The national organization (MOAA) is a non-partisan advocate on military personnel matters, especially proposed legislation affecting the career force, the retired community and veterans of the uniformed services.
National MOAA areas of emphasis can be found at http://www.moaa.org/takeaction/
You may be eligible for newly enacted service-connected benefits.
Over the course of the last six months, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun processing service-connected disability claims for six new presumptive conditions related to environmental exposures during military service. We request your help in making more Veterans aware of these newly added presumptive conditions to help them file a claim and obtain any earned benefits.
In May 2021, VA started implementing provisions of the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA), adding bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism to the list of medical conditions presumptively associated with exposure to Agent Orange. A few months later VA added asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis (to include rhinosinusitis) on a presumptive basis based on particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas.
Any Veteran who was previously denied service-connection for any of these six conditions but had symptoms manifest within 10 years of military service would need to file a supplemental claim. Be sure to use VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim when filing. The claim form should include the name of the condition and specify that the condition is being claimed due to in-service exposure to environmental hazards.
VA is committed to assisting Veterans who may have been exposed to hazardous materials during their military service.
Be sure to stay plugged in to www.va.gov for the most recent developments around environmental exposures during military service, as VA is constantly conducting research and surveillance as well as reviewing scientific literature for conditions that may be related to exposure during military service.
For more information about VA benefits and eligibility, or how to file a claim, Veterans and survivors can visit VA’s website at www.va.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.
National MOAA has many benefits that the local chapters cannot provide, and is very active as the voice of military members before the members of Congress.
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Greetings Veterans,
VA is the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress. VA has a National Center for PTSD and there are abundant resources available on the website. By visiting this site, you can learn more about PTSD and available treatment options, as well as locate VA care centers near you.
VA also created “PTSD Coach,” an app that provides tools and resources to help you learn about and manage PTSD symptoms. Additionally, VA has developed this helpful guide you can share with families and friends to help them understand PTSD and how they can support you.
Letting others know how you feel and asking for support can be extremely helpful. We encourage you to access information regarding mental health care and resources here. allows this site, you can explore mental health resources by topic and locate VA and community resources near you. Additional assistance can also be found at this website, Don't wait. Reach out.
If you are experiencing a crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is available by dialing 1-800-273-8255, (Veterans press 1). The crisis line is staffed around the clock by a caring, qualified responders, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We care about you and encourage you to use these resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out to VA with any assistance you might need for a safe and joyful holiday season!
If you know a Veteran who is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
Roseburg VA Health Care System913 NW Garden Valley Blvd
Roseburg, OR 97471
(541) 440-1000
December 20, 2021
2022-011
PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Roseburg VA Expands Offering of COVID-19 Booster Shots - Dec 20, 2021 Update
ROSEBURG, OR – The safety and care of Veterans and our workforce are VA’s top priorities. As of October 26, 2021, Roseburg VA Health Care System (RVAHCS) has been offering Veterans, employees and SAVE LIVES Act recipients the Moderna vaccine booster shots.
“Vaccines remain the best way of protecting Veterans, staff and the RVAHCS community against COVID-19,” said Keith Allen, Medical Center Director. “During the holidays, the expanded Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations regarding booster shots allow us to better protect those at higher risk, as well as our community at large.”
CDC recommends a booster for individuals who are 18 years and older and are at least 6 months from their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 2 months from their single dose J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
Adolescents aged 16-17 years may receive a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completion of the primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Individuals who are 18 years and older may receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose and should check their vaccination site ahead of time if they have a preference of vaccine. Individuals younger than 18 years old should only get the Pfizer-BioNTech as a booster.
While the initial series of vaccines remain highly effective in reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, or death among those infected, the purpose of this booster shot is to “boost” antibody protection when it has decreased over time.
VA is also offering the booster to spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES Act, as supply and capacity permits. The SAVE LIVES Act authorizes VA to offer vaccine to Veterans not traditionally eligible for VHA care, and others including spouses and caregivers of Veterans.
Veterans who received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of VA will need to contact the Primary Care Clinic at 541-440-1000. Those who received a vaccine under authority of the SAVE LIVES Act and want a booster shot may do so in VA if supply permits and should consult with their physician if they have questions about whether they should receive a booster. Contact the RVAHCS Call Center at 541-440-1000 for an appointment or information about walk-in hours.
CDC advises that it is safe for people to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time. Veterans receiving care at VA who wish to get a booster shot can get both shots together during the same visit.
Visit VA’s Questions webpage for questions and answers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Emerald Empire MOAA of Eugene
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