Dear Veterans,

To assist you in applying for a post-service medal, you can acquaint yourself with the official military medal regulations at this site: U.S. Military Medal Issue
Regulations http://www.amervets.com/replacement/isr.htm

How To Apply for Post-Service Medal
Authorization http://members.aol.com/forvets/htom.htm

Contact Person for inquiry regarding this Posting:

Mr. Roger Simpson, PIO
http://www.13105320634.com

The American War Library
http://www.amervets.com

Building Two, 16907 Brighton Avenue

Gardena CA 90247-5420

1-310-532-0634

Technology Identifies Veterans at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease

Secretary Nicholson: “Important Initiative for Veterans”

WASHINGTON  – Many veterans with diabetes are getting initial screening for possible eye disease during their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care appointments, thanks to a national tele-retinal imaging program now in place at the majority of VA hospitals and clinics.

“This leading-edge technology will make a difference for our nation’s veterans.  One out of every five VA patients has diabetes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.  “Early detection of retinal abnormalities is essential in preventing vision loss from diabetes.  This is another example of VA’s commitment to provide world-class care to our nation’s veterans.”  

This new procedure, which screens patients for diabetic retinopathy, does not take the place of a dilated eye exam.  Veterans with known retinopathy or laser treatment will be seen in eye clinics, along with high risk patients such as those with pregnancy or renal disease.  The new procedure is a good initial way, however, to identify patients at risk for visual loss from diabetes. 

Patients are scheduled for the imaging via the computerized patient record system (CPRS). The images taken of the retina at the clinics are sent to an image reading center, where an eye care specialist determines the need for further care.

Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year in the United States, making diabetes the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age.

The tele-retinal imaging program is just one year old this month and expected to expand significantly in the coming year.  VA collaborated with the Department of Defense and the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

the technology involving digital retinal imaging and remote image interpretations to assess for levels of diabetic retinopathy.  This is another example of how VA has achieved efficiency and quality of care for its patients with diabetes that exceeds that in the private sector.

Diabetes is one target of a major VA program designed to reduce the high rates of illness caused by obesity.  Called MOVE -- for “Managing Overweight Veterans Everywhere” -- it encourages veterans to increase their physical activity and improve their nutrition.  Further information is available at www.move.va.gov.

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Find Article at United States Department of Veterans Affairs  http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1297

This public domain and non-profit list of available private attorneys is maintained as a public service in honor of the nation's military veterans who seek representation for VA benefits. All listed attorneys are admitted to practice before the VA, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. All are members of the National Organization of Veterans Advocates, Inc. (NOVA). For more information on NOVA, see www.vetadvocates.com . Such veteran's attorneys are difficult to locate since there are only a few hundred in the entire United States.

Veterans and dependents are invited to contact these attorneys about representation, attorney fees, expenses, and the procedural requirements for retaining an attorney. All names are listed with permission.

Military Support, now and always!

VETERANS WIVES and FAMILIES honor all military service members, past, present, future, whether active duty or retired . We offer support and provide information for anyone that needs it and wants to share knowledge and experiences with others. Our "Because We Care" website is filled with a multitude of links that deal with the many complex issues, of medical, emotional and physical problems facing our military, retired and veterans. Our mail list encourages discussion in an informal atmosphere in a place where friendships are made and support is our number one priority. Serious issues take priority although we enjoy interacting with our friends and share fun times also. This exchange helps to release the stresses and tensions which many times accompany the disabilites or harships that often are experienced. The contributions of our veterans must not go unnoticed for they have paved the way to freedom. Their dues have been paid. "FREEDOM" must be maintained at all costs and should be honored, respected and cherished by each of us. We are here because we care and understand many of the difficulties and challenges they face and want to help them to better cope.

J. Brandt
http://vetsunited.com

Veterans and Families is a national non-profit community service and support organization, founded and directed by Veterans, parents, grandparents, family members, employers, mental health professionals, academics and community leaders.