COVID-19: Affecting America’s Veteran Population

At the Purple Heart Foundation, we have been monitoring the spread of COVID-19 just like all of you. As you may know, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the spread of the coronavirus as a “Pandemic”; a situation nobody was prepared for. And now the coronavirus has officially hit home… all 50 states have verified cases of the coronavirus. However, this country was founded on the characteristics of bravery, courage and strength… so this too, we shall overcome.

Although everyone is at risk, the most vulnerable are those with underlying health conditions and those over 50 years old, including a community of over 13 Million military veterans across the country. We fear for the safety and health of our nation’s veterans during this pandemic.

So as our nation endures the trials and tribulations of this critical time, we urge you to remain a united front. Everyone is at risk, so be do your part.

As you prepare for social distancing and potential quarantine, we ask that you don’t forget about your family, your community, those less fortunate, and the veterans that fought for our freedom.

This is the time for you to step up. Reach out to the veterans in your family or community and be the hero in their lives.

The coronavirus is highly transmittable and must be taken seriously.

However, while the rest of the world is telling you to wash your hands and don’t touch your face (which is medically sound advice and we agree), we want you to remind you of the following as you prepare for self-quarantine during the spread of COVID-19:

  1. Adults +50yrs, with underlying health conditions are at high risk.
  2. Call and check on older adults and veterans.
  3. Don’t Panic. We can get through this together.
  4. Those at high risk may need assistance getting food, medicine and other supplies. Be there for others, or if you need help, ask for it.
  5. Offer to be a veteran’s emergency contact to give advice, help contact family, or call for emergency services, if needed. Offer to be a lifeline.

At the Purple Heart Foundation, we believe that right now the safety and well-being of veterans is of the utmost importance. To learn more about how to give veterans a fighting chance against COVID-19, visit:

www.purplehear2dev.wpengine.com/resources.


Social Security Benefits & Veterans

How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits the Same Time as VA Benefits

If you are a veteran who is disabled, you may qualify for both Veterans Administration (VA) benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA). While both are disability programs administered by government agencies, both programs have very different criteria that must be met for an applicant to be approved for benefits. You can qualify for both VA benefits and SSDI if you meet the specific criteria established for both programs.

You can have pending applications with both agencies at the same time, or you might be approved for one program and awaiting approval for the other. VA benefits are provided for disabilities related to your military service only, and you don’t have to be totally disabled. Your VA benefits are based on the severity of your service-related disability and the compensation rating it receives.

Because there aren’t financial requirements that must be met to receive VA benefits, you can receive VA benefits along with another form of disability benefits at the same time. To receive SSDI, you must have worked enough to earn adequate credits – usually this is the equivalent of 5 years full-time out of the last 10 years. You must be completely disabled for at least a year, or have a condition expected to result in death. All your medical issues are considered together – regardless of whether they are related to your military service or not.

The Disability Approval Process

The VA will review your medical records associated with your military service. If you get approved for VA benefits first, it will not necessarily help your SSDI claim. At one time, getting a high compensability rating from the VA, such as 70 percent or more, would lead to additional consideration. The new regulations published by the SSA in 2017 indicate that the SSA will not take VA benefit approvals into consideration for an SSDI application, but the SSA will review any evidence the VA considered when making their decision. The SSA will use Department of Defense (DOD) or VA evidence to expedite SSDI claims for veterans who are Wounded Warriors or who have a 100% compensability rating through the VA.

The VA doesn’t give special deference to an approval for SSDI, the VA Is required by law to consider the records that the SSA had to review regarding your condition. The medical records reviewed by the SSA could prove beneficial by offering key evidence that might help the VA render a favorable decision for your claim. While you could have a lower compensability rating – such as 5% or 10% through the VA – you could be declared fully disabled by the SSA. The SSA will consider your service-related disability, such as a back problem or lung disease, and they will also consider medical problems not associated with your military service, such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart problems.

The Application Process

If you have applied for VA benefits, you should also apply for SSD. SSDI benefits are based on the claimant’s work history – so your eligibility also relies on the credits you have earned from working. In most instances, you must have worked 5 years full-time out of the last 10 years. If you wait too long, you will start losing credits and you will become ineligible for SSDI. The application process for Social Security disability benefits is fairly straightforward. You have the option of applying online on the SSA’s website or you can do so in person at a Social Security office. After you send in your application, you should hear back from the SSA regarding your claim within three to five months.

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Mesothelioma Awareness Day: How This Disease Continues to Impact Veterans

Every 26th of September, Mesothelioma Awareness Day (MAD) is recognized as a day to spread information about this rare disease and educate people about the dangers of its only known cause, asbestos exposure. Of the nearly 3,000 Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, 30 percent of this total are veterans. It is important that we acknowledge the veteran population affected by this disease and continue efforts towards finding a cure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, but can also be present in the lining of the abdomen and heart. Due to its prolonged latency period, symptoms of this disease typically do not arise for nearly 10 to 50 years. When symptoms do begin to appear, oftentimes, the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage, making treatment options extremely limited.

Historically, the cause of mesothelioma cancer has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was often used in materials prone to heat and friction. When asbestos is disturbed, airborne fibers have the ability to be inhaled or ingested, gaining access to our internal organs. These fibers lay dormant within our bodies where they cause inflammation and scarring, leading to the development of tumors.

For those diagnosed with mesothelioma, the prognosis is most often very poor. Patients who are diagnosed at an earlier stage are given between 16 to 21 months to live post-diagnosis, which is a limited amount of time to pursue treatment.

How Are Veterans Affected?

Service men and women of our military are susceptible to asbestos exposure as a result of mass historic use of asbestos-products. While there has been a decline in asbestos usage and stricter regulations, asbestos may still be present on military bases, naval ships, and aircraft equipment. Because of this, there is a steady diagnosis rate amongst veterans. This will remain unchanged until asbestos is completely banned in the United States or the government issues a mandate for all asbestos to be removed from military locations.

Those who have served our country between 1920 to 1980 are at the highest risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, as this was the height of asbestos usage. Locations such as the sleeping barracks of ships used in the Navy were tight and limited, allowing for a high concentration of fibers to be present if asbestos was disturbed. Other branches that are affected by asbestos include the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard and Marines through asbestos materials used in things such as aircraft braking systems, military vehicles, and fireproofing for ships.

An additional risk factor that should be kept in mind is the use of asbestos in other countries. Members of our military can also be exposed while on deployment and stationed in areas that are war-torn, and as a result, have created large amounts of debris and rubble.

Across borders, many older buildings and homes on United States bases could be harboring asbestos-containing materials, such as roofing and flooring tiles. While it is difficult to avoid exposure because asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye, with the right protective equipment and knowledge, we can work to keep our military safe from these asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms & Detection

Veterans that believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should receive checkups frequently and monitor their health closely. Symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic those of other less serious illnesses and should be evaluated no matter how seemingly minor. Some of the symptoms are as follows:

  • Abdominal swelling
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing

Testing such as X-rays and CT scans can provide insight into underlying symptoms and help identify any abnormalities. Blood tests should also be performed regularly to see if there is an overabundance of mesothelin present in the blood, which may hint at malignancy. It is vital to monitor symptoms immediately. This will allow for the best chance of survival and successful treatment if the disease is caught early.

What to do if You’re Diagnosed

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to understand your treatment options. It is important to research and connect with an oncologist that specializes in mesothelioma cancer, as they will be able to provide you with the latest and most effective treatments specific to your diagnosis. Cancer treatment costs can oftentimes be burdensome to families, and when diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is typically a party that is liable for the disease that you have developed. To manage these costs better, it is your right to seek legal action, as there are victim compensation funds set in place to ensure those who are affected by asbestos exposure receive the funding they deserve for their treatment.

How You Can Help

Mesothelioma is one of the lesser-known forms of cancer, receiving minimal coverage in mainstream oncology. With the support of others and by spreading awareness, this cancer will not only be diagnosed less, but a cure could be on the horizon. Through donating to the Purple Heart Foundation, the MOPH National Service Officer program will continue to help veterans fight for their VA benefits and receive much-needed care for injuries and illnesses, such as mesothelioma, that stem from service to our country.