Rex Ledford
Enrolled veterans can receive a toxic exposure screening at VA medical centers and clinics nationwide, including by phone or during virtual appointments. If you’re not enrolled but meet the eligibility requirements you can receive the screening after enrollment.
During your screening a member of your care team will have a conversation with you and ask if you believe you experienced toxic exposures during your military service. If you answer yes they may connect you to additional support and resources.
Here are some facts to know about the process:
• It’s quick. The screening is a series of questions that averages five to 10 minutes and can occur as part of one of your regular health care appointments.
• It documents a variety of exposures. There are several types of possible exposures or hazards you may have experienced during your military service. This includes open burn pits and airborne hazards, Gulf War-related exposures, Agent Orange, radiation, Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure and others.
• It helps support your long-term care plan. The purpose of the toxic exposure screening is to start a conversation with your VA health care team about any potential exposures to toxins during your military service. This allows for on-going care that supports early diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns that may arise in the future related to your exposure(s). This approach is called exposure-informed care.
• You’ll receive additional information. After your screening you will also receive information about benefits, registry exams and clinical resources to address any concerns you may have.
• You can ask about the toxic exposure screening at your next VA health care appointment. If you don’t have an upcoming appointment or want to be screened sooner, contact your local VA facility and request a screening.
• You’ll be screened at least once every five years. Even if you don’t have concerns today you may in the future. The screening helps keep your records up to date and ensures exposure concerns are part of your long-term care plan.
• You can decline. If you choose not to be screened you will have the option to decline until the following year.
• It’s not a comprehensive exam. No specific diagnostic tests or physical exams are indicated to screen for illness based solely on exposure to toxins. The screening identifies and documents potential exposures only. If there is a need it will support you in connecting with your health care team.
You can also always contact your local VA health care team through secure message or call (800) MyVA411 and press 8.
• It’s not a path to benefits. The screening does not play a role in determining disability compensation and your service connection will not be reviewed or reevaluated simply for completing the toxic exposure screening. However, veterans who report exposures will receive information on filing a claim.
• It’s not a registry evaluation. Being screened is separate from joining a VA environmental health registry. You’ll receive information about registry participation after your screening.
Things to keep in mind:
• One of the best ways to manage your health is to proactively develop a long-term health care plan with your care team. The toxic exposure screening can be an important part of that discussion.
For details about enrolling in VA health care, visit: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/ application/introduction.
For more details about the screening and toxic exposures, check out these additional resources: Military Exposures Public Health: www.VA.gov/PACT.
Rex Ledford is Veterans Service Officer for Clay County. Call 389-6301 for an appointment. Email: rledford@claync.us.