Veteran News

August 2025, Vol. 19, Issue 8

VA to expand caregiver program for legacy Veterans

VA News – Great news for Veteran families and caregivers. The VA is extending eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) through September 2028 for certain Veterans.

This extension means legacy participants, applicants, and their caregivers will remain eligible for three more years, supporting around 15,000 caregivers with continued access to vital services, offering added stability and peace of mind.

Part of VA’s Caregiver Support Program, PCAFC supports family caregivers of eligible Veterans seriously injured in the line of duty with:

• Monthly stipends
• Education and training
• Respite care
• Mental health counseling
• Travel reimbursement
• CHAMPVA health coverage (if eligible)

To learn more about CSP, contact your local team or reach out to the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.

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AUG

Need help with travel costs for a
VA health care appointment?

VA News – If you’re eligible, VA may reimburse you for travel expenses like mileage, tolls, parking, and pre-approved meals and lodging (up to 50% of the government rate). Your caregiver may be eligible for reimbursement, too.

The Beneficiary Travel Program covers mileage and common carrier reimbursement and special mode transportation (when authorized). You may be eligible if you:

• Have a 30% or higher service-connected rating
• Are traveling for a service-connected condition
• Receive a VA pension or have income below the VA pension limit
• Are attending a compensation or pension exam
• Have vision impairment, spinal cord injury, multiple amputations, or are in a VA rehab program

The fastest and easiest way to get reimbursed is by filing a travel claim online. NOTE: Be sure to submit receipts for processing. Visit the VA’s beneficiary travel webpage to check your eligibility and submit a claim.

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Advanced Travel Notice Requirements

Due to a growing number of patients neglecting the required two-week notification for travel, we want to reiterate the importance of timely communication. This policy is essential to ensure proper coordination and to avoid service disruptions.

Failure to provide at least 14 days’ notice may result in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) declining to cover transportation costs. In such cases, patients will be responsible for:

• Coordinating and paying for their own oxygen services
• Arranging any necessary services at their end destination
• Covering all associated travel costs until VAMC coordination is reestablished

NOTE: To ensure availability and proper coordination, we strongly recommend submitting your request at least 14 days in advance, with 30 days’ notice being ideal.

This policy applies not only to outbound travel but also to return trips. Patients planning to return to the area should contact us between 14 to 30 days prior to travel to ensure their request is documented, necessary paperwork is completed, and their name is added to the appropriate branch’s route.

While we make every effort to accommodate all patients, Mid-Cities Medical cannot guarantee services for requests made with short or no notice. Early planning is key to ensuring smooth coordination and uninterrupted care.

“Freedom isn’t free. We will remember all those that have given their lives for our country. Thank you for your service.”

Fire Safety Goes Beyond “Just Smoking”

As patients using oxygen, it is crucial to remain aware of potential fire hazards. While oxygen itself is not flammable, it acts as an accelerant. This means that when combined with heat or an open flame and a fuel source such as clothing, skin, or hair, it can lead to a fire. Like gasoline on a woodpile, oxygen increases the risk of combustion, but a fire will not start unless heat, flames, or sparks are introduced.

As you move around your home and community, it’s essential to recognize heat sources that could pose a danger to you, your family, and others. Always remember that anything that generates heat, has an open flame, or produces sparks presents a fire risk for you. Stay alert for potential fire hazards such as gas or propane appliances, barbecue grills and fire pits, candles, incense burners, cooking equipment with heating elements, matches, lighters, and various tools.

Patients and caregivers often emphasize “Smoking” when considering oxygen safety, but it’s important to think beyond cigarettes and vape pens. Instead, focus on identifying heat sources by asking, “What’s hot?” “What’s dangerous?” and “What could ignite my oxygen?” Always prioritize oxygen safety by turning off your oxygen, staying at least 25 feet away from your equipment, and waiting 15 minutes before engaging with any source of fire, heat, or open flame. Your life, health, and safety should always be your top priority.

Mid-Cities Medical has partnered with local, regional and national providers to assist individuals in identifying and overcoming barriers in order to have the services and supports that meet your individual strengths, abilities, priorities, and needs.

3017 Red Hawk Drive
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052

(888) 450-6676 Toll Free (TX)

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Emergency: Call 911

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