Veteran News

April 2024, Vol. 18, Issue 04

Tips for Veterans to Avoid Scams
During Tax Season

VA News – According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxpayers lose millions of dollars each year due to tax-related scams, fraudsters, and schemes, making it crucial for Veterans to stay vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent activities.

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be eligible for local property tax exemptions and understanding these benefits can help Veterans differentiate between legitimate communication from the IRS and potential scams. One crucial aspect for Veterans to remember is that VA benefits are tax-free, and there is no federal income tax on VA insurance proceeds.

The IRS has also introduced Identity Protection (IP) PINs as an extra layer of security to combat tax-related identity theft. This not only helps prevent identity theft but also provides added protection for those who have been victims of tax-related fraud in the past.

For Veterans and their families seeking further guidance on protecting themselves during tax season, there are several resources available.

[learn more]

MAR

Hearing and Vision Problems may be related to Traumatic Brain Injuries

Health.mil – According to experts from the Defense Health Agency, hearing and vision injuries may show up together as the result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Early diagnosis and treatment may lessen the impact of those injuries and if you suspect you have hearing or vision injuries as the result of a concussion, see your provider.

Visual dysfunction is common in even mild TBI patients, and several studies have found that visual dysfunctions were reported in as many as 43% of patients diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury. But not everyone who sustains a TBI will have vision dysfunction, and many visual symptoms after a TBI resolve on their own without treatment.

Those diagnosed with mild TBI may have auditory processing disorder symptoms, which include struggling to understand speech in noisy settings, recognizing spoken words, and feeling uncertain about where the words you hear are coming from. Oftentimes, TBI patients are informed they do not have hearing loss despite their perceived listening difficulties, which is why additional measures are required.

[learn more]

If you would like to download a print-version of this or previous month’s newsletter, including additional content, monthly calendar, word search, recipes, etc…

Important Emergency Preparation Steps

• Review all available safety components.
• Create and have an evacuation plan for your residence.
• Take as much oxygen and ventilation equipment with you, should you need to evacuate.
• Contact Mid-Cities Medical for emergency assistance and setup. You will need to provide us with your evacuation address and contact details.
  • Texas – 1 (888) 450-6676
  • CA & AZ – 1 (833) 986-4267

If you have any oxygen or ventilation preparation questions during these ongoing events, or need emergency assistance, please contact our offices:

VISN 17 – Texas, 1 (888) 450-6676
VISN 22 – Arizona, 1 (833) 986-4267
VISN 22 – Southern California, 1 (833) 986-4267
CalOx Inc. – 1 (866) 519-2414

“Freedom isn’t free. We will remember all those that have given their lives for our country. Thank you for your service.”

What You Need To Know

TEXAS: The VA Medical Centers throughout Texas are continuing to perform Home Inspections and Fire Safety Checks, with all hospitals having undergone their inspections by the Joint Commission. If any safety issues are found during the hospital’s inspection, the VA will be looking specifically at those items moving forward during patient home audits. The VA will also continue its ongoing monitoring and safety training for smoking patients and/or those at risk of fire events.

Severe storm season is here. Please be sure to perform a home preparation audit which includes checking for cleared exit pathway, an evacuation plan, and a meet-up place for you or those in your residence.

CALIFORNIA: Self-Fill Home Systems are being issued in the test program, with the Southern California region currently having patients included. This test program is a step forward in patient care, allowing patients to fill their tanks at home whenever they like while freeing them from waiting on deliveries. More information will be providing once the test phase concludes.

Fire and High Wind season is approaching. Please be sure to perform a home preparation audit which includes checking for cleared exit pathway, an evacuation plan, and a meet-up place for you or those in your residence.

ARIZONA: Prescott, Phoenix & Show Low: The VA Prescott and VA Phoenix transition period is ending. If you have not been transitioned, please contact our Phoenix Transition Team at 1-833-986-4267 and they can talk to you about scheduling your visit. Patients that do not respond may receive calls from the VA Medical Center or a discontinuation notice for failing to transition.

Fire and High Wind season is approaching. Please be sure to perform a home preparation audit which includes checking for cleared exit pathway, an evacuation plan, and a meet-up place for you or those in your residence.

Mid-Cities Medical has partnered with local, regional and national providers to assist individuals in identifying and overcoming barriers in order to have the services and supports that meet your individual strengths, abilities, priorities, and needs.

3017 Red Hawk Drive
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052

(888) 450-6676 Toll Free (TX)

Patient Care: 24/7/365
Emergency: Call 911

(833) 986-4267 Toll Free (AZ & CA)