Health Care News
Go Red for Women: American Heart Month
Thursday, February 1, 2024 | Category: Health Care - ME
February is the national campaign month to raise awareness about women's heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women with and without military service. Please go to link for more information.
ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service (ALS Awareness Month of May)
Friday, May 5, 2023 | Category: Health Care - ME
On April 11, 2019, the ALS Association released a report, “ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service,” including reviews of numerous studies, reports, and other evidence demonstrating the link between ALS and military service. In summary:
‘Existing evidence supports the conclusion that people who have served in the military are at a greater risk of developing ALS and dying from the disease than those with no history of military service. As outlined in this paper, study after study continues to demonstrate this to be true: If you serve in the military, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of whether you served in the Persian Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, or World War II, and regardless of whether you served during a time of peace or a time of war, you are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if you had not served in the military. The questions we are asking today are these: Why is there a greater risk of ALS with military service? And what are we, as a nation, going to do about it?
It is the goal of The ALS Association that this paper raise awareness of the important work that so far has been done on the relationship between ALS and military service. In this effort, we hope to impress upon the Congress, the Administration and the American public the seriousness of this issue and the need to act now.’
In 2008, the VA implemented regulations to establish a “presumption of service connection” for ALS. Under the regulation, the VA presumes that ALS in military veterans was incurred or aggravated by a veteran’s service in the military. Veterans diagnosed with ALS are rated 100% disabled by the VA through an expedited claims process, understanding the fast progression of the disease and the need for medical equipment and services. The disabled veteran and their survivors are eligible for “service connected” benefits.
The month of May is “ALS Awareness Month,” providing an opportunity to better understand what is known about the disease and how to help afflicted veterans and others as well as their families. A reputable starting point is the ALS Association (http://www.alsa.org/search/search.jsp?query=ALS+Military&Image2.x=0&Image2.y=0).
The Maine Care Services Coordinator for the ALS Northern New England Chapter is:
Laurie McFarren
Maine Office: 207-494-8000
E-mail: lmcfarren@alsanne.org
NNE Chapter office 603-226-8855 | fax 603-226-8890
The first-ever Maine ALS Multi-disciplinary Clinic opened in December 2017. It is located in Brunswick, Maine and coordinated by neurologist Dr. John A. Taylor’s office. Ask for the ALS Clinic Coordinator at:
Phone: 207-373-6099
Web Site: https://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/specialty-care/neurology/
ALS Awareness Month of May: Military/Veterans at Greater Risk of Developing ALS
Friday, May 5, 2023 | Category: Health Care - ME
The ALS Association’s Defense Health Research Programs office reported:
‘The ALS Association has developed a report, “ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service,” that details the numerous studies that have been conducted which have found that:
Military veterans, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of the era in which they served, and regardless of whether they served during a time of peace or a time of war, are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if they had not served in the military. The full report is available on The ALS Association’s website, www.alsa.org/Military and includes reviews of numerous studies, reports, and other evidence demonstrating the link between ALS and military service.’
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Department of Veterans Affairs Information, Actions & Contacts
Monday, May 3, 2021 | Category: Health Care - ME
Visit this page for updates on:
- What is the Department of Veterans Affairs doing?
- What should veterans do?
- How should you protect yourself?
- VA Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases: Where and how many?
- Links to other Information.
Be safe!
How VA and Tricare Users Can Get Tested for Coronavirus
Monday, March 23, 2020 | Category: Health Care - ME
Some of your questions regarding who can be tested, where testing might be available, fees for testing, if any, and additional information is included in this article written by Dorothy Mills-Gregg.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What Veterans Need to Know
Sunday, March 22, 2020 | Category: Health Care - ME
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published general guidance regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). VA call centers and some VA health facilities are currently experiencing very high numbers of calls. To help address the most urgent needs first, the VA asks that you use their online tools and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for routine or non-urgent questions. The VA will continue to update this page as the situation changes.
ALS News Today (Higher Rates of ALS Amongst Military Servicemembers & Veterans)/Maine Contacts
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 | Category: Health Care - ME
This site offers past and current Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS) news, inclusive of military veteran-specific news.
Research indicates that there is a higher rate of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS) amongst individuals who served in the military. In 2008, laws passed making ALS a presumptive compensable illness. Through the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans are rated at a minimum of 100% with access to other supportive benefits to assist them and their families/caregivers with the veteran’s daily care. Veteran families should expect ALS claims to be processed expeditiously. Families can benefit from assistance from veteran service organizations, particularly the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) who have extensive training in working claims for complicated illnesses.
The Maine Care Services Coordinator for the ALS Northern New England Chapter is:
Laurie McFarren
Maine Office: 207-494-8000
E-mail: lmcfarren@alsanne.org
NNE Chapter office 603-226-8855 | fax 603-226-8890
The first-ever Maine ALS Multi-disciplinary Clinic opened in December 2017. It is located in Brunswick, Maine and coordinated by neurologist Dr. John A. Taylor’s office. Ask for the ALS Clinic Coordinator at:
Phone: 207-373-6099
Web Site: https://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/specialty-care/neurology/
VA Says It Will Not Study Effects Of Medical Marijuana On PTSD And Chronic Pain
Tuesday, January 16, 2018 | Category: Health Care - ME
Minnesota Representative Tim Walz received a “no can do” response to his request for the VA to research veteran use of medical marijuana. James Clark of Task & Purpose reported: “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says it will not conduct research into the effects of medical cannabis on post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain, some of the very ailments veteran patients rely on the drug to treat. In a Dec. 21 letter to Minnesota Democrat Rep. Tim Walz, VA Secretary David Shulkin said that the department is unable to research medical cannabis due to federal restrictions.”
White House Launched Veterans' Complaint Hotline: Call 855-948-2311
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 | Category: Health Care - ME
Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Shulkin announced the White House "soft launch" of their veterans' complaint phone line on June 1st. Veterans can call 855-948-2311 to voice their concerns. The Secretary noted that the intent of the phone line is to allow "veterans to call in their complaints and concerns about conditions at the Department of Veterans Affairs."
An official launch will occur by August 15, 2017.
Bipartisan Bill Looks to Help Veterans with Real ID Problem
Friday, March 10, 2017 | Category: Health Care - ME
Maine military veterans using New Hwmpshire Department of Veterans Affairs services could not continue to access these services with their Maine driver's license as of January 1, 2017 due to a the lack of identification required by the federal 2005 Real ID law. Maine and four other states have not complied with federal guidance to date. In the meantime, state legislation was submitted to fund federal passport cards for these veterans until Maine resolves compliance.