Hilo facility moves for
more comprehensive care

Answer: The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System is moving the program to Oahu in January 2006 to provide more comprehensive and better mental health care to more Hawaii veterans.

"It's imperative that veterans understand that moving this program will in no way diminish mental health care for Hawaii veterans," said Dr. Brian J. O'Neill, acting director. "By combining the residential, or inpatient, program with the outpatient program and with more extensive and accessible general medical care, we will be able to provide a comprehensive continuum of health care not provided in the past."

Nearly 87 percent of all users of the Hilo inpatient program do not come from Hilo.

Additionally, the plan calls for expanded outpatient mental health programs for our Hilo veterans, including new substance abuse and specialized PTSD counseling.

For more information concerning this proposal, call the VA Medical Center at 433-0049.

Q: Who may be paid the VA burial and plot-interment allowances?

A: Generally, VA will pay the allowances to the person (or entity) who paid for the veteran's burial or funeral, and has not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source such as the veteran's employer.

To apply for VA burial allowances, you need to complete VA Form 21-530 (Application for Burial Allowance) and provide a death certificate. Copies of funeral and burial bills should be attached. The application is available at the VA Office located in E-Wing, Tripler Army Medical Center.

There is no time limit for claiming reimbursement of burial expenses for a service-related death. In non service-related deaths, the claim must be filed within two years of the veteran's burial.

For more information on VA burial allowances, contact the VA at 433-1000.