For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
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VA expands eligibility for
government grave markersQuestion: My father is buried and has a privately furnished headstone. I heard that the government would now provide a government marker in place of the existing headstone. Is that true?
Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs has revised its application form to make requesting a VA grave marker easier. The new form (VA Form 40-1330) includes updated information about changes that expand eligibility for a government marker.
For deaths on or after Sept. 11, 2001, a new law made government markers available for use on veterans' graves that were already marked with privately furnished headstones or markers. Previous law prevented VA from furnishing markers when a grave was already marked.
In January 2002, the VA introduced a toll-free fax service for submitting applications. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Instructions, as well as the fax number, 1-800-455-7143, are on the VA Web site at www.cem.va.gov. The application on the Web site can be filled in and printed for submitting by mail or fax. Questions about a headstone or marker application can be directed to VA's Memorial Programs Service applicant assistance unit at (800) 697-6947.
VA handles more than 1,000 requests daily for veterans' markers. Last year, more than 348,000 headstones and markers were furnished for veterans' graves worldwide, generally within 60 days of VA receiving the application.
Q: I am suffering constant back pain. Chiropractic care helps, but is expensive. I was wondering if the VA covers chiropractic treatments.
A: The VA will pay only for chiropractic services related to manipulation of the spine. You can receive chiropractic care for spinal manipulation under certain conditions. The VA does not currently have chiropractors on staff, but will pay for treatments if you and your VA primary provider decide it is necessary. A certain number of chiropractic visits will be approved if it is expected that the treatments might be effective and there is the realistic possibility that the treatment will restore function. Treatment will also include training for you or your caregiver at home in how to maintain function.
You will need to make an appointment with your VA primary provider. If everyone agrees that the care will benefit you, then the provider will arrange the necessary referrals. In some cases, you may be required to see a VA specialist and receive rehabilitation therapy before being referred to a chiropractor. Please note that if you sought chiropractic treatment without VA referral to an authorized chiropractor, the treatment will not be paid by VA. For more information, call medical appointments at 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.Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin,
can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.