Colorado Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!

2022-11-09T15:18:21-05:00

On November 29th, 11AM - 12PM MT, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits and claims. Also ask your questions on peer support resources. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office
» Marianne Delatorre - HHCC Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Kasia Davis - Senior Human Resources Specialist, VA
» SPC Leroy Chavez - Outreach Specialist (Homeless Veteran Coordinator)
» SSG Dwight Amey - Outreach Specialist (Rural Veteran Coordinator, Alt. MVPC)
» Rebecca Smith - Supervisor, Public Contact Team, Denver VA Regional Office
» PO3 Tiffany Morgan - CEO, WarriorNOW
» PO1 Kevin Eherenman - Congressional Liaison
» Stephanie Tuley-Fuson - Management Analyst, VA VMSTEP
» 1SG Cory Givhan - Outreach Specialist (Alternate Homeless Veteran Coordinator)
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Veteran Wellness Alliance Check-In, George W. Bush Institute
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Patricia Sweeney - National Director, Peer Support Services
» Capt Trey Ellis - Peer Leader Manager, Wounded Warrior Project
» SGT Lauren Augustine - Vice President Government Affairs, SVA
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Jay Gorman - Clinical Psychologist, Veterans Mental Health and Addictions Program
» Sgt Ruby Clendenning - Management Analyst, VA
» Melissa Johnson - Programs & Services Associate, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Amy Cutler - Senior Case Manager, Home Front Military Network

The National Cemetery Scheduling Office (NCSO):
The NCSO is part of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, National Cemetery Administration. The NCSO responsible for verifying eligibility for burial for Veterans, their spouses, and dependents and scheduling of burial services for 155 VA National Cemeteries across the United States. The NCSO also processes Pre-Need application requests Veterans. A Pre-Need application is used for living Veterans who are preparing their plans for their final resting place.

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA):
Veterans Benefits Administration is one of 3 Administrations of VA. VBA has several programs, including compensation for service related illnesses and injuries, Pension for low income War Era Veterans, surviving spouse and family benefits, education, life insurance and home loan programs.

WarriorNOW:
WarriorNOW was founded as a way to eliminate the stigma associated with Veterans dealing with mental health related concerns, PTSD, and/or addiction. It is unfortunate how many of our Veterans are suffering and have no outlet or resources to assist in fighting their daily battle. We are happy to say that we do not fight alone. Much like being in the service, we are brining the team approach back to the lives of our Veterans where it belongs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2022 4:55 PM

2022-11-09T16:55:09-05:00

Thanks for the Info.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Nov 12 at 2022 7:34 PM

2022-11-12T19:34:10-05:00

thanks for sharing

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2022 11:24 AM

2022-11-17T11:24:50-05:00

What VA or community resources are available to Veterans in CO who struggle with homelessness & food insecurity?

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2022 11:52 AM

2022-11-17T11:52:06-05:00

What peer to peer resources or support would a Veteran receive if they expressed interest?

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 17 at 2022 1:12 PM

2022-11-17T13:12:58-05:00

Looking forward to the event!

Response by PO2 Larry DiFrancesco made Nov 22 at 2022 2:11 PM

2022-11-22T14:11:06-05:00

I was recently diagnosed with PTSD, how do I file a disability claim, where, what to expect next?

Response by SMSgt Robert Johnson made Nov 24 at 2022 1:47 AM

2022-11-24T01:47:37-05:00

Under the PACT, I am entitled to Hypertension compensation. I claimed this in my initial claim but at that time, it was denied as not service connected. What type of claim do I have to submit to have this added back in?

Response by PO2 Timothy Guyton made Nov 24 at 2022 8:30 AM

2022-11-24T08:30:41-05:00

How do I register for this event and what is the link to the live discussion?

Response by PO3 James Morrison made Nov 24 at 2022 9:33 AM

2022-11-24T09:33:10-05:00

What resources if any do we have as disabled veterans for landlords who refuse to maintain building to minimum habitable standards without the fear of becoming homeless? I can not afford a new place since the cost has increased so much. And buying a home on 0 down va was not possible since banks charge more for interest on 0 down.

Response by Lt Col Richard Miller made Nov 29 at 2022 12:40 PM

2022-11-29T12:40:26-05:00

I recently was advised by the Board of Veteran Affairs that my 16-year-old appeal was finalized and that I was awarded full reimbursement benefits for a dental claim that was filed in 2009. However, its been over 90 days since the BVA awarded the reimbursement but the ECHCS has yet to authorize the reimbursement for the claim filed in 2009. Can anyone advise as to the status of this claim?

Response by SPC Sylvia Flores made Nov 29 at 2022 1:05 PM

2022-11-29T13:05:49-05:00

I filed a claim in April of this year and just received a letter telling me they can't find my Personnel files. Yet when I visited the hearing doctor for the claim, she stated that she found over 500 pgs. What should I do?

Response by Sgt Christopher Vidaurre made Nov 29 at 2022 1:06 PM

2022-11-29T13:06:37-05:00

Hello All, My name is Christopher Vidaurre, I am the Senior Program Manager at the George W. Bush Institute. I am here on behalf of the Veterans Wellness Alliance to share “Check-In” Check-In is a first-of-its-kind network that unites peer-led organizations and service providers to connect veterans and their families efficiently and em pathetically with high-quality care for mental and brain health services. Please go to veterancheckin.org and fill out our short form to get connected to care. Once you fill out the form within in 72 hours our Care Coordinator will reach out to you and find the most appropriate care and get you connected should you want to find an outside provider.

http://www.veterancheckin.org

Check In

Connecting veterans with the support and services they need to live happier, healthier, more successful lives-and to make sure veterans are treated like people, not case numbers, every step of the care journey.

Response by SGT Robert Palmer made Nov 29 at 2022 1:07 PM

2022-11-29T13:07:34-05:00

I was approved for hearing care only. I didn't have any other military issue. Why aren't I eligible for other health care?

Response by MAJ Michael Endres made Nov 29 at 2022 1:09 PM

2022-11-29T13:09:22-05:00

How does a veteran go about obtaining reliable independent legal & medical assistance on a denied Agent Orange claim?

Response by MSgt Laurie Mortenson made Nov 29 at 2022 1:12 PM

2022-11-29T13:12:36-05:00

Is this a live webinar? or just answering questions via this platform?

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 29 at 2022 1:14 PM

2022-11-29T13:14:34-05:00

Do you have VA, state, and/or community services, benefits, claims, health care, or other questions unresolved and live in Colorado? Register for the Veterans Experience Action Center today! To register please visit: https://www.va.gov/initiatives/veterans-experience-action-centers/

Veterans Experience Action Center | Veterans Affairs

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Nov 29 at 2022 1:15 PM

2022-11-29T13:15:04-05:00

Good afternoon and Welcome to today's VetXl Q&A for Colorado! My name is Zelda Davis with the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP). VMSTEP provides employment readiness assistance and outreach to transitioning Service members, Veterans, and military spouses while advocating use of special hiring authorities, employment programs, and Veteran retention strategies to help VA become the employer of choice. Please visit our website @ VA for Vets @ http://www.vaforvets.va.gov to learn more about employment opportunities, career, job, resource and internship fairs to include training resources to assist you in finding employment and/or Writing your Federal Resume.

VA for Vets: Your Gateway To VA Careers

VA for Vets

Response by Marianne Delatorre made Nov 29 at 2022 1:15 PM

2022-11-29T13:15:41-05:00

Hi everyone, my name is Marianne Delatorre and I am the Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community Program (HHCC) Coordinator at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. We are the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers known as “Hidden Heroes”; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs include peer support, critical financial assistance, respite, and much more. You can view our programs here: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/our-programs/. To learn more about our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, go to our website here: https://hiddenheroes.org/. We aim to ensure that families of veterans are supported in their caregiving journey and are recognized for their efforts. You can email me at [login to see] for questions. Look forward to chatting and hearing from you all!

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.…

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 29 at 2022 1:17 PM

2022-11-29T13:17:56-05:00

Other community resources:

Veteran Community and Peer to Peer: https://warriornow.org/
Veteran Community and Peer to Peer: https://homefrontmilitarynetwork.org/
Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs https://vets.colorado.gov/
County Veteran Service Officers https://vets.colorado.gov/county-veterans-service-offices
Apply for VA Health Care https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction

Veteran Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention - WarriorNOW

Your generous donation to WN will help support Veteran Mental Health, Recovery from addiction, and Suicide Prevention. All Veterans All Eras

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 29 at 2022 1:25 PM

2022-11-29T13:25:01-05:00

For additional info on burn pits, toxic/environmental exposures, and PACT Act, visit: Spread the word https://news.va.gov/109115/spread-word-pact-act-health-care-eligibility/

Spread the word about PACT Act eligibility - VA News

Under the PACT Act, Vietnam era, Gulf War era, and Post-9/11 Veterans have extended eligibility for VA health care.

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 29 at 2022 1:25 PM

2022-11-29T13:25:19-05:00

Start your VA search to find local VA facility, resources, VA peer support, Vet Centers, and mental wellness resources. https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Find VA Locations | Veterans Affairs

Find a VA medical center, clinic, hospital, national cemetery, or VA regional office near you. You can search by city, state, postal code, or service. You'll get wait times and directions.

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 29 at 2022 1:25 PM

2022-11-29T13:25:53-05:00

Access a Peer Network or Connect with Care today! http://www.veterancheckin.org

Check In

Response by SP5 Shenika “MO” Mosley made Nov 29 at 2022 1:27 PM

2022-11-29T13:27:30-05:00

My re evaluation is taking longer than expected. I went for appointment Aug 25. Va said they started working on it September 15 gathering evidence. I’m wondering was I denied. Because it’s taking longer. I checked VA claim update nothing yet.

Response by SMSgt Felipe Toro made Nov 29 at 2022 1:27 PM

2022-11-29T13:27:57-05:00

Good Morning, I was service connected for asthma (30%) and I am now connected for sleep apnea (with CPAP) as a secondary condition. My percentage went from 30 with asthma alone to 50 percent with both conditions. Is that correct? Seems like sleep apnea alone is 50.

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 29 at 2022 1:34 PM

2022-11-29T13:34:49-05:00

VA is here to help. If you have a question after this event, please contact your local VA Medical Center or call 1-800-MyVA411, VA's national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA to talk to a person.

Response by TSgt Scott Castro made Nov 29 at 2022 1:40 PM

2022-11-29T13:40:04-05:00

Can anyone help me with CRSC questions?

Response by Cpl Dwayne Arellano made Nov 29 at 2022 1:45 PM

2022-11-29T13:45:39-05:00

I appealed to the board on a deduction in rating. The DAV found out it was mis-rated, and should not have been reduced. So I put in an appeal to the board in July 2021. I was told the board is about 2 years behind. Is that still correct? I also heard how the board is only looking at certain cases first, and any appeals to the board within the last 5 years is on hold until they get through those 200,000 claims. Is that correct, or do you have any info on that?

Response by SP5 Ron Galterio made Nov 29 at 2022 1:54 PM

2022-11-29T13:54:05-05:00

My brother in law was a Vietnam veteran and exposed to agent orange. He died recently of bladder cancer but never filed a claim for service connection of this illness. Would my sister possibly be eligible for DIC windows benefits?

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Nov 29 at 2022 2:02 PM

2022-11-29T14:02:14-05:00

My name is Zelda Davis with the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP). Please remember and share the information that VMSTEP is here to provide employment readiness assistance and outreach to transitioning Service members, Veterans, and military spouses while advocating use of special hiring authorities, employment programs, and Veteran retention strategies to help VA become the employer of choice. Please visit VMSTEP's website @ VA for Vets @ http://www.vaforvets.va.gov to learn more about employment opportunities, career, job, resource and internship fairs to include training resources to assist you in finding employment and/or Writing your Federal Resume.

VA for Vets: Your Gateway To VA Careers

VA for Vets

Response by Lt Col Richard Miller made Nov 30 at 2022 10:47 AM

2022-11-30T10:47:30-05:00

I appreciate all of the comments and advice provided. Unfortunately, the train has left the station, appointments with the BVA, calls for assistance from the Regional VA Center and other actions have produce no results. It appears that ECHCS officials are simply taking a blind eye to the entire affair as they did 16 years ago. What i need is the single VA POC capable of getting results.