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California Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!
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On August 11th, 11AM - 12PM PT, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits and claims. Type your questions in now!
You can ask questions to the following people:
» Pamela Redwine - Coach Public Contact, LA Regional Office, VA
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» SP6 Calvin Payne - Outreach Coordinator, VA
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, Veterans and Military Families, George W. Bush Presidential Center
» SGT Lauren Augustine - Vice President Government Affairs, SVA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» Natalie Souza - Assistant Veteran Service Center Manager, LA Regional Office
» Rebecca Brenen - Veterans Service Center Manager, LA Regional Office
» Kris Lord - Associate Director, Team Red White & Blue
» LCpl Samuel Griffin - Outreach and Mental Health Services Manger, CalVet
» Daniel Young - Supervisory Program Analyst, National Cemetery Administration
» Jonathan Smith - Benefits Assistant Coach, VBA
» SrA Phillip Chaidez - Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, Veteran Peer Access Network
» Ben Gales - Local Interagency Network Coordinator
The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet):
The California Department of Veterans Affairs works to serve California veterans and their families. With nearly 1.6 million veterans living in the State, CalVet strives to ensure that its veterans of every era and their families get the state and federal benefits and services they have earned and deserve as a result of selfless and honorable military service. CalVet strives to serve veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and to help them achieve their highest quality of life.
Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
A community driven support network serving veterans and their families helping them navigate and link to L.A. County departments, non-profits, the VA, and L.A. City programs. VPAN helps veterans navigate complicated systems by connecting them to a “battle buddy” and linking them to needed resources such as mental health, substance misuse support, housing, workforce development and employment, healthcare, education, legal and other miscellaneous services.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
You can ask questions to the following people:
» Pamela Redwine - Coach Public Contact, LA Regional Office, VA
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» SP6 Calvin Payne - Outreach Coordinator, VA
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, Veterans and Military Families, George W. Bush Presidential Center
» SGT Lauren Augustine - Vice President Government Affairs, SVA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» Natalie Souza - Assistant Veteran Service Center Manager, LA Regional Office
» Rebecca Brenen - Veterans Service Center Manager, LA Regional Office
» Kris Lord - Associate Director, Team Red White & Blue
» LCpl Samuel Griffin - Outreach and Mental Health Services Manger, CalVet
» Daniel Young - Supervisory Program Analyst, National Cemetery Administration
» Jonathan Smith - Benefits Assistant Coach, VBA
» SrA Phillip Chaidez - Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, Veteran Peer Access Network
» Ben Gales - Local Interagency Network Coordinator
The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet):
The California Department of Veterans Affairs works to serve California veterans and their families. With nearly 1.6 million veterans living in the State, CalVet strives to ensure that its veterans of every era and their families get the state and federal benefits and services they have earned and deserve as a result of selfless and honorable military service. CalVet strives to serve veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and to help them achieve their highest quality of life.
Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
A community driven support network serving veterans and their families helping them navigate and link to L.A. County departments, non-profits, the VA, and L.A. City programs. VPAN helps veterans navigate complicated systems by connecting them to a “battle buddy” and linking them to needed resources such as mental health, substance misuse support, housing, workforce development and employment, healthcare, education, legal and other miscellaneous services.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Long Beach
Responses: 51
Great to see everyone! Let me know if you have specific questions as it relates to military and veteran caregivers and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation programs and/or resources. 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 across the country to get involved and make a difference in the lives of military caregivers. Some of our programs include:
Dole Caregiver Fellowship
Free Respite Help at Home
Hidden Helpers – Kids & Families
Health & Wellness
Caregiver Friendly Cities & Counties
Online Peer Support Community
Hope Fund for Financial Assistance
See full list here: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/our-programs/
Dole Caregiver Fellowship
Free Respite Help at Home
Hidden Helpers – Kids & Families
Health & Wellness
Caregiver Friendly Cities & Counties
Online Peer Support Community
Hope Fund for Financial Assistance
See full list here: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/our-programs/
Our Programs - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Foundation's programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels.…
Ryan Callahan
Thanks for joining us Coleton Whitaker !
Hello. I am rated at 100% but with TDIU. I have been on this rating for 20 plus years now and have managed to live ok up until the past two years. Due to the economic changes as of late, money has been tight. My question is: Can I work a small part time job that pays under the national poverty line of payment without jeopardizing my compensation benefits? I have tried to research this on my own and I'm getting conflicting information. Thanks.
PO1 Thomas Swope
Amn Jami R. - Yes, and thank you for this information. I'm 60 years old and have had my TDIU rating for 20 plus years now. This is good to know because I just might have to find a little part time job that can work with me around my disabilities. Money is pretty tight right now. Thanks again.
Amn Jami R.
PO1 Thomas Swope watch this from CCK...I follow their blogs a lot when it comes to rules in the law. I used them when going through my appeal. If you HAD to challenge it. You would have a right to. Just don't be afraid of taking care of yourself FIRST. That causes anxiety not needed. Deal with the VA only if you have too.
Amn Jami R.
Amn Jami R. - sorry spam linked to my phone I can't get that off the computer, my apologies...I was sending trying to send a you tube from CCK...
try this instead. Ignore that photo...it means nothing.
This is what I was trying to send you. Hopefully this helps. They usually have TONS on their website. So does Hill and Ponton. Lots of podcasts...Veterans need to start arming themselves with knowledge, so they are NOT afraid of always having benefits taken. That makes me so sad to hear you live in fear of them like that. It's supposed to be supportive not constantly looking over your back even though I KNOW it can feel that way sometimes having to explain yourself to them. About your disability like it doesn't even exist. I have found some to be extremely helpful, but unfortunately, I have found quite a few to be actually TRIGGERING to my overall disability. Which is quite amusing seeing this is the place that is supposed to be helping us. please let me know if you need anything else. I have been through this VA more than I care to I will do my best to help you find an answer if you can't get one from anyone else.
https://cck-law.com/blog/what-happens-when-va-proposes-to-reduce-my-disability-rating/
try this instead. Ignore that photo...it means nothing.
This is what I was trying to send you. Hopefully this helps. They usually have TONS on their website. So does Hill and Ponton. Lots of podcasts...Veterans need to start arming themselves with knowledge, so they are NOT afraid of always having benefits taken. That makes me so sad to hear you live in fear of them like that. It's supposed to be supportive not constantly looking over your back even though I KNOW it can feel that way sometimes having to explain yourself to them. About your disability like it doesn't even exist. I have found some to be extremely helpful, but unfortunately, I have found quite a few to be actually TRIGGERING to my overall disability. Which is quite amusing seeing this is the place that is supposed to be helping us. please let me know if you need anything else. I have been through this VA more than I care to I will do my best to help you find an answer if you can't get one from anyone else.
https://cck-law.com/blog/what-happens-when-va-proposes-to-reduce-my-disability-rating/
What Happens When VA Wants to Reduce My Disability Rating | CCK Law
When VA proposes a rating reduction, what should veterans do? Is your VA disability rating protected? Find out more information here:
PO1 Thomas Swope
Thank you so much for this info. It really does help to clear things up as far as an answer to my question. Really appreciate this.
Pamela Redwine
https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/ make a virtual appointment at this link and we will call you to assist
Melissa Comeau
Thank you Pamela Redwine for this awesome resource. I usually refer CA Veterans to CAlVets for local claims assistance https://www.calvet.ca.gov/veteran-services-benefits/va-claims
Pamela Redwine
Hello, I am not sure of the issue with getting a home loan in California, however, there is counseling available for Veterans. The Home Loan Guaranty number is [login to see] . There is also a number for Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD which is [login to see] . There is also a list for VA acquired properties at http://www.vrmproperties.com/. The link for the Federal Benefits book is https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_survivors.pdf. There is an entire section on home loans and what the VA is able to help Veterans with. I would also encourage you to develop a relationship with a real estate agent and lender to help you understand what you would need to qualify for a home loan and how much and VA will work with you to guarantee a portion of the loan based on your circumstances that may give you more favorable conditions. Hope this helps...
VRM Properties: Investing in Real Estate
VRM Properties helps home buyers & investors quickly and easily purchase their ideal property
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for this question and concern. I don't have a good answer but I can share the Hero Care Resource Directory that has housing resources that may be able to help you. Just enter your zip code to get local options for support. https://herocare.auntbertha.com/
Find social services that serve your area, anywhere in the US
1SG Zelda Davis
Please see information on VA Home Loans - https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
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.
I was just denied my claim against the symptoms of burn pit exposure on the 15 th of July. Which level review option do I select to get the fastest return for my denied claim? I do have a presumptive service connection from my service in Afghanistan.
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for being with us today. I am sorry to hear of this denial. Please see this new information from the VA and the passage of the PACT Act as it might have information about review options. I am hoping for all the best health outcomes for you as you navigate this. https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
The PACT Act and your VA benefits | Veterans Affairs
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. This page will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call us at800-698-2411(TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related...
Rebecca Brenen
Veterans now eligible for benefits based on the presumption of service connection are encouraged to file a supplemental claim using VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim or VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (if filing for the first time).
If a Veteran was previously denied a claim for any of these new conditions, what can they do?
VA will contact Veterans when a presumption of service connection is established or changed. However, Veterans previously denied a toxic-exposure related claim are encouraged to file a supplemental claim. Once a supplemental claim is received, VA will review the claim under the new policies.
If a Veteran was previously denied a claim for any of these new conditions, what can they do?
VA will contact Veterans when a presumption of service connection is established or changed. However, Veterans previously denied a toxic-exposure related claim are encouraged to file a supplemental claim. Once a supplemental claim is received, VA will review the claim under the new policies.
Hello everyone, and thank you to all who are here allowing for questions to aid in the support us Veterans and our families.
As a veteran, I have found that I am more interested in serving other veterans in a way to give back to my community. I have managed to receive an offer of employment at the Martinez VA. However, I am interested in training for other positions such as becoming a VSO or even an Advocate. How does one receive training in order to become eligible for these types of positions?
As a veteran, I have found that I am more interested in serving other veterans in a way to give back to my community. I have managed to receive an offer of employment at the Martinez VA. However, I am interested in training for other positions such as becoming a VSO or even an Advocate. How does one receive training in order to become eligible for these types of positions?
Pamela Redwine
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
this is information on how you can become an agent. It also speaks to VSOs and Attorneys from our perspective.
Pamela Redwine
What is an accredited representative?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accredits three types of representatives—Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives, attorneys, and agents—to help ensure that claimants have access to responsible and qualified representation on their VA benefits claims. VA-accredited representatives must have good moral character and be capable of providing competent representation, and VA’s Office of General Counsel is responsible for making those determinations through its accreditation process. The accreditation process differs depending of which type of accreditation is being sought. An accredited VSO representative is someone who has been recommended for accreditation by a VSO that is recognized by VA to assist on VA benefit claims.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accredits three types of representatives—Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives, attorneys, and agents—to help ensure that claimants have access to responsible and qualified representation on their VA benefits claims. VA-accredited representatives must have good moral character and be capable of providing competent representation, and VA’s Office of General Counsel is responsible for making those determinations through its accreditation process. The accreditation process differs depending of which type of accreditation is being sought. An accredited VSO representative is someone who has been recommended for accreditation by a VSO that is recognized by VA to assist on VA benefit claims.
If you've never been to the Griffith Observatory, you should go. Yeah I know it's in Los Angeles which is full of traffic but it's worth it.
Melissa Comeau
I have never been! Thank you for the recommendation and for being a part of this event today.
Why doesn't the VA have access to in service medical records?
Why does the VA make it difficult to obtain in service medical records?
Recent bill, passed by House, regarding burn pits covers personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, but does this apply to Vets working as contractors?
Regards,
Thomas A. Tullis Jr
Ssgt USMC
Why does the VA make it difficult to obtain in service medical records?
Recent bill, passed by House, regarding burn pits covers personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, but does this apply to Vets working as contractors?
Regards,
Thomas A. Tullis Jr
Ssgt USMC
Pamela Redwine
Benefits are granted for service connected disabilities. Service Treatment Records are normally available from our National Archives. We would get these records once a claim is filed to assist with processing your claim. If you were in an active duty status when your injury or illness occurred then you should apply for benefits. Hope this helps.
Are there any updates for the presumptive illness categories that would include aircraft maintenance personnel and aircrews that were exposed to high-powered RADAR systems? My RF radiation exposure(s) began in 1974 through 1982. I have seen some stories regarding studies being conducted for veterans from more recent events.
Melissa Comeau
Thank you so much for sharing with us today. Perhaps the PACT act that was just signed can help. Here is the information from the VA about new health care and benefits for Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service. https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
The PACT Act and your VA benefits | Veterans Affairs
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. This page will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call us at800-698-2411(TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related...
1stSgt Abel Aviles
PACT doesn't address this area. Guess I'll have to wait for another bill to be signed, or succomb to my medical conditions.
Rebecca Brenen
Hello, there are several conditions presumptive to radiation exposure.
The table below lists the disabilities for which SC is presumed based on a Veteran’s participation in a radiation-risk activity under 38 CFR 3.309(d).
PL 100-321 effective May 1, 1988:
Cancer of the
bile ducts
breast
esophagus
gallbladder
pancreas
pharynx
small intestine
stomach, and
thyroid
leukemia, other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
lymphomas, except Hodgkin’s disease
multiple myeloma, and
primary liver cancer, except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated.
PL 102-578 effective October 1, 1992:
Cancer of the
salivary gland, and
urinary tract.
Note: The term urinary tract refers to the
kidneys
renal pelves
ureters
urinary bladder, and
urethra.
67 FR 3612-3616 effective March 26, 2002:
Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma, and
cancer of the
bone
brain
colon
lung, and
ovary.
The table below lists the disabilities for which SC is presumed based on a Veteran’s participation in a radiation-risk activity under 38 CFR 3.309(d).
PL 100-321 effective May 1, 1988:
Cancer of the
bile ducts
breast
esophagus
gallbladder
pancreas
pharynx
small intestine
stomach, and
thyroid
leukemia, other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
lymphomas, except Hodgkin’s disease
multiple myeloma, and
primary liver cancer, except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated.
PL 102-578 effective October 1, 1992:
Cancer of the
salivary gland, and
urinary tract.
Note: The term urinary tract refers to the
kidneys
renal pelves
ureters
urinary bladder, and
urethra.
67 FR 3612-3616 effective March 26, 2002:
Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma, and
cancer of the
bone
brain
colon
lung, and
ovary.
Rebecca Brenen
The table below lists the legislative history of radiogenic disabilities under 38 CFR 3.311.
PL 98-542, 50 FR 34459, effective August 26, 1985:
All forms of leukemia except chronic lymphatic leukemia
cancer of the
thyroid
female breast
lung
bone
liver
skin
esophagus
stomach
colon
pancreas
kidney
urinary bladder, and
salivary gland, and
multiple myeloma.
54 FR 42803, effective October 18, 1989:
All forms of leukemia except chronic lymphatic (lymphocytic) leukemia
breast cancer
posterior subcapsular cataracts, and
non-malignant thyroid nodular disease.
58 FR 16359, effective March 26, 1993:
Ovarian cancer, and
parathyroid adenoma.
59 FR 45975, effective September 6, 1994:
Tumors of the brain and central nervous system.
60 FR 53277, effective October 13, 1995:
Cancer of the rectum, and
lymphomas other than Hodgkin’s disease.
63 FR 50994, effective September 24, 1998:
Prostate cancer, and
any other cancer
PL 98-542, 50 FR 34459, effective August 26, 1985:
All forms of leukemia except chronic lymphatic leukemia
cancer of the
thyroid
female breast
lung
bone
liver
skin
esophagus
stomach
colon
pancreas
kidney
urinary bladder, and
salivary gland, and
multiple myeloma.
54 FR 42803, effective October 18, 1989:
All forms of leukemia except chronic lymphatic (lymphocytic) leukemia
breast cancer
posterior subcapsular cataracts, and
non-malignant thyroid nodular disease.
58 FR 16359, effective March 26, 1993:
Ovarian cancer, and
parathyroid adenoma.
59 FR 45975, effective September 6, 1994:
Tumors of the brain and central nervous system.
60 FR 53277, effective October 13, 1995:
Cancer of the rectum, and
lymphomas other than Hodgkin’s disease.
63 FR 50994, effective September 24, 1998:
Prostate cancer, and
any other cancer
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