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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
Comments have been disabled
Responses: 72
LTC Special Forces Officer
How is dizziness rated? Is falling down considered a "Prostrating Attack"?
MSgt Adam Castillo
MSgt Adam Castillo
>1 y
To my knowledge, dizziness is rated by vertigo. You would need to talk to a VSO to discuss this in more detail. Would you like to be connected to a VSO in Los Angeles County?
MSgt Adam Castillo
MSgt Adam Castillo
>1 y
Please contact us at [login to see] option 3 and ask for more information about be connected to a MVA VSO
SPC Donald Dorman
VA coverage while traveling in Mexico?
MSgt Adam Castillo
MSgt Adam Castillo
>1 y
I would contact your primary care provider to see what that process looks like to avoid extra charges.
Pamela Redwine
Pamela Redwine
>1 y
Hi, the Federal benefits book discusses medical access abroad. https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf please review there is a number called the Foreign Medical Program with a number of [login to see]
SN Orrin Donohoe
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.
Pamela Redwine
Pamela Redwine
>1 y
Hello, looks like you will need to submit a VA Form 20-0995 Supplemental Claim with new evidence for the condition to be reconsidered. Please read all notifications because it will explain the appeal process and how you get to a hearing once you reach that point
SrA Kelvin Williams
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
Pamela Redwine
Pamela Redwine
>1 y
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf The number for the home loan office is located in the front flap of the Federal Benefit book. They will be able to answer your question. There is a section in the book that speaks to this as well.
PO3 Ree Banister
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.
Pamela Redwine
Pamela Redwine
>1 y
we would need a little more detail to be specific. But we do have claims that are special that are only handled by certain offices. Such as the Agent Orange presumptive conditions review.... If you have a hardship you can submit evidence to support it and request an escalation. Here is the link to make an appointment with Los Angeles Regional Office and we will call you back https://app.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join
Cpl Esther Martinez
I need help with some questions on my V.a. loan
Cpl Esther Martinez
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
Jeanette Gilles
Jeanette Gilles
>1 y
I recommend that you consult with Probate Court for the process of getting the home transferred into your name.
Cpl Esther Martinez
Cpl Esther Martinez
>1 y
Jeanette Gilles will this be costly? Can the VA help with this.
Pamela Redwine
Pamela Redwine
>1 y
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf Please contact the VA Home Loan at [login to see] and read the section in the Federal Benefits Book where it gives you options for help
PVT Ernest Jr Moreno
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
Melissa Comeau
Melissa Comeau
>1 y
Hello Alice, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Thank you for being with us today.
One of the best resources for support for survivors is provided by TAPS https://www.taps.org/
They are available 24/7 to answer questions and get you the support you need. Youc an also call them at [login to see]
Pamela Redwine
Pamela Redwine
>1 y
Sorry to hear about your loss.
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf Please also look at the Survivors Benefit section to see what benefits you might qualify for.
PFC Richard Sanchez
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?
Justin Monk
Justin Monk
>1 y
Send me an email at [login to see] . I'm not precisely sure of the potential for resolution here, but I'd be glad to take your information directly to VA and get an answer, even if it just raises the need for a legislative solution.
SR Barry Sanders
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.
SPC Kathy Cash
SPC Kathy Cash
>1 y
Hello SR Barry Sanders ! I'm sorry that you had that experience while recuperating. Ask about Peer Support at your VA. 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.
SR Barry Sanders
SR Barry Sanders
>1 y
I was talking mostly about actual support services to assist me at home during recuperation. Eating, bathing, dog walking, etc

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