VA Announces Study of Vietnam-Era Women Veterans

VA Announces Study of Vietnam-Era Women Veterans


On November 18, Secretary, Eric K. Shinseki, announced VA's launching of a comprehensive study of women Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to explore the effects of their military service upon their mental and physical health.


For additional information regarding the study, please contact Dr. Tracey Serpi, by phone at (410) 642-2411, extension 6122, or by email at tracey.serpi@va.gov.

Special Monthly Compensation

Did you know you may be eligible for a special monthly compensation? VA broadened its coverage of special monthly compensation for women Veterans who suffered loss of breast tissue related to their military service. The benefit covers those losing 25 percent or more tissue from a single breast or from both breasts in combination. It includes loss by mastectomy or partial mastectomy, or following radiation treatment. In addition to breast tissue loss, special monthly compensation rates also apply when a Veteran experiences loss of a reproductive organ or its use. Women Veterans with service-connected breast tissue loss who are not receiving the special monthly compensation should contact VA (1-800-827-1000) to find out if they are eligible.

Click on the link for additional information on the special monthly compensation: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/smc.doc

Lioness

Lioness, a documentary that takes an intimate look at war through the eyes of U.S. military women, follows five female support soldiers who served together for a year in Iraq supporting Marine Corps units in direct ground combat. PBS will air an encore showing on June 2, 2009. Check your local listings for channel and time. http://www.lionessthefilm.com


VA Links

1. VA Women Veterans Health Care
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth/

2. 25 Most Frequently Asked Questions and Responses
http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/docs/25FAQs_web_version.pdf

3. Center for Women Veterans Fact Sheet
http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/docs/CWV_Fact_Sheet_Final_August_2008.pdf

4. Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/page.cfm?pg=67

5. Reports of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/page.cfm?pg=54

6. National Summit on Women Veteran's Issues
http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/page.cfm?pg=70

7. Statistics on Women Veterans
http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/page.cfm?pg=53

Center Mission

In November 1994, Public Law 103-446 established the Center for Women to monitor and coordinate VA's administration of health care and benefits services and programs for women Veterans. The Center serves as an advocate for a cultural transformation (both within VA and in the general public) in recognizing the service and contributions of women Veterans and women in the military, and in raising awareness of the responsibility to treat women Veterans with dignity and respect. The Director, Center for Women Veterans, acts as the primary advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters related to policies, legislation, programs, issues, and initiatives affecting women veterans.

Director, Center for Women Veterans
Irene Trowell-Harris, RN, Ed.D

Associate Director, Center for Women Veterans
Betty Moseley Brown, Ed.D.