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  • How To Most Effectively Utilize Full Body Scanners In Correctional Facilities

    Full body scanning makes security checking in correctional facilities a much faster, safer, and easier process.

    Still, unless they are properly used, full body scanners for corrections may not be as effective as they are intended to be.

    For any facility to utilize its scanners to the fullest, these important tips must be implemented to ensure the best use of this powerful security equipment.

    Fully incorporated into a security program, their cost is well justified for how they improve prison safety in a multitude of ways.

    1. Proper Image Analysis – Designed to create detailed images that detect everything from drugs and weapons to specific body parts and human tissue, it is essential that advanced full body scanning be done correctly for them to create quality images that can be accurately screened.
    2. Continuous Training and Reporting – Employees using full body scanners for corrections must undergo specialized and continuous training on their full body scanning machine and software as well as be kept up to date on software changes to ensure proper and safe use of this equipment. Likewise, supervisors in charge of this equipment should maintain regular reports to analyze the success of their scanning program and make corrections as needed to increase effectiveness.
    3. Policies and Protocols – To keep a high level of accuracy and scanning success, facilities should create policies on the use of full body scanning equipment according to the manufacturer’s safety and operational instructions as well as protocols that serve their facility best in terms of building security and contraband detection.
    4. Use of Advanced Features – Regardless of how technologically advanced that full body scanners for corrections may be at a facility, the advanced features offered by each unit should be well understood and implemented as part of an effective security screening policy. Those features are designed to make scanning easier and safer and do little good if they are not used or used incorrectly.
    5. Regular Upgrading – Like all other technology, full body scanning technology is upgraded from time to time, whether in terms of software for existing unit or the development of more advanced, more capable units. Software upgrades should be implemented on time as soon as they are available and new, more advanced equipment upgrades made as soon as financially feasible.

    Full body scanning for corrections is proven to be one of the most effective means of detecting contraband and keeping prisons safe.

    For these machines to actually do their jobs correctly, full body scanners for corrections must be utilized properly, updated regularly, and all employees kept well trained on this equipment.

  • The Challenge of Winning a CUE Claim With the VA

    Proving a service connection to receive VA benefits is one of the more difficult parts of applying for those benefits.

    Many veterans applying for VA disability benefits are denied if the VA rater assigned to review their case is not able to make a service connection to their injury or condition.

    Yet raters can make mistakes and when a veteran feels a mistake has been made, they can try to open a Clear and Unmistakable Error or CUE case to have the issue re-considered. 

    What Is Considered a Clear and Unmistakable Error?

    A clear and unmistakable error or CUE is what a veteran dissatisfied with a rating denial hopes to prove when seeking a re-consideration of their VA disability benefits claim.

    These cases are permissible when veterans believe their rater omitted details on their medical record or other proof of their condition or its connection to service duty.

    If the veteran can prove that the rater’s decision is incorrect and that incorrect decision resulted in their denial of VA benefits, their service connection could still be established and the veteran could be approved for disability benefits. 

    The Difficulty of Proving A CUE Case

    The issue with CUE cases is that proving the error is extremely challenging.

    Finding an “unmistakable” error in the rater’s decision that an adjudicator would also consider unmistakable itself is difficult.

    Beyond that, arguments for CUE can only be based on whatever information was available to the rater at the time the VA benefits claim was initially reviewed and rejected.

    New medical records and other new details that were not available at that time, even if they today establish a connection, are of no value. 

    Problems In Getting Prior Rating Information Evidence

    When attempting to prove a clear and unmistakable error, the veteran can only do so with the information and judgment used by their rater at that time and getting such information to review can be equally challenging.

    In addition according to VA benefits help experts, information that was held by the VA but not available to the rater at the time of the denial that could have proven connection had it been available is another concern that anyone filing a CUE case must consider and find a way to access. 

    In Summary

    What can a veteran claiming VA disability benefits do in these instances when CUE cases might be valid?

    Between the challenge of getting information from the VA on which to base a CUE case, the rules on what information is and is not permissible, and the many other small details that can influence the veteran’s ability to prove CUE, the best recommendation is to seek VA benefits help from an experienced rating expert outside of the organization.

    Proving CUE is one of the hardest things for any veteran with a verifiable service-connected disability who has been denied a claim to do.

    VA benefits help experts with the knowledge and awareness of which information is required to prove CUE and where it can be accessed can help.

  • What Is A VA Lifestyle Impact Claim?

    Disabled veterans face many challenges in life due to their disabilities.

    In some cases, their service-connected disability can even bring about additional quality-of-life problems.

    When covered service-connected disabilities result in secondary mental health problems, some veterans may also be eligible to file VA lifestyle impact claims and gain additional benefits. 

    Lifestyle Impact Claims With The VA

    What is a VA lifestyle impact claim?

    It is a claim made for a mental health condition that arises secondary to a service-connected disability.

    In many cases, this arises as depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems that develop over time due to disability-caused changes in the veteran’s life.

    Whether due to the inability to mobilize freely, being unable to care for oneself, suffering from PTSD, or even experiencing chronic pain, if these service-connected conditions are found to cause mental health symptoms, those secondary symptoms can be addressed in a VA lifestyle impact claim. 

    What Are the Qualifications?

    How does one qualify for a VA lifestyle impact claim?

    Eligible veterans must have a primary service-connected, rated disability that is causing mental health symptoms due to the inability to live a normal life.

    The primary disability might be the cause of these symptoms or be making existing mental health conditions worse.

    In either case, mental health problems that are determined to be connected to quality-of-life issues related to primary disabilities are usually covered under these claims. 

    How to File These Claims

    How are VA lifestyle impact claims filed?

    It is critical that VA lifestyle impact claims be filed as a secondary claim to an existing disability claim.

    A mental health diagnosis attributing the condition to the primary disability must be made.

    The claim must include a nexus letter connecting the mental health condition to the primary disability.

    Once the veterans VA lifestyle impact claim is submitted, veterans should then expect to be called for a C&P exam, as these are almost always required.

    Will Benefits Increase?

    Can filing for VA lifestyle claims help increase benefits?

    Yes, it can.

    If a mental health condition is attributed to a primary service-connected condition and found to further reduce a veteran’s quality of life, their disability rating could be raised, increasing their benefit pay or providing other benefits. 

    Seek Help Filing A VA Lifestyle Impact Claim

    Veterans dealing with quality-of-life mental health issues secondary to their main service-connected disability can file a VA lifestyle impact claim; however, it is essential that these claims be filed the right way.

    To improve the chance of approval, veterans can seek VA lifestyle impact claims help from an experienced VA claim specialist to discuss their situation.

  • Understand How the VA Rates PTSD Disabilities for a Better Rating

    Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a debilitating mental health disorder that is unfortunately common in military veterans, negatively affecting their lives.

    VA PTSD disability ratings are essential for getting the financial assistance that is so critical to sufferers of this condition.

    Yet going through the VA PTSD disability claims process can be troublesome for many.

    These tips from VA PTSD disability claims experts can help veterans understand the process better so they might get through it more easily and with greater success. 

    PTSD Ratings Are On A Percentage Basis

    Firstly, VA PTSD disability ratings are made on a percentage basis like other disability ratings, but the scale is somewhat different.

    In standard VA disability ratings, the degree of disability is rated from 0% to 100% in 10% increments.

    VA PTSD disability claims are rated at 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%.

    Among these ratings, 30% is considered mild and treatable with medication and therapy, 50% is more significant with some effect on work and daily life, 70% means a veteran’s PTSD causes significant difficulty in their work and personal life, and 100% suggests the veteran is not able to function normally due to their PTSD. 

    Benefits Awarded Based on Disability Rating

    Like all other VA claims, benefits are awarded based on the disability rating the veteran receives after their claim is reviewed and their C&P exam is complete.

    When ratings are low or the veteran believes it should be higher, they can appeal the decision and seek a new rating.

    Many times, low ratings happen when veterans attempt to downplay their symptoms or the true severity of their occupational and social impairment.

    As difficult as it might be, VA PTSD disability claims experts stress the importance of veterans being honest about their symptoms and how significantly they are affected by their PTSD. 

    How Is A Denial Appealed?

    When a veteran receives a denial letter or a low rating for their VA PTSD disability claim and an appeal is necessary, it is important to gather supporting evidence to help to illustrate the level of impairment being experienced.

    Veterans should consider seeking help from a VA PTSD disability claims expert who can help them prepare their claim and include evidence such as buddy statements, occupational statements from work, full medical history and records, and any other related evidence. 

    Seek Help Handling PTSD Disability Claims

    PTSD is a terrible condition that many veterans combat every day. VA PTSD disability benefits are available to those who receive disability ratings based on their degree of impairment.

    Veterans receiving denial letters or who feel as though their rating is too low should seek the assistance of an experienced VA PTSD disability claims expert who can help them appeal the decision and seek a more appropriate benefits rating.

  • Top 3 Factors for Planning an Effective Correctional Screening Process

    Accurate and effective screening at correctional facilities requires more than just up-to-date, advanced detection technology for corrections.

    It requires good planning to be able to put that detection technology for law enforcement to its best use.

    A good screening process actually begins long before the acquisition of detection technology for corrections and involves these three important steps.

    1. Funds Allocation for Detection Technology – Before working on planning or setup, corrections facilities must first generate the funds necessary to allocate toward the purchase of detection technology for law enforcement. The process used as well as the place and way that equipment is set up within the facility will depend on which technology is acquired. Facilities that may not have the budget for more advanced scanners and technology should consider whether a Justice Assistance Grant can help them access the best units for their facility based on need, rather than simply what can be afforded without additional funds. 
    2. Screening Process Plan – Once funding for detection technology has been accounted for and the facility understands what technology they will have access to, a screening strategy can then be developed. Protocols using all available screening technology should be developed that include who must be scanned, how often they should be scanned, and how screenings for deliveries, inmate cells, and other locations must be undertaken as well. Full training on all detection technology should be provided and compliance with the screening process demanded. 
    3. Equipment Setup Within the Facility – Lastly, after creating a screening strategy and understanding which detection equipment will be available for use, the facility can then decide where it makes the most sense to set up its various detection technology for the easiest, safest, and most thorough use. Position full-body scanners at intake points as well as any other locations where inmates, staff, visitors, and delivery personnel can go in and out. Scanners at kitchen entrances can prevent inmates working there from removing weapons and scanners at delivery points and mail rooms are also important. Essentially, every location where people or things can be moved in and out should be protected with contraband detection technology for corrections. 

    Keeping corrections facilities safe requires them to not just invest in the best detection technology for law enforcement, but also to use it effectively.

    With a good security screening plan that starts with raising funds for the type and number of scanners necessary to fully service the facility and then determine the best places to set those units up, facilities can perform faster and more accurate contraband detection.

  • What Is A VA Rating Code Sheet and Why Is It So Important?

    When disabled veterans apply to the VA for a VA disability rating so they can collect benefits, they are provided with a packet of information about the VA system.

    Within it should be a veterans disability ratings code sheet, as this is an important part of the rating process.

    Sometimes veterans may receive their information packet without this critical document and if so, they should request it.

    Possessing a copy of their rating code sheet can provide important VA disability rating assistance, especially in cases where the veteran has questions about their rating or disagrees with it. 

    What Is A Va Rating Code Sheet? 

    It is a form that contains decisions made about a veteran’s disability rating when their claims are processed.

    VA rating code sheets include important information such as the VA file number for that person, their military service dates, the name of any attorneys they have on file for VA disability rating assistance, and the diagnostic codes used to assign their disability rating plus additional diagnosis-related details.

    Rating code sheets also include information about previous ratings, how current ratings were determined, records of past denied claims, compensation records, and notes on past medical examinations and when re-examinations are due. 

    A VA Rating Code Sheet Lists All Details About A Veteran’s Disability Rating

    Essentially, this form contains all the details related to a veteran’s disability rating, their claim, and why they received the rating they did, making it a very important document for a veteran to possess.

    Knowing this, if veterans do not receive their rating sheet in their information packet, it is recommended that they request one so they can review the information and ensure its accuracy.

    Veterans who have had claims denied or received veterans disability ratings that they disagree with should have a copy of their rating code sheet to see how their claim was interpreted and what problems might exist with their claim before attempting to dispute things. 

    Getting A Copy of A Veteran’s VA Disability Rating Code Sheet

    How can a veteran get a copy of their VA disability rating code sheet?

    Any veteran may get a copy of their rating code sheet by going in person to the regional VA office that they are assigned to or by mailing a written request to their VA office under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, as this is information that every veteran is entitled to have.

    After receiving their rating code sheet, veterans can then contact a VA disability rating assistance specialist if they have questions about what their sheet contains or how to best prepare to challenge a VA disability rating or a claim denial.

  • Do Veteran Service Related Disability Benefits Stop at a Certain Age?

    Introduction

    For many veterans, service-related disability benefits serve as a crucial financial support system. This brings up a pressing question for our aging veterans: do these benefits stop at a certain age? In this article, we delve into the policies surrounding Veteran Service Related Disability benefits and how age factors into them.

    Understanding VA Service-Related Disability Benefits

    Veteran Service Related Disability benefits are payments made to veterans who have disabilities, diseases, or injuries incurred or aggravated during active military service. These benefits aim to compensate for the physical and mental sacrifices made by those who have served their country. Recognizing the importance of these benefits underscores the value of seeking Veterans Service Related Disability Help if you have any concerns or issues regarding your benefits.

    The Age Factor in VA Disability Benefits

    Here’s the good news: there is no age limit for receiving VA disability benefits. They are not like some benefits that cease once a beneficiary reaches a certain age. The VA acknowledges that service-related disabilities may impact veterans throughout their entire lives, and these benefits reflect that understanding. Therefore, as long as you remain eligible, your benefits will not stop, regardless of your age.

    Changes in VA Disability Benefits Over Time

    While age does not affect the continuation of benefits, it’s important to note that the amount of benefits received can change over time. These changes are typically tied to shifts in your health status or the result of a reevaluation of your disability rating by the VA.

    Regular reevaluations ensure that your benefit amount accurately reflects your current state of health. If your condition improves, your benefits may decrease. Conversely, if your condition worsens, you might be eligible for an increased benefit amount. Therefore, staying in touch with Veterans Service Related Disability Help can be invaluable in navigating these changes and ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

    Additional Benefits for Aging Veterans

    Aging veterans may also qualify for additional benefits beyond their disability payments. These can include Aid and Attendance benefits, which provide financial assistance to those who require help with daily tasks, and the Housebound benefit for those who are largely confined to their homes due to permanent disability. Understanding and applying for these benefits can provide additional support as veterans grow older and their needs evolve.

    Importance of Staying Informed and Updated

    Staying informed about your benefits and any changes to VA policies is crucial for all veterans, especially as they age. Ensure that the VA has your up-to-date contact information so you can receive all communications regarding your benefits.

    Additionally, it’s important to promptly report any changes in your health status to the VA. Timely reporting helps ensure that your benefit amount is accurate and fair. Veterans Service Related Disability Help can guide you through this process and any other aspects of managing your benefits.

    Conclusion

    The question of whether Veteran Service Related Disability benefits stop at a certain age is a crucial one for many aging veterans. The good news is that these benefits do not cease due to age alone. However, they can change based on your health status and the outcome of routine reevaluations. In addition, aging veterans may be eligible for additional benefits based on their needs. Staying informed about these policies and promptly communicating any changes in your health status to the VA can help ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to throughout your lifetime.

  • Unseen Heroes – Understanding Service Related Disabilities

    Introduction

    In honoring the dedication and courage of our veterans, it’s crucial we recognize and understand the complex issues surrounding veterans service related disability. This commitment often comes with significant sacrifices, including physical and mental health complications.

    The Invisible Wounds of Service

    The term veterans service related disability encompasses not only physical injuries but also the unseen mental health conditions and chronic illnesses that many veterans live with every day. These invisible wounds are as real and impactful as visible ones, and understanding them is the first step toward providing effective support.

    Physical disabilities range from amputations to spinal cord injuries. Mental health conditions often include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Chronic health issues such as respiratory and heart diseases, often a result of exposure to hazardous conditions, also fall under the umbrella of service related disabilities.

    Case Studies and Personal Stories

    Narratives of veterans living with service related disabilities shed light on the reality and magnitude of their struggles. Stories of dealing with PTSD, coping with mobility limitations, or navigating healthcare for chronic conditions serve as poignant reminders of the personal impact these disabilities have.

    Understanding the Medical Aspects

    Veterans service related disability isn’t only a social issue—it’s also a critical medical concern. Timely medical diagnosis and treatment play a pivotal role in managing these disabilities. Mental healthcare is equally crucial, offering support and therapeutic strategies to veterans dealing with psychological trauma or stress disorders.

    Social Aspects of Service Related Disabilities

    Public perception can significantly impact veterans with service related disabilities. Misunderstanding often leads to stigmatization, which can create additional hurdles. The disabilities also profoundly impact families and relationships, highlighting the necessity of social support for veterans and their loved ones.

    Legal and Institutional Support

    Understanding the legal rights of veterans and the benefits available to them is an essential part of supporting those with service related disabilities. Veterans service related disability benefits provide financial aid to veterans suffering from disabilities due to their service. These benefits, known as veterans service related disability compensation, aim to offset the income loss caused by their disabilities.

    Non-governmental organizations and support groups also play a key role, offering assistance with accessing benefits, medical care, and community support.

    Ways to Support Service Members with Disabilities

    Supporting veterans dealing with service related disabilities requires a multi-faceted approach. Individuals and communities can offer support by advocating for veterans’ rights, raising awareness about their struggles, and offering meaningful employment opportunities.

    Employers and workplaces have a unique opportunity to support veterans by offering flexible work options and fostering an inclusive work environment. Continued medical and social research is also crucial to better understanding these disabilities and developing more effective treatments and support mechanisms.

    Conclusion

    Service members with disabilities are unseen heroes who deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. It’s crucial that we strive to better understand veterans service related disability and its impacts. Let’s work collectively to ensure veterans receive the assistance they need, including access to veterans service related disability compensation and benefits, quality healthcare, and supportive communities.