The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) VA Seamless Transition web site provides links to a wide range of VA benefits for returning Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Our OEF-OIF staff is here to assist recent combat veterans with their VA care. This program addresses veterans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, and certain other countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and the waters of the Persian Gulf.

Service must be since September 11, 2001 and have occurred in one of the above combat zones. These veterans are considered priority patients, and access to care is emphasized. Our staff can assist in the following ways:

• Completing a one-time post-deployment health risk assessment
• Help with issues related to deployment injuries or illnesses
• Help navigate the VA system.
• Perform courtesy visits with OEF-OIF inpatients admitted to CAVHS.
• Provide outreach activities to military units throughout Arkansas.

Polytrauma patients and patients with traumatic brain injuries are of special concern.

We can also refer OEF-OIF veterans to VA Regional Offices regarding compensation and pension claims, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits.

OEF-OIF PROGRAM STAFF:

PROGRAM MANAGER:
Dr. Tom Patterson, LCSW     (501) 257-6706
Office 1A130 (Red Atrium)

PATIENT TRANSITION ADVOCATE:
Leotis Nichols                        (501) 257-5414
Office 1A129 (Red Atrium)