For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's militaryBy Gregg K. Kakesako
Sunday, January 20, 2002
See also: In The Military
Gulf War Registry exams
can find health problemsQuestion: I served during the Gulf War and have heard a lot about health problems associated with that conflict. Can the Veterans Affairs assist me in finding out if I have any of these health problems?
Answer: The VA will enroll you in its Gulf War Registry examination program.
This is a comprehensive medical examination program offered to veterans who served on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked questions about your medical history, experiences in the Gulf War, including possible exposures to environmental hazards, and health problems you have had since returning from the region. You will also receive a complete physical examination, including basic laboratory tests on blood and urine. If medically indicated, you will receive more specialized tests and consultations.
You will be given the results of the examination after everything is completed. Hopefully, the examination will put your mind to rest, or make you aware of some concerns upon which you can use your health care options.
For more information on the Gulf War Registry Program, call our Honolulu VA at 433-0600.
There is also a wealth of information on the VA Gulf War veterans' home page at www.va.gov/health/environ/persgulf.htm.
Q: I live on the North Shore, and travel to the VA for medical care can be expensive. Does the VA provide any reimbursement for travel expenses?
A: Because of the 100-mile minimum, reimbursement at the allowable rate of 11 cents a mile is not authorized for travel to the Honolulu VA from any location on Oahu.
If the condition is a medical emergency, travel need not be pre-authorized when a delay would be hazardous.
For more information concerning this benefit, call the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical and Regional Office Center at 433-0600.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran,
call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049
or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.Gregg K. Kakesako can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.
