Watchdog: undertrained staff handling 'complex' vet crisis calls

'Complex' veterans crisis line calls passed off to undertrained responders

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According to a government watchdog investigation, the Veterans Crisis Line's process for handling abusive or disruptive callers may be harming both veterans and the employees who answer the phones at the suicide helpline. In an effort to reduce wait times for callers, more calls meant for the "Customers with Complex Needs" unit began being redirected to the main phone line last year, but most responders on the main line don't have the proper training for complex callers, the Government Accountability Office found.

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VA urges holdouts still receiving veterans benefits by paper check to move to electronic banking

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The VA is making a final push to move veterans who receive benefits by paper check to get the money directly deposited to an account after the President ordered a shift to electronic banking for federal agencies by Sept. 30. More than 120,000 veterans and their family members collect VA checks monthly by mail for disability, survivor support, and other compensation. Paper checks issued by the Treasury Department are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer, according to the executive order.

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VA nurse helps replace veteran's Purple Heart

Jose Enriquez received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions during the Vietnam War, which he proudly displayed in his home throughout his life. During a home visit by Houston home-based primary care nurse Escobar Francisco, he told Francisco that his Purple Heart had been lost. After some research, Escobar obtained a replacement Purple Heart, which he framed and presented to Enriquez. “The expression on his face was beyond words,” said Escobar. “His eyes lit up with gratitude and relief, and I could see the weight lifted from his shoulders.”

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VA benefits for terminally ill veterans and end-of-life benefits

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Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is something no person wants to face. These topics are hard to discuss, but veterans who receive a terminal prognosis for a service-connected condition will want to ensure they and their loved ones get all the benefits they’re owed from the VA. That’s why it’s vital to understand VA benefits for terminally ill veterans.

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Oxbryta® lawsuit

If you or a loved one took Oxbryta® to treat sickle cell disease and later experienced vaso-occlusive crisis that resulted in severe complications such as acute chest syndrome, multi-organ failure, an acute cardiac or pulmonary event, stroke, or death, you may be able to join the Oxbryta lawsuit.