WINTER 2023 Gateway Veteran
Veteran Lives Whole Health, loses 60+ lbs! pg. 10 Spread the word! VA St. Louis is hiring! pg. 17 How Recreational Therapy & Winter Sports Saved a Veteran’s Life pg. 5
Message From the Director Dear Veterans,
It’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of 2023 already! This year has been very busy as we’ve focused on making sure we’re providing the best healthcare and customer service experience possible at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. During my first year as CEO and Medical Center Director, we’ve accomplished a lot, including earning a perfect 5-star rating for our Community Living Center, as well as scoring 4 out of 5 stars on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service Hospital Quality Star Rating.
Candace Ifabiyi, MHA, MSBA, PMP Medical Center Director
We have and will continue to work diligently on improving patient satisfaction, which led to our Veteran Outpatient Trust scores to consistently be rated over 90% —a great indication that Veterans
like the VA and trust us as their healthcare provider. We’ve also created a few new programs, including: -
Establishing a canine therapy program to accelerate therapy and recovery for Spinal cord Injury patients. - Implementing a Telemed-Emergency Care program, which has improved both customer satisfaction and patient access to critical services. - Offering Theranostics as a prostrate treatment, a new resource for cancer therapy. VA St. Louis is one of few hospitals in the city of St. Louis offering this treatment. - VA Patient Advocates are visiting patients on inpatient units to discuss patient satisfaction and experiences before patients are discharged. Additionally, we’re incredibly proud of our Echo lab becoming one of only three accredited Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Echo Labs in the entire VA. This is fantastic news for our cardiac patients. Finally, for an unprecedented third time, we were honored to host the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which showcased the talents of 109 veterans from 54 VA facilities. As you can tell, we’re proud of our successes throughout 2023, but we’re not stopping there. I’d like to take this moment to thank you for choosing VA St. Louis and for trusting us with your healthcare. If it’s been a while since we’ve seen you, we’d love to invite you back. We’re here for you! We wish you a safe and happy holiday season and thank you for your service to our nation.
2 2
3
In this issue 6 How Recreational Therapy & Winter Sports Saved a Vet’s Life - U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Hector Hernandez Rivera didn’t start recreational therapy at VA St. Louis Health Care System in 2016 to be a model for others. Instead, he was on the edge of “quitting life.” 8 Why Choose VA? - VA St. Louis Health Care System helps you count the reasons! 10 Behind the Scenes at VA St. Louis Healthcare System - Meet U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Cook Foreman Rico Taylor. 12 My Life Changing Story - VA St. Louis offers Whole Health programs that helped U.S. Air Force Veteran Gilberto Pinela lose over 60 pounds. 15 Catastrophically Disabled Veterans Benefit - Few may be aware of this important benefit available to Veterans whether currently enrolled--or not enrolled--in VA Health Care! 17 VA St. Louis Health Care System is Hiring - Spread the word! The Gateway Veteran is produced quarterly for Veterans enrolled in VA St. Louis Health Care System. We welcome your comments, questions, and article suggestions. Please email our Public Affairs office at STLPAO@va.gov . Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VAStlouis Cover photo and pages 5-6 courtesy: Austin Colbert/Aspentimes.com.
All other photos and graphics produced locally or through royalty free sources.
4
WOMEN WARRIORS BABY SHOWER EVENT AT JEFFERSON BARRACKS! 44 Veteran new moms and moms-to-be recently participated in a Drive Up Women Warriors Baby Shower at Jefferson Barracks. Each mom received one oversized item (stroller, pack n’ play, car seat, high chair, or bassinet), one month’s supply of baby wipes and diapers, a diaper bag filled with baby essentials, and many other valuable items. We thank our sponsors, St. Louis Cardinals, Bayer Company, First Nation Group, H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, and all our incredible volunteers for making our VA St. Louis Women Warrior Baby Shower a success! If you or your group would like to donate for a future event, please email our CDCE/Voluntary Service office: VHASTLVolunteer@va.gov
VA offers Women Veterans a wide range of reproductive health care services in a welcoming environment where you are respected. We hope you’ll consider VA St. Louis for your health care needs. For questions or to access women’s health services, speak with your VA St. Louis Health Care System primary care provider. You can also Call/Text the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636 .
5
How Recreational Therapy and Winter Sports Saved a Veteran’s Life
When he left the service in 2014 after four tours in Iraq, where he suffered three traumatic brain injuries, Hernandez Rivera struggled with his mental health, as well as a speech impediment, balance, and hearing issues. He turned to alcohol, feeling defeated and alone. He was in a rough place in 2016 when, on the advice of his primary care doctor, he first met with John Schmeink, a VA recreational therapist at Jefferson Barracks. Recreational therapy, his doctor explained, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Hector Hernandez Rivera, who served 14 years in uniform, didn’t start recreational therapy at VA St. Louis Health Care System in 2016 to be a model for others. Instead, he was on the edge of “quitting life.”
was a program designed to help Veterans with, among other things, traumatic brain injuries. “When I first met John,” said Hernandez Rivera, “he didn’t know I was already set. That I was going to end it, just be gone. But he had this genuine energy to willingly help and care. I remember he asked, ‘Do you ski?’ Hernandez Rivera chuckled, adding he was Hispanic and born in Puerto Rico (not exactly known for snowfall). Still, he was willing to give it a try. Schmeink told Hernandez Rivera that he believed he’d be a good candidate for the
National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (WSC) in Snowmass, Colo., where each year, Veterans with disabilities learn adaptive sports, including Alpine and Nordic skiing, sled hockey, and rock climbing. But competition was fierce, and each Veteran had to be selected. The clock was ticking, and the WSC applications were due that day. Hernandez Rivera explained that Schmeink went above and beyond to get his application accepted to the program, even chasing down his doctors to do a last-minute physical. He also enrolled Hernandez Rivera at Hidden Valley Ski Resort in nearby Wildwood to learn the basics. “John kept unknowingly postponing my plans,” Hernandez Rivera said, “Winter sports clinic was going to be the last straw if I wasn’t accepted, but then I got in. And I’m so grateful and blessed to know he did that for me. Everything in my whole life changed. ” Due to his balance issues, Hernandez Rivera found learning to ski challenging. “If I closed my eyes, I would fall. But it’s just getting out there, getting a little education, and just the environment -- everybody else helping, helping us out.” He attributes the positive attitude of Lyle, his ski instructor, for teaching him the basics and preparing him for Colorado. “The floor became my friend the first day. But it was fun learning something new. And then you get all excited. This was fun! It was almost like winning some tournament -- that kind of feeling.” Most of all, the encouragement Schmeink and the instructors at Snowmass provided pushed him to excel during his first National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in 2016 and throughout multiple winter clinics.
6
He realized he was around Veterans who were going through the same things he was going through, coming out of that dark place and no longer planning to end it all. Seven years later, that feeling of hope and a desire to help others continues. “Even back to when we first met in 2016, I saw a spark in Hector,” said Schmeink. “Hector is tenacious. Any challenge I’ve ever put in front of him, he’s tackled with open eyes, open arms, and open mindset.”
Hernandez Rivera said he hopes to give back for all the VA has done for him and one day be an adaptive ski instructor for the WSC. Until then, he volunteers in St. Louis, helping disabled kids and Veterans learn to ski. “It’s been so rewarding, and it’s become my mission. I’ve got to help these guys out,” he said. “In return, it’s therapeutic to me as well, just knowing you’re making a difference not only in your own life.” While helping him overcome disabilities, skiing has also helped create a new relationship with his family. “My daughter is picking up skiing so fast
and going downhill, and she’s like, ‘I can’t wait to go again! I can’t wait to go again!’ And my wife went skiing, too.” he said. “It was so much fun to see them ski and for us to go downhill at Snowmass as a family.” Hernandez Rivera said attending the WSC the first or second time may be intimidating. Still, his advice to Veterans is to give it a chance, listen, and be open to trying new things. “Hector epitomizes what the WSC is about,” said Teresa Parks, Director of the National Disabled Veteran Winter Sports Clinic. “Hector prepares, comes ready to challenge himself and others to meet the challenges of the Winter Sports Clinic head-on. Hector has never met a stranger; he embraces every opportunity to be a mentor to others and encourages everyone around him to embrace the opportunity. His positive attitude is infectious to all those around him.” On March 31st, 2023, during the WSC closing ceremonies, Hernandez Rivera found himself center stage accepting the Linnie Howard Spirit Award. Voted on by Veterans and staff, the Spirit Award is presented to the participant who embodies the true spirit of the WSC: Challenging oneself, being a good mentor/role model, and making the most of every opportunity. “This award is very meaningful, said Hernandez Rivera, “not only for me but something I could bring back to St. Louis to encourage other Veterans and recognize what rec therapy has done for me.” Back home in Saint Louis, while many dread winter, Hernandez Rivera is looking forward to hitting the slopes and helping Veterans learn to ski. His mission is now evident. “When I first came to rec therapy in 2016, my first thought was, ‘man, this is weak. I could go do this sports or whatever.” said Hernandez Rivera, “But now, after all it’s done to change my life, I respect it and try to help other Veterans get more involved in activities.” Hernandez Rivera paused momentarily, gathering himself, and his voice filled with appreciation for those who helped him over the years. “John planted the seed to save my life, and he didn’t even realize it. And then, the winter sports clinic saved my life because I turned around right after that. I was not alone anymore.”
If you’re a Veteran interested in learning more about all that VA St. Louis HCS Recreational Therapy has to offer, contact your Primary Care Team and ask for a “RT referral” to get started!
7
Why Choose VA? VA St. Louis Health Care System helps you count the reasons
As the nation’s largest health care system supporting more than 9 million patients, VA focuses on continuous improvement — always looking for ways to improve the quality of care that Veterans receive. To date, 70,000+ area Veterans receive care across the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks Divisions and eight outpatient health clinic locations. (https://www.va.gov/st- louis-health-care/locations/ ) 3500+ healthcare professionals and support staff work at these locations. “VA quality of care is among the best in the nation,” said Candace Ifabiyi, VA St. Louis Health Care System Medical Center Director. “Recent studies have shown that VA health care is as good as, or better than, non-VA care. We encourage all eligible area Veterans to Choose VA and make VA St. Louis Health Care System their choice for all their healthcare needs.” Medicare’s latest nationwide survey of patients appears in agreement with the peer- reviewed studies. Their results show that VA’s hospitals outperformed others on all 10 core-patient satisfaction numbers, including hospital rating, communication with doctors, about medication, and willingness to recommend the hospital. Finally, this year for the first time ever, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services included VA facilities in its annual Overall Star Ratings. VA St. Louis Health Care System earned a 4 out of 5 star rating, a remarkable achievement!
8
VA QUALITY OF CARE “VA’s public servants are here for Veterans anytime, anyplace. Our goal at VA is to deliver world-class care to VA's public servants are here for Veterans anytime, anyplace. Our goal at VA is to deliver world-class care to every Veteran, every time, and we will never settle for anything less." -The Honorable Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veteran Affairs every Veteran, every time, and we will never settle for anything less.” – The Honorable Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs
What’s Special About VA Care: • Comprehensive medical benefits package (preventive, primary, and specialty care) • Cost-free health care for most Veterans. (Some Veterans must pay modest copays for health care or prescriptions) . • Women Veterans can receive primary care, breast and cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, maternity care coverage, and other gender-specific services. • Community-based Vet Centers, for no-cost counseling, outreach, and referral services (for eligible Veterans and family members) . • Digital tools for convenient access to health care information. What's Special about VA Care: • Comprehensive medical benefits package (preventive, primary, and specialty care) • Cost-free health care for most Veterans. (Some Veterans must pay modest copays for health care or prescriptions). • Women Veterans can receive primary care, breast and cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, maternity care coverage, and other gender- specific services. • Community-based Vet Centers, for no-cost counseling, outreach, and referral services (for eligible Veterans and family members). • Digital tools for convenient access to health care information.
11 RECENT STUDIES IDENTIFIED VA SURGICAL CARE AS “BETTER” OR “COMPARABLE” TO NON-VA CARE 67% OF VA FACILITIES THAT RECEIVED A CMS STAR RATING RECEIVED EITHER 4 OR 5 STARS
10/10 VA HOSPITALS OUTPERFORMED NON-VA HOSPITALS ON ALL 10 CORE PATIENT SATISFACTION METRICS IN CMS’S HOSPITAL CONSUMER ASSESSMENT OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND SYSTEMS SURVEY
9 MILLION ENROLLED VETERANS
400,000+ VA HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS & SUPPORT STAFF
15 RECENT STUDIES IDENTIFIED VA NON-SURGICAL CARE AS “BETTER” THAN NON-VA CARE
1,800% INCREASE IN TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
4.4 MILLION VETERANS FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 BY VA
Where Is VA Quality of Care Better? A recent systematic review of studies indicated that VA care is better or comparable to non-VA care in many areas including: Where Is VA Quality of Care Better? A recent systematic review of studies indicated that VA care is better or comparable to non-VA care in many areas including: • Survival rates following ER visits non-surgical care) • Surgical patient safety indicators, mortality 2020 (surgical care) • Hospital patient safety indicators (non-surgical care) • Survival and readmission rates (non-surgical care) for severe lung diseases, such as COPD • Medication treatment for patients with mental disorders (non-surgical care) • Survival rates following ER visits (non-surgical care) • Surgical patient safety indicators, mortality 2020 (surgical care) • Hospital patient safety indicators (non- surgical care) • Survival and readmission rates (non-surgical care) for severe lung diseases, such as COPD • Medication treatment for patients with mental disorders (non-surgical care)
Learn More Visit accesstocare.va.gov to learn more about VA’s commitment to quality health care for Veterans. Learn more: https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/
U.S. Department of Veterans A airs
Veterans Health Administration
“You know,” said Fredrico “Rico” Taylor, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Cook Foreman at VA St. Louis Health Care System, “I think we should start this interview off with an ‘Oorah’.” The U.S. Army “Hoorah” and the U.S. Marine Corps “Oorah” are two spirited phrases you would likely hear at any Taylor family gathering. However, the “Oorah” is new in that Taylor broke with family tradition and enlisted into the Marine Corps. Behind the Scenes at VA St. Louis Health Care System Meet Rico Taylor, Cook Foreman
“I was an Army Brat growing up,” said Taylor. “My Dad was active duty, and four of my mom’s brothers were also in the Army. But when I joined the military to provide stability for my family, I had to break the mold and become a Marine.” There was another tradition in the family, and that was cooking. Not only were his father and an uncle Army cooks, but all of his family liked to cook when possible. It seemed a natural fit for him to choose for his tour in the Marines and a job that would easily transition from the military to the civilian sector. After multiple assignments, including duty in California at Marine Corps Air Ground Command Center 29 Palms with the 1st Tank Battalion, Hospitality & Support Company, and additional training on deployment as a main gunner in an M60 tank, Taylor was at a crossroads in 2002 and decided not to re-enlist.
For two years after leaving the military, Taylor was the assistant director in food nutrition for a healthcare system in Georgia when his father became ill, and he needed to move home to Saint Louis. While not originally from the area, many of his family had settled here. “When my dad became sick, I had to make a choice, you know, do I stay where I am, or do I bring my family home and help with dad?” Taylor found work in St. Louis and, over the next 15 years, gained food service knowledge and experience until another crossroads in his life when his wife told him about an open cook position at VA St. Louis Health Care System. “At first, I wasn’t so sure since I’d be taking a pay cut,” said Taylor. “I was making decent money and even getting a bonus, but I also didn’t want to be running restaurants when I was older.” So, he applied for the job. While he had applied for federal positions before he never received a call back. But this time, he received a call for an interview.
10
“I’m not the person to try to blow an interview, so here I am 10 years later,” he said. “I started out in the food bank and over the years have moved up to where I am now in the office running the program as Cook Foreman.” With no on-site kitchen at John Cochran, the Jefferson Barracks kitchen provides everything John Cochran needs for Veteran inpatients. Whether cooked or chilled, food supplements, canned goods, dry stock, or frozen items, it gets shipped daily to John Cochran. Between the two facilities, Jefferson Barracks staff of 15 prepares an average of 2,100 meals a week, which includes those for inpatients, late additions, and John Cochran emergency room needs.
Taylor spoke about how his team had worked through reconstruction, being short-staffed during COVID, and how they’d always moved forward. His go-to teammate is Head Cook and U.S. Army Veteran Larry Jackson. Light-hearted Hooah and Oorah rivalry happens often. “Ten years ago, I took this young, fresh Marine under my wing and properly trained him in the Army way.” Jackson said with a grin. “But seriously, we’re a team and keep the flow going in the kitchen and ensure our Veterans receive the quality food that they need and deserve.”
Taylor agreed. “Larry had been on leave when I started here, and I remember going home the first two weeks frustrated, and I’d say, ‘This job could not be that hard. I’ve managed restaurants!’ “And then he returned and said, ‘My name’s Larry. Forget everything you learned over the last few weeks.’ Taylor gestured to the kitchen behind them. “And here we are, ten years later.” When not leading his team, Taylor enjoys downtime perfecting his cooking and baking skills, weekend trips, and especially spending time with his wife, Simone. “Providing for our Veterans is the most satisfying part of my job,” Taylor said. “It’s why I chose to come to the VA, and my way of giving back to the Veterans that paved the way for me to even go in the military.” Semper Fi, Marine. Cook Foreman Fredrico “Rico” Taylor (left) and Head Cook Larry Jackson.
11
My Life-Changing Story - U.S. Air Force Veteran Gilberto Pinela lives Whole Health at VA St. Louis Health Care System, loses 60+ lbs As I approached my sixties, I began to lose hope of losing weight, wearing sizes I wore in my forties, having the energy and stamina I desired to continue an active life, and keeping an exercise routine to match my health goals. Then came the pandemic, and everything went downhill. My exercise routine stopped, my ankle injury flared up, and I gained an unprecedented amount of weight that I could no longer control when I turned 59. In early 2023, with very little hope but a strong desire to not start my next decade of living in an unhealthy state, seeing a future filled with meds to deal with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other weight-related issues, I joined a gym. I started doing my best to return to a healthy weight, mind, and outlook. After months of trying, I turned the big SIX 0 and had no luck - I was 60 Lbs overweight, frustrated, depressed, and hopeless. Frustrated and depressed with no energy, I asked my VA Whole Health coach, Raymond, to help me find programs to alleviate the pain in my ankle.One of the recommendations was to do Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) with Dr. Monu Khanna. During my visits with Dr. Khanna for BFA, we began discussing the Metabolic Health program that Whole Health at VA St. Louis offers to help improve one’s health. Following Dr. Khanna’s advice, I did a blood test to find out how my internal systems were working with the extra weight - the moment of truth happened when the results came back showing I was entering the pre-diabetes stage, my body was inflamed, and some of my organs were working overtime to keep up. I remember the feeling of dread and desperation, especially knowing that if I did not do something radical, I would soon be incapable of having the active/healthy life I desired in my sixties. Under Dr. Khanna’s guidance, I started focusing on my metabolic health and have been on a low-carb/no-carb weight management program through Whole Health. I changed my eating habits, eating a heavy protein breakfast, drinking black coffee, water with plant-based electrolytes, and nothing else during work. I will not eat solid food again until around 7:00 p.m. when I enjoy another round of protein, no-carb veggies, and water.
12
Believe it or not, I started the program on Memorial Day and lost over 55 lbs. by Labor Day! Today, I continue to lose weight, my cravings have disappeared, I am beginning to be active again, and I look forward to having a med-free life for as long as I possibly can.
One last thing - the first three days of what I consider
to be the “water bridge” are hard. Your body is in withdrawal, craving sugar, carbs, and more carbs - but the moment you break the wall, you discover your desire to eat is not coming from the stomach but from your brain. I strongly recommend seeking guidance from Dr. Khanna, her nurse Monica, and the Whole Health team if you are depressed, desperate, or hopeless about losing weight - believe me, the results are long-term, and your life will change for the better in no time!
Gilberto Pinela, MA U.S. Air Force Veteran
From Dr. Monu Khanna: Nutrition is unique to each individual, and sometimes, understanding the why before the how is what makes the difference in one’s health trajectory. To learn more about the Whole Health for Metabolic Health class, contact your primary care provider and discuss if that will be a good option for you. For more info on Battlefield Acupuncture, Whole Health Coaches, and all the Whole Health offerings at John Cochran, Jefferson Barracks, and VA Clinics, contact the Whole Health Team at 314-289-6583 .
13
O
B E C A U S E A F A M I L Y'S L O V E I S G O O D M E D I C I N E
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
There is No Fee for families staying at the Fisher House and they may stay as long as their Veteran or military member is hospitalized. The house is 16,000 square feet designed with 20 guest suites to accommodate up to 40 guests per day. Each room is professionally decorated and beautifully furnished. In addition to private bedrooms and bathrooms, the house includes: - A common kitchen - Spacious common dining room - An inviting family room and living room - A common laundry facility - Telephone, TV/DVD player and computer access in room.
Referrals to the Fisher House must be made in advance by the clinical team assigned to the Veteran. For referral information, contact Social Work Service at (314) 289-6391. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. For more information, contact the Fisher House staff at (314) 894-6145
Eligibility/Guidelines
- Guest must have a consult to be eligible to lodge at the Fisher House - Guests must be medically stable to care for themselves and/or family members independently. - Guests must live 50 miles or more from the Fisher House. - Minor children must be supervised by their families at all times. - One room assigned to the Veteran's family. - Veterans must be registered with the Veterans Health Administration. - Veterans must be accompanied by family or caregiver to be eligible for lodging. Veterans cannot lodge at the FH alone.
14
Catastrophically Disabled Veterans Benefit Few Veterans may be aware of this important VA health care benefit they can access regardless of their current enrollment status. Veterans are considered to be catastrophically disabled if they have a permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises their ability to carry out activities of daily living to such a degree that the individual requires: • Personal or mechanical assistance to leave the home or bed, or; • Constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others. Veterans, whose medical conditions involve permanent severely disabling injuries, are encouraged to undergo a Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Evaluation . Some evaluations may involve only a pertinent medical records review while others a physical examination. But the process all starts with a request by the Veteran or their caregiver/representative to the Catastrophic Disabled Veteran Enrollment Coordinator. Veterans determined to be catastrophically disabled are placed in priority group 4, unless qualified to be enrolled in a higher priority group (such as priority groups 1-3). The benefit to Veterans found to be catastrophically disabled is that they no longer have copays for medical treatment, prescription medication, outpatient extended care, respite care, adult day care, etc.
“A friend’s father had been told he did not qualify for VA benefits. He has since developed dementia, is homebound, only gets around in a wheelchair, and is cared for by his wife, who is 80 years old. I told my friend that his father should qualify under the catastrophic category. This was the first they had heard of this. The Veteran came in for evaluation and qualified, and now he and his wife are getting the care and support he deserves. He is seen by Home Based Primary Care; he has an aide that comes in several hours a week and qualifies for one day of daycare, which is a welcome relief for his wife.”
15
Veterans who are currently enrolled in VA St. Louis Health Care System and have an assigned VA Primary Care Provider can start the process by contacting their provider through MyHealtheVet and requesting a Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Evaluation, or they can call the Enrollment Coordinator, Mr. Darrell Hollway, at 314-652-4100, ext. 54165. If you know a Veteran who may benefit from this program and is not enrolled in VA health care let them know about this program and that they or their caregiver/representative should request a Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Evaluation by calling the Enrollment Coordinator their nearest VA hospital. This is especially important if the Veteran’s enrollment was deferred in VA’s health care system due to an existing administrative enrollment restriction, such as Priority Group 8e or 8g. For more information about priority groups, go here: VA Priority Groups | Veterans Affairs It is VHA policy to provide, upon request, a Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Evaluation within 30 days of such request. There is no charge for this evaluation.
Each VA medical center has a Catastrophically Disabled Veteran enrollment coordinator. If the VA St. Louis Health Care System is not your nearest site, call 1-877-222-8387 or visit www.va.gov/find-locations to find the location of the closest VA facility.
16
Link
Link
Quick Tip: From VA Careers main page, enter St. Louis, MO and click on Search USAJOBS to see all VA St. Louis openings!
Join us here at VA St. Louis Healthcare System! Full and Part-time jobs are available. Explore the VA Careers website to learn more!
17
For Nurse Hiring Event: Enter on Bell Street!
18
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker