded Fragments

an embedded fragment (also called ‘shrapnel’) is a piece

of metal or other material that stays in the body after

exposure to a blast or other similar traumatic incident.

the word “toxic” pertains to fragments from potentially

harmful materials.

Va’s toxic embedded Fragment Surveillance center

(teFSc) in Baltimore, Md provides special testing for

chemicals that may be released by the fragments and

maintains a health registry of Veterans with fragments

in their bodies. 

oeF/oiF Veterans who believe they may be affected 

by toxic embedded fragments and who would like an

evaluation can contact the environmental Health (eH)

coordinator at their local Va Medical center. the 

eH coordinator may refer Veterans to the teFSc.

For more information, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/

exposures/toxic_fragments/surv_center.asp.

Depleted Uranium

depleted uranium (du) has been used in u.S. military

tank armor and some bullets since the early 1990s. 

exposure to depleted uranium is a potential health hazard

if it enters the body, such as through embedded fragments

(shrapnel), contaminated wounds, and inhalation or 

ingestion. Soldiers who were on, in, or near vehicles hit

with "friendly fire;” rescuers entering burning vehicles,

and those near burning vehicles; soldiers who served 

near fires involving du munition; and those salvaging

damaged vehicles are among those who may have been

exposed to depleted uranium. Simply riding in a vehicle

with du weapons or du shielding will not expose a 

servicemember to significant amounts of du or external 

radiation.

to date, no health problems have been found to be 

associated with du exposure, however Va researchers and

clinicians continue to monitor the health of these Veterans. 

For more information, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/

exposures/depleted_uranium/index.asp.

Exposures in qarmat ali

approximately 830 Servicemembers including national

guard, active component, and Reserve troops, who

worked at the Qarmat ali water treatment plant 

in Basrah, iraq, in the spring or summer of 2003 may

have been exposed to sodium dichromate, containing

the hexavalent chromium. Many of the guard/Reserve

members were from indiana, South carolina, West

Virginia, and oregon.

the chemical was used as an anti-corrosion agent by 

previous workers at the plant and was found on the ground

after bags of the chemical were opened at the site. Shortterm health effects can include respiratory problems, skin

rashes, eye irritation, nasal sores, and other health effects.

Long-term exposure can cause lung cancer. Va has 

developed a medical surveillance program to track possible

health concerns among these Veterans. 

For more information, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/

exposures/oefoif/qarmat-ali.

Veterans concerned about health problems associated

with toxic embedded fragments, depleted uranium, 

exposure to hexavalent chromium, or other environmental

health concerns may contact the oeF/oiF program

Manager or environmental Health (eH) coordinator at

their nearest Va Medical center.

+

a listing of Eh Coordinators is available online at

www.publichealth.va.gov/

exposures/coordinators.asp

and a list of Va medical facilities is located at

www.va.gov/directory

Information is also available through Va’s 

health Resource Center helpline at

1-866-606-8216
Va Reaches Out to OEF/OIF Vets via web and social Media

the oeF/oiF Web site—www.oefoif.va.gov—welcomes home

Veterans of the iraq and afghanistan conflicts with a social, 

informative Web site focused on their needs and questions. 

Va seeks to make the site a helpful and engaging resource 

for returning Veterans. the Web site features videos, Veteran

stories, Q&as, and information on Va benefits and resources.

Va is also reaching out via Facebook and twitter, engaging

Veterans in social networking communities and via 

micro-blogging. these sites allow Va to update Veterans on

new health and benefits information, as well as open a dialogue 

between Veterans and Va. 

Va’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Veteransaffairs, 

has over 80,000 fans and provides a forum for Veterans to 

share experiences and information. the twitter page,

@deptVetaffairs or http://twitter.com/deptVetaffairs, 

has over 10,000 followers and publicizes a steady flow of 

“tweets” about Va initiatives, news, health tips, benefits, 

profiles of Veterans, and events. 

in addition to the main Va pages, several other Va 

departments maintain Facebook and twitter pages, including

the Veterans Health administration, Veterans Benefits

administration, and national cemetery administration. Many

Medical centers across the country have also launched their

own pages with information about local resources and events. 

6

stay in touch with Va Online

Twitter:Follow

@deptVetaffairs 

@VaVetBenefits 

@VeteransHealth 

@Vanatcemeteries

Facebook:Becomeafanat

www.facebook.com/Veteransaffairs

www.facebook.com/VeteransHealth

www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits 

www.facebook.com/nationalcemeteries

YouTube:Watchvideosat

www.youtube.com/user/deptVetaffairs

www.youtube.com/user/VeteransHealthadmin

Blogs:Readandcommentat

www.blogs.va.gov/Vantage

MobileWebsite:Keepupwithnewsonthegoat

m.va.gov

OEF/OIFWebsite:Findinformationat

www.oefoif.va.gov

Comprehensive health Care for women Veterans:

 You served, You Deserve the Best Care anywhere

as the frontlines of battle and the rules of warfare have

changed dramatically in the last 50 years, so has the face of 

the u.S. military and the Veteran population.

Va now treats more women Veterans than

ever before. Women make up more than 11

percent of the Veterans who served in the

current conflicts in iraq and afghanistan.

almost half of these female oeF/oiF Veterans

have enrolled in Va health care, and it is 

expected that these numbers will continue 

to increase over the next few years.

Va is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to women Veterans’ health care needs, 

including primary care, preventive care screenings for breast and

cervical cancer, gender-specific mental health care, and beyond.

to better serve women Veterans’ needs, Va is launching 

a number of programs to address provider education and 

has increased access through clinic enhancements and home

tele-health. they have also begun to focus on the development

and improvement of clinical services and

created a system-wide focus on continuity 

of care. 

at each Va Medical center (VaMc) 

nationwide, a Women Veterans program

Manager is designated to help provide the

quality care women Veterans need and 

deserve. the program Manager can help 

coordinate the range of available services,

from primary care to medical services to

Mental Health and Sexual abuse counseling.

contact the Women Veterans program Manager at any 

VaMc or call 1-877-222-8387 to find the nearest Va facility.

Learn more about Women Veterans Health care online at

www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth. 

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif
Va simplifies access to health Care and Benefits for Veterans with PtsD 

Va streamlined its process to provide health care and 

disability compensation for Veterans with post-traumatic stress

disorder (ptSd), with the publication of a final regulation in the

Federal Register in July 2010.

the rule, which applies to Veterans of all eras, will simplify

the process for a Veteran to establish service-connection for

ptSd by reducing the evidence needed to support a claim. 

While each claim will be evaluated and require confirmation

by a Va psychiatrist or psychologist, the new process is 

expected to allow for faster and more accurate decisions to help

connect Veterans to medical care and other benefits available

through Va.

More than 400,000 Veterans with ptSd currently receive 

Va compensation benefits. ptSd is an anxiety disorder with

symptoms that include recurrent thoughts of a traumatic event,

emotional numbing, hyperalertness, anxiety, and irritability. 

For more information, go to www.va.gov or call 

1-800-827-1000.

wRIIsCs Provide specialized health

Care for Combat Veterans

When charonda taylor was in the air Force, she received 

numerous awards and decorations for outstanding performance.

But when she returned to civilian life, she faced several unexpected

challenges with her health and well-being.

taylor enlisted in the air Force in 1999 because she wanted 

to give back to her country. She was deployed twice, working 

as an intelligence analyst in Qatar and iraq. 

When she returned home, readjustment to civilian life was

difficult. taylor’s back and joint pain, which began when 

she was deployed in iraq, continued to get worse. “My family 

was the first to recognize that i was not the same person. 

i was flying off the handle, yelling at the tV or crying over silly

things,” she said.

taylor made the decision to reach out and ask for the help 

she needed. With the support of her family, she contacted the

operation enduring Freedom/operation iraqi Freedom (oeF/oiF)

program Manager at the Wilmington, de, Va Medical center. 

PuttingthePuzzleBackTogether

She received a referral to the WRiiSc in east orange, nJ, where

she was struck by the comprehensiveness of her evaluation 

and that the team of clinicians looked at “the whole picture,” 

by asking questions about her entire medical history. taylor 

appreciated getting specific recommendations on what she

could do to improve her quality of life.

the War Related illness and injury Study center 

(WRiiSc) is a Va national program that specializes in 

post-deployment care for Veterans with difficult to

diagnose illnesses and deployment related exposure 

concerns. 

For more information, go to www.WarRelatedIllness.va.gov

She recalled, “i really liked getting the WRiiSc ‘roadmap,’

which included tips on exercise

including aqua aerobics, along

with healthy eating and stress

reduction techniques. i felt like 

i was able to put the pieces of

the puzzle together.”

that roadmap has also helped

taylor follow through and 

implement a number of changes

that have helped improve her

overall quality of life.

EnjoyingLifeAgain

today, taylor still has her good days and bad days, but her

health is much improved. She now serves as a military and

Veteran constituent advocate for u.S. Senator ted Kaufmann 

of delaware. 

When asked what advice she would give to Veterans about life

after deployment, she advises, “deal with whatever issues you

have, no matter how difficult they are to confront. there are resources out there, and it’s up to you to take advantage of them.

do whatever you have to do to advocate for yourself. approach

the mission to be healthy with the same energy you approached

your military life and combat.” 

+ 7
8

Disability Compensation from Va

Veterans with service-connected

illnesses or injuries are eligible

for monthly payments, called

disability compensation. the

disability must have been 

incurred or aggravated during

active military service.

Furthermore, the military

service of the Veteran must

have been terminated through

separation or discharge under

conditions that were other 

than dishonorable.

disability compensation

varies according to the degree

of disability and the number of

dependents. Benefits are not subject to Federal or state income

tax. Receipt of military retirement pay, disability severance 

pay, and separation incentive payments, known as SSB and VSi

(Special Separation Benefits and Voluntary Separation

incentives), may affect the amount of Va compensation paid. 

disability ratings range from 0 to 100 percent (in increments

of 10 percent). Veterans with disability ratings between 30 and

100 percent also are eligible for monthly allowances for eligible

dependents. 

a Veteran who is in need of regular aid and attendance of 

another person (including the Veteran’s spouse), or who is 

permanently housebound may be entitled to additional benefits.

Va must make that determination before the Veteran can 

receive these benefits. 

Veterans can applyforVAdisabilitybenefits by completing and submitting Va Form 21-526, Veterans

application for compensation and pension. please include

the following materials with the application, if available:

• discharge or separation papers (dd-214 or equivalent).

• dependency records (marriage and children’s 

birth certificates).

• Medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports).

apply online through Va’s Web site at 

http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp

Monthly Disability Compensation Rates for 2011

PercentDisabled NoDependents Veteran&Spouse

10 $123 ———

20 $243 ———

30 $376 $421 

40 $541 $601 

50 $770 $845 

60 $974 $1,064 

70 $1,228 $1,333 

80 $1,427 $1,547 

90 $1,604 $1,739 

100 $2,673 $2,823 

 

Free OIF health Registry Evaluation

Va maintains a health registry evaluation program to track the

health of Veterans exposed to environmental hazards during

military service. operation iraqi Freedom (oiF) Veterans are 

covered by the gulf War Registry for exposures that may 

include pesticides; infectious diseases; chemical and biological

warfare agents; oil well fires; and depleted uranium. 

Veterans concerned about exposure to environmental 

hazards during military service can contact an environmental

Health (eH) coordinator at the nearest Va Medical center to 

request an evaluation.

a listing of eH coordinators is available online at 

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp.

information is also available through Va’s special health issues

helpline at 1-877-222-8387.

the health registry evaluation is available free of charge to all

eligible Veterans. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in Va

health care to be eligible. the evaluation provides Veterans with:

• a free specialized health evaluation

• answers to questions about environmental exposures 

• information on health care and other Va benefits

• test results shared and maintained in Va medical records

Note: a health registry evaluation or exam is not a claim for 

Va benefits. 

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif
+ 9

New hotline for homeless Veterans: 1-877-4aID VEt helps Veterans Find

Food, shelter, and assistance

Va’s national call center for Homeless Veterans launched a

telephone hotline to provide support and resources to homeless

Veterans in March 2010. Well-trained expert responders staff

the 1-877-4AIDVET hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Family members, workers at community agencies, and non-Va

providers also may call the hotline to find out about the many

programs and services available to assist homeless Veterans. 

“it is unacceptable for a single Veteran to spend the night 

on the streets of america,” said Secretary of Veterans affairs,

eric K. Shinseki. “the hotline will provide homeless Veterans

with caring, timely assistance, and coordinated access to Va 

and community services.” 

Va recognizes that homeless Veterans are in need of food 

and shelter, clothing, financial assistance, and treatment for

medical conditions. Many also require access to permanent

housing, Veterans benefits, and vocational resources. in addition,

assistance is available for homeless Veterans who may have 

substance abuse, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, 

and other mental health issues.

the national call center for Homeless Veterans is part of 

a series of initiatives to help homeless Veterans. in 2009, Va

launched a campaign to eliminate homelessness among Veterans

within five years. Va supports this initiative with approximately

4,000 agreements with community partners to help homeless

Veterans. in 2009, more than 92,000 homeless Veterans were

served by Va’s specialized homeless programs. 

For additional information about Va’s efforts to help homeless

Veterans, go to www.va.gov/homeless.

News Briefs Benefits and Care for OEF/OIF Veterans

health

VeteransSuicidePreventionHotlineandOnlineChat

Va has national suicide prevention resources to ensure

Veterans in emotional crisis have free, around-the-clock access 

to trained counselors. 

Veterans can call 1-800-273-TALK(8255), and press "1" 

to be connected to the Veterans Hotline or visit 

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans to connect 

with trained Va counselors on the internet.

5-yearHealthCareEligibility

the period of enhanced enrollment opportunity for health 

care eligibility has been extended. combat Veterans who were

discharged or released from active service on or after January 28,

2003, are now eligible to enroll in the Va health care system for

five years from the date of discharge or release. 

combat Veterans who were discharged from active duty 

before January 28, 2003, but who did not enroll in Va’s health

care system now have until January 27, 2011, to enroll and 

receive care as combat Veterans. 

For more information on enrollment and eligibility visit:

www.va.gov/healtheligibility/eligibility/CombatVets.asp.

VAEnrollmentInformationforPriorityGroup8

Va’s priority group 8 includes Veterans who either have no 

service-connected disability or a zero percent disability rating,

with incomes above specific thresholds based on family size. 

Va has updated regulations for priority group 8 Veterans. 

these regulations allow certain priority group 8 Veterans to 

enroll in Va’s health care system, even though they may have

been denied in the past. this regulation went into effect on 

June 15, 2009.

For more information about enrollment and to access 

the financial calculator, visit www.va.gov/healtheligibility

or call 1-877-222-8387.

work and home

FederalJobsforVeterans

information about employment opportunities for Veterans in

the Federal government is available from the u.S. office of

personnel Management. the www.fedshirevets.gov Web site 

offers resources including: information on Veterans' preference

policies, how Federal jobs are filled, special hiring authorities

for Veterans, education/training opportunities, and contact 

information for Veteran employment program offices at various

Federal agencies for openings across the country. 

For more information, go to www.fedshirevets.gov or call 

202-606-5090.

continued on page 10
10

CONtINUED FROM PagE 9 News Briefs

VAHomeLoanGuarantee

a Va-guaranteed home loan offers Veterans advantages and

safeguards that may not be available with other home loans. 

For example, interest rates are is competitive with conventional

rates with little or no down payment required. Va-guaranteed 

loans are made by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage

companies, and guaranteed by Va.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, go to

www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/faqelig.aspor call 1-888-244-6711.

VAHomeLoanCounseling

Va counselors are available to assist homeowners with 

Va-guaranteed home loans and help avoid foreclosure by providing

both counseling and intervention with the lender.  Va counselors

also can assist Veterans with non-Va loans by providing advice 

on how to deal with their lenders to avoid foreclosure.

to obtain help from a Va financial counselor at the nearest

Regional Loan center, call 1-877-827-3702.

For more information on avoiding foreclosure, or about the

Va loan program in general, please go to www.benefits.va.gov/

homeloans/veteran.asp.

Education

VAEducationBenefitsforVeterans

Va’s education Service administers education assistance 

programs that provide benefits to qualified Veterans,

Servicemembers, Reservists, and dependents.

information about educational programs and the application

process is available on the Web at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/

vonapp or via phone at 1-888-GIBILL1(1-888-442-4551).

Post-9/11GIBill

the post-9/11 gi Bill, passed by congress in 2008, provides eligible applicants with tuition payments to assist them in getting a 

college education. For many, it also provides a housing allowance

and a stipend for books and supplies.

under this bill, Veterans, Servicemembers, Reservists and

national guard members who have served an total of 90 days 

either on or after September, 11, 2001, or individuals discharged

with a service-connected disability after 30 days, are eligible 

to receive financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate

degrees, and vocational/technical training. 

For more information, visit www.gibill.va.govor call 

1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).

YellowRibbonProgram

the Yellow Ribbon gi education enhancement program (Yellow

Ribbon program) took effect in august 2009 as part of the gi Bill

that covers the cost of in-state tuition at state universities and

shares the cost of more expensive private colleges and some state

schools. the government matches dollar-for-dollar any additional

tuition aid provided by the private school. the bill applies to

community colleges and four-year institutions. Veterans may

also receive a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books

and supplies. 

continued on page 11

CONDItIONs RECOgNIZED FOR PREsUMPtIVE sERVICE-CONNECtION

The information below has been updated as of December 2010.

FOR OEF/OIF aND gUlF waR VEtERaNs

Va has determined that the following conditions are presumed service-connected for Veterans who served in certain regions

during operations desert Shield, desert Storm, enduring Freedom, and iraqi Freedom.

Brucellosis

Campylobacterjejuni

Coxiellaburnetii(Qfever)

Malaria

Mycobacteriumtuberculosis

NontyphoidSalmonella

Shigella

Visceralleishmaniasis

WestNilevirus

For more information, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/infectious_diseases.asp

FOR OIF aND gUlF waR VEtERaNs

Va has determined that the following conditions are presumed service-connected for Veterans who served in operations desert

Shield, desert Storm, and iraqi Freedom.

ChronicFatigueSyndrome Fibromyalgia IrritableBowelSyndrome

For more information, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/associated_illnesses.asp

presumptive service-connection means that Va acknowledges that a condition is service connected even without direct evidence

showing that it was incurred during military service. However, claims must still be filed by these Veterans to be considered for

disability compensation. Va encourages Veterans with these conditions to apply for Va disability compensation.

www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif
where to get help and additional Information

1-866-606-8216

www.oefoif.va.gov

www.publichealth.va.gov/

exposures/oefoif

1-800-827-1000

www.va.gov/directory

Veterans with concerns about their health should contact

their nearest Va Medical center and ask for the oeF/oiF program

Manager. Medical care is available, and a gulf War Registry 

examination for oiF Veterans is also available on request. 

Veterans in need of marital/family counseling should 

contact the nearest Va Medical center or Va Vet center. the

Vet centers provide quality readjustment services in a caring

manner to assist Veterans and their family members toward 

successful post-war adjustment in their communities.

Veterans seeking disability compensation for illnesses 

incurred in or aggravated by military service or interested

in learning about the wide range of benefit programs 

administered by VA can contact a Veterans Benefits counselor

at the nearest Va Regional office or health care facility 

at 1-800-827-1000. Veterans can also start a claim online at

www.va.gov.

Women Veterans can contact a Women Veterans program

Manager at any VaMc or learn more about benefits and services

online at www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth. 

Representatives of Veterans service organizations and

County Veterans Service Officers are very helpful to Veterans

seeking disability compensation. 

State Directors of VA are experts in providing Va assistance to

Veterans and their families. For a listing of benefits by state and

how to locate these experts go to www.nasdva.net.

For additional Federal benefit information, see Va’s Federal

Benefits for Veterans and dependents booklet. it is updated annually to reflect changes in law and policies. it is available online

at www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp.

Active-duty military personnel with questions or concerns

about service in Southwest Asia (including operations desert

Storm, desert Shield, enduring Freedom, and iraqi Freedom)

should contact their commanding officer or call the department

of defense (dod) deployment Health clinical center at

1-800-796-9699 for information. dod also offers the “direct

Veterans Hotline,” with the toll free number 1-800-497-6261.

CONtINUED FROM PagE 10 News Briefs

as of July 2010, about 1,100 private and public colleges and 

universities have signed on with Va for the program. 

a new feature includes the ability for Veterans to transfer 

the tuition benefit to spouses or children. a spouse, for example, 

can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the Servicemember

leaves active duty. 

For eligibility information and other details go to

www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Yellow_Ribbon.htm.

FundingYourCollegeEducation-HelpfromtheU.S.

DepartmentofEducation

Veterans who wish to begin or continue their education can 

find an excellent overview of Federal Student aid programs on

the department of education’s Web site at www.FederalStudent

Aid.ed.gov. this site covers Federal student aid eligibility, 

applying for assistance, Montgomery gi Bill benefits, and other

important topics. 

For questions not addressed on the Web site, Veterans may 

call 1-800-4-FED-AID(1-800-433-3243) or TTY1-800-730-8913.

the Free application for Federal Student aid (FaFSa) is the

first step in the financial aid process. use it to apply for Federal

student financial aid, such as pell grants, student loans, and 

college work-study. For online instructions on how to complete

the FaFSa, visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa.

if questions cannot be answered through Federal Student aid

customer service then Veterans may contact the Federal Student

aid office of the ombudsman. to contact the ombudsman, visit

www.ombudsman.ed.gov. those without internet access may

call 1-877-557-2575 or 202-377-3800.

+ 11
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December 2010