LINCOLN CBOC/VA NEWS

VA clinics and hospitals no longer require the wearing of masks to enter clinics. Masks are available for those who still wish to wear them. 

Express Care is a walk-in service for those who wish to have a nurse check out minor items. Express Care hours run from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Lincoln clinic. This care is available to those who might wish to see a VA nurse without an appointment during normal hours. 

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, extending VA health eligibility to many veterans. The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. 

If you had service in the Vietnam theater or the Middle East, visit the VA web site and read the list of medical problems that are now presumed to have a link to service in these theaters. If you have not filed a claim under the PACT Act, go to the Veterans Affairs web site. There you will find answers to your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call us at 800-698-2411. If you are awarded a new disability or have one upgraded, you will or could receive back pay to September 2022. 

One of the forms that the VA would like to have on file for all veterans who use its hospitals and clinics is an Advance Directive Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will. Form VA 10-0137 can be picked up at your local clinic or hospitals. This form allows you to inform the VA of who you might wish to make health care decisions if you become disabled and unable to do so for yourself. Not required, but it might be something that you may want to think about. 

The Nebraska Warrior Writers project are free workshops providing professional instruction, support, and guidance in writing of all kinds from memoir to fiction. Workshops are held on Saturdays at Pius X High School, 6000 A Street, Lincoln, NE. 

To sign up, contact Tom Seib - 555@gmail.com, (402-440-9296) or 

Jen Stastny - 2029@gmail.com, (402-960-3955) for current dates and times. 

The VA can use more volunteers at your local clinic, hospital, or a veteran’s home. The VA can always use a monetary donation, or you can donate activities bags for younger kids to have when they come to the clinic / hospital with a parent for their appointments. There is always a need. Younger kids come with parents, grandparents, etc., rather than left at home alone. 

Clinics / hospitals can always use books, magazines, etc. for patients. You would need to check with your local hospital / clinic / veteran’s home volunteer office to see what items they need or allow. This would be a great project for your church, school, or youth group.        

Many clinics have an outreach program to reach homeless veterans. They always need extra donations for these veterans. Many of these veterans do not ask for items for themselves, but for their kids and/or families. 

Another way to serve your fellow Veterans is to donate to a local Veteran Service Organization, (VSO). They receive many requests for services during the holidays. From cash to purchasing food for a special meal, or car repairs, etc. Most local VSOs would welcome a donation so they could give more to those who have given so much. The holidays will be here before we know it. It was pointed out that donations are needed all year, not just during the holiday period. 

News from latest VA Representative meeting: 

The VA System will be celebrating Veterans Appreciation Week, November 6th-10th, 2023. The Lincoln Clinic has invited the local VSO to bring in treats for the Veterans. They are asking for a different VSO to sign up to bring treats each day during the week. Treats need to be items that the Veterans can grab as they leave the clinic. Treats will be available 9-12. 

Flu shots will begin the week of September 25th, between the hours of 9 to 3, for veterans enrolled in the VA system. 

Foot care will be returning to the Lincoln Clinic. An ENT clinic is in the works. Again, this depends on meeting the required staffing. 

Much of the hour was spent on services for our homeless veterans and the work of our Social Workers. Lincoln Clinic will again have a Giving Tree where tags for the veteran’s wishes will be hung. One of the best ways to give to the Giving Tree is gift cards. The social worker can either use the cards to buy the items requested or give the gift card to the veteran. Social workers take care to screen the veterans, so the cards are not used for drugs, etc. 

The Lincoln Clinic is trying to develop a “safety net”, where the social workers can work with a veteran in need and match them up with a person/business that will work with the veteran. These donations could be to help with gas / light bills, to car repairs, 

etc. 

Thanks for your service to your fellow Veterans and thanks for your service to this great country. 

God Bless, 

Ed Schnabel 

Legion Representative to Lincoln CBOC