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

Here is the link to the Federal Benefits Book 2021 which will be helpful as well

Capt Brandon Charters down in Los Angeles they can go to: dmh.lacounty.gov/veterans to get information about the Veteran Peer Access Network.

Pamela Redwine - Thank you for all the Links!

If any of those questions are about education benefits, SVA is always available to help. You can email me directly at [login to see] , or connect with us through our website here: https://studentveterans.org/contact/.

Hello PO3 Jose Jauregui Here is the link to the VA Caregiver Program information. Desert Storm era veterans will be eligible for this program in the next phase of expansion through the Mission Act. You can learn about the eligibility criteria on the VA Caregiver Support page. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ Additionally, I want to extend the support of the Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network to your daughter to ensure she has a network of caregivers to connect with and learn about various programs available to her as she cares for you. Please have her reach out to [login to see] and we will add her right away. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html

Hello, Sir. Without reviewing your VA file, we cannot determine if you qualify for aid and attendance benefits, but I am sharing some basic eligibility for the benefit.

The following will be accorded consideration in determining the need for regular aid and attendance (§ 3.351(c)(3): inability of claimant to dress or undress himself (herself), or to keep himself (herself) ordinarily clean and presentable; frequent need of adjustment of any special prosthetic or orthopedic appliances which by reason of the particular disability cannot be done without aid (this will not include the adjustment of appliances which normal persons would be unable to adjust without aid, such as supports, belts, lacing at the back, etc.); inability of claimant to feed himself (herself) through loss of coordination of upper extremities or through extreme weakness; inability to attend to the wants of nature; or incapacity, physical or mental, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect the claimant from hazards or dangers incident to his or her daily environment. “Bedridden” will be a proper basis for the determination. For the purpose of this paragraph “bedridden” will be that condition which, through its essential character, actually requires that the claimant remain in bed. The fact that claimant has voluntarily taken to bed or that a physician has prescribed rest in bed for the greater or lesser part of the day to promote convalescence or cure will not suffice. It is not required that all of the disabling conditions enumerated in this paragraph be found to exist before a favorable rating may be made. The particular personal functions which the veteran is unable to perform should be considered in connection with his or her condition as a whole. It is only necessary that the evidence establish that the veteran is so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, not that there be a constant need. Determinations that the veteran is so helpless, as to be in need of regular aid and attendance will not be based solely upon an opinion that the claimant's condition is such as would require him or her to be in bed. They must be based on the actual requirement of personal assistance from others.

To speak with an agent at the LA VA Regional Office, please utilize this link to make an appointment most convenient for you.
https://v2.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join
A representative will contact you at the time of your choosing and can go over your current benefits, answer questions on eligibility to additional benefits, and can assist you with submitting a claim for benefits.

Hello PO3 Jose Jauregui
A Peer Support Specialist is one who could help you navigate the system and locate the VA resources you need, as well as support you in locating resources within your community.
Veterans may request a referral for peer support services from their VA health care provider. To find VA mental health services near you, access the VA facilities locator.

If peer support services for a specific mental health condition are not available directly at the VA medical center, Veterans may be referred to peer support services found in their communities.

Melissa Comeau - It' s Very Nice to see you; on Rally Point; Ma'am.

Pamela Redwine - I will for sure; Ma'am.

Those the Puerto Rico Veterans are been forgotten

PFC Telesforo Ramirez - I am very sorry to hear that.

The tax exemption letter is for Veteran's with 100% disability permanent and total.... P&T is important here

I have been filing 100 percent P&T for more than 10 years and California still has not made any changes other than a $125K exemption, not full tax exemption Pamela Redwine

Sorry it is not anywhere near half, granted I live a county with high taxes, I still paid more than 6K for 2020. I have friend in other states as mentioned earlier who do not pay any property taxes. Pamela Redwine

this is correct, there is not a full tax exemption. As a Veteran myself in LA County i get a little less than half.

Agent Orange presumptive conditions - Public Health
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/.../agent-orange/agent-orange-2020/presumptive.asp
Here is a link for those that have been approved. We are all notified when/if more presumptive conditions are added. We do not have more information on any new conditions being added at this time.

Pretty much Democrats!

SFC Randy Hellenbrand Breezed right through, "Oh! Good! For! You!"

SGT Charlie Lee, there could be any number of reasons why a claim takes longer to process. The Veteran's Benefits Administration has follow laws and regulations such as duty to assist a Veteran or claimant obtain all federal records(medical and service records), and get Veteran examination . Currently during the pandemic VA did experience delays in both of these areas which that is important to have in the decision making process. Currently more Veterans are able to get scheduled for examinations and delays in retrieving records have diminished. If you have a claim you wish someone to go over with you, we would be happy to help. You can book an appointment with one of our representative @https://app.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join.

Natalie Souza - Thank you!

Thank you for all that you do with Student Veterans of America! https://studentveterans.org/

Here are some resources that may help: http://www.va.gov ; Federal Benefits Book https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf and you can make an appointment for call back if needed at https://app.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join

Happy Global Peer Support Celebration Day!!!

Is there any movement to pay caregivers retroactively for the changeover from the three tier to the two level system of the comprehensive program for family caregiver assistance?