The VA has rolled out a three-part plan to reopen VA healthcare facilities and Regional Offices in the coming months. The three-stage plan is subject to new spikes in COVID cases and local restrictions that may delay the reopening plan, but VA is hopeful they will be able to move forward with this plan without delay. VA’s new plan has three major stages for reopening:
1) Phase 1: Within the next month VA healthcare facilities are assessing the risks of increasing operations such as clinical visits, lab tests, and admission to spinal cord injury units.
Additionally, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will increase the scheduling and conducting of virtual hearings for Veteran’s seeking disability benefits from VA. Further, the VBA will begin to formulate plans and procedures to conduct Compensation and Pension Examinations related to claims for disability benefits.
2) Phase 2: In phase 2 the VA healthcare system will expand non-emergency procedures and medical visits to hospitals and clinics. Further, all Fisher Houses will be reopened when phase 2 is implemented.
Memorial services and burials will be resumed in this stage with limited attendance and safety precautions. Lastly, VBA Regional Offices will begin to reopen in-person services to those with appointments.
3) Phase 3: In phase 3 things will return to normal routines and practices. All visitor access will be resumed, as well as all normal operations.
Gardberg and Kemmerly will be keeping an eye on VA’s reopening and keeping up to date on any changes that may be made. Our office is open for calls and online assistance and will continue to help our Veterans in any way possible. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama. If you need help with a disability claim, please call our office at 251-343-1111 or 800-332-1529 for a free consultation.