VA takes action against spread of infection

Answer: Clinicians at VA's Pittsburgh Health Care System greatly reduced the number of cases of infection from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at their facility. MRSA is a dangerous infection that can cause pneumonia or infect wounds and the bloodstream. MRSA is primarily spread through direct physical contact with a person or object carrying the bacteria. Typically, it resides on the skin or in the nose. VA health care professionals use nasal swabs to test each patient being admitted, transferred or discharged from a health care facility to identify if they carry the organism. VA is implementing this infection-prevention program at all 155 VA medical centers across the country. For additional information on MRSA, contact the VA Medical Center at 433-0600.

Q: In 2006 the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the VA finalized plans for disenabled military retiree retroactive pay. What do I need to do to receive my money?

A: You do not have to do anything. The VA is providing DFAS with eligible retirees' Social Security numbers. Both organizations are working together to provide eligible retirees with their full entitlements to both VA compensation and combat-related special compensation or concurrent retirement and disability pay. DFAS is planning to pay the accounts with the oldest retroactive award dates first. They are asking that veterans be patient during this time as the payments are calculated utilizing a manual process. DFAS has developed some automated tools to assist in computing the payment. Any monies owed may be paid by either VA or DFAS depending on account specific calculations. Retirees may be eligible for payment from DFAS as a restoration of retired pay and/or from VA as a part of disability compensation.