Director's Message June 9, 2023

The LGBTQ+ community has seen some triumphs. For example, gay people can now donate blood even if they are not celibate. They have gained the right to serve openly in the military and to marry as well. Yet, there are many struggles still to fight. Transgender people face discriminatory legislation in many US states, and those in same-sex marriages fear that their marriages may be overturned by changes in federal law.

As the name implies, Pride Month is a time for the LGBTQ+ community to be proud. However, it is also time for the rest of us to remember what it takes to be a good ally. To be an ally means to unite oneself with another to promote a common interest. In this context, it means that those who are not part of the LGBTQ+ community defend and advocate for our persecuted friends, family, and co-workers as they fight against unjust attempts to deny their humanity and take away their rights.

The United States of America was founded on the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. That ideal is closer to a reality than it has ever been, but it requires the vigilant defense of every one of us. We must all take part in the struggles of democracy so that we may create a country that truly does treat all people equally under the law, and in our culture at large. The LGBTQ+ community is made of people who are important to our success as a country, and I hope that all of us are willing to be allies and fight for the equality that they -and all Americans- deserve. Remember, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) serves all who served. We want everyone to feel welcome when they walk through our doors, and we will continue to work towards the inclusivity needed to ensure equity in all we do.

Sign Up Under the PACT Act

As most of you will have already heard, the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act was passed in August of 2022. This act allows VA to presumptively cover many conditions which were not previously service connected. We continue to hold events to sign people up under this act, but you don’t have to wait until we have an event in your area! You can call 1-800-214-1306 and make an appointment today to speak with registration about enrolling under the PACT Act.

This new act applies to Veterans who were exposed to toxic materials during their service. For those who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other toxins; having that exposure documented and connected to your health problems ensures that VAPIHCS can cover your health care expenses related to your toxic exposure. This coverage is presumptive, meaning that if you were exposed to toxins, you are no longer required to prove that your exposure led to your health conditions. It is assumed, and so you are entitled to benefits. Bring your DD214 and come see us. We’d love to review your files and see what we can do to help you.

Please note that signing up for the burn pit registry online is separate from enrolling under the PACT Act and separate from filing a claim for compensation. If you signed up for the burn pit registry online, you still need to enroll under the PACT Act, and file separately if you are applying for compensation.

We have several upcoming PACT Act events. One of the upcoming events is Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Hilo Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). There will also be a PACT Act event on Friday, July 21-24, 2023, in Guam. Finally, we are planning an event September 22 and 23, 2023, at the Blaisdell for the Young at Heart senior fair. More details will follow. Please consider joining us for these events.

Men’s Health Month

Throughout June, Men’s Health Month aims to encourage men to take charge of their overall health by implementing healthy living decisions. In general, men in the U.S. are expected to live nearly six years less than women, and non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native men have a lower life expectancy than non-Hispanic white men. Many diseases that disproportionately impact men, like heart disease and cancer, are preventable through regular doctor’s visits and healthy lifestyle choices. However, one survey found that 63 percent of men of color report not getting regular health screenings. Men are also more likely to have lower health literacy levels than women, meaning they may struggle to find, understand, and use information and services required to make informed decisions about their health.

VAPIHCS is committed to men’s health. That’s why we ask that you make an appointment to see your Primary Care doctor no less than once per year. At that time, they will advise you on the screenings that you need. Please follow up on all tests, screenings, and other requests that your Primary Care provider has recommended. Your health is very important, and we want to make sure that we can care for you in the manner that you have earned and deserve as someone who has worn the cloth of our nation.

Lab Hours at Our Locations

For your information, here are the lab hours at all of our locations.

Spark Matsunaga ACC Lab: Monday thru Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (*closed on 3-day holiday weekends)

Windward CBOC Lab: Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Leeward CBOC Lab: Closed until further notice.

Kauai CBOC Lab: Monday thru Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hilo CBOC Lab: Monday thru Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Maui CBOC Lab: Monday thru Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Kona CBOC Lab: Monday thru Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

American Samoa CBOC Lab: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
 

Change in Timely Filing Rule

VA has made a change to the Beneficiary Travel program. Starting on June 9, 2023, the 30-day timely filing rule will be enforced. The COVID-19 Congressional Mandate that allowed for extension of claims has expired. Beneficiary Travel claims must be submitted within 30 days of an appointment for them to be reimbursed.

Please keep in mind that proof of attendance is required for all community care claims. Claims will be denied if there is no proof of attendance, so ensure that you get proof when you attend appointments. If you need assistance, please call the Beneficiary Travel program at (855) 574-7292.

Changes in the Clothing Allowance

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is expected to send out a letter to all service-connected Veterans regarding changes in the clothing allowance application process because of the Cleveland Dole Act. While this change will significantly reduce the application process and administrative burden for Veterans and VAPIHCS staff, it may cause some confusion.

The clothing allowance is an annual benefit paid out in a lump sum to eligible Veterans by the VBA typically between August and October of every year. This allowance is for Veterans who wear qualifying garments prescribed to them, such as orthopedic garments, prosthetic devices, and/or new garments for those who take medication that causes damage to clothing. The main change is that Veterans will receive continuous, annual payments for the clothing allowance benefit automatically until the Veteran elects to no longer receive such payments or it is determined the Veteran is no longer eligible.  

One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

Stay Informed

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