Program Takes Mystery out of Understanding Presumptive Conditions

In the weeks ahead, you will be learning more about a new NDVS initiative, Veterans Healthcare Champion. This new public awareness campaign is designed to educate veterans and health care providers in Nevada about presumptive conditions.

Many may not be aware that service in the U.S. military could result in exposure to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards that could impact one’s health. A presumed condition is an illness, disease or condition the VA recognizes as being directly related to U.S. military service. The list of presumptive conditions is long. So are the potential exposures. But a new VA mobile app makes it easy to understand and evaluate one’s exposure risk and potential health impacts. The app is a tool for both veterans and healthcare providers.

The app is called, VA Health Exposure Ed. Possible exposures include burn pits, contaminated water, asbestos, agent orange and more. The VA cautions the app is “not a substitute for clinical judgement,” but it allows a user to search for exposures in three different ways: exposure by name, by date and location of military service and by specific military conflict. It also assists in providing information about VA programs and benefits available to veterans facing health conditions or risks due to exposure or potential exposure to identified hazards.

To obtain the app, go to your mobile phone app store, search VA Health Exposure Ed and simply download.