Monday, November 11, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Testimonial 11/8/13
Maam,
I was given your name by an associate here in Camp Leatherneck.
I am looking for employment in the greater Richmond VA area.
I have an active Top Secret clearance.
My resume is attached.
Thank you.
Kevin , Operations Research Analyst, CJTF Paladin RC SW Exploitation
Intelligence Fusion Cell mail to:
Camp Leatherneck/Yurista, AFG
COIC
FPO AE 09372
V1 Analytical Solutions (V1)
V1 Analytical Solutions (V1), Arlington, VA -
has a number of positions available in support of advanced systems
engineering efforts for a national intelligence agency in the
Washington, DC area.
Positions
include, Senior, Mid and Junior Level Audio Systems Engineers (acoustic
engineering, audio compression, speech processing);
Visual Systems Engineers (IR and UV spectrum);
Wireless Systems Engineers;
Telecommunication Systems Engineers (digital switch technologies);
LBS Systems Engineers (GPS technology);
Data Transport Systems Engineers;
Network Systems Engineers;
General Systems Engineers;
Radio Frequency Subject Matter Experts (SMEs);
Satellite Communication SMEs; Antenna SMEs, Configuration Manager, Systems Integrators and Technical Editors.
All
positions require current / active Full Scope Polygraph (FSP). This is
a firm requirement. Candidates must already have current FSP.
All
positions require relevant technical degrees, with advanced degrees
strongly preferred. Work will be in the Washington, DC area, with some
travel in CONUS and overseas.
Compensation and benefits will be highly attractive for the right candidates.
Candidates
who meet all the requirements above and are interested in cutting-edge
technology work in support of national security should send resumes to
V1 at intel@v1analytical.com.
"A Greater Nation" A Song for our Heroes
I
was hoping you might enjoy our new song for Veterans Day from Tussing
Elementary School, and pass it along in any ways you are able, so that
we can reach as many of our heroes as possible over the weekend. Please
enjoy our brand new video, "A Greater Nation", and share it any way you
can.
"A Greater Nation"
Thursday, November 7, 2013
West Corporation - Sales/Care Associate – San Antonio, TX
SLC Sales/Care Associate
Job ID:979236
Location: Texas - San Antonio
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Responsible for processing various incoming and outgoing sales focused phone calls for assigned clients and programs in accordance with policies, procedures, quality standards, and federal laws and regulations; as required, perform calls to businesses and consumers in order to qualify new business prospects or generate leads for assigned client and program, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures; establish a good working relationship with team members and department contacts in order to maintain and continuously strive to improve the level of overall service being provided.
MAJOR JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES
Sales Functions - Responsible for processing various incoming and outgoing sales focused phone calls for assigned clients and programs in accordance with policies, procedures, quality standards, and federal laws and regulations
Lead Generation - As required, perform calls to businesses and consumers in order to qualify new business prospects or generate leads for assigned client and program, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures
Team Interfaces/Customer Service - Establish and maintain a professional relationship with internal/external customers, team members and department contacts
Salary up to $12.00/hr. plus incentives.
Career advancement opportunities after 6 months.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants for this job will be expected to meet the following minimum qualifications.
Education
High school education or GED required
Experience
Minimum six months customer service, sales or business experience required. One year of full time secondary education from an accredited school, in pursuit of a degree, may be substituted for required experience.
Candidates need to meet the experience requirements for specific department, project or client. They must successfully complete and achieve an acceptable level on job-related testing.
Other
Bilingual in English and Spanish (skill may not be required dependent upon position that is open)
Ability to travel may be required
If you are interested in this position and meet the minimum requirements, apply online today!
www.west.com
Applications will be accepted through 01/29/2014.
www.WestEmployment.com
AAP/EEO Employer
Interested in receiving West job openings on your mobile phone?
If so, text SANJOBS to 57229!
Register now for our Virtual Veteran’s Appreciation Career Fair on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 from 10:00am – 6:00pm CST at http://tinyurl.com/n73yhhw
West Corporation Career Events
West Corporation Career Events
There is no better place to build a career than at West Corporation. With thousands of employees located throughout North America, Europe and Asia, the career opportunities are endless. And, as a leading provider of outsourced communications solutions, opportunities exist in most career fields.
Please come and join us at one of our Career Events listed below and meet face to face with a hiring agent to find more information on the career opportunities we can offer you at West!
Endicott, NY
Wednesday Nov 13
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
JSEC Career Fair
Double Tree by Hilton Binghamton
225 Water Street
Binghamton, NY
Friday Dec 27
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Project Homecoming Career Fair
Oakdale Mall
601 Harry L Drive
Johnson City, NY
Makati, Philippines
Monday Nov 11
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Job Market Career Expo
Glorieta Mall
Glorieta Activity Center
Makati, Philippines
Tuesday Nov 12
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Job Market Career Expo
Glorieta Mall
Glorieta Activity Center
Makati, Philippines
Middleton, WI
Tuesday Nov 19
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
On-Site Hiring Event
West Employment Office
Wisconsin Trade Center Building
8401 Greenway Boulevard
Middleton, WI
Thursday Nov 21
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Job Fair
Dane County Job Center
1819 Aberg Avenue
Madison, WI
Niles, OH
Monday Nov 11
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
On-Site Job Fair
West Employment Office
5185 Youngstown Warren Road
Niles, OH
Omaha, NE
Tuesday Nov 12
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
On-Site Career Fair
West Employment Office
11810 Nicholas Street
Omaha, NE
Wednesday Nov 13
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
On-Site Job Fair
West Employment Office
11810 Nicholas Street
Omaha, NE
Council Bluff, IA
Wednesday Nov 13
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Career Fair Fall 2013
Mall of the Bluffs
1751 Madison Avenue
Council Bluffs, IA
San Antonio, Texas
Thursday Nov 14
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Job News Job Fair
Norris Conference Center
4522 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX
Friday Nov 15
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Job Fair
Kaplan College
7142 San Pedro Avenue
San Antonio, TX
Wednesday Dec 11
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Polar Express Open House
San Antonio Lighthouse For The Blind
310 Eads Avenue
San Antonio, TX
Spokane, WA
Monday Nov 11
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
On-Site Job Fair
West Employment Office
South 157 Howard
Spokane, WA
Monday Nov 11
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
On-Site Job Fair
West Employment Office
9317 East Sinto
Spokane, WA
Universal City, TX
Wednesday Nov 13
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fall 2013 Career Fair
Northeast Lakeview College
1201 Kitty Hawk Road
Universal City, TX
San Antonio, TX
Thursday Nov 14
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Job News Job Fair
Norris Conference Center
4522 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX
Thursday Nov 14
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Job Fair
St. Philip College
Martin Luther King Campus
1801 Martin Luther King Drive
San Antonio, TX
www.west.com
West Corporation - Virtual Veteran's Appreciation Career Fair
Virtual Veteran's Appreciation Career Fair
West Careers/Make the Connection
Purpose, conviction, and pride have been cornerstones of West’s success since 1986. As we prepare to revolutionize the communications industry once again, we are in need of people who think ‘Service’ in everything they do. From Sales to Account Management to Customer Service, West represents the world’s biggest brands and provides opportunities for our employees to grow and develop to the extent they aspire.
To find out what has made us into a multi-billion dollar industry leader, register today and join us for our Virtual Veteran’s Appreciation Career Fair, on November 12th, from 10:00am to 6:00pm CST.
Much like a traditional career fair, this is a great opportunity to ask any questions, make an informed choice, apply for positions, and move your career forward. But unlike a traditional career fair, all you need is a computer and internet connection to attend. So what are you waiting for? Make the Connection today and let’s get started on the road to success together.
Event registration Please Click here http://engage.vevent.com/index.jsp?eid=1259&seid=971&code=eblast
www.westemployment.com
West Corporation – Customer Care Associate – Universal City, TX
Customer Care Associate
Job ID: 981556
Location: Texas - Universal City
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Connect to Better Benefits
Connect with potential customers and work with the nation’s biggest brands. Excel in a performance driven environment and be rewarded for your achievements.
Do you enjoy working with customers to sell products and services resulting in enhanced revenue for elite clients? In this position, you will follow a standard set of procedures and scripts to determine your customer’s needs and overcome customer objections. You will work with some of the nation’s most successful companies, by helping them to build relationships with current customers, generate new business, increase their sales, and grow their existing business by consulting with customers on the phone. In addition to a competitive wage, you have the opportunity to receive bonuses based on your skills, abilities and results on the job. Career advancement and regular work schedules are also a benefit.
Qualifications:
* 1 year of customer service experience
* Must pass a background and drug screen
* You select your working schedule based on business need
* Work schedules for this training session are mid-days
* Closed on Sundays and you would select another day off during the week
* Benefits after 90 days of employment
* Tuition reimbursement
Begin a new career with West in Universal City! If you are interested in this position and meet the minimum requirements, apply online today!
Applications will be accepted through 12/31/2013.
www.WestEmployment.com
AAP/EEO Employer
Interested in receiving West job openings on your mobile phone? If so, text UCJOBS to 57229!
Register now for our Virtual Veteran’s Appreciation Career Fair on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 from 10:00am – 6:00pm CST at http://tinyurl.com/n73yhhw
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Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
When Women Come Marching Home
Service:
When Women Come Marching Home is a portrait of the courage of several
women veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian lives. Having
experienced horrific traumas, the women are challenged with both
physical and mental injuries, and difficulties in receiving benefits and
care.
From
the deserts of Afghanistan to rural Tennessee, from Iraq to New York
City, these women wrestle with prosthetics, homelessness, Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Military Sexual Trauma. Their pictures and
videos shot in Iraq and Afghanistan speak volumes. Told through their
voices during everyday life in kitchens, grocery stores and even therapy
sessions, the documentary is a wake-up call to the unknowing civilian
population to the challenges female veterans face returning from duty.
ONSITE OHS - Registered Nurse Case Manager (RNCM) - El Paso, Texas
Registered Nurse Case Manager (RNCM) for El Paso, Texas
No relocation
Progressive, employee-friendly Onsite OHS is seeking full time, qualified RN Case Managers to provide Compassionate, professional medical services to designated beneficiaries.
Located in far west Texas, El Paso is known for being a leader in international trade. The City is the 22nd largest city in the United States. El Paso is recognized as one of America's Best-Performing Cities and also one of the Happiest Cities to Work. The City is not only a great place to work but to live as well. El Paso is America's Safest City. The weather with more than 300 days of sunshine a year is perfect for any outdoor lover. The City offers a variety of parks and recreation activities, perfect for rock climbing, hiking and biking at the Franklin Mountains State Park, outdoor music concerts and cultural events that clearly reflect its history and the great people that have called the City, "home".
Perform a full range of RN Case Manager services on site, using furnished facilities, equipment and supplies to a variety of patients. All aspects of RN Case Manager services shall be commensurate with the capabilities of the provider and the Medical Department including but not limited to the items listed below.
Job Duties:
• Provide services to patients who are identified as having a medical/surgical or mental health issue
• Interview patient, review medical records and coordinate requested consultations and medical follow up as prescribed by providers
• Ensure that patients receive access to medical appointments within 72 hours of request
• Follow up with patient once appointments are completed
• Abide by all facility rules, regulations, and policies
• Prepare and submit appropriate documentation of all services provided as specified in applicable regulations
• Meet all Joint Commission standards
• Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
• Education: Graduate of a school of nursing program accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed
• A current unrestricted license in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, of the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Minimum of two (2) years of RN case management experience immediately preceding the submission of this offer
• Current BLS certification by the AHA
• Physically capable of performing all RNCM services with reasonable accommodation
• U.S. Military experience not required but strongly preferred
Please apply at http://www.onsiteohs.com/index.php?query=job-openings&id=0&partner_id=0
www.onsiteohs.com
Please note that this position is contingent on the award of a contract.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Jessie Dyer
Recruitment Supervisor
Onsite OHS
812-770-4446
jessie.dyer@onsiteohs.com
ONSITE OHS - Psychology Technician, El Paso, Texas
Psychology Technician for El Paso, Texas
No relocation
Progressive, employee-friendly Onsite OHS is seeking full time, qualified Psychology Technician to provide compassionate, professional medical services to designated beneficiaries.
Located in far west Texas, El Paso is known for being a leader in international trade. The City is the 22nd largest city in the United States. El Paso is recognized as one of America's Best-Performing Cities and also one of the Happiest Cities to Work. The City is not only a great place to work but to live as well. El Paso is America's Safest City. The weather with more than 300 days of sunshine a year is perfect for any outdoor lover. The City offers a variety of parks and recreation activities, perfect for rock climbing, hiking and biking at the Franklin Mountains State Park, outdoor music concerts and cultural events that clearly reflect its history and the great people that have called the City, "home".
Perform a full range of Psychology Technician services on site, using furnished facilities, equipment and supplies to a variety of patients. All aspects of Psychology Technician services shall be commensurate with the capabilities of the provider and the Medical Department including but not limited to the items listed below.
Job Duties:
• Assist in the administration of psychological treatment to patients as outlined by the mental health team leader
• Provides appropriate behavioral health care in accordance with established plan of care or treatment plan
• Facilitate and participate in individual or group therapy sessions
• Note and report on problem behaviors or changes in behavior patterns
• Ensure the safety and well-being of each patient
• De-escalate situations in which patients become violent or suicidal, through verbal redirection or physical restraint, when necessary
• Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
• Education: Diploma or certification from an accredited school program of formal education equivalent to a two year associate degree, a two year technical school, or formal military training which included at least 12 semester hours in courses such as psychology or other directly related subjects
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience immediately preceding the submission of this offer
• Current BLS Certification by the AHA
• Physically capable of performing all Psychology Technician services with reasonable accommodation
Please apply at http://www.onsiteohs.com/index.php?query=job-openings&id=0&partner_id=0
www.onsiteohs.com
Please note that this position is contingent on the award of a contract.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Jessie Dyer
Recruitment Supervisor
Onsite OHS
812-770-4446
jessie.dyer@onsiteohs.com
ONSITE OHS - Optometry Technician - El Paso, Texas
Optometry Technician for El Paso, Texas
No relocation
Progressive, employee-friendly Onsite OHS is seeking full time, qualified Optometry Technicians to provide compassionate, professional medical services to designated beneficiaries.
Located in far west Texas, El Paso is known for being a leader in international trade. The City is the 22nd largest city in the United States. El Paso is recognized as one of America's Best-Performing Cities and also one of the Happiest Cities to Work. The City is not only a great place to work but to live as well. El Paso is America's Safest City. The weather with more than 300 days of sunshine a year is perfect for any outdoor lover. The City offers a variety of parks and recreation activities, perfect for rock climbing, hiking and biking at the Franklin Mountains State Park, outdoor music concerts and cultural events that clearly reflect its history and the great people that have called the City, "home".
Perform a full range of Optometry Technician services on site, using furnished facilities, equipment and supplies to a variety of patients. All aspects of Optometry Technician services shall be commensurate with the capabilities of the provider and the Medical Department including but not limited to the items listed below.
Job Duties:
• Conducts initial interviews with patient to gather medical history and information on visual complaints, past eye injuries, and family histories or eye diseases
• Identifies any unconventional problem are that may be affecting the patients visual or overall well being
• Administers various visual tests for preliminary data and special examinations
• Receives and orients patient
• Sets up equipment to conduct diagnostic tests
• Insures that any unusual results or problems with any tests are brought to the supervisor’s or optometrist’s attention
• Document care given and maintain documentation as required by policy
• Recognize and initiate appropriate measures in emergency situations
• Meet all Joint Commission standards
• Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
• Education: High School diploma or equivalent General Education Development (GED) diploma
• Minimum of one (1) years’ experience working full-time with an optometrist immediately preceding the submission of this offer
• Current BCLS certification by the AHA
• Physically capable of performing all Optometry Technician services with reasonable accommodation
• U.S. Military experience not required but strongly preferred
Please apply at http://www.onsiteohs.com/index.php?query=job-openings&id=0&partner_id=0
www.onsiteohs.com
Please note that this position is contingent on the award of a contract.
For more information, please contact:
Jessie Dyer
Recruitment Supervisor
Onsite OHS
812-770-4446
jessie.dyer@onsiteohs.com
ONSITE OHS - Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses – El Paso, Texas
Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) for El Paso, Texas
No relocation
Progressive, employee-friendly Onsite OHS is seeking full time, qualified Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses (LVN/LPN) to provide compassionate, professional medical services to designated beneficiaries.
Located in far west Texas, El Paso is known for being a leader in international trade. The City is the 22nd largest city in the United States. El Paso is recognized as one of America's Best-Performing Cities and also one of the Happiest Cities to Work. The City is not only a great place to work but to live as well. El Paso is America's Safest City. The weather with more than 300 days of sunshine a year is perfect for any outdoor lover. The City offers a variety of parks and recreation activities, perfect for rock climbing, hiking and biking at the Franklin Mountains State Park, outdoor music concerts and cultural events that clearly reflect its history and the great people that have called the City, "home".
Perform a full range of LVN/LPN services on site, using furnished facilities, equipment and supplies to a variety of patients. All aspects of LVN/LPN services shall be commensurate with the capabilities of the provider and the Medical Department including but not limited to the items listed below.
Job Duties:
• Obtain patient history and pertinent family history
• Administer Health Risk Appraisal questionnaire
• Perform quality control checks and operator maintenance for equipment
• Assist in identifying patient needs and implementing the plan of care
• Document care given, maintain documentation of all treatment provided in accordance with directives and prepare records and reports as may be required by policy
• Prepare patient for physical examinations
• Carry out prescribed Physician, PA, and/or NP orders and document patient medical records
• Communicate pertinent patient data to Physician, PA, and/or NP as appropriate
• Recognize and initiate appropriate measures in emergency situations
• Respond to telephone inquiries regarding clinic services and/or follow up ancillary reports
• Assist with clinical related administrative tasks
• Meet all Joint Commission standards
• Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
• Education: Graduate of a nationally accredited or state approved practical/vocational nursing program of at least nine (9) months in duration
• A current unrestricted license to practice nursing as an LVN/LPN in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, of the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Minimum of one (1) years of practical/vocational nursing experience within the last two (2) years
• Current BLS certification by the AHA
• Physically capable of performing all RNCM services with reasonable accommodation
• U.S. Military experience not required but strongly preferred
Please apply at http://www.onsiteohs.com/index.php?query=job-openings&id=0&partner_id=0
www.onsiteohs.com
Please note that this position is contingent on the award of a contract.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Jessie Dyer
Recruitment Supervisor
Onsite OHS
812-770-4446
jessie.dyer@onsiteohs.com
ONSITE OHS - Audiology Technician - El Paso, Texas
Audiology Technician, El Paso, Texas
No relocation
Progressive, employee-friendly Onsite OHS is seeking full time, qualified Audiology Technicians to provide medical services to designated beneficiaries.
Located in far west Texas, El Paso is known for being a leader in international trade. The City is the 22nd largest city in the United States. El Paso is recognized as one of America's Best-Performing Cities and also one of the Happiest Cities to Work. The City is not only a great place to work but to live as well. El Paso is America's Safest City. The weather with more than 300 days of sunshine a year is perfect for any outdoor lover. The City offers a variety of parks and recreation activities, perfect for rock climbing, hiking and biking at the Franklin Mountains State Park, outdoor music concerts and cultural events that clearly reflect its history and the great people that have called the City, "home".
Perform a full range of Audiology Technician services on site, using furnished facilities, equipment and supplies to a variety of patients. All aspects of Audiology Technician services shall be commensurate with the capabilities of the provider and the Medical Department including but not limited to the items listed below.
Job Duties:
• Shall receive patients, explain methods of procedures, position patient, perform diagnosis radiographic service to patient
• Technicians shall perform independent audiology examinations
• Review test results for quality control, contrast, detail and adequate demonstration of hearing
• Document care given and maintain documentation as required by policy
• Recognize and initiate appropriate measures in emergency situations
• Meet all Joint Commission standards
• Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
• Education: High School diploma or equivalent General Education Development (GED) diploma
• Minimum of one (1) years full-time experience working as an Audiology Technician immediately preceding the submission of this offer
• Current BCLS certification by the AHA
• Physically capable of performing all Audiology Technician services with reasonable accommodation
• U.S. Military experience not required but strongly preferred
Please apply at http://www.onsiteohs.com/index.php?query=job-openings&id=0&partner_id=0
www.onsiteohs.com
Please note that this position is contingent on the award of a contract.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Jessie Dyer
Recruitment Supervisor
Onsite OHS
812-770-4446
jessie.dyer@onsiteohs.com
Monday, November 4, 2013
70K veterans still have chance to gain 'retiree' status
by Tom Philpott
The catch is they have to know about this opportunity and to apply.
Applying is a breeze. Notifying eligible veterans they can apply is the greater challenge. Efforts to reach many of them by mail have been delayed.
To win an upgrade in disability rating, qualified vets don’t have to appear before one more medical or physical disability evaluation board. They only have to fill out a short application form, send it to a panel called the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR), and wait until the PDBR reviews all relevant health records and decides whether the veteran’s parent service did indeed low-ball their original disability rating.
For many years, the Army led the services in tweaking policy and using the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities in ways that kept ill and injured soldiers from a combined rating of 30 percent or higher to quality for disability retirement. It was less costly to rate a single unfitting condition, ignore others and separate rather than retire soldiers, by awarding ratings of 0, 10 or 20 percent.
In 2008, Congress ordered the services to clean up their disability evaluation systems and end such practices. It also directed the Department of Defense to establish the PDBR with authority to reexamine medical files and, if appropriate, recommend that ratings of vets medically separated from Sept. 11, 2001, to Dec. 31, 2009, be raised to 30 percent or higher.
PDBR applicants don’t need to worry about a ratings downgrade. That’s prohibited. Yet more than three years after the PDBR began operating, only 6800 veterans have applied for review. Of those, the PDBR has decided 3800, recommending disability upgrade and retiree status for 27 percent. That’s down from a rate of 45 percent through 2011.
The services decide whether to accept PDBR recommendations to upgrade a rating to at least 30 percent and allow “retiree” status. Such a re-characterization triggers eligibility for retroactive retired pay back to date of discharge (minus separation pay previously awarded) and full military retiree benefits. TRICARE eligibility also in retroactive so a newly minted retiree able to document out-of-pocket medical costs since time of discharge can files a claim with TRICARE.
Most of 1033 veterans who have won “retiree” status through PDBR review are Army veterans. The top three medical conditions given revised ratings were post-traumatic stress, back ailments and arthritis.
To date, Air Force and Coast Guard authorities have approved every PDBR recommendation. Army has accepted 98 percent of them. The Navy Department, for sailors and Marine applicants, has approved 94 percent.
These “adoption rates” hint at the thoroughness of review work being done by the PDBR three-member panels assigned to review individual medical histories of applicants, said PDBR director James Davis.
“The services are probably not too crazy about having their homework checked. That’s what we do,” Davis told the Defense Department’s Recovering Warrior Task Force on Tuesday, during a briefing on PDBR progress over for the last year.
But if the PDBR ever got negative “pushback” from the services it doesn’t any more, Davis suggested. He said three weeks ago a doctor on the Navy Board for the Correction of Military Records told him that when Navy board members are reviewing difficult cases they look to PDBR decisions “as a gold standard,” Davis said. “So it’s good news about what we do.”
What continues to disappoint is the number of applicants. Only eight percent of eligible veterans have applied to PDBR to review their disabilities, a rate that suggests many don’t even know the board exists.
The PDBR was born of controversy and, ironically, a fresh controversy in late 2011, over how the Army was rating mental health disabilities, served to sideline plans to notify more eligible veterans about the PDBR.
In January 2012, the PDBR unveiled a plan for a phased mailing of information packets and application forms to every qualified veteran with a current address on file at the VA. The first batch of 15,000 was to be sent to those medically separated in 2001 (post-9/11), 2002 or 2003. Three more mailings, grouped by years of separation, were planned through October 2012 so information on the PDBR would reach almost every veteran discharged a rating of 20 percent or less through 2009.
It didn’t happen, however. The VA did a single mailing of 17,2000 packets in May 2012 and then the collaborative outreach effort with PDBR was suspended for 15 months. In June 2012, the PDBR was directed to focus its attention on a special mental health diagnosis review ordered by then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The order came in the wake of allegations that the Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Wash., routinely had modified mental health diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder to conditions that resulted in lower disability ratings for soldiers.
That led to the services identifying and mailing letters to every veteran separated from 9/11 through April 30, 2012, who completed a medical evaluation board and during disability evaluation had their PTSD diagnosis or anxiety or depressive disorder diagnosis changed or eliminated.
These special mailings resulted in the services passing on to PDBR almost 940 applications, mostly from soldiers, to review medical records and determine if applicants were disadvantaged by decisions made during their original disability review process.
Finally this fall, VA resumed mailings to disabled veterans eligible for PDBR reviews, sending 20,000 packets to VA addresses for qualified veterans separated through year 2005. More mailings are planned every eight weeks, Davis said, until the effort is complete, presumably sometime next year.
More on the PDBR and how to apply is online at: http://www.health.mil/
To comment, write Military Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, or email milupdate@aol.com or on Twitter: @Military_Update
Testimonial 11/2/13
Greetings Lucy,
Thank
you for sharing your website today. I just applied for a position with
V1 Analytical through the site; it's the type of company I was looking
for, the right industry, the right customer, and the right location. I
would not have found them if not for your timing today. I hope it's
karma. Regardless of outcome, you brightened my day in my job search!
Thank you for the service you provide. Enjoy your weekend!
Cheers,
Ray
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Testimonial 11/2/13
Good Evening Lucy,
My
name is Sarah Katzer and I received your information from Robert
Brown. I am a Navy veteran, currently working at the VA hospital in
Loma Linda and I am getting ready to graduate from Nursing School in
December. I will take my NCLEX shortly after graduation. In the Navy, I
was a corpsman (medic) and I am looking to work overseas as a civilian
nurse for the DOD. I am not sure if that is what you do, but Robert
said that you were the go-to person for this. If you can, please send
me some information.
Thank you in advance,
Friday, November 1, 2013
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