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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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Responses: 72
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.
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?
Rebecca Brenen
Cpl Brooks, I'm sorry to hear you are having difficulties locating your records. The VA has a duty to assist claimants in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate a claim. I recommend you make an appointment with a VA representative. 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 assist you with your claim.
https://v2.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join
A representative will contact you at the time of your choosing and can assist you with your 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
Pamela Redwine
If the records you are looking for are from when you were in service, the National Archives https://www.archives.gov/ . If the records you are looking for are after you got out and are medical, then please check with VHA where you were treated. You sometimes may not need records to apply for disabilities, however, somehow you will need a link between the disability and service, current diagnosis. Sometimes buddy statements might assist with evidence. You can make an appointment with us so that we can speak more specifically about your case at... https://app.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/jo
CPL LeChonne Wright
It has taken me YEARS and several request for my records. I eventually filed a Freedom of Information Act request and they were sent however, that took several months as well. When I received the information it arrived on a CD. Who has CD readers any more? I have to go out and buy one and then hope that my entire service records and personel files are on there as all the other times I made request I only got partials. How do I know? Becuase each request had differnt information within. National Archives does a very poor job of handling request for records.
1SG Zelda Davis
Good afternoon CPL Brooks. Please see additional information assisting you in accessing copies of your records - National Archives Records Requests: Click here to request your DD214/Separation Document, Personnel Records, Replacement Medals, and/or prior Active Duty Medical Records. Their Release of Information staff will be happy to assist you with requests for your St Louis Veterans medical records. https://www.stlouis.va.gov/patients/roi.asp
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.
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.
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.
Melissa Comeau
Such an awesome post! I had no idea of the history of Peer Specialist at the VA and celebrate the fact that 20% of Peer Specialist are women. Thank you for all that you do and I am so grateful to connect with you on this VA Rally Point Q&A.
SPC Kathy Cash
Definitely Melissa Comeau! We are hoping to increase that number of 20% as the number of Women Veterans increases! Thank you for your support!
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.
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.
Melissa Comeau
Happy Global Peer Support Celebration Day to you too! Thank you so much for leading with your lived experience to impact others in such a positive way.
Coleton Whitaker
Hi there - I'd check out this page below. It outlines specific information, eligibility, and recommended next steps for vaccine boosters at VA. https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/booster-shots-and-additional-doses/
COVID-19 booster shots and additional doses | Veterans Affairs
We follow CDC guidance on booster shots and additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. Booster shots aren’t available yet, but we’ll update you when we have more information about where and when you can get one. Get the latest updates on additional doses for people with weakened immune systems.
PO2 Thomas (Rocky) Watson
CPT Neil Turner - You have the Freedom to save yourself, and we have the Freedom to Save our Fellow Veterans!
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
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
Melissa Comeau
Hello CMSgt Van Grainge I am so sorry to hear of your frustrations with the community care program. One thing you might try is getting some help from a VA patient advocate. You can find more information about patient advocates here https://www.va.gov/health/patientadvocate/ I hope you get into the Podiatrist soon.
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.
Rebecca Brenen
Hello CMSgt Van Grainge, VBA is always looking to recruit enthusiastic, ambitious, and dedicated individuals to serve our Nation's Veterans. Be sure to check USAjobs.gov for available positions.
Natalie Souza
Recently there were position posted to USA Jobs website for Veteran Service Representative and Veteran Service Representative(Rating Specialist) for all over the continental USA coverage several offices. These positions are not remote, however this position is telework eligible but you would need to be in the commuting area of the office you report to. Currently those postings have closed but VA is frequently hiring and you should regularly check https://www.usajobs.gov/ for new postings.
USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site
Search and apply for federal jobs. Learn about unique hiring paths for veterans, students and graduates, individuals with a disability, and more.
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?
Justin Monk
Ch. 33 is an educational benefit and Ch. 31 is, strictly speaking, an employment benefit, despite it being primarily educational assistance. Ch. 31 has multiple tracks and, under certain circumstances, offer assistance beyond the 48-month cap for most VA benefits. Here's a short fact sheet on it: https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/Ch31FactSheet.pdf.
There are two important changes to note in the last year or so. The first is back in June 2020, the Carr v. Wilkie case forced VA to provide benefits beyond the 48-month cap in certain situations. (Here's VA's Facebook post explaining it: https://www.facebook.com/gibillEducation/photos/a [login to see] 2661615/ [login to see] 556615)
The second is from this past April, where VA independently changed their intrepretation of the same underlying law (38 USC 3695) and removed Ch. 31 from the cap on education benefits. So, previously, if you used Ch. 31 or Ch. 33 it counted against the other towards that cap. With the April change, Ch. 31 has its own limit (subject to certain extensions) and all other education benefits (Ch. 33, 30, etc.) have their own separate 48-month cap.
The important thing to note is that the language of the statute (38 USC 3695) only allows this separation of benefits in one direction. That is, it allows Ch. 31 to be used to its cap BEFORE Ch. 33 (or other education benefits) are used to their own cap. If Ch. 33 benefits are used before Ch. 31, it lowers the overall 48-month cap on BOTH benefits. (Here's another fact sheet from VA that explains this: https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/48_Month_Rule_FAQs.pdf)
I hope that's helpful, and please let me know if I need to better explain anything. It's wonky stuff, so I may not have been as clear as I could've been. Also, you can reach me directly at [login to see] .
There are two important changes to note in the last year or so. The first is back in June 2020, the Carr v. Wilkie case forced VA to provide benefits beyond the 48-month cap in certain situations. (Here's VA's Facebook post explaining it: https://www.facebook.com/gibillEducation/photos/a [login to see] 2661615/ [login to see] 556615)
The second is from this past April, where VA independently changed their intrepretation of the same underlying law (38 USC 3695) and removed Ch. 31 from the cap on education benefits. So, previously, if you used Ch. 31 or Ch. 33 it counted against the other towards that cap. With the April change, Ch. 31 has its own limit (subject to certain extensions) and all other education benefits (Ch. 33, 30, etc.) have their own separate 48-month cap.
The important thing to note is that the language of the statute (38 USC 3695) only allows this separation of benefits in one direction. That is, it allows Ch. 31 to be used to its cap BEFORE Ch. 33 (or other education benefits) are used to their own cap. If Ch. 33 benefits are used before Ch. 31, it lowers the overall 48-month cap on BOTH benefits. (Here's another fact sheet from VA that explains this: https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/48_Month_Rule_FAQs.pdf)
I hope that's helpful, and please let me know if I need to better explain anything. It's wonky stuff, so I may not have been as clear as I could've been. Also, you can reach me directly at [login to see] .
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
Chapter 31 is the Veterans Readiness and Employment benefit. Chapter 33 is the Post 9/11 benefit. The amount of months granted for Ch31 is determined by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and not the same as Post 9/11. I would encourage you to reach out to your counselor to have them explain the amount of months your entitled to. Typically if you use VR&E benefits they shouldn't be deducted from your Post 9/11, GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill. If you are still experiencing issues please reach out to us at the green link: 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 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.
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...
PO2 Thomas (Rocky) Watson
Medical Cannabis for treatment of PTSD, when will the VA approve it?
The American Legion has a medical marijuana-related resolutions passed by the National Executive Committee:
Resolution 11 was passed during the Legion's 2016 National Convention in Cincinnati. The resolution calls on the Drug Enforcement Agency to license privately funded medical marijuana production operations in the United States to enable safe and efficient cannabis drug development research; and urging Congress to remove marijuana from Schedule I and reclassify it in a category that, at a minimum, will recognize cannabis as a drug with potential medical value for treatment of PTSD and pain relief.
The American Legion has a medical marijuana-related resolutions passed by the National Executive Committee:
Resolution 11 was passed during the Legion's 2016 National Convention in Cincinnati. The resolution calls on the Drug Enforcement Agency to license privately funded medical marijuana production operations in the United States to enable safe and efficient cannabis drug development research; and urging Congress to remove marijuana from Schedule I and reclassify it in a category that, at a minimum, will recognize cannabis as a drug with potential medical value for treatment of PTSD and pain relief.
Melissa Comeau
Hello TSgt Jeff Henson Thank you for mentioning the Save a Warrior program. While I do not have an answer to your questions, I wanted to share the link to Save a Warrior as I have heard from many caregivers that this has been a life changing program for their veterans. https://saveawarrior.org/
Save A Warrior (SAW) provides an innovative and effective "war detox" program for Warriors suffering from Post Traumatic Stress. While nearly two dozen Warriors lose their battles to PTS each day, our program gives them a fighting chance at recovery.
PO2 Thomas (Rocky) Watson
While Cannabis can also get them off their opiates via groups like Veteran Cannabis Group Post #One: https://veteranscannabisgroup.com/
MISSION GET INVOLVED TEAM We are an advocacy group of Veterans for Veterans who use medical cannabis. We provide education, safe access, information on VA resources and benefits, employment and networking opportunities in the cannabis industry, and support veteran owned cannabis businesses from cultivation to retail. (Veterans Cannabis Group
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Visit https://www.va.gov/homeless/ for more information
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
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.
SPC Kathy Cash
And if you need support, reach out to a Peer Support Specialist!
Peer support services is an integral component of recovery-oriented care in VHA. Peer specialists work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential mental health services as well as in homelessness programs and primary care teams across the VA health care system. They work alongside other health care professionals and bring a unique perspective to the interdisciplinary treatment teams. The expertise of peer specialists is founded in their personal experiences of overcoming challenges with their mental health and wellness, resulting in them successfully living in recovery in their daily lives. Peer specialists have been trained to use their personal lived experiences with recovery to promote hope and help Veterans with mental health conditions to identify and achieve self-determined goals for recovery and personal wellness.
Veterans may request a referral for peer support services from their VA health care provider.
Peer support services is an integral component of recovery-oriented care in VHA. Peer specialists work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential mental health services as well as in homelessness programs and primary care teams across the VA health care system. They work alongside other health care professionals and bring a unique perspective to the interdisciplinary treatment teams. The expertise of peer specialists is founded in their personal experiences of overcoming challenges with their mental health and wellness, resulting in them successfully living in recovery in their daily lives. Peer specialists have been trained to use their personal lived experiences with recovery to promote hope and help Veterans with mental health conditions to identify and achieve self-determined goals for recovery and personal wellness.
Veterans may request a referral for peer support services from their VA health care provider.
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.
Dial 1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA.
Pamela Redwine
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf This is the Federal Benefits book which is a great resource. You can also go to http://www.va.gov which has lots of great information and even allows you to file claims there once you get signed in.
SPC Kathy Cash
And if you need additional support, reach out to a Peer Support Specialist!
Peer support services is an integral component of recovery-oriented care in VHA. Peer specialists work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential mental health services as well as in homelessness programs and primary care teams across the VA health care system. They work alongside other health care professionals and bring a unique perspective to the interdisciplinary treatment teams. The expertise of peer specialists is founded in their personal experiences of overcoming challenges with their mental health and wellness, resulting in them successfully living in recovery in their daily lives. Peer specialists have been trained to use their personal lived experiences with recovery to promote hope and help Veterans with mental health conditions to identify and achieve self-determined goals for recovery and personal wellness.
Veterans may request a referral for peer support services from their VA health care provider.
Peer support services is an integral component of recovery-oriented care in VHA. Peer specialists work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential mental health services as well as in homelessness programs and primary care teams across the VA health care system. They work alongside other health care professionals and bring a unique perspective to the interdisciplinary treatment teams. The expertise of peer specialists is founded in their personal experiences of overcoming challenges with their mental health and wellness, resulting in them successfully living in recovery in their daily lives. Peer specialists have been trained to use their personal lived experiences with recovery to promote hope and help Veterans with mental health conditions to identify and achieve self-determined goals for recovery and personal wellness.
Veterans may request a referral for peer support services from their VA health care provider.
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2021-VA-BenefitsHandBook.pdf