For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military

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See also: In The Military

Veterans’ CARES study
accepting comments

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Question: I heard the Department of Veterans Affairs has completed the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) study and it is now in the hands of a commission that will conduct hearings around the country. I would like to know how to get my comments to the commission.

Answer: To submit comments you can do so by e-mail from the commission Web site by clicking on "Contact CARES Commission" at the bottom of the page. You can fax your written comments to (202) 501-2196 or mail them to Richard E. Larson, executive director, CARES Commission (00CARES), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20480. CARES is a comprehensive data-driven planning process that evaluates demand for veterans health care services up to 20 years. The concept is to look at current health care supply and realign the assets to improve access to health care for veterans. The draft plan was submitted to the VA secretary who in turn has submitted it to a CARES commission for review. The commission will review comments from the public, hold public hearings and then provide recommendations back to the secretary. The Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center will participate in the commission's Oct. 1 public hearing in Palo Alto, Calif. The entire CARES draft plan can be found at http://vaww.va.gov/cares. The CARES commission has a Web site at: www.carescommission.va.gov.

Q: How do I get my disability compensation claim re-evaluated?

A: You may request a re-evaluation of your claim any time that you believe your condition has changed or worsened. Submit the request to reopen or re-evaluate your claim to the VA Regional Office located in Tripler's E-Wing, (Oceanside/Diamond Head end of Tripler Medical Center). It can be submitted in either letter or statement form or on VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim). If you have Internet access the form can be obtained at http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-4138x.pdf. Request should include the following information: name, claim number or Social Security number, day and evening phone numbers, current address, statement explaining change requested, indicate and be sure to include copies of any new and pertinent medical evidence that supports your request. For further information call 433-1000. Information on re-evaluating claims can also be found at the Honolulu VA Web site, www.va.gov/hawaii.

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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.