Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 11/26/2007

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
I was looking for VA benefits for dental care and I don't think there are any for me. I would like to have your opinion on this subject. I served just under four years in the Air Force (1968-1971) and received an honorable discharge. I'm willing to pay a co-payment for the service. I live in Delaware. I'd appreciate any help.

Sgt. Gary M.

Dear Sgt. Gary:
I forwarded your query to the top tooth doc at Veterans Affairs and the following is his response.

For most veterans, VA dental care is limited to a one-time episode of care, providing application is made within 90 days after discharge and the veteran had not received dental care immediately prior to discharge while still in the military.

The rules for eligibility are complex and there are other ways VA can provide dental care based upon level of service connection and the presence of medical illness impacted by poor oral health. The best course of action would be to contact the eligibility clerk at the closest VA medical center for information on how to apply for dental benefits. That way, your individual situation can be carefully evaluated for dental eligibility.

Shaft Notes

• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced the initial hiring of 10 full-time veterans employment coordinators to focus efforts to attract, recruit and hire veterans throughout the department. These coordinators will work closely with the recently formed Federal Recovery Coordination Program to assist Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans to potentially obtain employment with VA.

"After our young men and women have concluded serving in our military, VA will use every hiring flexibility available to bring their talents and skills to our department should they want to continue to serve this great nation through the VA," said Gordon Mansfield, acting secretary of veterans affairs.

The veterans employment coordinator job announcements will be posted on www.usajobs.gov and www.va.gov/jobs with the goal of being hired by the end of the year. The coordinators will work with veterans interested in employment at VA, including those who have completed one of VA's vocational rehabilitation and employment services programs.

"VA believes enhancing a veteran's opportunity for employment is not merely the obligation of a grateful nation. It is good government and good business," Mr. Mansfield said. "This stepped-up recruitment and hiring of veterans into the Department of Veterans Affairs ensures we are able to employ some of our nation's most highly motivated, disciplined and experienced citizens."

About 31 percent of the 230,000 Veterans Affairs employees are veterans, and 7.7 percent are service-connected disabled veterans.

• Congratulations to Health Net for being named to the 2007 GI Jobs top 50 list, in recognition of its commitment to promote education, awareness and programs that advocate for the rights and benefits of U.S. military veterans.

Ranking of Top 50 Military-Friendly Employers is based on company responses to their annual survey. This includes assets dedicated to military hiring, policies for Reserve/Guard called to active duty, the percentage of new hires over the past year who were veterans and internal military and veteran recruiting, training, promotional and community programs.

"Health Net is centered around a culture of pride and ownership in serving veterans, as well as employing them and improving their quality of life," said Steve Tough, president of Health Net Federal Services.

• Sgt. Shaft has received word of an agreement to simplify life for service members with medical problems as they leave the military and return to the civilian world. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense signed a memorandum to pilot a single physical examination to be used by both departments.

The agreement calls for a pilot program to evaluate a single physical examination that would be used by the Defense Department to determine the medical fitness of injured personnel to remain in uniform and by VA for awarding disability compensation.

Medical evaluations will be performed by VA, although the agreement notes that the physicals could take place in VA medical centers, military installations, VA contracted examination centers or other facilities.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-257-5446 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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