VA Obesity Initiative Update 03: Just Released | New Overweight/Obesity Guidelines

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VA Obesity Initiative Update 03: Just Released | New Overweight/Obesity Guidelines

Forty-one percent of Veterans receiving care from VA have obesity. There’s a brand new eight-page booklet right here that can help bring that number down. The Management of Adult Overweight and Obesity booklet at https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Guidelines-Cover_r1.jpg   provides clear and comprehensive evidence-based recommendations. The updated guidelines booklet describe the critical decision points. It provides clear and comprehensive evidence-based recommendations to inform weight management practices throughout the DoD and VA Health Care systems.

This is not about trying to fit into your old uniform. This is about your health. There are important health benefits that result from weight loss. These include improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol,

the risk of developing diabetes and other chronic conditions, and even overall quality of life.   The new guidelines answer your questions.

  • What is consider overweight?
  • What is obesity? (Having a weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for a given height is described as overweight or obesity.)
  • What should you ask your health care team?
  • What is Body Mass Index? (There’s a great chart in the guidelines.)
  • What should be my weight loss goal? (For many people with overweight or obesity, an initial goal is to lose just 5% of their body weight.)
  • What is a Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention? (Comprehensive lifestyle interventions are programs that combine changes to habits and behaviors as well as dietary intake, and physical activity, with support from a health coach or other member of a health care team.) Overweight and obesity are terms that describe different degrees of carrying extra fatty tissue – or body fat – above an ideal weight. Healthy eating is an important part of weight loss. Weight loss is achieved when you take in less energy (fewer calories) than your body needs to maintain your current weight, especially if you also increase your level of regular physical activity. A comprehensive lifestyle intervention (such as VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program) is an essential aspect of any effective overweight or obesity treatment program. These programs help you to identify and make lasting changes in diet, physical 23 activity and other behaviors, like regular weighing, to help you stay on track. VA’s MOVE! program can help you reach a healthy weight.

The guidelines also emphasize the value of specific medications, as well as surgical procedures for treating overweight and obesity, though these treatments should always be combined with a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. Remember when you pushed back from the table and said, “Well, next year I’m going to get in shape?” Well, this is next year. If you need some inspiration, check out these success stories from Veterans who achieved significant weight loss after participating in the MOVE! program. Some are amazing and inspiring.

[Source: Vantage Point | Hans Petersen | January 8, 2021 ++]

VA Appeals Update 39: What to Expect During a Board of Veterans’ Appeals Hearing

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VA Appeals Update 39: What to Expect During a Board of Veterans’ Appeals Hearing

If you disagree with the initial decision VA made on your claim and decide to appeal the decision to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board), you have a few different options to choose how your appeal proceeds. But many people don’t know what to expect, which could cloud their ability to choose the best option for them. In the video at https://youtu.be/UDI3C_ytJt8 Judge Tanya Smith, a Veterans Law Judge, explains to Veterans what to expect, what to prepare, and what happens after a hearing.

As explained in the video, one option is to have a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). Hearings are entirely optional and aren’t necessary to receive a decision from the Board. (Some Veterans elect to a potentially quicker decision and, to save time, they can choose one of the other options the Board offers. Instead of a hearing, the VLJ will simply review any evidence/statements you have submitted before deciding your appeal.) If you decide you want a hearing, consider choosing a virtual tele-hearing. Virtual tele-hearings are safe and secure, and they allow you to have your hearing from the comfort of your home instead of traveling to a VA facility. Virtual tele-hearings are a great option, especially during a pandemic. They do not negatively affect your appeal, so don’t postpone your hearing and delay your decision – choose a virtual tele-hearing.

What can you expect during a Board Hearing?

  • At the start of the hearing, the judge will ask you to raise your right hand, if possible, and swear you in. The judge will ask you to take an oath, or affirm that you’ll tell the truth during the hearing.
  • During the hearing, you, your representative – if you have one, and the judge will have a conversation about the issues on appeal. These hearings are an opportunity for you to tell your 21 story, and you should be comfortable in doing so. The judge will listen to your testimony and may ask you a few questions to better understand your appeal. What should you do during the hearing?
  • Tell the judge why you think you qualify for the VA benefits in your appeal.
  • Answer any questions the judge has about your appeal.
  • Share any new evidence with the judge: You can choose to add new and relevant evidence, either at the hearing or within 90 days after the hearing. Adding evidence is optional. What happens after your hearing?
  • Please understand that the judge will not issue a decision on your appeal the moment the hearing has ended.
  • When the 90-day time period for submitting new evidence after your hearing has ended, your appeal will be placed on the docket for a decision by a judge. · You will receive your decision in the mail and your representative will also receive a copy. You can track the status of your appeal by signing in at www.VA.gov.

[Source: Vantage Point | Cheryl L. Mason | January 5, 2021 ++]