FederalDaily - March 22, 2007

Korean War Vet Wins $1.7 Million Settlement

A 76-year-old veteran of the Korean War won $1.7 million in back benefits on a 55-year-old disability claim lodged with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The veteran, who asked to remain anonymous, served in the Korean War and began to develop the symptoms of polio soon after his return home. He filed a claim to VA for benefits, but was denied. Then in late 2005, while he was a patient at Memphis VA Medical Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Center, he met a Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) national service officer who listened to his story and decided to renew his claim. Upon further review, the VA approved the claim and awarded the veteran the equivalent of 55 years of back-benefits, PVA said in a statement March 20. VA Secretary Jim Nicholson said: “We are very happy for this veteran and his family. While it is unfortunate he did not receive it much sooner, justice was done for him and his family, and for that we are grateful.” To see more, go to: www.pva.org/site/News2?news_iv_ctrl=-1&page=NewsArticle&id=6753  

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House Panel OKs Military Healthcare Fix

In the wake of revelations of poor quality care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the House Armed Services Committee unanimously approved legislation aimed at fixing healthcare problems at Walter Reed and throughout the military-medical bureaucracy. The committee approved the bill (HR 1538) on March 20 by a 59-0 vote. The measure would create a new system of case managers and counselors for wounded servicemembers to ensure they get the care they need and to help them navigate the bureaucracy. Also, it would clean up the burdensome and problematic system for transferring combat soldiers’ medical records from DoD to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The current system is complicated and doesn’t work well, government auditors found. About 25,000 servicemembers have been wounded in battle and veterans’ organizations complain about the inadequacy of the VA health systems. “This bipartisan legislation is our first step to address the problems brought to light by the inadequate living conditions experienced by some service members at Walter Reed,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, D-Mo. To see more, go to: http://armedservices.house.gov/apps/list/press/armedsvc_dem/WW_PR_032007.shtml

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APWU Health Plan Launches Electronic Access

The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Health Plan launched a new eHealthRecord database that will give APWU Health Plan members almost immediate electronic health record accessibility. With the new online database, unveiled March 21, members will have access to information about their claims and explanation of benefits; and year-to-date information about their deductible balance, catastrophic limits, claims details and prescription drug transactions. “We’re very pleased to offer our members this new online capability, and to promote the adoption of health information technology in the healthcare industry,” said Carroll Midgett, chief operating manager, APWU Health Plan. The Health Plan provides health coverage programs that are open to employees or retirees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The Health Plan is part of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.  To see more, go to: www.apwuhp.com.

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