Veterans

What Do Veterans Need to Know About Epilepsy?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading and common cause of injury or head trauma in service men and women.

• Post-Traumatic Epilepsy (PTE) is a seizure disorder that is caused by TBI.
• A severe traumatic brain injury could increase your chances of developing PTE.
• There’s information to help you learn more about the link between head trauma and epilepsy.

http://www.epilepsy.com/get-help/services-and-support/veterans

https://www.epilepsy.com/connect/forums/veterans-seizures/help-veterans

VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act

In 2008, the Epilepsy Foundation supported the VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act that became law. The law established centers that help bring specialized epilepsy care to the overall Veterans Administration (VA) health network; conduct research that may lead to the prevention of epilepsy as an outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as research for better seizure control and treatments; and allows veterans living in rural communities or far from VA hospitals access to the care they need. TBI is one of the most common injuries of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Experts believe 30-50% of military personnel affected by TBI will develop epilepsy. The epilepsy VA centers will help prepare the VA for the expected influx of new cases.

Veteran’s Services In-Home Care

Veteran’s Aide & Attendant Benefit

• The Veteran’s Administration has a Special Pension Program called the Aide and Attendant Benefit or A&A.
• This Special Pension allows the Veteran or surviving spouse to receive assistance in the home
• If you require regular attendance of another person to assist you with daily living activities such as eating and/or bathing you may qualify for this benefit.
• This is a “pension benefit” and it is not dependent on a service related injury.
• Most Veterans who are in need of assistance qualify for this pension.
• Aide and Attendant can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility.

Family Caregiver Relief Benefits

This benefit is available to Veterans who have a primary caregiver living in the home with them. If the Veteran lives alone, this benefit is not available to them.

How to Access Benefits

• VA Benefits are accessed through a Primary Care Physician (PCP) at VA Hospital or any of the VA clinics throughout the metro. If using the hospital, call 405.456.5774 to schedule a consultation with a Primary Care Physician (PCP).
• Veterans must be evaluated by the PCP and the PCP must initiate the order for services.
• The order will then go through an approval process involving the VA Case Manager which takes about 2 weeks.
• If the Veteran calls Synergy HomeCare at 405.254.3046, we can work with their VA Case Manager to help expedite the process.

Important Contact Information

VA Benefits – 1.800.827.1000
Beneficiaries of Pensioners – 1877.294.6380
www.va.gov

Mid-America Paralyzed Veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Founded in 1946, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a non-profit organization chartered by the United States Congress and dedicated to serving the needs of our members. PVA is a leading advocate for: quality healthcare, research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction, benefits, civil rights, and opportunities that maximize the independence of our members.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-America Chapter (PVAMA) was established in March of 1979. Our mission is to service the needs of the local veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, as well as the needs of the disabled community. We advocate for our members in Oklahoma, western Arkansas, and southern Kansas. PVA has service offices in Oklahoma City, Muskogee (OK), and Wichita (KS), to ensure these needs are met.

Scott Ellis
6108 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73132
(405) 721-7168
midamericapva@yahoo.com

Veterans Crisis Help Line

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.

www.veteranscrisisline.net

Veterans Health Administration – Veterans with Epilepsy: You are not alone

Dr. W. Curt LaFrance Jr., principal investigator for a pilot study of Veterans with epileptic seizures at the Providence VA Medical Center, conducts a finger-tapping exercise with Veteran Ernest J. Avery as part of an exam at the Providence VA Medical Center. Avery served in Operation Enduring Freedom.

https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2016/March/Veterans-with-Epilepsy-You-are-not-alone.asp