Sender: DocsUpdates-owner@docmelson.com
X-RCPT-TO: <Will@willpete.com>
Senator Snowe
Introduces Hepatitis C Legislation: S. 457
Background:
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that affects the liver. It is found in the
blood, and is transmitted through exposure to infected blood.
Veterans,
especially Vietnam-era veterans, have been proven to have rates of infection
of Hepatitis C (HCV) that are 4-5 times higher than the general public. VA
estimates that 20% of their inpatients are infected and that 10% of the
otherwise healthy Vietnam Veterans have contracted HCV.
Despite the
high percentages of veterans who were exposed to the disease during military
service, very few are able to provide direct evidence of service-connection,
leaving them without the proper treatment. And despite an increased effort at
testing, the VA has left many veterans undiagnosed.
Highlights:
Establishes a
presumption of service-connection for veterans who test Hepatitis C positive
and who:
·
Received a blood transfusion
·
Were exposed to blood
·
Underwent hemodyalisis
·
Experienced a needle-stick
accident or medical event with a needle
·
Were diagnosed with an
unexplained liver disease or who had a liver dysfunction during service
·
Served in a health-care
position of specialty
Action
Needed:
Write your
Senators, asking them to cosponsor and support S. 457 so that our nation’s
veterans can get the health care they need and the treatment they deserve.
--The symptoms frequently do not show for 20-30 years and unless the veteran
can provide direct evidence that the disease was contracted in the service,
HCV cannot be ruled service-connected. --This legislation eases the
restrictions, since any veteran who came into contact with blood, such as in a
transfusion, from combat wounds, or other medical treatments, has a greater
risk of testing positive. --Our veterans are entitled to the proper
treatment, and this legislation makes that treatment easier.
Use This
Address When Writing Your Senator:
The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
P.S. I might add
that it wasn't until recent years that they started testing for Hep C
anti-bodies in donated blood.
--
I pray that our President, our Congress, our Department of Veterans Affairs
and our Department of Defense does not forget about our veterans of this war
and takes care of these veteran's problems, be it by injury, war, illness or
compensation
as they have not done with veterans of our other wars.
Hal Cleveland,
U.S. Navy, Retired
If you have signed the below, online petitions, thank you. If not, please do
so and pass along to help restore veterans benefits:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/USFSPA/
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/HR303aid/petition.html
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/wbr1/petition.html
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/5004sod/
"When the way
comes to an end, then change - having changed, you pass through."
I.
Ching
Bruce "Doc". Melson