For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
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Transport service available for vets
Question: I have a problem driving and need to get to the VA Medical Center. Is there a method of transportation that can transport me back and forth from home to the center?
Answer: Assuming bus transportation is difficult for you, the Disabled American Veterans sponsor transportation for veterans who need help making their scheduled VA medical appointments. Veterans must call 433-7752 at least 72 hours in advance to schedule a pickup. The DAV van driver cannot lift or attend medically to any patient. Other than to pick up or drop off veterans, the DAV van driver is permitted to stop the van only for rest stops and/or emergencies. Drivers cannot make side trips to take care of riders' personal business. Passengers are not permitted to smoke, chew tobacco, drink alcohol, use foul language, or bring weapons, illegal drugs or any illegal substance on the van. Drivers are not permitted to transport any veteran who is intoxicated, abusive or poses a threat to the driver or other passengers. Only veterans can ride in the van unless arrangements are made by the veteran's physician or caregiver. The DAV is always looking for drivers. If you are interested in being a driver, call 433-7752.
Q: What are the criteria for eye treatment at the VA?
A: The following veterans are eligible to receive eye care and eyeglasses from VA: Those rated 10 percent or more service-connected for any condition; veterans who are rated service-connected for an eye condition that requires corrective lenses; former prisoners of war; veterans currently enrolled in a VA-approved Vocational Rehabilitation Training Program; and veterans receiving increased VA non-service-connected pension based on need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound. For more information on VA eye care, call 433-0600.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at
www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.