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California Veterans! Ask Questions Now! Do You Have Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support?
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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
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
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San Diego
Fresno
Camp Pendleton
Responses: 72
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.
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
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
Rebecca Brenen
VA is dedicated to providing timely decisions on VA benefit claims, but as you mentioned, the pandemic has caused some delays. Without reviewing your specific claim, a timeline cannot be provided as it depends on what stage your claim is in. I encourage you to contact a VA representative, so we can review your claim with you. 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 and provide you with a status on your current claim.
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 and provide you with a status on your current claim.
Waitwhile: Next Gen Waitlist App, Appointment & Queue Management
Waitwhile is a virtual waitlist app and scheduling software that lets you create the customer experience of the future
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?
Melissa Comeau
Hello Kathy Neal my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband. The Best support I can recommend is TAPS They are available 24/7 to answer questions and get you the support you need. You can also call them at [login to see]
https://www.taps.org/
https://www.taps.org/
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You!
TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one.
Jeanette Gilles
You can also reach out to your county VSO to discuss what you may be eligible for, use this link to find the one in your county.
https://www.nacvso.org/directory/directory_5.aspx
https://www.nacvso.org/directory/directory_5.aspx
Rebecca Brenen
Ms. Neal, I am so sorry to hear of loss of your husband. There are benefits available to surviving spouses such as death pension for survivors of war-time Veterans and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors of Veterans who passed away due to a service connected disability. Please visit this link for specific eligibility requirements for the various benefits available. https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_survivor.asp
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 available benefits and assist you in filing a claim.
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 available benefits and assist you in filing a claim.
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.
Pamela Redwine
Sorry for your loss. Here is the federal benefits book that speak to survivor benefits. https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf there is also a number for Pension Management Center for follow up questions.
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.
Natalie Souza
SGT Stephanie Ruble if you received your vaccinations at a VA facility you are able to check to see if your vaccination record has been updated here:
https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/. This website also allows for self reporting and updating your record. If you need assistance you can call: [login to see] or use the chat function to troubleshoot any issues. I can not speak to a vaccination lottery and you may be able to get more information via the number provided.
https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/. This website also allows for self reporting and updating your record. If you need assistance you can call: [login to see] or use the chat function to troubleshoot any issues. I can not speak to a vaccination lottery and you may be able to get more information via the number provided.
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 .
PVT John Jones
"Dental" coverage at the VA requires service connection. Only extractions are available for non-dervice-connected. That's unfortunate, but I reckon that's what you've been told. My front teeth were broken during my service, but since my my med records aren't and have never been available, I'm SOL. "Dental" is a big deal, but only a part of my issues regarding missing medical records.
MSgt Adam Castillo
That is a good question. I can connect you to a VSO who would have that data. Would you like to be connected to a VSO in the near future?
Pamela Redwine
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf Hello, I don't have numbers on how many, but we do approve special monthly compensation based on guidelines/criteria. I have attached the Federal Benefits Book for reference. You can also google special monthly compensation and see the rate tables and get more information from http://www.va.gov. Hope this helps.
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?
Rebecca Brenen
Hello, thank you for your question. You may contact the Board of Veterans Appeals at [login to see] , from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or via fax at [login to see] . All correspondence, requests, and evidence sent to the Board should include the Veteran’s name and VA file number. Mail or fax documents to: Board of Veterans’ Appeals P.O. Box 27063 Washington, DC 20038 Fax: [login to see] . The BVA can also be reached via email at [login to see]
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]
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]
Natalie Souza
LT James Kinney, per the CDC those who received the Moderna or J&J may need the booster shot, and as of earlier this month a booster was not available. The duty nurse may have stated you shouldn't get the booster shot because all they had available was the Pfizer, however I would encourage you to speak with your primary care doctor explaining you received Moderna and would like to know if they recommend you getting the booster if and when the Mderna booster becomes available.
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.
Justin Monk
There's a new program called VRRAP - Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program that is available to qualified veterans, if your friend has or is about to reach the end of his educational benefit eligibility.
Feel free to send me an email at [login to see] if you'd like to discuss the situation in more detail. Even if we can't help directly, we'll be happy to connect you to folks who can.
Feel free to send me an email at [login to see] if you'd like to discuss the situation in more detail. Even if we can't help directly, we'll be happy to connect you to folks who can.
Pamela Redwine
I would also check with VRE to see if they can't assist with finding employment or additional education. This link will allow you to make an appointment with the LA VRE and they will call you back. https://app.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join
Waitwhile: Next Gen Waitlist App, Appointment & Queue Management
Waitwhile is a virtual waitlist app and scheduling software that lets you create the customer experience of the future
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?
Melissa Comeau
Hello Cpl Evelyn Thomas I appreciate your question. I found some information on the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI) at VA and while this mostly related to employment perhaps there is information or contacts that can specifically address your concerns. Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI) https://www.va.gov/ORMDI/Diversity_Inclusion.asp Additionally, I can suggest reaching out to the Patient Advocates at your local VA to ensure you are getting the care you need. https://www.va.gov/health/patientadvocate/
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.
Natalie Souza
Cpl Evelyn Thomas I can't speak to any practicing trends, but I would encourage you that if you are experiencing disparaging treatment from your primary care doctor that you contact patient advocate services at your local VA Health Care Facility so they can address the matter formally.
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Like CMDR Maggay below, I have been treated with super care from all of the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the VAMC. Luckily the Fresno, CA VA is a top notch facility.
God bless and thank you ALL for your service!