NewsBytes August 6, 2021
In this issue:
VA Processing Disability Claims for Certain Conditions
DoD Preparing for Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations
Military In-Home Child Care Pilot Program Begins
Happy Birthday U.S. Coast Guard
VA Processing Disability Claims for Certain Conditions Related to Particulate Matter
NED Chris Slawinski participated in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) virtual press conference for VA to announce that effective Aug. 2, 2021, the VA has begun processing disability claims for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis on a presumptive “fast-track” basis, based on presumed particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas — if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service.
The VA conducted a review of scientific evidence to support the rulemaking, which recommended the creation of new presumptions of service connection for respiratory conditions based on the VA’s evaluation of a National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine report, and other evidence.
The process concluded that particulate matter pollution is associated with chronic asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis for veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations beginning Aug. 2, 1990, to the present, or Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria or Djibouti beginning Sept. 19, 2001, to the present. The VA’s review also concluded that there was sufficient evidence to presume that these veterans had been exposed to particulate matter.
The Southwest Asia theater of operations refers to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and the airspace above these locations.
Veterans and survivors who believe they may be eligible for the newly established presumptive conditions are encouraged to apply. They should file a VA Form 21-526EZ , if applying for the first time or a VA Form 20-0995 if they are reapplying for these conditions. For more information on the new presumptive conditions, visit the VA website. To apply for benefits, veterans and survivors may visit VA.gov , or call toll-free at 800-827-1000.
DoD Preparing for Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations
The Department of Defense will soon require service members to get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. The details and timing have not been released, but President Biden issued a strong declaration. “Since many vaccinations are required for active-duty military today, I’m asking the Defense Department to look into how and when they will add COVID-19 to the list of vaccinations our armed forces must get,” Biden said July 29 as he outlined steps the government was taking to slow the rise in COVID-19 cases. “Our men and women in uniform who protect this country from grave threats should be protected as much as possible from getting COVID-19.”
After a steep decline, the U.S. is trying to fend off an increase in COVID-19 cases across the country caused largely by the highly transmissible delta variant of the virus and a decline in vaccinations, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The president’s statement occurred one day after the DoD reinstated stricter mask rules indoors for service members, civilian employees, and visitors — regardless of vaccination status — on DoD installations and facilities in areas with “substantial or high community transmission” of COVID-19.
According to the CDC, areas with “substantial” community transmission have at least 50 new cases per 100,000 people in the past week. Areas with more than 100 new cases per 100,000 people in the last week are in the “high” transmission category.
Military In-Home Child Care Pilot Program Begins
A five-year pilot program to help military families pay for childcare in their homes started in July. The new program is offered in five regions that have the longest wait list for Child Development Centers (U.S. capitol region; Hawaii, San Diego, Norfolk and San Antonio). Child Care Aware of America started contacting parents who do not have access at a military installation and have requested in-home care. Those who are currently on the wait list in the five regions are eligible. For more information go online .
Happy Birthday U.S. Coast Guard
August 4 marked the 231st birthday of the United States Coast Guard. Congress created the agency on August 4, 1790, when it authorized the construction of 10 vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of federal revenue. Responsibilities added over the years included humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress.
The service received its present name in 1915 when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form a single maritime service dedicated to the safety of life at sea and enforcing the nation’s maritime laws.
The Coast Guard is a multi-mission, maritime, military service and the smallest of the five-Armed Services. Its mission is to protect the public, the environment and U.S. economic interests in the nation’s waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security.
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