Veterans’ corner – News you can use

Upcoming Veterans events

Veterans Day observance

Nov. 11 (Saturday), 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Kauai Veterans Cemetery, Hanapepe. Contact, Ed Kawamura Sr.

Vietnam Veterans 50th Commemoration

Nov. 11, 5 to 10 p.m., Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club, advanced sign-up and fee required, Contact, Ed Kawamura, 652-6706

Approval of additional Agent Orange presumptive diseases expected soon

The VA is expected to decide soon whether to add additional medical conditions to the list of those already presumed to be associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides sprayed during the Vietnam War. There are currently 14 “presumptive diseases” linked to herbicide exposure.

The additional ailments under review include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson-like symptoms without diagnosis of that particular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and stroke.

Free Veterans ID cards

The VA plans to begin issuing national veterans ID cards to honorably discharged veterans beginning this month. Dependents will not be provided cards. The cards will simplify proof-of-service status to non-federal agencies such as businesses and restaurants that offer veterans discounts.

Several states — including Hawaii — permit a veteran designation on driver’s licenses, but this new card offers a more standard nationwide way to verify honorable military service.

The new card will not replace existing VA medical cards or official defense retiree cards and will not authorize access to military/government facilities or carry any force of law behind them. The VA has not yet announced application procedures or how long it will take for VA to issue cards after the veteran has requested them. (Source: https://www.militarytimes.com/news)

VA selects providers for dental insurance program

The VA has announced that once again Delta Dental of California and MetLife have been selected to offer private dental insurance plans as part of the VA Dental Insurance Program. The previously contracted pilot program expired in January 2017. This new contract is effective until Dec 31, 2021.

Veterans enrolled in the VA health-care system and beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA can enroll in the program beginning Nov. 15 for coverage to start Dec. 1.

VADIP offers eligible individuals the opportunity to purchase discounted dental insurance coverage, including diagnostic services, preventive services, endodontic and other restorative services, surgical services and emergency services.

Individuals who enroll in one of the dental insurance plans are responsible to pay the entire premium in addition to the full cost of any copayments. Enrollment is voluntary and does not affect eligibility for VA outpatient dental services and treatment.

For more information, visit www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vadip/ or call 877-222-VETS (8387).

Security job positions open on Kauai

Veterans preferred — Must be able to obtain guard card from state of Hawaii. Call Roger Jensen at 284-1543.

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Tony Elliott, Kauai Office of Veterans’ Services, can be reached at 241-3348.