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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
Hello and thank you for providing this opportunity.
I have a disability rating that I would like to be re-evaluated and hopefully increased due to it progressively getting worse. How do I go about getting this increase? It is for my back.
Also, I have been dealing with some mental health issues recently and haven't found a good resource that is conducive to my work and life schedule. Is there any mental health program that is specific to Vets to where it can be conducted online or not in person?
I have a disability rating that I would like to be re-evaluated and hopefully increased due to it progressively getting worse. How do I go about getting this increase? It is for my back.
Also, I have been dealing with some mental health issues recently and haven't found a good resource that is conducive to my work and life schedule. Is there any mental health program that is specific to Vets to where it can be conducted online or not in person?
The VA continues to deny my claim even though I and my physicians have thoroughly proven my case.The physician the VA sent me to twice has supplied ample evidence to support my claim. Is there anyone there today who can look into this for me or tell me what to do next. I shouldn't have to wait years to go before the Veteran's board of Appeals when the VA clearly has the evidence needed to award me the benefits I deserve.
Amn Jami R.
Hi your going to be really upset by my writing this but here it goes...I have had my appeal with the VA since 2010. I have been before 3 yes 3 BVA judges and 1 CVAC Hearing. I just got my remand back by the last BVA judge with it not over yet. I was discharged in 2002. But I haven't STOPPED fighting for my claims since my discharge. Many of us haven't. You never really get to stop. So you might as well get on board with that now. Yes you do deserve them, but it won't be easy to get. But don't, I repeat DON'T stop fighting for them!
Natalie Souza
A1C Kareen Harmon we will be happy to set up an appointment with you at your convenience to go over your rating decision. All decision have a reasons and bases for why they could not grant your claim and we can help explain and if there is anything additional evidence you can provide.
Please reach out to us via https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/. to set up an in person or virtual appointment.
Please reach out to us via https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/. to set up an in person or virtual appointment.
I have a 60% rating and I may need hernia surgery and I want a specific surgeon at UCLA to do the surgery, will the VA cover the cost, if so how? Also my community care doctor referred me to my GASTRO doctor who i going to perform a EGD, I paid the deductable, will the VA cover any of the costs?
Amn Jami R.
Unless you have a referral from the VA (preapproval letter for funds given by fee basis) and a specific NEED for that doctor outside, and the VA medically can't provide you that care inside the VA then chances of you getting an outside doctor are slim if it just a matter of "preference". The VA doesn't work like a private insurance does.
Pamela Redwine
The Fee Basis VA program allows Veterans to be seen by a community provider. The Fee Basis program or Non-VA Care is health care provided outside VA. What is the fee basis application?
The Fee Basis application supports the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Fee Basis program. When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities cannot provide all of the necessary medical care and services required by its patients due to geographic inaccessibility, medical urgency, or when it is
Fee Basis - VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs
The Fee Basis application supports the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Fee Basis program. When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities cannot provide all of the necessary medical care and services required by its patients due to geographic inaccessibility, medical urgency, or when it is
Fee Basis - VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs
I have a Chloracne claim due to Agent Orange expussure. Could you please check on the status. My name is Arturo G Lozano.
Ryan Callahan
Sgt Arturo Lozano - We just launched an exposure Q&A here: https://rly.pt/PactQA
VetXL Q&A Chat: Environmental Exposures and Burn Pits. What are your questions? | RallyPoint
Join us on September 8th 1-2 PM ET where VA experts will address your health and benefits questions related to environmental exposures, burn pits, and caregivers/survivors on PACT Act. You can ask questions to the following people: » - Director of Policy, Health Outcomes Military Exposures, VA » - Acting DEPDIR, Health Outcomes Military Exposures, VA » - Program Analyst, VA » - Special Advisor, Compensation Services, VBA ...more subject matter...
What is the best resource in help a veteran can get for filing and expediting a service connected disability?
PO3 Matthew Campbell
CPL Robert Clary- The best resource would be found here: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/. There are 4 options to file a disability compensation claim. 1) Online, 2) Mail ) In Person at VA Regional Office 4) With an accredited representative. Some Veterans like option #4 as it's FREE and an accredited representative has many years of experience and background along with knowing what they are looking for. https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/
How to file a VA disability claim | Veterans Affairs
Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation or increased disability compensation.
I need help with my disability. I am a USMC vet (25 yrs AD). I did my claim 2 years ago essentially by myself because VSOs were shut down for COVID19. I received my finding but I think I need to appeal some stuff and also I have stuff to add. I live in S CA. I think I need a good VSO to help me. Where should I go?
Rebecca Brenen
Please make an appointment with a Los Angeles VA representative using https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/. We will be happy to go over your rating decision and answer any questions you have. We can also assist you with filing a new claim and/or an appeal.
I need help with my disability. I am a USMC vet (25 yrs AD). I did my claim 2 years ago essentially by myself because VSOs were shut down for COVID19. I received my finding but I think I need to appeal some stuff and also I have stuff to add. I live in S CA. I think I need a good VSO to help me. Where should I go?
Pamela Redwine
At your nearest VA regional benefit office
To find a VSO office located in your local regional benefit office, use our directory of VA-recognized VSOs that are co-located with VA.
How to Appoint a VSO or Representative
Online
You may appoint a VA-recognized VSO to represent you or manage your current representative online using eBenefits.
It is recommended that you first speak to the VSO before you submit your online request.
By Mail
You may also appoint a VA-recognized VSO by completing VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative. You may appoint an attorney, claims agent, or a specific, individual VSO representative to represent you by completing VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative. You should mail the completed form to:
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
CLAIMS INTAKE CENTER
PO BOX 4444
JANESVILLE, WI 53547-4444
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vso/varo.asp Here is the link to the website to search for a VSO at the Regional Offices as follows: Veterans Service Organizations
The Los Angeles RO houses seven Veterans Service Organizations.
American Legion, [login to see]
American Veterans, [login to see]
California Department of Veterans Affairs, [login to see]
Disabled American Veterans, [login to see]
Paralyzed Veterans of America, [login to see]
Vietnam Veterans of America, [login to see]
Veterans of Foreign Wars, [login to see]
To find a VSO office located in your local regional benefit office, use our directory of VA-recognized VSOs that are co-located with VA.
How to Appoint a VSO or Representative
Online
You may appoint a VA-recognized VSO to represent you or manage your current representative online using eBenefits.
It is recommended that you first speak to the VSO before you submit your online request.
By Mail
You may also appoint a VA-recognized VSO by completing VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative. You may appoint an attorney, claims agent, or a specific, individual VSO representative to represent you by completing VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative. You should mail the completed form to:
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
CLAIMS INTAKE CENTER
PO BOX 4444
JANESVILLE, WI 53547-4444
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vso/varo.asp Here is the link to the website to search for a VSO at the Regional Offices as follows: Veterans Service Organizations
The Los Angeles RO houses seven Veterans Service Organizations.
American Legion, [login to see]
American Veterans, [login to see]
California Department of Veterans Affairs, [login to see]
Disabled American Veterans, [login to see]
Paralyzed Veterans of America, [login to see]
Vietnam Veterans of America, [login to see]
Veterans of Foreign Wars, [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.
I've been served with an unlawful detainer so my landlord can increase the rent. I'm paying over 90% of my income is for rent. Please help!
PO3 Matthew Campbell
John-Please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at [login to see] they are there 24/7 365 days and are able to get connected right away. Also please check out the website link here for more info. Please let me know if you get squared away. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.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.
I'm a VN vet with hypertension and a colon cancer survivor.
Would I be eligible for benefits with the passing of the Pact Act?
Should I file a claim for one or both?
Thanks for your help.
Would I be eligible for benefits with the passing of the Pact Act?
Should I file a claim for one or both?
Thanks for your help.
Rebecca Brenen
Veterans and survivors can file claims for all conditions outlined in the PACT Act immediately.
Melissa Comeau
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ Here is the information from VA regarding the PACT Act.
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...
PO3 Matthew Campbell
Hi Cpl Cp Saraceno- You may be elegible for benefits, the best source of finding out further information is http://www.va.gov/PACT and they encourage those affected to file a claim. Link to file a claim is here: https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction
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...
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