"We've unintentionally an entire generation of veterans" - Antimalarial drugs and the cost of prevention - Disabled American Veterans
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF DAV AND AUXILIARY
MARCH | APRIL 2020
“We’ve unintentionally
an entire generation
of veterans”
Antimalarial drugs
and the cost of prevention
Page 18
DAV.ORG DAV @DAVHQ DAVHQ COMPANY/DAVHQ DISABLEDVETERANS
2020 Department Conventions DEPARTMENT CITY CONVENTION HEADQUARTERS DATES BANQUET Alabama Opelika Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National June 4–7 June 6 Alaska Fairbanks Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Convention Center April 3–5 April 4 Arizona Phoenix Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale May 27–30 May 29 Arkansas North Little Rock Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock June 12–13 June 13 California Indian Wells Miramonte Resort & Spa May 20–23 May 23 Colorado Pueblo SpringHill Suites May 20–22 May 22 Connecticut Cromwell Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Cromwell April 30–May 3 May 2 D.C. Washington DAV National Service & Legislative Headquarters April 24–25 April 25 Delaware Dover Comfort Suites May 15–16 May 16 Florida Lake Mary Orlando Marriott Lake Mary June 18–20 June 20 Georgia Macon Macon Marriott City Center June 4–7 June 6 Hawaii Honolulu Airport Honolulu Hotel June 5–7 June 6 Idaho Coeur d’Alene Coeur d’Alene Inn Best Western April 23–26 April 26 Illinois Springfield Northfield Inn Suites June 11–14 June 13 Indiana Indianapolis Indianapolis Marriott East June 3–7 June 6 Iowa Dubuque Grand Harbor Resort June 12–14 June 13 Kansas Mayetta Prairie Band Casino & Resort June 12–14 June 13 Kentucky Lexington Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream June 26–27 June 27 Louisiana Alexandria Hotel Bentley of Alexandria May 14–17 May 16 Maine Bangor Ramada by Wyndham Bangor May 1–3 May 2 Maryland Ocean City Princess Royale Conference Center May 28–31 May 30 Massachusetts Leominster DoubleTree by Hilton Leominster Hotel June 19–21 June 20 Michigan Mount Pleasant Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort June 24–26 June 25 Minnesota St. Cloud Best Western Plus Kelly Inn May 7–9 May 8 Mississippi Biloxi Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel April 29–May 3 May 2 Missouri Jefferson City Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center May 29–31 May 30 Montana Lincoln Sportsman Motel June 4–6 June 5 Nebraska Kearney Holiday Inn Kearney May 1–3 May 2 Nevada Sparks Nugget Casino Resort May 31–June 2 June 2 New Hampshire Nashua DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua June 5–7 June 6 New Jersey Atlantic City Resorts Casino Hotel June 14–17 June 16 New Mexico Albuquerque Ramada by Wyndham Albuquerque Midtown June 11–13 June 12 New York Callicoon Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center June 28–July 1 June 30 North Carolina Greensboro Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons June 17–21 June 20 North Dakota Fargo Ramada by Wyndham Fargo April 24–26 April 25 Ohio Dublin Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin June 27–28 June 27 Oklahoma Catoosa Hard Rock Hotel & Casino June 30–July 2 July 1 Oregon Albany Comfort Suites Linn County May 16–17 May 16 Pennsylvania King of Prussia Valley Forge Casino Resort June 11–13 June 12 Puerto Rico Mayaguez Mayaguez Resort & Casino April 24–26 April 25 Rhode Island Warwick Crowne Plaza Providence–Warwick April 16–18 April 17, 18 South Carolina Columbia DoubleTree By Hilton Columbia May 14–17 May 16 South Dakota Brookings Brookings Days Inn May 15–17 May 16 Tennessee Murfreesboro DoubleTree by Hilton Murfreesboro June 18–21 June 20 Texas Corpus Christi Omni Corpus Christi Hotel June 5–7 June 6 Utah Ogden Comfort Suites Ogden May 28–30 May 29 Vermont Dover Mount Snow Resort May 15–17 May 15, 16 Virginia Roanoke Holiday Inn–Tanglewood June 11–14 June 13 Washington Suquamish Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort June 17–19 June 18 West Virginia Fairmont Fairfield Inn & Suites June 5–7 June 6 Wisconsin Green Bay Radisson Hotel & Conference Center June 10–14 June 13 Wyoming Cheyenne Little America Hotel & Resort–Cheyenne May 1–3 May 2
COMMENTARY
From the NATIONAL COMMANDER
STEPHEN “BUTCH” WHITEHEAD
Ensuring accountability in 2020
I t was a tremendous pleasure to see
so many of our dedicated members,
advocates and supporters at the 2020
DAV Mid-Winter Conference in February.
I’ve always enjoyed the camaraderie at
Additionally, DAV will be soliciting
feedback from our members as the VA
MISSION Act approaches its first full year
of implementation. We need to hear
about your experiences—good and
the event, but my experience this year bad—so we can properly evaluate its
as national commander is something strengths and weaknesses. Legislators
I’ll cherish for the rest of my days. and policymakers shouldn’t only hear
Even in this role, I continue to learn new about VA-authored statistics pertaining
things about advocacy and the veteran to this law. They need to hear about
landscape each time I visit Washington. real-life experiences from real veterans
I’m thankful for the imparted knowledge utilizing the VA health care system. I
and am compelled to share my biggest highly encourage you to participate in
takeaway from my recent visit—all of our survey when it reaches you.
our legislative accomplishments are Finally, we need your help in gaining
for naught if we don’t monitor the as much support as possible for
implementation and progress of VA S. 2950, the Veterans Burn Pit Exposure
reforms that are put in place to better Recognition Act of 2019. This bipartisan
serve veterans and hold the VA, legislation, which was crafted from an
lawmakers and other government original DAV concept, would codify a
officials accountable for their outcomes. concession of exposure to help ensure
In January, the VA finally began that veterans who served near burn pits
processing disability claims for Blue have less red tape to deal with when, and
Water Navy veterans’ exposure to if, they need to file a related claim for a
Agent Orange in the waters off Vietnam service-connected disability. I ask you to
decades ago. For months, the VA cited call your elected officials and voice your
IT problems as it delayed processing support for this bill and ensure our post-
these claims, withholding earned health 9/11 veterans don’t have to fight the VA
care and survivor benefits for thousands for decades for disability benefits the way
of veterans and their families. But Blue Vietnam veterans did with Agent Orange.
Water Navy veterans have waited long As always, thank you all for your
enough for these benefits, and further tremendous work and advocacy on
delays are not acceptable. It’s imperative behalf of our nation’s veterans. I humbly
for us to make noise on behalf of all Blue ask that you all remain steadfast in your
Water Navy veterans who have filed such efforts this year, because if we don’t
a claim to ensure they receive a favorable advocate for ourselves and our fellow
decision in a timely manner. veterans, who will?
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 1
CONTENTS
1 Election season is upon us,
FEATURES
8
and National Commander Butch
Whitehead reminds members
to advocate responsibly.
3 National Adjutant Marc Burgess Emerging technology is helping
encourages DAV members—and veterans with spinal cord injuries
all veterans—to share their stories get mobile; now researchers
and experiences to ensure they are looking to see how this tech
are not lost to history. can mitigate other conditions
6 DAV helps a Marine veteran
stemming from SCIs.
attain benefits for Agent Orange
exposure and the lingering scars
of war.
13
11 New changes in effect for the GI The U.S. military continues
Bill may be impacting your bottom to make strides integrating
line. Here’s what to look for. women into combat roles.
16
Photo by Sgt. Brian Calhoun/Army National
Coming soon to a neighborhood Guard
near you—DAV is bringing benefits
information seminars into local
18
communities to more efficiently
reach veterans.
23 At 100 years old, one DAV
volunteer shows that nothing will
hold him back from making a
Mefloquine has been used to
prevent malaria since the late
difference in the lives of veterans. 1980s, but research suggests
the drug may have long-term—
24 On step at a time: Air Force
veteran William Shuttleworth treks
from Massachusetts to California
even permanent—adverse
effects.
in honor of America’s veterans.
Stephen “Butch” Whitehead National Commander
J. Marc Burgess National Adjutant/Publisher
Barry A. Jesinoski National Headquarters Executive Director
DAV MAGAZINE • March/April 2020
Contact us: dav.org • Toll Free 877-426-2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Daniel J. Clare Chief Communications and Outreach Officer
Cold Spring, KY 41076 • feedback@dav.org. Volume 62, Issue 2, DAV Rob Lewis National Communications Director
Magazine (ISSN 0885-6400). Editorial Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box
14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Telephone 859-441-7300 or toll Ashleigh Byrnes Deputy National Communications Director
free (877) I AM A VET. Published and circulated bimonthly bulletin by
the Disabled American Veterans, a Congressionally chartered, nonprofit M. Todd Hunter Assistant National Communications Director
organization, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. DAV Home Mary Dever Assistant National Communications Director
Page is dav.org. Available on recording for the blind and those with
physical handicaps that preclude reading printed material. The magazine Bryan Lett Assistant National Communications Director
is mailed free to DAV and Auxiliary members who are paid subscribers.
Nonmembers may subscribe for $15 per year. Periodical postage paid at
Austin Shaffner Assistant National Communications Director
office of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed Matt Saintsing Associate National Communications Director
in U.S.A. Change of Address: When notifying a change of address, send
former as well as new address, including ZIP code, to: DAV Magazine, Doreen Briones Production Manager
DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250- Shannan Archer Senior Graphic Designer
5550. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DAV Magazine, DAV
National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550. Michelle Bradburn Graphic Production Assistant
COMMENTARY
From the NATIONAL ADJUTANT
J. MARC BURGESS
Share your story
I t seems like the calendar is
becoming more and more packed
with celebrations and observances,
with a day dedicated to just about
everything. Some things, of course,
to put a voice to your internal thoughts,
even if it takes many years to do so.
Over the years, DAV has partnered
with the Library of Congress to support
the Veterans History Project (VHP),
are a bit more lighthearted—National encouraging our members to record their
Doughnut Day or International Necktie oral histories and submit them to the
Day, for instance. library’s collection. The
Others are more VHP comprises more
Sharing your
significant and somber, than 68,000 veterans’
such as Memorial experiences, collections, but there
Day or POW/MIA struggles and are more than 18 million
Recognition Day, veterans in the U.S.
and carry much more
triumphs can
The VHP is in need
meaning within the help others of more stories from
veteran community. facing adversity women veterans in
One that recently particular, as they remain
caught my attention
to achieve their underrepresented in the
was World Storytelling own victories, too. collection. You can
Day, observed on learn how to share
March 20. It celebrates the art of oral your story, or become an interviewer
storytelling. At first blush, it may not yourself, by visiting loc.gov/vets.
seem to have much significance among We at DAV are also very interested in
veterans. But if you’re like me, you know hearing your stories. One of the most
a veteran or two whose stories have effective ways for us to advocate on
greatly impacted your life, helping to Capitol Hill for veterans is by sharing the
define the way you view the world and accounts of real-life individuals who are
possibly even the way you cope with impacted by policies or whose lives
an illness or injury. could be changed by the passage of
Sharing your experiences, struggles new laws.
and triumphs can help others facing There is no one better to tell your story
adversity to achieve their own victories, than you, so this World Storytelling Day,
too. You may not even realize how feel free to visit mystory.dav.org and
powerful and inspirational a tool your share your experience with us. You never
story can be. It can also be very know just how far that story may go to
therapeutic, if and when you’re able, help a fellow veteran.
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 3
LETTERS
Medical cannabis to finish. Knowledge is a beautiful should be brought back home.
Marijuana is a calming tool, thing, and it will contribute to more Edward Cherry, via Facebook
especially for those of us still dealing analytical discussion than reactive
with PTSD. It also decreases joint drama. Arnie Welber, via email VA telehealth
pain and helps with sleep. It is a joke Telehealth would work much
how the VA still prescribes what the Emotional support animals, if valid, more efficiently and effectively if
pharmaceutical lobby pushes. I are just as important to disabled the VA hospitals, hospital staff
know of many veterans who were veterans with PTSD and mental and administrators would step up
given so many pills it was hard or emotional wounds as physical and really support the program.
to keep track. Now, it is a highly support animals. Maybe if some of Anne Kemper, via Facebook
trained service dog and a bowl the veterans who commit suicide—
of weed. Nick Travis, via email at least 20 daily—had an emotional I live in rural America, and telehealth
support animal, they would still be is not an option. You have to have
I certainly hope the VA will research here. Stephen Briggs, via email decent internet for it to work, and
and control the quality of cannabis most of us in rural America do
and not rely on these unregulated Hearing loss/tinnitus not have access. Heck, even our
producers. The data is not available I have tinnitus, and I always will. school-age kids can’t do homework
on the possibility of contamination. I also have service-connected and other stuff for school due
Industrial solvents, pesticides, etc., hearing loss. I am currently on my to the lack of decent internet.
have not been identified because third set of hearing aids. The first Terry Swift, via Facebook
it’s not a regulated industry. Studies set I got while I was still active duty.
haven’t been conducted to the level The others I got from the VA. I just DAV volunteer Harlan
of good and bad side effects of this had my yearly hearing check, and Plummer turns 100
so-called miracle drug. Do you really I am scheduled for my next set of Happy 100th birthday, Harlan,
want VA prescribing unregulated hearing aids within the next week and thanks for your lifetime of
chemicals for your treatment? or so. The VA has been great to service to your country and
David Galassini, via email me when it comes to hearing loss. your fellow veterans. God
Marty Petrich, via Facebook bless you and many more
Expanding Space-A travel birthdays to come. Kenneth
for veterans I knew I had lost some hearing, Rogers Jr., via Facebook
I am delighted to see that, in [the but I did not believe it was so bad.
January/February 2020] issue, there They said I had lost about 47%. I Happy birthday, Harlan! God
is mention of looking into extending was so surprised how different it bless you and your family!
the Space-A travel benefit for sounded when I got my hearing Thank you for your service and
veterans [“Legislative goals for the aids. John Martin, via Facebook sacrifice for our country! Ron
new year”]. What a victory that would Williams, via Facebook
be for us. In addition, I hope that DAV podcast (missing in action)
legislation will also extend the theater Veterans of the Vietnam War Happy birthday, Harlan. Thank
of eligibility as it is for retirees. Thank were and are still so mistreated you for your service and for
you all for the outstanding work you and forgotten! They were doing all the volunteer work you do
do. Harvey Porter, via email what our country asked of them. for all of your fellow veterans.
The missing personnel absolutely Evelyn Hoff, via Facebook
Service dogs
I was happy to read about different
WRITE TO US Please send feedback to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike,
service dog categories. I am hopeful Cold Spring, KY 41076, or via email to feedback@dav.org. We also welcome
all my Facebook animal-loving and feedback on our Facebook (facebook.com/DAV) and Twitter (twitter.com/davhq)
caring friends will take the time to pages. We regret we are unable to acknowledge every letter due to the volume
read the story [‘The Service Dog received. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and
Dilemma,’ November/December propriety. Letters involving claims are referred to DAV’s Service Department.
2019 DAV Magazine] from start
4 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020 | DAV.ORGLEGISLATIVE Spotlight
Easier access
for rural veterans
Bipartisan bill introduced
to improve transportation services
By Mary Dever DAV supports this legislation based on Resolution
Number 330, which calls on the VA to operate an
T he Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act
of 2019—introduced by a bipartisan group of
senators—will expand on current initiatives that
effective and efficient transportation program for
service-connected veterans and simplify travel benefits.
If enacted, the proposed legislation will also extend
provide transportation services to veterans living VA authority to provide grants that allow veterans
in rural areas and reimbursement for their travel to service organizations and state veterans service agencies
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, Vet to explore new approaches to provide transportation or
Centers and vocational rehabilitation programs. The travel assistance to rural veterans.
proposed legislation will also require the VA to develop The Rural Veterans Transportation Enhancement Act
and pilot an improved protocol for conducting medical would:
exams for volunteer drivers in a more timely manner, • Expand eligibility for reimbursements to veterans
an issue that has been a top priority for DAV for years. and eligible beneficiaries for travel to VA Vet
If enacted, this bill will extend the VA’s transportation Centers for mental health care and counseling.
program, which is a complementary asset to the robust, • Make permanent the Veterans Transportation
nationwide DAV Transportation Network. Prospective Service program, which allows local VA facilities
volunteers must undergo a basic physical to screen for to hire drivers and purchase vehicles to transport
underlying medical issues that would jeopardize the veterans to their appointments.
safety of veterans, but they have experienced issues with • Require the Government Accounting Office to
timeliness and consistency of the exam requirements. examine VA transportation programs.
“DAV has long advocated for all veterans to have • Expedite the physical examination process for
access to high-quality health care, no matter where they volunteer drivers serving veterans through the
live,” said Washington Headquarters Executive Director DAV Transportation Network.
Randy Reese. “We applaud the introduction of this • Extend a grant program that allows veterans
legislation, as it would help expand the reach of DAV’s service organizations and state veterans service
Transportation Network, which provided veterans with agencies to explore new approaches to provide
more than 615,000 rides to VA medical centers last transportation or travel assistance to rural veterans.
year alone, and to better serve veterans living in rural
areas. We are grateful to Sens. [John] Tester, [Kevin] Learn More Online
Cramer, [Patty] Murray, [John] Hoeven, [Joe] Manchin To follow along with this and other veterans
and [Susan] Collins for their leadership to ensure all legislation, sign up for DAV CAN (Commander’s
veterans can attend their scheduled VA appointments.” Action Network) at DAVCAN.org.
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 5SERVICE Spotlight
A Marine
helps his own
Vietnam veteran turns to DAV for help
with lasting effects of war
Dennis Reichert, Vietnam veteran
By Matt Saintsing One day, in particular, stands out as especially
traumatizing. While passing through the coastal city of
D ennis Reichert struggles daily with what he
experienced in Vietnam. Memories of fierce
combat haunt the Marine, as do images of the
Huế, Reichert noticed a distinctive stench filling the air,
becoming more horrid with each passing step. As his
element turned a corner, he saw the source of the smell:
weapons, flak jackets and canteens stacked row a dead body that had been steamrolled by tank treads.
after row, each representing an American injured “That was my first time smelling and seeing real
or killed on the battlefield. death,” said Reichert.
Reichert enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966, It would not be his last.
after one year of college. He was motivated to go Going on patrol, coming into enemy contact and
to Vietnam after learning about the plight of South calling in air support became routine occurrences.
Vietnamese civilians. To keep eyes on enemy movement, the noxious
“I read the stories in the paper, and I was going to herbicide Agent Orange was sprayed to clear the
try to save people from being enslaved by communism,” area of vegetation.
he said. “That’s the main reason I enlisted in the Marine
Corps, to save South Vietnamese.”
After boot camp and infantry training, he got his
wish and found himself in South Vietnam, not far from
the North Vietnamese border, which proved to be a “In my heart and mind,
dangerous area. I feel like I won a battle
“The enemy would come straight over the border,
or they would go west through Cambodia and Laos,” for this individual.”
recalled Reichert. —Michael Franko, national service officer
6 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020 | DAV.ORG“It would make sense for these areas suspected was Parkinson’s disease—an
to be defoliated, so our jets and other illness linked to Agent Orange exposure.
forces could see the North Vietnamese On the advice of others, he visited DAV
entering South Vietnam,” said Reichert. at the St. Louis VA Medical Center at
“Somewhere along the line, I came into Jefferson Barracks in February 2018.
contact with Agent Orange.” That’s when he met Afghanistan war
Reichert was in country for nine veteran and fellow Marine Michael
months before he was injured in Franko, who, at the time, was a DAV
combat, ending his time on the front Department of Missouri service officer.
lines. While approaching a village, The two quickly bonded over their
the Marines began taking small- shared familiarity with war, despite
arms fire from enemy troops who serving decades apart. Although
were exceptionally well dug in. “They Parkinson’s is what brought Reichert into
would hop up,” said Reichert, “and kill Marine Corps veteran Dennis DAV, he asked Franko if “it was OK” to
the Marines at the top of the column.” Reichert had been silently have post-traumatic stress disorder.
battling post-traumatic stress
The Marines took cover and called “When you look at somebody who
disorder for decades, but it
in close air support. wasn’t until he sought help for has been through the thick of it, they
After the explosions settled—which Agent Orange exposure that he don’t always have the life in their eyes,”
Reichert said were “so intense that received the care he earned. said Franko, who submitted claims for
trees would go sideways”—the enemy VA benefits and compensation.
was still there. The element was lying After Reichert received a Parkinson’s
prone on the ground when a Marine about 6 feet from diagnosis in May 2018, Franko walked him through
Reichert was shot. what to expect with mental health examinations
“For some reason, I was looking at him when the and explained that he was only a phone call away if
bullet hit his head,” he recalled. “He slowly sank into he needed any help. Reichert would frequently visit
the ground, and I knew he was dead.” Franko throughout the claims process, and the two
Not long after that, a piece of shrapnel would swap stories, as veterans often do.
flew across the field, hitting Franko became a DAV national service officer in
Reichert’s leg. He and the other July of that year, but he still kept up with Reichert’s
wounded were evacuated to a claim and would frequently update him on its progress.
medical ship at sea. In September, Reichert received his final decision
Reichert was honorably letter granting him VA benefits and compensation for
discharged from the Parkinson’s disease, PTSD and his wounded leg.
Marine Corps in “He’s finally getting the treatment he deserves,”
August 1968, but added Franko. “You could tell he walked a little taller
the battle-scarred and was much happier.”
veteran continues Franko says he was driven to become a service
to live with the officer to give back to veterans like Reichert.
effects of the “In my heart and mind, I feel like I won a battle
Vietnam War. More for this individual,” he said. “Before Dennis received
recently, he began the decision, he appeared to be a shell of himself. Once
noticing physical he got a confirmed diagnosis, you could see he wasn’t
tremors, which he just going through the motions anymore.” n
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 7Hope through
TECHNOLOGY
VA, veterans test state-of-the-art
equipment to ease symptoms
associated with spinal cord injuries
By Bryan Lett
W hen an individual sustains a spinal cord injury
(SCI), there is a litany of secondary medical
conditions that can develop from the resulting
immobility, further complicating the road to recovery.
Some of those complications include low
bone density and an increased risk of developing
osteoporosis, poor bowel and bladder function, muscle
atrophy, and an increase of fat tissue. An increase of fat
tissue can bring with it all of the same health issues of
obesity without the patient looking overweight. These
conditions can open up an even wider web of health
concerns, which makes a preventive approach a critical
element of the treatment plan.
Yet there is hope for the estimated 42,000 veterans
who have sustained a SCI—and the solution looks
straight out of science fiction.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is studying
powered exoskeleton technology, which recently
became available as an alternative form of upright
mobility to veterans with SCI, providing an external
framework for support and computer-controlled
motorized hip and knee joints to assist with walking.
The study comes at an important time, as the VA is
currently the largest health provider to individuals with
SCI in the nation, and injuries to the spine are on the
rise among post-9/11 veterans.
According to a recent report, “Epidemiology of War-
Related Spinal Cord Injury Among Combatants: A
Systematic Review,” the frequency of spinal cord injuries
of all war casualties was estimated to be 1.2% in the
Korean War and 1% in both the Vietnam War and the
8 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020Above: The ReWalk exoskeleton features a wrist-worn remote control to assist the user in sitting, standing and walking using knee and hip motors and a programmed stepping algorithm. Right: DAV life member and Air Force veteran Harry Hillen Jr. demonstrates how the ReWalk exoskeleton works. Hillen is a part of a VA-funded clinical trial to determine if individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) can use the device to fight off many of the secondary adverse medical conditions a SCI can produce. Gulf War. More recently, it has been reported that more than 1 in 10 wounded Iraq and Afghanistan combatants have sustained an SCI. Presently, spine-related disabling conditions account for 14% of medical discharges from wartime military service. “When people have a spinal cord injury, it’s not just the ability to move their limbs that is impacted,” said Dr. Kristi Henzel, who oversees the study at the Cleveland of the study is to help figure out how people are using it, VA Medical Center. “The brain stem, the brain and the how much using the device changes their quality of life spinal cord control all of the body’s organs, so there and their activity level.” are a lot of other things that can become dysfunctional In 1993, DAV life member Harry Hillen Jr. was from an SCI. These additional complications all have a medically discharged from the Air Force as a result of negative impact on the patient’s longevity.” his wartime service. In 2008, he was celebrating his The study is available to eligible veterans with SCI third wedding anniversary and the birth of his second who pass the screening criteria. The targeted enrollment child when his future as a husband and a father was is 160 veteran participants across 15 different VA threatened by the discovery of a cancerous tumor medical centers. Half the veteran participants will on his spinal cord. use the exoskeletons, and their progress will be “I had a lot to live for, but you never know what measured against the other 80 participants who will could happen to you at that point,” said Hillen, who use wheelchairs. For initial safety reasons, the veterans is a member of DAV Chapter 58 in Hopwood, Pa. “It using the exoskeletons require a trained companion in was pretty much a 50-50 chance if I was going to walk order to use the devices at home. again, or even wake up from the surgery.” “The veterans in the study group take the device home Hillen successfully had the tumor removed, but it for 16 weeks, and during that time, they use the device returned in 2011. He again had it removed and is now as little or as much as they want,” Henzel said. “The goal cancer-free and participating in the study. DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 9
Even if I can never walk again, it is
amazing to be able to use it and be more
active. It definitely gives you hope.
—Harry Hillen Jr., Air Force veteran
“I did physical therapy for three months after Deputy National Legislative Director Adrian Atizado.
surgery,” Hillen said. “I was able to get to the point “Especially as we’re seeing such a significant increase
of walking with a walker, but I never progressed past in SCIs among this current generation of warfighters,
that point. Then I got something in the mail about this we must continue advancing technology that will give
opportunity and thought this could be something that them the greatest quality of life possible.”
really benefits me.” “This study is particularly exciting because, while
Hillen’s final diagnosis is classified as an “incomplete others have had very encouraging results, this is the
spinal cord injury.” Put simply, an incomplete SCI first to study individuals with SCI using these devices
occurs whenever a survivor retains some feeling below at home for a multi-month period,” Dolan said. “The
the site of the injury. VA’s funding and execution of this study is a crucial step
“It has improved my ability to play with my kids, in understanding the impact exoskeletons can have on
because my legs have gotten stronger,” Hillen said. a person’s quality of life and the reduction of their
“When my daughter was born, one of my big things secondary medical complications.”
was that I wanted to be able to walk her down the For Hillen, the ultimate goal is to be able to walk
aisle one day. That was my motivation that kept me again and do more with his kids.
going, and this device is helping ensure that happens.” “Even if I can never walk again, it is amazing to be able
All of the participants in the study are using to use it and be more active,” Hillen said. “It definitely
a powered exoskeleton, ReWalk 6.0, which is gives you hope. It has given my kids hope also to go
customized to fit each veteran properly. through it with me. I think it has made them stronger.”
“To begin use of the device, a person would The study has an estimated completion date of
transfer into it while it is seated,” said Andy Dolan, Sept. 30, 2021, but Hillen’s wife, Heather, said she
vice president of marketing at ReWalk. has already seen improvement.
Users buckle in and use a set of crutches positioned at “The device gave him the help he needed to be able
their sides. The ReWalk takes physical cues from the user, to stand up and take actual steps,” she said. “The look
as well as prompts from a wrist-worn remote control, to on his face when he is using the ReWalk is a look
assist the user in sitting, standing and walking using knee of accomplishment. The pride he showed when he
and hip motors and a programmed stepping algorithm. learned how to operate it was a face I had missed
“It’s difficult at first,” Hillen said. “The first time I put seeing. I have felt our family getting closer to him
it on, it was a little scary. You know, it is new. You get as a husband and a father.”
a little bit nervous, wonder if you’re going to fall, but Hillen is hopeful that the study will prove to be
being able to make the leg movements that you would beneficial and therefore help more of his fellow veterans
normally make is pretty amazing. It gives you the hope in the future.
to keep going. I can see and feel my legs being able to “It’s all about seeing what it can do for other
do more than before.” veterans,” Hillen said. “It’s about other veterans and
“Studies like this show us what an important impact improving their lives. Many veterans are worse off than
VA research has on the lives of disabled veterans,” said I am, and I think this technology is pretty awesome.” n
10 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020 | DAV.ORGGI Bill changes now in effect
New regulations may hurt student veterans’ bottom line
By Ashleigh Byrnes housing allowance based on the geographic location
of the main campus.
T hose using the Forever GI Bill through the
Department of Veterans Affairs may have noticed
a change to their monthly benefit.
Schools will be required to resubmit enrollment
information for students who took courses outside the
main branch or campus between Aug. 1, 2018, and Dec. 1,
Recently, the Forever GI Bill made two important 2019, in order to process claims in accordance with the
changes to how the VA calculates monthly housing new regulations. The VA has stated they will send letters
allowance (MHA)—and subsequently, the amount to all students informing them of whether they have been
some student veterans will see in their benefits overpaid, underpaid or not impacted by the change.
payments. Some beneficiaries may now receive lower “The VA was in the process of updating its IT system
housing payments, even though they have previously to accommodate these rate changes and has, as a result,
entered into leases or mortgages based on the higher been overpaying some beneficiaries since August
rate. Others may see their housing benefit rise and 2018,” said Villanueva. The resulting debts from these
may be due retroactive back pay that the VA will overpayments, according to the VA, will not require
work to allocate over the next several months. repayment by the beneficiary.
“January was the first month veterans would have According to literature distributed by the VA, if a
seen the change, based on adjustments made to the beneficiary was overpaid because of these changes,
calculations beginning in December,” said Assistant the VA will automatically review the overpayment for
National Legislative Director Jeremy Villanueva. “We the debt waiver and provide additional information
want to ensure veterans are aware of the potential on the process for the beneficiary.
impacts these changes will have on their benefits.” The VA has provided forms and instructions
First, the housing allowance was based on the Defense to those impacted so they can begin the housing
Department’s housing allowance rates, which were relief request through the Ask a Question portal
capped in 2015. Post-9/11 GI Bill housing payments were at https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/app/home.
exempt from the cap, meaning the VA continued to pay “Now that the new rates have gone into effect,
slightly higher housing rates than the DOD. For students it’s a good idea to check out the VA’s site and verify
who began using the GI Bill prior to Jan. 1, 2018, the you are receiving the correct amount based on the
higher rate will still apply. Those who began using the new calculations, to avoid problems down the road,”
benefit after that date will now be paid at the DOD’s E-5 said Villanueva. n
with dependents Basic Allowance Housing rate.
Second, MHA will now be determined based on the Learn More
location of the campus (ZIP code) where a student The new MHA rates can be found online using
physically attends the majority of their classes, as the GI Bill Comparison Tool at va.gov/gi-bill-
opposed to the main branch or campus where a student comparison-tool. If you have additional questions
is enrolled. This change mainly impacts students who about the change to this benefit, call the VBA
attended extension campuses but have received a Education Hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 11Help mark 100 years
Aug. 1–4, 2020
Hilton Anatole, Dallas
T his year, we’ll kick off our centennial celebration at
the 2020 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in
Dallas—where you’ll find big hats and big hair, as well
If you’re interested in history, start your visit off
at the Fort Worth Stockyards before touring Dealey
Plaza and its Sixth Floor Museum in downtown Dallas.
as a hotbed of history, art and sports. There will also be Meanwhile, culture buffs can divvy up their time
special events and displays that honor the 100 years of between Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum and the
service DAV marks this year. Dallas Museum of Art. And if you’ve brought the kids
The convention is a time for us to recognize our along, you can devote some time to both the Fort Worth
top volunteers and hear from department and chapter Zoo and the Dallas World Aquarium, or keep cool in
leaders while providing useful training. It’s also an the Hilton Anatole’s lazy river and splash pad.
opportunity to advocate for ill and injured veterans, Make your time in the “Big D” even better by taking
enjoy the camaraderie of fellow DAV members, and advantage of free transportation options throughout
take ownership of the organization by choosing our the city. Jump on the M-Line Trolley in Downtown
leadership and setting our yearly legislative agenda— and head out to explore Uptown and the Dallas Arts
all while allowing for a hearty dose of fun in this District. Or find your seat on the D-Link, the Dallas
premier vacation destination. Area Rapid Transit free shuttle service, to begin
discovering Downtown and Oak Cliff in no time.
No matter where you’re headed, Dallas makes it easier
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
than ever to start exploring all of the amazing places
The Transportation Security Administration can
the city has to offer.
facilitate the screening of injured or wounded
Our special room rate at the Hilton Anatole
veterans. After making flight reservations,
is $149 per single or double. Additional hotel
veterans or their care coordinators should
information is available by calling 800-445-8667 or
contact a TSA Cares representative by calling
visiting www.dav.org/events/2020-national-convention
toll-free 855-787-2227 weekdays from 8 a.m. to
and clicking “Reserve Online.” Be sure to say you
11 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 9 a.m.
are reserving under the DAV room block if making
to 8 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will either
reservations by phone. n
provide screening information relevant to the
veteran’s disability or refer the veteran to experts Learn More Online
at TSA for help through the screening process.
www.dav.org/events/2020-national-convention
12 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020 | DAV.ORGHear
AR
her
RO The first enlisted women National Guard
soldiers prove they have what it takes to
call themselves Army Rangers
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION / SHUTTERSTOCK
By Matt Saintsing
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 13S
PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. HAILEY HAUX/AIR FORCE
taff Sgt. Jessica Smiley joined the
Army at a time when women
were barred from holding combat
jobs and participating in elite
training, like Ranger School. But
a lot has changed in the 13 years
since she first enlisted, and this
past December, Smiley became
one of the first enlisted female
National Guard soldiers to earn
the coveted Ranger tab. Army Sgt. Danielle Farber (left), Pennsylvania National Guard
Smiley and fellow soldier Sgt. Danielle Farber join 166th Regional Training Institute Medical Battalion Training
Site instructor, and Army Staff Sgt. Jessica Smiley, South
the ranks of dozens of women who now wear the
Carolina National Guard military police noncommissioned
signature black-and-gold Ranger tab after completing officer currently serving with the Army Training and Doctrine
the grueling course designed to develop combat Command, graduated Army Ranger School at Fort Benning,
leaders and prepare them for special missions. Ga., Dec. 13, 2019, as the first National Guard enlisted
“I’ve always tried to push myself to not only meet women to complete the leadership school. Smiley and
the standard but to exceed it,” said Smiley, a military Farber completed the mentally and physically challenging
course, which focused on squad and platoon operations
police officer in the South Carolina National Guard,
designed to prepare soldiers to be better trained, more
“not just for myself, but to the benefit of the soldiers capable and more resilient leaders. (Photo by Sgt. Brian
beneath and beside me.” Calhoun/Army National Guard)
The path for the enlisted Guard duo was paved
in 2015 by Army 1st Lt. Shaye Haver and Capt.
Kristen Griest—the first of their gender to graduate The monthslong course, however, took a toll.
the formidable 61-day course. The first female Army The allure of a good night’s sleep and hot meal was
officer reported to the 75th Ranger Regiment two years tempting, particularly so when scaling the arduous
later. Then, in 2018, the first enlisted female soldier, and unforgiving north Georgia mountains carrying
Staff Sgt. Amanda Kelley, received her tab. a pack weighing anywhere from 65 to 90 pounds.
To prepare for Ranger School, Smiley underwent “There were several times I thought about quitting,
an intense 18-month physical fitness regimen, but then I told myself I’d quit the next morning,”
incorporating ruck marches, running and Smiley said. “It was a time where I could just quit,
weightlifting into her routine. And laying the and I’d receive no repercussions, because I didn’t
groundwork paid off, as Smiley found herself ‘need’ the school.”
shoulder to shoulder with the other graduating But each time, when morning’s first light came,
Rangers at a life-changing ceremony near Victory she returned to the task at hand, and the thought of
Pond at Fort Benning, Ga. quitting withered away.
14 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020 | DAV.ORGI’ve always tried to push myself to not only meet the
standard but to exceed it—not just for myself, but to
the benefit of the soldiers beneath and beside me.
—Staff Sgt. Jessica Smiley, Army Ranger
Her spot alongside other Ranger candidates was care and support for women veterans when they
made possible in 2015 when then-Defense Secretary transition to civilian life.
Ashton Carter announced that all combat roles and Women are the fastest-growing demographic
specialized training would be open to women. among all veterans in the United States today. About
“There will be no exceptions,” Carter said at the 9% of the roughly 9 million veterans treated by the
time. “They’ll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars VA are women, a percentage the Department of
and lead infantry soldiers into combat. They’ll be Veterans Affairs expects to double by 2040. To meet
able to serve as Army Rangers and Green Berets, this demand, the House Veterans Affairs’ Committee
Navy SEALs, Marine Corps infantry, Air Force announced the creation of the Women Veterans Task
parajumpers and everything else that was previously Force last year to identify and eliminate barriers
open only to men.” women face when trying to access VA care—including
The new policy meant changes, not just for the reproductive health for women veterans, residential
military, but also for the way the nation structures treatment programs and economic opportunity.
Specifically, the task force is focused on four areas:
ensuring a welcoming and inclusive VA; providing
equity and access to VA health care, including women-
specific care such as gynecology and obstetrics;
improving economic opportunities for women veterans
and their families; and guaranteeing that women
veterans have equal access to VA benefits, including
education, disability and pension benefits.
“We have this growing population of women
veterans who served during a time of war, and we
know that they’re experiencing the same impact
on their health as men,” said National Legislative
Director Joy Ilem, who has been participating with
the task force. “When they receive VA care, one
apparent truth is a lot of these services and programs
were designed for men; some of the nuances don’t
shine through for women.
“It’s an exciting and important time to witness
Staff Sgt. Amanda F. Kelley, assigned to the 1st Armored the evolution of gender roles in the military,” said
Division’s combat aviation brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas, gets
Ilem. “Our charge now is to make sure we support
her Ranger tab pinned on by a family member during her
Ranger School graduation at Fort Benning, Ga., Aug. 31, that evolution by putting in place the appropriate
2018. Kelley was the first enlisted woman to earn the Ranger measures to provide all veterans the care they need
tab. (Photo by Patrick A. Albright/Army) and deserve.” n
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 15Service
wherever Charles Burns, a senior national service officer with the DAV
you are
office in Fort Snelling, Minn., conducts an information seminar to
a gathering of veterans in Elk River, Minn., on Feb. 8. In the back
of the room, Assistant Supervisor Matthew Jahn assists veterans
with their benefits claims. (Photos by SnowGlobe)
DAV information seminars provide benefits guidance
and assistance to veterans in their local community
By Matt Saintsing of benefits and claims assistance. DAV chapters,
departments and volunteers are the lifeblood of the
F or nearly a century, DAV has helped America’s
war-wounded and their families access a wide
range of veterans benefits, including health care
important events, bringing veterans face to face with
DAV members who can help them get justice and the
compensation they earned in service.
and compensation. While a robust network of service “Essentially, we can now advocate for veterans
officers and benefits counselors is accessible at from anywhere,” said Marszalek. “We have a lot more
more than 100 sites nationwide, some veterans find flexibility and can operate more efficiently.”
it challenging to contact a DAV representative or Alex Martinez, who supervises DAV’s national
travel to a national service office. service office in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, makes it a
“For many years, we used our Mobile Service point to conduct information seminars inland, to reach
Office program to help reach these veterans by veterans who are isolated from the DAV and VA offices
sending service officers in specially outfitted vans along the island’s coast.
out into the community,” said National Service “It isn’t just going there and standing in line looking
Director Jim Marszalek. “But the vehicles were costly at each other,” Martinez said of the seminars. “Veterans
to maintain, difficult to maneuver and restricted will come in so they can be seen at the VA hospital,
where we could set up shop, so to speak. So we opted and we’ll try to take care of any claims they may have.”
to replace the program this year with information Veterans also have the chance to meet with officials
seminars to reach more veterans at a time in from the VA National Cemetery Administration and
different venues.” receive blood pressure screens and flu shots, according
DAV information seminars are designed to educate to Martinez.
veterans as they navigate the often murky waters “It is quite an event,” he added.
16 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020 | DAV.ORGLayton Lamphere, who supervises the DAV service
office in Muskogee, Okla., said information seminars
attract anywhere from 20 to 150 people, depending
on the area.
“We really try to reach people who don’t typically
have face-to-face contact with DAV representatives,”
said Lamphere. “We also go into large cities for
veterans who don’t have the time or resources to
travel to Muskogee to speak with us.”
The seminars also allow DAV advocates to discuss
localized benefits, as well as changes to policies and
laws governing VA benefits.
“We hit really hard on the Blue Water Navy issue
during our last seminar,” Lamphere explained. “That
was a huge change we wanted our veterans and their
families to be aware of.”
Both Martinez and Lamphere said department-
level leadership involvement is critical to making the
information seminars a success.
“Our service officers and staff, from the national level
down to the chapters, are trained to spot what veterans
in their communities need,” said Marszalek. “What we
do is not one size fits all, and the information seminars
help us get out there and meet the unique needs each
veteran has.”
Like all DAV services, information seminars are always
Information seminars
free for veterans and their families. Membership is not bring veterans face
required to take full advantage of DAV’s programs. n
to face with DAV
Learn More Online
members who can
You can find a schedule of upcoming information
seminars at www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/ help them get justice
InformationSeminarCalendar.pdf, or learn more
from your local national service office by reaching
and the compensation
them at benefitsquestions.org. they earned in service.
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 17Mefloquine
miscues
Despite known risks of antimalarial medication,
the Department of Defense issued mefloquine
to U.S. troops for nearly a quarter century. Now,
VA disability examiners may be misattributing
its chronic adverse effects to PTSD.
By M. Todd Hunter
18U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Dobson, a fire team leader with 2nd Platoon, Ground Combat Element, Security Cooperation
Task Force Africa Partnership Station 2011 (APS-11), takes doxycycline, an antimalarial drug, in Toubakouta, Senegal. (Photo
by Lance Cpl. Timothy L. Solano/Marine Corps)
F rom nuclear testing to Agent Orange to burn pits,
the American military has a decadeslong history
of inadvertently exposing service members to a range
“It was recognized around the time of its U.S.
licensing that there were very significant problems with
this drug,” said Dr. Remington Nevin, a board-certified
of harmful toxicants responsible for myriad long-term physician epidemiologist and former Army preventive
health issues. But there are certain exposures—those medicine officer who has authored more than 30
which have known dangers—that, as a matter of scientific publications on malaria and antimalarial
policy or apparent necessity, have been purposefully medication. “It was clearly known that some people
introduced to military personnel. This is true of the became psychotic and some people became very
antimalarial drug mefloquine, which was administered violent, but at the time, it wasn’t appreciated just how
to hundreds of thousands of deployed U.S. troops serious these neuropsychiatric effects could be in terms
despite the Pentagon’s and health professionals’ of causing lasting disabilities.”
awareness of its adverse effects. Nevin noted that the known dangers of mefloquine
Mefloquine, a pill taken weekly, was developed in the (previously marketed in the U.S. as Lariam) were
1960s and 1970s by the Walter Reed Army Institute of such that its manufacturer, Swiss multinational
Research after a drug-resistant strain of malaria sickened pharmaceutical company Roche Holding AG (Roche),
troops in Vietnam. It was widely prescribed to U.S. and the FDA agreed to language in the initial product
service members from 1989, when it was approved by insert that warned certain symptoms—anxiety,
the Food and Drug Administration, until 2009, when depression, restlessness or confusion—should be
the Department of Defense issued directives effectively considered as early signs of a “more serious event” and
making it a last-choice drug for troops. the drug must be immediately discontinued by its user.
DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 19However, according to Nevin, most troops didn’t throwing an Iraqi man in the Tigris River in 2004.
receive those warnings or have logistical access to In a 2013 publication, Nevin and other military
alternative medications while deployed. There was also medical professionals argued that mefloquine can
no way for DOD medical personnel to identify ahead produce “derealization and depersonalization,
of time who was susceptible to the drug’s neurotoxicity, compulsions toward dangerous objects, and morbid
estimated to be anywhere from one-quarter to two- curiosity about death.” It can also produce dissociative
thirds of its users. effects that make someone performing violent acts
“Instead, the military said, ‘Here’s your mefloquine, think someone else is committing the crime.
you’re getting on the plane, you may have some crazy Unfortunately for veterans affected by mefloquine,
dreams, but suck it up and drive on,’” said Nevin, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not recognize an
who now serves as executive director of The Quinism association between the drug and negative mental health
Foundation, a group dedicated to supporting research outcomes. This is, in part, because of a joint VA-DOD
on quinoline drugs. “So, we systematically ignored study that notes there are no significant associations
and undermined the critical safety warnings in the between mefloquine and mental health issues.
product insert.” The 2018 publication, using data from a records
After various international studies confirmed study of 60,000 U.S. veterans who served between
mefloquine’s potential for causing psychological 2001 and 2008, found that reported negative physical
illness, and a growing list of its neuropsychiatric and mental health outcomes are largely due to combat
adverse effects—including vertigo, tinnitus, insomnia, deployment exposure.
vivid nightmares, visual and auditory hallucinations, However, context is key. Not only did the joint study
paranoia, seizures, mood swings and suicidal rely solely on record reviews of self-reported symptoms,
ideations—became more well known, Roche pulled which is problematic since most troops don’t report
the drug off U.S. shelves. Eventually, in 2013, the psychiatric issues, but it was also not based on scientific
FDA issued its strongest “black box” warning, that diagnoses and did not have specific test subjects with a
mefloquine can cause long-lasting and even permanent control group.
damage, bringing an end to the DOD’s nearly quarter- Alarmingly, a 2015 clinicians book focusing on
century use of the drug. post-traumatic stress disorder and related diseases in
Exposure to antimalarial drugs has been introduced combat veterans does note that the acute symptoms of
as a possible factor in several cases of violent murder mefloquine intoxication may mimic and be mistaken for
over the past two decades. Cases include Army a number of acute psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, who pleaded guilty to avoid “It’s really a hidden epidemic, because so few people
the death penalty for slaying 16 Afghan civilians in attribute these problems to the drug—there’s always
Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, in March 2012, as something else they attribute it to because it’s taken
well as four soldiers who killed their spouses over a during deployment, where there’s so many other
six-week stretch in 2002 at Fort Bragg, N.C. This factor things happening,” said Nevin, who warned that VA
was also discussed when a group of soldiers from Fort disability examiners may be misattributing mefloquine
Carson, Colo., were charged with manslaughter after intoxication to PTSD.
20 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020 | DAV.ORGYou can also read
