Veterans who may have been exposed to potentially hazardous toxins during their service can now access an app from the Department of Veterans Affairs that could answer questions and help them learn more about how the exposure could affect their health.
The Exposure Ed app, available on iOS devices and in the Google Play store, was originally intended for use by healthcare providers to access information on exposure-related programs and benefits offered by VA.
The app doesn't require a sign-on to download and use. The homepage of the app shows three icons: Exposures, Date/Location and Conflicts.
Tapping the red Exposures icon leads to a searchable list of 26 exposures, including: Agent Orange, burn pits, contaminated water, asbestos, depleted uranium, extreme cold or heat, fuels, lead, infectious diseases, noise, pesticides, particulate matter, radiation and vaccinations.
Tapping each exposure leads to additional information, including a description of the exposure, who may have been exposed, potential health implications and VA policies and programs. Under policies and programs is information on presumptions, how to apply for benefits, registries and other resources.
Tapping the green Date/Location icon allows users to sort exposures by location and range of years. Users cannot sort by location or date alone.
The yellow Conflicts icon lets users sort exposures by military conflict, from World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
The menu function of the app provides a searchable VA locator map, a section for taking notes and provider tips, such as questions to ask veterans, tips for communicating risk, resources and help creating a care plan.
According to the iOS App Store, the application has been available since 2014.
The terms of use for the app include a disclaimer that "data resulting from use of the (app), including data entered by veterans that becomes part of the VA System of Records, will be made available to VA authorized persons in the conduct of their official business" and "data may be used for statistical and management purposes in assessing the benefit of this software. Disclosure of data for research purposes may be provided to approved VA research investigators."
VA recently announced that veterans can now access their health records through the iPhone native Health app.
Veterans can now access health records on iPhones, VA announces