CareForVets.org Blog

White House Christmas Decor Honors Fallen Troops

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 5, 2011 - Washington D.C. - The White House Christmas theme this year, according to the news source Stars and Stripes, is “Shine, Give, Share,” and on Wednesday, November 30, the first guests were allowed to view at least 37 decorated Christmas trees.

Amid the hoopla, one tree was dedicated to our fallen troops. Located near the entrance to the White House, it is expected to be viewed by about 85,000 visitors this holiday season. White stars and a gold rim help to keep the tree aglow and the stars represent and honor the war dead. Beside the tree is a large video monitor with flashing images of U.S. veterans who gave their lives for this country, along with messages from their families and brief biographies.

The largest tree in the White House stands 18.5 feet tall and it honors what is called "Blue Star Families,” relatives of American troops. Located in the Blue Room, it is decorated with medals, brass buttons, martial photos, battle ribbons and a camouflaged combat ornament in digitized green.

Decorators included volunteers from throughout theUnited Statesas well as personnel in the White House. The first guests to get a glimpse of the holiday finery were military families, children included.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more – 1-877-617-2170.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Veterans' Caregivers

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

If there's a caregiver for a disabled veteran on your holiday gift list, you're probably wondering what kind of gifts to get him or. To help you out, we've compiled the following list of gifts:

Massage - Who wouldn't love a massage? You can call around to massage schools and get a gift certificate for an intense, muscle relaxing session.
Spa treatment - A manicure and pedicure would be ideal for the caregiver who has little time to care for herself.
Gift basket - A basket of bath items or gourmet chocolate and other goodies will bring a smile to anyone's face.
Coffee or tea - Check out local coffee shops for gift ideas.
Books - Check out the bestsellers' list for the hottest titles.
Music - An iTunes gift card and/or an Mp3 player can help the caregiver stay current.
Relaxation tools - A CD with soothing sounds of nature can help the caregiver relax.
Movie gift card – Give your caregiver a reason to see the latest blockbuster.
Restaurant gift card - Allow the caregiver to be served, instead of serve, at a comfortable restaurant with excellence service.
Coupons - If you can fill their shoes, give them a coupon for a day off.
Go ahead and bring some cheer to the caregiver you admire. It might just lift your spirits, too.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more – 1-877-617-2170.

Correlation between Iraq Veterans PTSD and Medical Illness

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

A recent study shows that military veterans who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also experience more medical problems than military vets without this disorder. While the reasons for the discrepancy are unclear, researchers did find that female veterans are more likely to experience a higher number of medical ailments than men.

Researchers used a group of 90,000 veterans who had returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and visited the U.S. Veterans Health Administration to perform this study. Out of this group, approximately 30,600 male and female veterans were diagnosed with PTSD.

Over the course of the study, researchers discovered 222 types of medical conditions in the group of veterans. Approximately 32% of females who experienced PTSD were diagnosed with 10 or more conditions compared to 11% of females without PTSD. Among the males, 20% with PTSD had a high number of medical ailments, as opposed to 7% without any mental health conditions.

While there's no direct correlation between PTSD and increased medical conditions, several theories have emerged. One is that the stress of PTSD changes the neuroendocrine system, in turn affecting the body's biological processes. Those with PTSD may also engage in certain behaviors that can affect their health, such as consuming alcohol or smoking.

If your military veteran is experiencing PTSD, getting treatment is important. Proper treatment may not only improve quality of life; it could also improve physical health.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

It is crucial that veterans with PTSD take care of both their mental and physical health. Medical evidence is a critical component in the successful fight for veterans' disability benefits. Unfortunately, many veterans lack the financial resources to obtain an independent medical exam (IME) that can provide this crucial evidence.

At Care for Disabled Veterans we focus on connecting qualified veterans to doctors and health care facilities that provide IME services for disability claims. We are a non-profit organization that relies on donations to help provide the funding necessary to obtain these records and help disabled American veterans qualify for combat-related disability benefits. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

The US Veterans Administration's GI Bill Recent Amendments

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

For veterans returning to college, it can be hard to keep up with all the changes made to the Veterans Administration's GI Bill. Fortunately, the US Veterans Administration keeps American veterans posted on all the changes and amendments on their website.

The most recent Veterans Administration's GI Bill changes have been effective since October 1, 2011:

Post 9/11 GI Bill - the changes now allow American veterans to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill for non-college degree programs, on-the-job/apprenticeship training, flight programs, and correspondence school.
Housing Allowance - housing allowance rules have recently changed, too; now, students solely enrolled in distance education can also qualify for housing allowance.
School Supplies Stipend - this change provides students on active duty with a stipend for books and supplies training.

When new acts are signed into law that affect GI Bill, such as the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, it's important for veterans returning to college to stay informed.

If you're applying for or are already using your GI Bill, you can see what the latest updates are by visiting the US Veterans Administration website. If you create an online account with the VA, you can elect to be sent email notifications when changes are made.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

4 Veteran Homeless Services Offered by the Dept of Veterans Affairs

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Department of Veterans Affairs is trying to do their part in ceasing veteran homelessness by offering homeless veterans assistance in the form of a wide variety of services. From health care services to referrals for homeless veterans' shelters, the VA's free resources and programs are far-reaching and greatly needed.

4 Services from VA to Help Homeless Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs made a collaborative decision to end America's veteran homelessness problem by providing easy access to services and programs:

Homeless Prevention - to prevent the homeless crisis from escalating, the VA offers a national hotline for homeless veterans, the Veterans Justice Outreach program that's aimed at avoiding unnecessary criminalization, and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program that offers low-income veterans with support services.
Housing - a variety of services are available to provide housing, permanently or temporarily, in one of the many national homeless veterans shelters.
Healthcare - the VA's Healthcare for Homeless Veterans helps displaced veterans locate and assess VA healthcare services for which they may be eligible.
Job Training - veterans can receive payment while being trained with new job skills by using the VA's Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence Program.

To find out what homeless veterans assistance programs you or a veteran you care about are eligible for, visit the VA online, or call the national hotline for homeless veterans at 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838).

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

5 Tips to Help Identify With Handicapped Veterans

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

For new caregivers of an ill, injured or handicapped veteran family member, the change in your life may be pretty drastic. Many caregivers have to quit their jobs, move in with their loved ones and give up a large part of their personal lives to help support a veteran.

5 Coping Tips While Caring for Your Handicapped Veteran

Changes can cause some panic and frustration, but there are ways to cope.

Be informed - Discuss their health needs frequently to identify new issues and help both of you feel comfortable with the conditions. Researching their conditions can also help you deal with new problems that may arise.
Be engaging - If they're comfortable talking about their war experiences, let them! It's often a positive outlet for them to help cope with a traumatic injury, and you can learn some interesting facts too!
Be understanding - If you're upset about having to give insulin shots or helping to clean an amputation site, remember that your loved one has to deal with this discomfort and embarrassment even more.
Be inclusive - Look for stress-relieving, fun activities that both you and your veteran can participate in together. Finding common hobbies or likes can be therapeutic for both of you.
Be consistent - Help your veteran establish a normal life at home by developing routines and systems that help make both of your lives easier. Medicine charts, activity schedules and even developing new traditions can all help.

By having an open and trusting relationship with your veteran loved one, you can make the caretaker experience much easier and beneficial to the both of you.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

Smart Home Program Helping Veterans Become More Independent

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

One of the challenges of rehabilitation from a serious combat injury such as brain damage is to acclimate veterans to relearning daily life skills and establishing routines. Cognitive damage is common with traumatic brain injury, which is one of the many disabilities our veterans return with after being injured in combat.

A report from WINK News Now shows that when veterans have difficulty handling daily routines and remembering things, external prompting can help jog those memories. The Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center at the VA hospital in Tampa, FL is working on an electronic prompting system dubbed "Smart Home" technology.

The veterans trying the system are connected to a tag that's read by sensors around the complex. It can tell if they're wandering from designated areas and prompt them to return to their rooms, but more important, it can give reminders of necessary actions like taking medication or remembering to check out when leaving the facility.

Short-term memory loss is a complication of a traumatic brain injury, and the tags are helping veterans remember the important details of daily life. Doctors are hoping that the technology can be further developed to create a lower-cost version of the system for personal home use.

This therapy is also being considered for patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia to help combat similar conditions of memory loss or confusion. This system is showing benefits for the veterans, as well as their caregivers, as it creates an extra entity to ensure that daily needs are met and a routine is established during rehabilitation.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

5 Benefits to Donate through Your IRA to United States Veterans

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

There are many reasons you should consider making a donation to a charity that helps United States veterans. If you're older than 70.5 years old and have a traditional IRA, you can benefit in many ways from making a donation from your account.

5 Ways IRA Donations to United States Veterans are Beneficial

Donations from your IRA to a qualified charitable organization aren't included in calculating your adjusted gross income (AGI). This means you can potentially avoid some of the unfavorable AGI-based rules.
Your QCD counts as a distribution that meets the required annual minimum distribution rules. You can donate part or your entire yearly required amount up to $100,000 and avoid paying taxes on it!
Your QCD will come from the taxable layer in your IRA, meaning the non-taxable amount is saved for withdrawal later by you or your heirs.
QCDs reduce your total taxable estate. If the money is going to generate additional taxes on your yearly filing, why not donate it to a good cause instead?
Your donations are made to a cause that really makes a difference in our disabled veterans' lives.

If you're thinking about donating from your IRA, there are a few more things to know about this process. Make sure you understand the requirements this type of donation entails, and if it doesn't work for you, then know that there are other options to help support and care for our United Stated veterans.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

Know Your Threshold as a Veteran's Caregiver

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

No matter the circumstances of how you became the caregiver of a family member, one thing remains constant: you have a tolerance threshold. No one can handle everything alone, and as a caregiver you need to establish some boundaries to make sure you don't reach a breaking point and do damage to yourself or a loved one.

Caring for Your American Veteran

When you first take on the responsibility of caregiver for an ill or disabled veteran family member, you need to assess the long-term situation. Consider some of these points:

How much medical care are you willing and able to provide?
Is the condition such that it will deteriorate to a point where you'll no longer be capable of providing the care needed? and
Can you handle the financial burden?

The answer to each one of these questions creates a threshold where you'll need to stop and assess if your caregiving role is the best option for you and your loved one. If you cannot provide the medical care needed, it may be time to look for outside assistance.

If your family member can obtain a disability rating, he or she can qualify for benefits through the VA, and in some cases, qualify the caretaker for stipends, health insurance and more.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that may develop after exposure to stressful events. Some military veterans experience PTSD after their experiences during war or combat that cause fear for their lives or the lives of others around them. Those who experience PTSD have a long-lasting feeling of fear of loss of control.

The symptoms associated with PTSD can be traumatic, causing disruption to one's life and making performing daily tasks difficult. While the symptoms can begin immediately for some people, they might not manifest for months or years later for others. While feeling anxiety or distress after a traumatic event is normal, those who experience symptoms for longer than 4 weeks could be diagnosed with PTSD.

Just as every person is different, the symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person. Generally, the symptoms can be divided into 4 categories:

feelings of numbness;
feelings of anxiety or hyperarousal;
reliving the traumatic experience; and
avoiding triggers that remind one of the traumatic event.

Those who experience PTSD may also develop problems with drugs and alcohol, employment, and relationships. Fortunately, military veterans may be eligible to receive treatment for PTSD and its symptoms from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

If left untreated, PTSD could affect your loved one's quality of life. Medical evidence is a critical component in the successful fight for veterans' disability benefits. Unfortunately, many veterans lack the financial resources to obtain an independent medical exam (IME) that can provide this crucial evidence.

At Care for Disabled Veterans we focus on connecting qualified veterans to doctors and health care facilities that provide IME services for disability claims. We are a non-profit organization that relies on donations to help provide the funding necessary to obtain these records and help disabled American veterans qualify for combat-related disability benefits. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

5 Ways to Combat Veteran Homelessness Beyond VA Efforts

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Department of Veterans Affairs created an initiative to eliminate homelessness amongst veterans, offering a wide variety of services to homeless veterans. Assistance is available for veterans and their families by calling the national hotline at 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838). This service helps displaced veterans receive information on local homeless veterans' shelters and mental health services, among other things.

5 Ways to Help Homeless Veterans

There are 5 small but effective ways that anyone can contribute to ending veteran homelessness:

Get involved - you can start by calling the national VA homelessness hotline, finding local veteran service providers, and determining your community's needs.
Rally - you can either join an existing organization, or rally other community members to begin local initiatives to help veterans in your area.
Volunteer - if you have the time and resources, you can try helping out at one of your local homeless veterans shelters or by participating in a homeless coalition.
Donate - most places that offer homeless veterans assistance do so on a donation basis, and your donations would be welcomed.
Contact Officials - you can contact your local elected officials and express your concern over the homelessness issue and learn what's being done on their part to address the problem.

The best ways to handle the veteran homelessness crisis are to become informed and get involved. You can also learn more about how Care for Disabled Veterans helps veterans and their caretakers.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

The "Road Map for Success" for the US Veterans Administration GI Bill

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

When you visit the website for the US Veterans Administration, GI Bill applicants can learn all about their American veteran education benefits in the VA's "Road Map for Success." The US Veterans Administration helps veterans returning to college determine what benefits they qualify for, as well as how to go about obtaining them.

With a clear, organized plan, the VA website can help you compare the different available benefits and see which of them would work best for you:

Step 1 - American veterans are guided to determine their best benefits by answering a series of questions about the type of training they plan to take, how fast they want to complete it, and their location.
Step 2 - details exactly what paperwork will be needed to complete Veterans Administration's GI Bill application process, from high school transcripts to Certificates of Discharge.
Step 3 - addresses common concerns that veterans returning to college have when they're trying to decide which school to attend, such as state-specific maximum tuition fees.
Step 4 -visitors can estimate their GI benefits by using an online benefits calculator.
Step 5 - using a side-by-side comparison chart, veterans can see which programs can provide them with the best benefits given their individual situation.
Step 6 - after all the above steps have been accomplished, veterans can go through the actual application process, which is completed either online or by mail.

The VA's "Road Map for Success" is evidence of their attempt to streamline benefit information and make it easier for American veterans to access helpful benefits like the GI Bill.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

Fly Fishing Retreat Therapeutic for Veterans and Their Caregivers

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

When you hear about therapy for disabled veterans, you usually think physical training in a gym or sitting in a psychiatrist's office. How about fly fishing?

The Herald Journal reports that a new sort of vacation therapy is being used by veterans who make the trek out to Paradise, Utah. The Freedom Flies group is giving both disabled veterans and their family caregivers some much-deserved rest and recuperation in a fly fishing experience.

Freedom Flies was launched by Warren Price, an Iraq war veteran who found that fly fishing helped him cope with some of the symptoms of PTSD. He was experiencing suicidal thoughts, and his family was also feeling the pressure of life after war.

Through fly fishing vacations, Price and his family found relaxation, relief and a chance to reestablish family bonds. After seeing the good it did in his life, he founded Freedom Flies to help bring this special form of therapy to other veteran families.

The first excursion was attended by about 20 veterans and their family caregivers, most of who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Paradise, Utah was the location of choice due to the town's scenic views and proximity to a local fishing supply store, RoundRocks, that helped the effort through financial donations.

The shop provided financial support as well as volunteers, which helped many veterans and their caregivers take part in their first fly fishing experience. The recreation as well as the tranquility of the location helped "hook" some of the veterans on the idea.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

The All-In for Vets Charity Poker Tournament Was a Hit!

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

November 14, 2011 - South Florida - We're happy to report that our first ever charity poker tournament, All-In for Vets, was a huge success!

Dozens of participants gathered around the felt-lined tables at the Dania Beach Jai-Alai arena on Saturday, November 12 to play some Texas Hold ‘Em for a good cause! The proceeds went to support our organization's continuing efforts to provide free or reduced cost IMEs to disabled veterans, and the night was a huge help to that effort!

We'd like to share a few photos of the final table, which included Care for Disabled Veterans' founder, Ken LaVan, as well as his law firm partner, Adam Neidenberg, as well as some distinguished veterans and other members of the Care for Disabled Veterans volunteer team.

The Final Table

Care for Disabled Veterans would like to extend our deepest thanks to all participants for their generous donations to our organization. We would especially like to thank the 4 gentlemen whose poker prowess landed them the top 4 rankings at the final 10 table.

Winner Andy Martin with Adam & Ken.

Winner George Aladro

Overall Winner Vincent Santaniello

Our 4th winner, Andy Gessner, wasn't caught in time for a photograph, but he was one of the wonderful players who helped make this night a success! Their donation of $400 is just a portion of the funds raised during this exciting night and they weren't the only winners at our event! Many other participants walked away with raffle prizes and wins on the Spin-A-Wheel - and don't forget those lucky bidders in the silent auction!

We hope that everyone who attended our two-day event had as much fun as we did. Please keep connected through our blog, website, and Facebook page to learn about more ways Care for Disabled Veterans is helping our military men and women obtain the benefits they deserve!

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

Details about Donating to United States Veterans from Your Roth IRA

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

When you make a charitable donation to the United States veterans from an IRA it's generally tax deductible and can help benefit your financial plan. However, there are some differences in donating from a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA that you need to be aware of.

Making a distribution from an IRA can benefit you tax-wise if it's a distribution that would otherwise be taxable. For a distribution from a Roth IRA to meet this requirement, it must not be a qualified (tax-free) distribution.

Donating from a Roth IRA may not always be the best option, as these types of IRAs are already fairly favorable in regards to regulation by tax rules. Because you can take tax-free withdrawals from most Roth IRAs, it's generally best to leave your account alone.

This shouldn't discourage you from donating, however! Tax benefits are a minor detail of why you should consider making a donation to the United States veterans. Knowing your contribution goes to help the numerous veterans in need of a fair and thorough medical exam for their disability application is reason enough to donate today!

You don't have to make a donation from your IRA, but it's one of the best ways for you and our veterans to benefit in tandem! Every little bit helps - whether you're a supportive American donating a few dollars or doctors who can provide free or reduced cost medical exams, our veterans need your donations!

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

VA Launches Phone Campaign to Help Homeless American Veterans

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Department of Veterans Affairs has started a new campaign to combat the growing problem of homelessness among our United States veterans. Estimates say the problem is growing, with about 135,000 veterans spending at least 1 night in a shelter this year, and more than 75,000 considered homeless on any given night.

The campaign includes a toll-free hotline that families and community members can call to report veterans that are at risk of becoming homeless or are already in need of shelter. The number, 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838), is a 24-hour service staffed by homeless prevention specialists. The VA's homelessness support service seeks to help veterans with housing vouchers and other permanent solutions.

The ongoing struggle to prevent and reduce veteran homelessness is something that must be overcome to provide our veterans with the appreciation and support they deserve. Aside from lack of housing, many homeless veterans are unable to meet their daily needs such as food and medical care. For a disabled veteran, this can be a serious detriment to their health and well-being.

By showing your support through organizations such as Care for Disabled Veterans you can help disabled veterans obtain the medical exams they need to qualify for disability benefits through the VA. Between monthly benefits and support from the VA's homelessness programs, we can start making a positive change in the lives of our deserving veterans.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

VA Encourages Female Veterans for Breast Cancer Screenings

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month it's no surprise that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is calling all female veterans to take advantage of breast health screenings. Many VA clinics provide women's health services, including mammograms and other cancer detection methods which are available to all female veterans.

Currently, the VA reports 87% of eligible female veterans receive screening mammograms, a much higher rate than private health care systems. Early detection of breast cancer can help improve the chances of treatment and remission before it becomes a serious health risk.

Every year thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer, which can often lead to other complications and conditions. Breast cancer is the 2^nd most common cause of cancer-related death in females, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.

Regular screenings for breast cancer can help catch an issue before it becomes a serious problem. Cancer can often lead to treatment needs that cause temporary or permanent disability and can have a serious impact on the lives of veterans.

Veteran advocacy groups like Care for Disabled Veterans help connect our veterans to the resources they need to obtain benefits and proper medical care. Donations help provide low or no-cost Independent Medical Exams to veterans seeking disability benefits, as well as help caregiver family members find help for their loved ones.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

Celebrate Veterans Day 2011 and Support Care for Disabled Veterans!

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

November 10, 2011 - In honor of Veterans Day 2011 Care for Disabled Veterans is hosting 2 special events to directly honor our veterans and support our organization's efforts to support our veterans!

The first of 2 Veterans Day events kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, November 11 with a dinner honoring veterans in the South Florida area. The dinner will be held at the historic Dania Jai-Alai facility in Dania Beach, FL and is open to the first 1,000 veterans who register.

Registration must be done by noon Friday to reserve a seat for yourself and up to 2 guests. Send an email to dinner@careforvets.org with the following details:

name;
mailing address;
contact phone number;
the branch of military you served in; and
number of guests (please indicate if any are 13 years or younger, limit 2 guests per veteran).

As long as your registration is in by noon on Friday, you'll receive a confirmation email with the number of seats. You will need a photo ID to be admitted to the dinner.

Even after Veterans Day in Ft. Lauderdale is over, Care for Disabled Veterans will be continuing the fun! At 6 p.m. Saturday, November 12, we'll kick off an evening of poker games, contests, and prizes! The main event will be a charity Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament with a first prize of $10,000 (with a minimum 200 players). There will be unlimited rebuys for the first 6 levels of play and bounty spiffs with 32 giveaways.

To participate in the poker tournament you must register either online or at the door. You have until 11:59 p.m. on Friday to take advantage of the online registration discounted rate of $100.

If you have questions about online registration, visit the Care for Disabled Veterans online contact form, or for immediate assistance call 1-877-617-2170 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday. If you miss the Friday deadline, don't worry! You can still register at the door for $125 between 4 and 5 p.m. the day of the tournament!

There's plenty going on Saturday night for Veterans Day in South Florida besides poker! During the tournament, there will also be a silent auction featuring items from our generous sponsors and donors. Try your luck at the Spin-A-Wheel prize giveaway, or maybe you'll be the winner of one of the many raffles held that night!

The proceeds from this Veterans Day event will go to support Care for Disabled Veterans in their ongoing efforts to provide resources to our veterans. Donations are used to fund access to IMEs as well as developing veterans advocacy efforts and family caregiver support resources.

If you're looking for something to do this Veterans Day in Ft. Lauderdale, head out to Dania Jai-Alai and take part in the fun for a good cause! We hope to see you there!

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

Ideas to Honor U.S. Veterans on Veterans Day

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Veterans Day is a holiday established by the U.S. government to honor those who have served their country. Observed on November 11, this holiday is also known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in other countries. Show your appreciation to our military veterans by using some of the ideas below!

Writing a letter to a service member is a great way to personally thank a person who is protecting our freedom. Get your children involved or write your own letter to brighten a soldier's day.

Operation USO Care Package provides the comforts of home to military personnel serving overseas. With a $25 donation, you can provide a personal message of appreciation that will be included in a care package that will be sent to a soldier. The USO offers holiday boxes as well.

To show your support, you can bring baked goods or flowers to a local Veterans Hospital. Volunteering to spend time with veterans is another great way to express your gratitude for their service.

Attend a parade. Military veterans, members of the National Guard and civic groups often walk or ride in parades to celebrate this special holiday. Bring your own flags to wave in order to show support.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Celebrating Veterans Day is a great way to show our troops that we appreciate their service. Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Request our free guide for veterans and caregivers or contact us today to learn more - 1-877-617-2170.

VA's Public Service Announcement Highlighting Women Veterans

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

The US Veterans Administration is actively trying to change the way the public perceives veterans. They released a public service announcement (PSA) to portray women American veterans in a positive light and express just how vital they are to the US military.

The PSA, released by the VA's Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group, may be short, but its aim is clear: women veterans have bravely served their country, they have unique needs, and they deserve the best care available.

In the past decade, the amount of women using the VA has doubled and the figure is predicted to rise. Women are, in fact, the fastest growing group amongst the American veteran population, according to the VA.

The Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group has put a health program in place to meet female veterans' needs, including their medical and psychosocial care.

The PSA was part of the VA's continuing efforts to challenge people to rethink their notions of women veterans, raising public awareness for honoring these brave women, as well as promoting the need for better health care for them.

The Women's Veterans Health Care program seeks to assure that women veterans obtain:

high-quality and appropriate primary care;
privacy, safety, and sensitivity to their gender-specific needs; and
preventative and clinical care.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Contact us today to receive our free guide for disabled veterans and caregivers - 877-617-2170.