ST. GEORGE – The Veteran-Hospice Partnership is a new affiliation in St. George comprised of members of the eight veteran service organizations in the St. George area and the 11 organizations that provide Hospice Care to its community members.
Hospice care focuses on bringing comfort, self-respect, and tranquility to people in the final years of life. Patients’ symptoms and pain are controlled, goals of care are discussed and emotional needs are supported. Hospice believes that the end of life is not a medical experience; it is a human experience that benefits from the expert medical and holistic support that hospice offers.
In association with the We Honor Veterans program the HVP is committed to see that all veterans understand that they are entitled to benefit from the honor, dignity, peace of mind, and empathic care of hospice as their life draws to a close.
America’s veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve this country and it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. HVP believes it is time that people step up, acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our nation’s mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve.
If a veteran is not covered for hospice care through Medicare or any other insurance, the Department of Veterans Affairs will step up to meet the full cost of hospice care without any cost to the veteran or their survivors. This care is available on an in-patient basis in a formal facility or at the veteran’s place of residence. Contact information for assistance from the St. George Vet Center is provided at the close of this report.
Veterans and Parkinson’s disease
Veterans who develop Parkinson’s disease and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and military service to be eligible to receive a full Agent Orange Screening Exam to be eligible for VA disability compensation, as long as they served in Vietnam, along the Korean DMZ, or any other tactical area where Agent Orange was used.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.
Signs and symptoms are: tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination.
Many effective treatment options are available. Hear stories from veterans living with Parkinson’s. Visit Medline Plus to learn about treatment, the latest medical research, and more from the National Institutes of Health.
VA benefits for Parkinson’s disease
Veterans with Parkinson’s disease who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for disability compensation and health care.
Veterans may apply for disability compensation for Parkinson’s disease using VA’s fast track claims processing service on the VA benefits website.
Vietnam veterans and veterans who served on the Korean De-Militarized Zone or another area where Agent Orange was sprayed may be eligible for an Agent Orange Registry health exam – a free, comprehensive examination.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides during military service and died as the result of Parkinson’s disease may be eligible for survivor’s benefits.
Resources
St. George Vet Center #540, 1664 S Dixie Dr St George, UT 84770 / Telephone: 435-673-4494 / Email [email protected]
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Submitted by Bruce C. Solomon, Readjustment Counselor, The St. George Vet Center
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
