California Veterans! Ask Questions Now! Do You Have Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support?

RallyPoint News — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:07:24 -0400

On October 21st, 11-12 PM PT, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits, claims, and peer-to-peer support services. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» Justin Monk - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» SGT Jim Zenner - Veteran Peer Access Network, LA County Department of Mental Health
» Rebecca Brenen - VSCM, LA VA Regional Office
» SPC Kathy Cash - Certified Peer Specialist, HUD VASH Program
» Erin O'Rourke - Operations Associate, Team Rubicon
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director Community Integration, America’s Warrior Partnership
» MSgt Adam Castillo - Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN)
» Coleton Whitaker - Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Staci H. - Senior Manager of Volunteers and Partnerships, Blue Star Families
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Natalie Souza - AVSCM, LA VA Regional Office
» Danielle Bracco - Director of Operations, ETS Sponsorship Program
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» CPL Lance Iunker - CalVet LINC, San Diego
» Pamela Redwine - Coach, Public Contact, LA Regional Office, VA

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Oct 5 at 2021 12:21 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:21:04 -0400

I've received some excellent support navigating VA benefits from our local Placer county veterans services office. Knowing that everyone's local county may have different levels of support, is there a recommended list of organizations or locations (VA & VSOs included) where veterans can go to get hands-on support navigating their benefits?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 5 at 2021 12:27 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:27:49 -0400

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Thank You for the Great Honor you have bestowed upon us here on Rally Point; by gracing us with your presence.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2021 4:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:01:28 -0400

Why does it take so long to process Veterans claims?

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 12 at 2021 6:19 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 18:19:44 -0400

Thank you!

Response by SGT Stephanie Ruble made Oct 20 at 2021 4:44 PM

SGT Stephanie Ruble — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 16:44:05 -0400

What is being done to report covid vaccinations given by the VA to the California Immunization Registry (CAIR)? Also Gov. Newsom lied when he said veterans were included in the vaccination lottery.

Response by SGT Andrew Moothart made Oct 20 at 2021 11:10 PM

SGT Andrew Moothart — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 23:10:38 -0400

Why does the VA not accept the medical research that has been done on hypertension so it can be added to the list of Agent Orange conditions. The research has been done and it’s time to approve this condition.

Response by Cpl Glenette Brooks made Oct 21 at 2021 11:35 AM

Cpl Glenette Brooks — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:35:40 -0400

I have records that I have not been able to locate ans need for my case. I am trying to get these things added to my disability and in one case corrected but every request I have sent to records turns up no records found. What is my next step?

Response by TSgt Jeff Henson made Oct 21 at 2021 11:44 AM

TSgt Jeff Henson — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:44:00 -0400

How can the VA be The National Center for PTSD, when the DAV donated $1,000,000 to Save A Warrior to create the National Center of Excellence for PTSD. See link. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2020/11/10/2123592/0/en/DAV-s-Charitable-Service-Trust-provides-a-1M-grant-to-support-veterans-suicide-prevention.html

If there were an organization that the DAV would both identify and support as the National Center of Excellence for PTSD, I would have thought that would be the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. Just as puzzling, what is the plan for the VA to acknowledge the care received @ Save A Warrior and authorize said organization as a treatment facility for veterans with Complex PTSD? It seems that Public Law Public Law 104-191, The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access To Care, And Treatment Act Of 2020 would be a logical place for Save A Warrior's program to be reviewed, a pilot created and subsequently funded. This Save A Warrior organization started right here in California and still operates here today.

DAV’s Charitable Service Trust provides a $1M grant to support veterans suicide prevention

COLD SPRING, KY., Nov. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust has awarded a $1 million grant to Save...

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Oct 21 at 2021 11:44 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:44:54 -0400

What, if anything, is being done to re-instate or correct the wrongful termination of Chapter 32 GI Bill benefits? That or relief from student loans taken as a result of Congress cancelling those benefits? I served 8 years (1976-84) and then did not get the full 10 years to use my benefits. I also have not qualified for any PSLF I applied for, even though I continued to serve government for my entire career.

Response by Kathy Neal made Oct 21 at 2021 11:46 AM

Kathy Neal — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:46:57 -0400

My husband served in the Army, and has passed away, I have been filing papers to get spousal support and have denied due to age and not in bankruptcy. what benefits can I get?

Response by PO2 Fidel Santiago made Oct 21 at 2021 11:47 AM

PO2 Fidel Santiago — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:47:00 -0400

How long does it take to process a claim? Why does it take too long to get a result/decision?

Response by Sgt Cj Osuna made Oct 21 at 2021 11:49 AM

Sgt Cj Osuna — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:49:00 -0400

By definition, is Chapter 31 considered an education benefit? How does the VA define Educational Assistance? I can't seem to get a straight answer regarding remaining Chapter 33 benefits after transitioning to Chapter 31. I've been told that the VA allows a maximum of 48 months of educational benefits, but I've also been told that Chapter 31 is NOT an education benefit. Could you provide some clarity and any correspondence related to this?

Response by CMSgt Van Grainge made Oct 21 at 2021 12:03 PM

CMSgt Van Grainge — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:03:03 -0400

I recently tried to get an appointment in the Northern VA system for a podiatrist but was told the next available appointment was in three months. I then tried to get an appointment sooner through the my PCM and the VA community care system. It was approved but I have yet to hear anything from the community care office to schedule an appointment. I have reached out several times to my PCM; they tell me that the CC office has been notified. What seems to be the issue with getting a timely appointment in the system these days?

Also I am interested in employment with the VA to help with the backlog of claims. Is there any positions that can work remotely to help with the claim backlog? How to I apply for these positions?

Thanks

Response by PO3 Jose Jauregui made Oct 21 at 2021 12:04 PM

PO3 Jose Jauregui — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:04:20 -0400

I'm 100% P&T and currently employed. In the past year my medical conditions have worsened and I've had to miss a significant amount of time from work. I have FMLA that I use when I have to miss work that protects me from administrative action from my employer from all the time I miss due to my medical conditions. I'm 49 and all my jobs have been manual labor. I want to apply for SSDI, but it will be denied as long as I stay employed. What are my options ? Also I have an adult daughter who lives at home and helps me with all my medical issues and maintaining the house. Would I qualify for aid and attendance so I could pay her for her help or a new program I just heard of called VA Caregiver support? Do I have to be unemployed to qualify for these programs ? I served from 1990 - 1994 and a Desert Storm Veteran.

Thanks

Jose Jauregui

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2021 12:04 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:04:26 -0400

Does California still offer free tuition for depends to go to college?
How are stated order and federal points affect retairement?

Thank you!

Response by PO2 Thomas (Rocky) Watson made Oct 21 at 2021 12:31 PM

PO2 Thomas (Rocky) Watson — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:31:58 -0400

When can we get the Moderna Booster Shot from the VA?

Response by PO2 Thomas (Rocky) Watson made Oct 21 at 2021 12:33 PM

PO2 Thomas (Rocky) Watson — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:33:49 -0400

Who does the VA partner with for rideshare rides to the VA clinics? Are there any existing transportation programs for using UBER or LYFT?

Response by SR Barry Sanders made Oct 21 at 2021 12:41 PM

SR Barry Sanders — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:41:42 -0400

Earlier this year I suffered a bone concussion in my knee. It completely disabled me for weeks. I could barely move inside my home. I asked VA for some help as I couldn't care for myself. I was told no assistance was available. It cost me a fortune just to eat. I had to have meals delivered on Door Dash since I couldn't prepare food or go shopping. I reside alone and in the middle of a pandemic I am extremely isolated through the whole thing.
I got through it, barely, but it makes me wonder as I am aging what's going to happen the next time I'm in need of assistance? Seems to me I should have been able to receive more support as I was completely immobilized.

Response by PFC Richard Sanchez made Oct 21 at 2021 1:05 PM

PFC Richard Sanchez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:05:02 -0400

I was discharged under DADT. I finally had my discharge upgraded to honorable after over a decade of fighting. After years of not being able to use so many benefits I was so excited to use my GI Bill for the first time. I have now found that due to being kicked out I am only eligible for 60% of my bill because it goes by time in service. How is this fair? It seems punitive. Not like it was really a choice on my end. I am now having to do a supplemental claim with an attorney to try and fight for 100%. With all this talk of trying to right there wrongs of DADT is there anything being done on this topic?

Response by PVT Ernest Jr Moreno made Oct 21 at 2021 1:10 PM

PVT Ernest Jr Moreno — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:10:25 -0400

I'm recently widowed do I get any widow's benefits?my husband passed on April 22-2021. Our office is in No.California. my husband received excellent care rhanks Alice Moreno

Response by SP6 Arnel Basay made Oct 21 at 2021 1:15 PM

SP6 Arnel Basay — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:15:10 -0400

Who can help the veteran to find a job.

Response by LCDR Izzy Maggay made Oct 21 at 2021 1:19 PM

LCDR Izzy Maggay — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:19:13 -0400

I applied in October 2020 for disability per the Blue Water Navy act. The website indicated it was about a 4 month timeline to process claims, but due to the pandemic, it would be taking longer. October 16th 2021 marked one year since I filed my claim. Any new timeline for processing claims?
I have nothing but praise for the VA. For the past 12 years they performed my quadruple by-pass, taken care of my diabetes, taken care of me when I had my stroke and in November 2020 installed my pacemaker. The VA has taken exceptional care of me and easily extended my life, THANK-YOU!

Izzy Maggay
LCDR USNR

Response by AN Donald Suojanen made Oct 21 at 2021 1:31 PM

AN Donald Suojanen — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:31:35 -0400

Why is it so difficult for disabled homeless Veterans to be given the task of filling out the Non-Service Related Pension Benefit Application. This product is much to difficult for the average Joe to figure out what can be done to help them

Response by Cpl Esther Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 1:31 PM

Cpl Esther Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:31:57 -0400

We have a V.A loan and it is only in my husband's name the veteran he passed away does this just transfer over to my name? Can the V.A. help me with the loan until the U.S. postal service processes the retirement payments to me? I need help

Response by Cpl Esther Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 1:37 PM

Cpl Esther Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:37:49 -0400

I need help with some questions on my V.a. loan

Response by Cpl Edward Allen made Oct 21 at 2021 1:42 PM

Cpl Edward Allen — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:42:54 -0400

At my time of discharge my disability rating was 20%, that was more than 40 years ago. My question is WHY, as we age and grow more unable, doesn't our disability percentage increase? I don't think any of us get healthier as we age. At 20% and age 25 I could do 80% of a normal 25YO workload, but at 73 I can only do about 40% of a normal 73YO male. Without my original disability I probably would be on par with other 73 year olds.

Response by PO3 Ree Banister made Oct 21 at 2021 1:45 PM

PO3 Ree Banister — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:45:08 -0400

Hi All,

I am thankful for all that work that you do for us. I do have a question about a claim I put in in April. I have been on PFD since June but have not seen any movement. I have heard that due to my claim being in a specialized area, there are only 5 VRO's that can handle it at any given time. I was wondering if that was the case.

Response by SrA Kelvin Williams made Oct 21 at 2021 1:45 PM

SrA Kelvin Williams — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:45:38 -0400

Question for Mr. Lunker - I have entitlement funds remaining on my VA Loan - I want to purchase another home - Are there any restrictions with me using remaining funds to purchase a new home in Orange County CA? I'm currently living in OC in a Condo with my VA Loan. Please
advise

Response by SN Orrin Donohoe made Oct 21 at 2021 1:50 PM

SN Orrin Donohoe — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:50:33 -0400

Why can't I get an official hearing for my service connected PTSD?
Orrin La Monte Donohoe, service # 597 17 45 (sir) ssi #564 62 5777.
PS. info not in my records.

Response by Cpl Evelyn Thomas made Oct 21 at 2021 1:50 PM

Cpl Evelyn Thomas — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:50:39 -0400

How will the Department of Veterans Affairs addressed the practicing trend of primary care doctors not believing and treating medical issues of black women veterans?

Response by Coleton Whitaker made Oct 21 at 2021 1:50 PM

Coleton Whitaker — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:50:53 -0400

Look forward to participating today on behalf of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF). EDF is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured veterans. The Foundation’s programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels. These programs engage individuals, organizations, and communities and include FREE respite relief, online peer support, and research opportunities just to name a few. Find out more at hiddenheroes.org.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Response by CPT Neil Turner made Oct 21 at 2021 1:58 PM

CPT Neil Turner — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:58:25 -0400

How does one apply for VA discount benefits with a live-in Senior Care facility? (I'm 86, and served from 1957-1964. Captain, US Army Aviation).

Response by CPO Michael Mcclellan made Oct 21 at 2021 1:58 PM

CPO Michael Mcclellan — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:58:33 -0400

Will California provide full housing tax waiver for 100 percent disabled veterans?

Response by PO1 Hollis Theon Rogers made Oct 21 at 2021 1:59 PM

PO1 Hollis Theon Rogers — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:59:39 -0400

I need assistance using my home loan as a 1st time buyer

Response by SPC Donald Dorman made Oct 21 at 2021 2:05 PM

SPC Donald Dorman — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:05:50 -0400

VA coverage while traveling in Mexico?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2021 2:06 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:06:20 -0400

How is dizziness rated? Is falling down considered a "Prostrating Attack"?

Response by Sgt Ryan Adams made Oct 21 at 2021 2:06 PM

Sgt Ryan Adams — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:06:24 -0400

When will all components of the VA begin adhering to the Social Security Fraud Prevention Act of 2017, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (Sec. 240), and 38 CFR 1.575 regarding the migration away from using full SSNs as unique identifiers for verification (especially over the phone)? And, when will VA PCRs be provided the training, access to information, and abilities to adequately respond to veteran's questions? Why is it that VA decision makers hide from the consequences of their poorly conceived process, procedure, and policy decisions only to let unqualified and untrained individuals field phone calls and questions from frustrated veterans? When will I be able to get actionable answers to specific questions instead of statements like "I don't know what to tell you", "take it up with your congressperson", or "I'm looking at the same information you are, so what do you want me to say"?

Response by SrA Kelvin Williams made Oct 21 at 2021 2:07 PM

SrA Kelvin Williams — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:07:36 -0400

I have entitlement funds remaining on my VA Loan - I want to purchase another home - Are there any restrictions with me using remaining funds to purchase a new home in Orange County CA? I'm currently living in OC in a Condo with my VA Loan. Please
advise

Response by CPL Allan E made Oct 21 at 2021 2:08 PM

CPL Allan E — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:08:45 -0400

Thank you all for your time today, What assistance is available for Veterans who have utilized their CH33/CH31 benefits but are struggling to find work due to C-19? Asking for a friend that jumped from 35 Months Ch33 to an additional 12 months on CH31. With the recent changes he is wondering if it is possible to utilize more CH31 to retrain as his profession was heavily impacted due to C-19 especially since he graduated in June 2020.

Response by SGT Jim Zenner made Oct 21 at 2021 2:10 PM

SGT Jim Zenner — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:10:03 -0400

Veterans of Los Angeles County... want to connect with another veteran to talk and/or get assistance navigating the resource maze? I'd like to hear from you on here. Feel free to email us at [login to see] .gov as well.

Response by Cpl Karl Jones made Oct 21 at 2021 2:13 PM

Cpl Karl Jones — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:13:43 -0400

I have have had a combined rating of 60% for two conditions going on ~15 years. If I add new disabilities, will my existing rated conditions need to be reassessed?
I don't want to risk a lower rating by having my existing conditions reassessed but want to be compensated for all of my conditions. Will my longstanding conditions be reassessed if I file to add two new conditions?
Thank you
KJ

Response by LT James Kinney made Oct 21 at 2021 2:14 PM

LT James Kinney — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:14:04 -0400

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am an 84 year old veteran who received a 1st Dose Covid-19 Moderna shot on 2/5/21 and a 2nd Dose Covid-19 Moderna shot 3/2/21 at the VA medical center in La Jolla.

Subsequently, on Monday, 10-18-21, I went to the La Jolla VA for a third Covid-19 booster shot (which I thought was required after a six-month interval) and was advised that I did not need such a shot by a duty nurse. (To my knowledge, I have no untoward outstanding medical problems that would preempt a third booster.)

Out of an abundance of caution, could you please confirm by return email that the medical advice given to me by the duty nurse last Monday that a third shot was not needed was appropriate?

Thank you in advance for your anticipated timely response to my question.

Sincerely,
James M. Kinney
SSN: 001-26-2082
VA Member ID: [login to see]

Response by Stephanie Sedway made Oct 21 at 2021 2:15 PM

Stephanie Sedway — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:15:08 -0400

Is this not a Zoom kind of seminar? Am I missing a link?

Response by SrA G S made Oct 21 at 2021 2:16 PM

SrA G S — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:16:26 -0400

Hello and thank you for holding this discussion. it’s been over a year since my appeal request for board of veterans appeals. I submitted an advance in docket request months ago via fax and my VSO and received no update. I also have additional evidence to submit which I’m being told by my VSO can’t be submitted until after I meet with a judge. How do I get a response on my advance on docket and is over a year typical for an appeal via board of veteran appeals?

Response by Melissa Comeau made Oct 21 at 2021 2:17 PM

Melissa Comeau — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:17:25 -0400

Thank you all for joining us today. My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) at the American Red Cross. I am also a caregiver to my combat wounded Marine husband. We spent many years in CA-Camp Pendleton, Bridgeport and 29 Palms. I love California and the wonderful support organizations supporting our Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors. I welcome all military and veteran caregivers (all relationships, all eras, all locations) to join the MVCN. We offer peer support services, education, resources and a safe place to share your journey. Please visit our website for more information https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.

Response by CPL LeChonne Wright made Oct 21 at 2021 2:17 PM

CPL LeChonne Wright — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:17:46 -0400

I have received very little support while attempting to establish benefits. It has been a year+ trying to get reviewed and a rating from the VA. Why does it take so long? Can anyone offer any assistance beyond posting another link or number that turns into a circle to no where?

Response by SGT Nina Webb made Oct 21 at 2021 2:19 PM

SGT Nina Webb — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:19:03 -0400

Im in San Diego. Where can I sit down face to face with someone to ask questions about my benefits?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2021 2:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:20:51 -0400

How many California veterans receive special monthly compensation (TBI)?

Response by Danielle Bracco made Oct 21 at 2021 2:22 PM

Danielle Bracco — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:22:38 -0400

Our mission at ETS Sponsorship is to support the journey between active duty service and rejoining the civilian community as a Veteran. Veterans are a national treasure, and communities across the country are eager for your arrival! Interested in becoming a sponsor for a Servicemember leaving active duty and moving to California? Please check out our program at http://www.etssponsorship.com. Much like the military provides sponsors for PCS moves, we connect new Veterans with trained sponsors from their destination community to facilitate a smooth transition.

ETS Sponsorship Program

Response by SP5 Dave Hansen made Oct 21 at 2021 2:28 PM

SP5 Dave Hansen — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:28:34 -0400

Planning to be a Full Time RVer this year, but that means I will be away from my home VA medical center. How do I get to see a VA doctor for my annual check ups or get my meds. VA scripts used to have the ability to list a temporary address, but that has been removed (at least this is what IO was told). So, how do people who travel full time see a doctor and get their medication? Thanks

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2021 2:28 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:28:47 -0400

Not a single question is being answered as far as I can tell and I am here & watching the website closely on October 21st, at 11-12 PM... What is going on?

Response by SGT Nina Webb made Oct 21 at 2021 2:30 PM

SGT Nina Webb — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:30:33 -0400

Is anyone going to answer these questions? Lots of questions have been asked 30-60 min ago with no response. Im sure Im not the only one who doesn't have time to sit around and wait.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 2:32 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:32:11 -0400

Thank you for joining us today! Post your questions here for one of our experts to address!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Oct 21 at 2021 2:32 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:32:33 -0400

My Mother-in-law is the widow of a Korean War vet. She now lives with us for her care. We applied on her behalf for A&A since she is 100% disabled. The VA in Oakland has lost the records and it was never processed. Can this be back-dated and can anyone assist?

Response by SPC Kathy Cash made Oct 21 at 2021 2:47 PM

SPC Kathy Cash — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:47:08 -0400

Happy to be communicating with the Veterans of California today! Happy Global Peer Support Celebration Day to all of the Peers! What is a Peer Support Specialist? Glad you asked!

Peer specialists in VHA are US military Veterans who self-identify with a lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition. They have been trained to help other Veterans with similar experiences to identify and achieve specific life and recovery goals. A peer specialist is a Veteran who is actively engaged in his/her own recovery and wellness and provides peer support services to other Veterans who use VA health care services.

Response by PO2 Luther Bell made Oct 21 at 2021 2:48 PM

PO2 Luther Bell — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:48:55 -0400

I have been trying to get my Medical Records for years, the VA in Los Angeles received them several years ago from the National Records Archives Depart. However, the VA in Los Angeles states that they do not have them. What course of action does a veteran have when this occurs?

Response by SPC Kathy Cash made Oct 21 at 2021 2:59 PM

SPC Kathy Cash — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:59:05 -0400

Do you know the history of the VA Peer Specialist?

Since 2005, VHA has been actively building the peer specialist profession. What started with 50 Veterans in peer specialist roles grew to 300 by 2012, located at various VA facilities across the country. In August of 2012, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order, which contained a requirement to “…hire and train 800 Peer to Peer Counselors to empower Veterans to support other Veterans and help meet mental health care needs.” Over the next year, the Peer Support Services Section of the VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention worked with partners in VA and the community to ensure hiring standards, training options, and position descriptions would be sent out to all VA facilities who would be adding peer specialists to their teams. They also worked with community partners who provide the peer specialist certification training needed for the peer specialist role in VHA. More than 900 peer specialists were hired into VHA prior to the end of 2013. There are currently over 1200 peer specialists employed across the country. Approximately 20% of peer specialists are women, which exceeds the ratio of female to male Veterans using VHA services. The size of the peer specialist workforce in VHA and the program locations where they work are continuing to grow in VHA over time.

Response by Justin Monk made Oct 21 at 2021 2:59 PM

Justin Monk — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:59:14 -0400

Glad to be here today with VA representing Student Veterans of America, and I hope to be of some assistance to folks. If you have a question about education benefits, or think SVA can be of service, please connect with me here or via email at [login to see] . Thank you!

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 3:08 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:08:53 -0400

VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Subscribe to VA News! https://www.va.gov/vetresources/

Print out your VA Welcome Kit | Veterans Affairs

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 3:09 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:09:27 -0400

Are you having challenges with your VA care and benefits?
Call White House VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent)

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 3:10 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:10:23 -0400

If you are in crisis or at risk of harming yourself, please call Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 3:11 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:11:10 -0400

Unsure of how to get VA services or where to turn?
Dial 1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 3:12 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:12:11 -0400

VA COVID-19 Response: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/
Visit this site for information on how to get your vaccine.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 3:15 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:15:22 -0400

Free Help for Homeless Veterans
Dial 1-877-4AID-VET ( [login to see] ) for 24/7 access to VA services for homeless, displaced and at-risk Veterans
Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends
Visit https://www.va.gov/homeless/ for more information

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 21 at 2021 3:15 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:15:51 -0400

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Response by MSgt Adam Castillo made Oct 21 at 2021 4:37 PM

MSgt Adam Castillo — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:37:39 -0400

To everyone who still has questions, please feel free to contact my team or me directly. VPAN is here to help, and if we can’t, we will find a way to get you the answers or support you are looking for in a timely manner.

Response by PO3 Mariano Mendoza made Oct 21 at 2021 4:39 PM

PO3 Mariano Mendoza — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:39:21 -0400

I need help I'm 100 percent Service connected. But 70 percent disability. Want add more disability PTSD Sleep apnea arthritis .

Response by CPO Graham Phuvanatnaranubala made Oct 21 at 2021 5:56 PM

CPO Graham Phuvanatnaranubala — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 17:56:49 -0400

Today mark the end of EMERGENCY covid vaccine. What is the VA stand on this?

Response by PO3 Gil Dominguez made Oct 21 at 2021 6:41 PM

PO3 Gil Dominguez — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 18:41:10 -0400

Being a Veteran , I was confuse when denied Dental Coverage . Told I was Not Covered having not served in Combat , wounded or injured in any related Military Service activities . Having served would have been enough , now know , have to be almost Killed to receive .

Response by PVT John Jones made Oct 21 at 2021 9:04 PM

PVT John Jones — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:04:32 -0400

Sorry that I'm having difficulty creating an account here. I apologize if I have posted this question twice.

Hello and thanks for the opportunity to ask a question. I'm a 75-year old U.S. Army veteran who was honorably discharged in 1968. To this day I have disabilities related to my time in the Army. Sadly, for me, I'm among too many veterans whose medical and other records were either lost and destroyed. Every decade or so, I kick-around a claim of "service-connection", but I end up being being discouraged by the lack of actions by the DAV on my behalf. So, I basically give up ... and then I try again. I have always thought that the DAV was supposed to advocate for veterans. Well, the reality is that I might go to my grave without seeing any advocacy on my behalf. A couple decades ago, I sought private lawyers to help me with my claims, but lawyers want medical records, and my records are lost/missing ... or..? I served and I need help, hopefully before I die. How can I get help, please? Thanks again.

John P. Jones (US56693958) email: [login to see]

Response by Capt Rob Crosscarpenter made Oct 22 at 2021 12:03 AM

Capt Rob Crosscarpenter — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:03:40 -0400

I lost my UI ramondly with out notice. Can someone explain how this happens and how they can do this with out notifying you. I take several narcotic medications and abviously can not work. Help !!!!!

Response by SPC Michael Yates made Oct 22 at 2021 7:16 PM

SPC Michael Yates — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:16:57 -0400

What is the VA doing to attract and maintain adequate staffing levels?