2015

The VA will now calculate driving distance when determining eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program. The previously announced rule went into effect April 24, 2015, and is expected to double the number of veterans who are eligible for the program. According to a VA news release, the VA is now sending letters to newly eligible veterans. Any veteran with questions about the program can call (866) 606-8198.

Responding to criticism of the Veterans Choice Program, the VA had previously announced that it would relax eligibility requirements. Previously, VA calculated mileage as a “straight-line distance between a Veteran’s residence and nearest VA medical facility,” but according to a VA blog post, mileage will now be calculated based on driving distance. According to the VA, the change will double the number of eligible veterans.

Related: Committed to Showing Results at the VA

Reaction to the change has been largely positive. “We are pleased that Secretary McDonald is responding directly to concerns voiced by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and other members of Congress to ensure those reforms are working for all veterans throughout the nation,” said Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut in a joint statement. “This is a common-sense adjustment to a rule that has the potential to significantly impact the success of the Veterans Choice Program.”

Related: VHA Clarifies VISN Restructuring Plan

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also released a statement praising the change but demanding more changes in the program. “The VFW is glad the VA agreed to change the measurement to actual driving distances, but the VA and Congress must now eliminate the 40-mile bubble they placed around their medical facilities,” said VFW National Commander-in-Chief John W. Stroud. “If a local VA cannot meet someone’s medical requirements, then it is absurd to require any veteran to drive hundreds of miles to another VA that can.”

Related: VA Budget Grows 7.5%, but Draws Criticism From Republicans

“We realize that Congress had to fit this temporary ‘choice’ program within certain budgetary constraints, but common sense and fairness dictate that the distance criteria must be measured to a facility that can actually deliver the medical services the veteran is requesting,” Joseph A. Violante, Disabled American Veterans national legislative director said in a March 24, 2015, testimony before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

For more information on the Veterans Choice Program, visit http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact.

The VA will now calculate driving distance when determining eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program. The previously announced rule went into effect April 24, 2015, and is expected to double the number of veterans who are eligible for the program. According to a VA news release, the VA is now sending letters to newly eligible veterans. Any veteran with questions about the program can call (866) 606-8198.

Responding to criticism of the Veterans Choice Program, the VA had previously announced that it would relax eligibility requirements. Previously, VA calculated mileage as a “straight-line distance between a Veteran’s residence and nearest VA medical facility,” but according to a VA blog post, mileage will now be calculated based on driving distance. According to the VA, the change will double the number of eligible veterans.

Related: Committed to Showing Results at the VA

Reaction to the change has been largely positive. “We are pleased that Secretary McDonald is responding directly to concerns voiced by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and other members of Congress to ensure those reforms are working for all veterans throughout the nation,” said Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut in a joint statement. “This is a common-sense adjustment to a rule that has the potential to significantly impact the success of the Veterans Choice Program.”

Related: VHA Clarifies VISN Restructuring Plan

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also released a statement praising the change but demanding more changes in the program. “The VFW is glad the VA agreed to change the measurement to actual driving distances, but the VA and Congress must now eliminate the 40-mile bubble they placed around their medical facilities,” said VFW National Commander-in-Chief John W. Stroud. “If a local VA cannot meet someone’s medical requirements, then it is absurd to require any veteran to drive hundreds of miles to another VA that can.”

Related: VA Budget Grows 7.5%, but Draws Criticism From Republicans

“We realize that Congress had to fit this temporary ‘choice’ program within certain budgetary constraints, but common sense and fairness dictate that the distance criteria must be measured to a facility that can actually deliver the medical services the veteran is requesting,” Joseph A. Violante, Disabled American Veterans national legislative director said in a March 24, 2015, testimony before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

For more information on the Veterans Choice Program, visit http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact.

The VA will now calculate driving distance when determining eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program. The previously announced rule went into effect April 24, 2015, and is expected to double the number of veterans who are eligible for the program. According to a VA news release, the VA is now sending letters to newly eligible veterans. Any veteran with questions about the program can call (866) 606-8198.

Responding to criticism of the Veterans Choice Program, the VA had previously announced that it would relax eligibility requirements. Previously, VA calculated mileage as a “straight-line distance between a Veteran’s residence and nearest VA medical facility,” but according to a VA blog post, mileage will now be calculated based on driving distance. According to the VA, the change will double the number of eligible veterans.

Related: Committed to Showing Results at the VA

Reaction to the change has been largely positive. “We are pleased that Secretary McDonald is responding directly to concerns voiced by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and other members of Congress to ensure those reforms are working for all veterans throughout the nation,” said Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut in a joint statement. “This is a common-sense adjustment to a rule that has the potential to significantly impact the success of the Veterans Choice Program.”

Related: VHA Clarifies VISN Restructuring Plan

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also released a statement praising the change but demanding more changes in the program. “The VFW is glad the VA agreed to change the measurement to actual driving distances, but the VA and Congress must now eliminate the 40-mile bubble they placed around their medical facilities,” said VFW National Commander-in-Chief John W. Stroud. “If a local VA cannot meet someone’s medical requirements, then it is absurd to require any veteran to drive hundreds of miles to another VA that can.”

Related: VA Budget Grows 7.5%, but Draws Criticism From Republicans

“We realize that Congress had to fit this temporary ‘choice’ program within certain budgetary constraints, but common sense and fairness dictate that the distance criteria must be measured to a facility that can actually deliver the medical services the veteran is requesting,” Joseph A. Violante, Disabled American Veterans national legislative director said in a March 24, 2015, testimony before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

For more information on the Veterans Choice Program, visit http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact.

On January 26, 2015, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald revealed a plan to restructure the 21 VISNs to better align services for veterans. So what exactly will that entail? For starters, many VISN boundaries will need to be redrawn, but the VISNs are not going away any time soon. Instead, organizations and services within the VA will begin work to ensure their structures are aligned with the 5-region framework by the end of June 2015.

“The regions are going to play an increasingly important role for leadership in VHA and VA in general, but the VISNs will continue to exist,” Acting Director of VHA Health Systems Communications John Goodrich told Federal Practitioner.

Secretary McDonald’s announcement came almost 3 months after he shared preliminary plans to restructure the VA. The initiative, known as MyVA, seeks to ensure that veterans have a clear understanding of VA services and simplifies and streamlines the process of accessing those services. MyVA empowers employees with the authority, knowledge, and tools they need to solve veterans’ problems and take action. The regional structure also will help to ensure that products and services VA delivers to veterans are integrated within the organization.

Related: Maintaining the Public Trust

“We want every veteran to have a seamless, integrated, and responsive VA customer service experience every time. This regional alignment is the first step in empowering veterans to interact with one VA—MyVA,” said Secretary McDonald. “Ultimately, this reform will improve the veteran experience by enabling veterans to more easily navigate VA and access their earned care and benefits.”

Veterans Service Organizations were invited to attend the January 26 briefing. “Paralyzed Veterans of America will remain focused on being the lead voice for veterans with the greatest needs as we monitor the ongoing impact of these MyVA initiatives,” Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Director Homer Townsend responded.  

This isn’t the first time VA has reorganized. The VISN structure was implemented only in 1995 under then Under Secretary for Health Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH. Dr. Kizer’s goal, as stated in his March 17, 1995, Vision for Change, was to “transform [VHA] to a more efficient and patient-centered health care system.” In 2002, VISNs 13 and 14 were joined to form VISN 23.

Related: 2015 Directory of VA and DoD Facilities

The 2015 restructuring is just 1 of 4 goals Secretary McDonald seeks to achieve through the MyVA initiative. Others include establishing a VA-wide customer service organization, working with partners to establish a national network of Community Veteran Advisory Councils, and identifying opportunities for VA to realign its internal business processes into a shared services model.

More information is expected in the coming weeks.

On January 26, 2015, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald revealed a plan to restructure the 21 VISNs to better align services for veterans. So what exactly will that entail? For starters, many VISN boundaries will need to be redrawn, but the VISNs are not going away any time soon. Instead, organizations and services within the VA will begin work to ensure their structures are aligned with the 5-region framework by the end of June 2015.

“The regions are going to play an increasingly important role for leadership in VHA and VA in general, but the VISNs will continue to exist,” Acting Director of VHA Health Systems Communications John Goodrich told Federal Practitioner.

Secretary McDonald’s announcement came almost 3 months after he shared preliminary plans to restructure the VA. The initiative, known as MyVA, seeks to ensure that veterans have a clear understanding of VA services and simplifies and streamlines the process of accessing those services. MyVA empowers employees with the authority, knowledge, and tools they need to solve veterans’ problems and take action. The regional structure also will help to ensure that products and services VA delivers to veterans are integrated within the organization.

Related: Maintaining the Public Trust

“We want every veteran to have a seamless, integrated, and responsive VA customer service experience every time. This regional alignment is the first step in empowering veterans to interact with one VA—MyVA,” said Secretary McDonald. “Ultimately, this reform will improve the veteran experience by enabling veterans to more easily navigate VA and access their earned care and benefits.”

Veterans Service Organizations were invited to attend the January 26 briefing. “Paralyzed Veterans of America will remain focused on being the lead voice for veterans with the greatest needs as we monitor the ongoing impact of these MyVA initiatives,” Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Director Homer Townsend responded.  

This isn’t the first time VA has reorganized. The VISN structure was implemented only in 1995 under then Under Secretary for Health Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH. Dr. Kizer’s goal, as stated in his March 17, 1995, Vision for Change, was to “transform [VHA] to a more efficient and patient-centered health care system.” In 2002, VISNs 13 and 14 were joined to form VISN 23.

Related: 2015 Directory of VA and DoD Facilities

The 2015 restructuring is just 1 of 4 goals Secretary McDonald seeks to achieve through the MyVA initiative. Others include establishing a VA-wide customer service organization, working with partners to establish a national network of Community Veteran Advisory Councils, and identifying opportunities for VA to realign its internal business processes into a shared services model.

More information is expected in the coming weeks.

On January 26, 2015, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald revealed a plan to restructure the 21 VISNs to better align services for veterans. So what exactly will that entail? For starters, many VISN boundaries will need to be redrawn, but the VISNs are not going away any time soon. Instead, organizations and services within the VA will begin work to ensure their structures are aligned with the 5-region framework by the end of June 2015.

“The regions are going to play an increasingly important role for leadership in VHA and VA in general, but the VISNs will continue to exist,” Acting Director of VHA Health Systems Communications John Goodrich told Federal Practitioner.

Secretary McDonald’s announcement came almost 3 months after he shared preliminary plans to restructure the VA. The initiative, known as MyVA, seeks to ensure that veterans have a clear understanding of VA services and simplifies and streamlines the process of accessing those services. MyVA empowers employees with the authority, knowledge, and tools they need to solve veterans’ problems and take action. The regional structure also will help to ensure that products and services VA delivers to veterans are integrated within the organization.

Related: Maintaining the Public Trust

“We want every veteran to have a seamless, integrated, and responsive VA customer service experience every time. This regional alignment is the first step in empowering veterans to interact with one VA—MyVA,” said Secretary McDonald. “Ultimately, this reform will improve the veteran experience by enabling veterans to more easily navigate VA and access their earned care and benefits.”

Veterans Service Organizations were invited to attend the January 26 briefing. “Paralyzed Veterans of America will remain focused on being the lead voice for veterans with the greatest needs as we monitor the ongoing impact of these MyVA initiatives,” Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Director Homer Townsend responded.  

This isn’t the first time VA has reorganized. The VISN structure was implemented only in 1995 under then Under Secretary for Health Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH. Dr. Kizer’s goal, as stated in his March 17, 1995, Vision for Change, was to “transform [VHA] to a more efficient and patient-centered health care system.” In 2002, VISNs 13 and 14 were joined to form VISN 23.

Related: 2015 Directory of VA and DoD Facilities

The 2015 restructuring is just 1 of 4 goals Secretary McDonald seeks to achieve through the MyVA initiative. Others include establishing a VA-wide customer service organization, working with partners to establish a national network of Community Veteran Advisory Councils, and identifying opportunities for VA to realign its internal business processes into a shared services model.

More information is expected in the coming weeks.

In response to the murder of Timothy Fjordbak, PsyD, at the El Paso VA Health Care System (VAHCS) earlier this month, the VA insists it will address staffing shortages and security and surveillance systems nationwide, including motion detectors, cameras, and door alarms. Under current federal law, it is unlawful to be in possession of a firearm on federal grounds unless otherwise authorized.

The murder-suicide in El Paso was one among a long line of violent acts committed on federal health facility grounds. Former chief of police at the Cheyenne VAMC in Wyoming John Glidewell told the Washington Post, “These are the same issues we have been screaming (begging) for help with the entire 10.5 years I have been with the VA Police.”

This comes less than a year after a former VA employee shot and wounded an employee at the Dayton VAMC in Ohio. Craig Larson from the VA’s Chicago regional public affairs office noted that the facility, like El Paso, did not have metal detectors, a policy that could have been implemented at the local level. Even the Washington DC VAMC did not announce their installing of metal detectors until 2013.

The area surrounding the El Paso VAHCS and William Beaumont Army Medical Center was on lockdown after the shooting in accordance with VA’s emergency response plan as the Fort Bliss military police and El Paso and federal law enforcement responded to the incident. The City of El Paso Police Department reported no other patients or staff members were physically harmed. The El Paso VAHCS opened for patient appointments Friday at 1:00 PM under increased security measures, including 100% identification check and random checking of bags and parcels. Security has since increased to 100% bags check. The facility was closed Wednesday and Thursday.

As of January 12, 2015, entrance to the El Paso VAHCS will only be possible through the main floor (3rd floor). Enhanced security procedures will be in place until further notice. 

During the emergency closing 2 weeks ago, veterans with existing appointments at the El Paso VAHCS were contacted for rescheduling. Community-based outpatient clinics at Eastside El Paso and La Cruces, New Mexico, were on normal operating hours.

A Mobile Vet Center was deployed January 8, 2015, to provide counseling services to veterans, servicemembers, families, and VA staff members. The Mobile Vet Center operated at the El Paso Community College until 4:30 PM local time Thursday and with the exception of Sunday operated 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM daily through Tuesday, January 13, at the El Paso VAHCS main campus.

The El Paso VAHCS provides primary and specialized ambulatory care services at its main campus, with consultants and fee-basis specialists supplementing the medical staff.  The facility is co-located with the 148-bed William Beaumont Army Medical Center at 5005 North Piedras Street near Fort Bliss.

In response to the murder of Timothy Fjordbak, PsyD, at the El Paso VA Health Care System (VAHCS) earlier this month, the VA insists it will address staffing shortages and security and surveillance systems nationwide, including motion detectors, cameras, and door alarms. Under current federal law, it is unlawful to be in possession of a firearm on federal grounds unless otherwise authorized.

The murder-suicide in El Paso was one among a long line of violent acts committed on federal health facility grounds. Former chief of police at the Cheyenne VAMC in Wyoming John Glidewell told the Washington Post, “These are the same issues we have been screaming (begging) for help with the entire 10.5 years I have been with the VA Police.”

This comes less than a year after a former VA employee shot and wounded an employee at the Dayton VAMC in Ohio. Craig Larson from the VA’s Chicago regional public affairs office noted that the facility, like El Paso, did not have metal detectors, a policy that could have been implemented at the local level. Even the Washington DC VAMC did not announce their installing of metal detectors until 2013.

The area surrounding the El Paso VAHCS and William Beaumont Army Medical Center was on lockdown after the shooting in accordance with VA’s emergency response plan as the Fort Bliss military police and El Paso and federal law enforcement responded to the incident. The City of El Paso Police Department reported no other patients or staff members were physically harmed. The El Paso VAHCS opened for patient appointments Friday at 1:00 PM under increased security measures, including 100% identification check and random checking of bags and parcels. Security has since increased to 100% bags check. The facility was closed Wednesday and Thursday.

As of January 12, 2015, entrance to the El Paso VAHCS will only be possible through the main floor (3rd floor). Enhanced security procedures will be in place until further notice. 

During the emergency closing 2 weeks ago, veterans with existing appointments at the El Paso VAHCS were contacted for rescheduling. Community-based outpatient clinics at Eastside El Paso and La Cruces, New Mexico, were on normal operating hours.

A Mobile Vet Center was deployed January 8, 2015, to provide counseling services to veterans, servicemembers, families, and VA staff members. The Mobile Vet Center operated at the El Paso Community College until 4:30 PM local time Thursday and with the exception of Sunday operated 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM daily through Tuesday, January 13, at the El Paso VAHCS main campus.

The El Paso VAHCS provides primary and specialized ambulatory care services at its main campus, with consultants and fee-basis specialists supplementing the medical staff.  The facility is co-located with the 148-bed William Beaumont Army Medical Center at 5005 North Piedras Street near Fort Bliss.

In response to the murder of Timothy Fjordbak, PsyD, at the El Paso VA Health Care System (VAHCS) earlier this month, the VA insists it will address staffing shortages and security and surveillance systems nationwide, including motion detectors, cameras, and door alarms. Under current federal law, it is unlawful to be in possession of a firearm on federal grounds unless otherwise authorized.

The murder-suicide in El Paso was one among a long line of violent acts committed on federal health facility grounds. Former chief of police at the Cheyenne VAMC in Wyoming John Glidewell told the Washington Post, “These are the same issues we have been screaming (begging) for help with the entire 10.5 years I have been with the VA Police.”

This comes less than a year after a former VA employee shot and wounded an employee at the Dayton VAMC in Ohio. Craig Larson from the VA’s Chicago regional public affairs office noted that the facility, like El Paso, did not have metal detectors, a policy that could have been implemented at the local level. Even the Washington DC VAMC did not announce their installing of metal detectors until 2013.

The area surrounding the El Paso VAHCS and William Beaumont Army Medical Center was on lockdown after the shooting in accordance with VA’s emergency response plan as the Fort Bliss military police and El Paso and federal law enforcement responded to the incident. The City of El Paso Police Department reported no other patients or staff members were physically harmed. The El Paso VAHCS opened for patient appointments Friday at 1:00 PM under increased security measures, including 100% identification check and random checking of bags and parcels. Security has since increased to 100% bags check. The facility was closed Wednesday and Thursday.

As of January 12, 2015, entrance to the El Paso VAHCS will only be possible through the main floor (3rd floor). Enhanced security procedures will be in place until further notice. 

During the emergency closing 2 weeks ago, veterans with existing appointments at the El Paso VAHCS were contacted for rescheduling. Community-based outpatient clinics at Eastside El Paso and La Cruces, New Mexico, were on normal operating hours.

A Mobile Vet Center was deployed January 8, 2015, to provide counseling services to veterans, servicemembers, families, and VA staff members. The Mobile Vet Center operated at the El Paso Community College until 4:30 PM local time Thursday and with the exception of Sunday operated 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM daily through Tuesday, January 13, at the El Paso VAHCS main campus.

The El Paso VAHCS provides primary and specialized ambulatory care services at its main campus, with consultants and fee-basis specialists supplementing the medical staff.  The facility is co-located with the 148-bed William Beaumont Army Medical Center at 5005 North Piedras Street near Fort Bliss.