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Colorado Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support? Ask Questions Now!
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On March 3rd, 12-1 PM MT, 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:
» Justin Monk - Director of Policy, Student Veterans of America
» Kate Hatten - Executive Director, Home Front Military Network
» Rebecca Smith - Coach, Public Contact Team, Denver VA Regional Office
» PO3 Tiffany Morgan - Director of Training and Peer Mentor, WarriorNOW
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» SPC Dwight Amey - Legal Administrative Specialist, VA
Student Veterans of America:
Student Veterans of America is a Chapter-based organization with about 1,500 locations on college campuses nationwide. We represent about 750,000 student veterans and work on personal and professional development, leadership training, and advocacy at the federal level.
Home Front Military Network:
HFMN is a collaborative, working with nearly 50 service providers; we connect military service members, veterans and their families to essential resources, including financial assistance provided by HFMN and our partners, in order to meet the full range of needs of individual and families. Our programs include Navigation (Case Management); Financial Bridge Support; Information & Assistance; and Education & Outreach.
WarriorNOW:
WarriorNOW has designed and implemented a program that brings Structure, Camaraderie, and Purpose back into Veterans and their families lives, and we do this through peer-to-peer mentoring, recreational therapy, PTSD groups, pro-social events, and education on topics pertaining to mental health, addiction, and building healthy relationships. WarriorNOW has flipped the conventional treatment model 180 degrees to start with building protective factors and coping skills first through peer work, and then when the Veteran is ready, we start the individual clinical work.
You can ask questions to the following people:
» Justin Monk - Director of Policy, Student Veterans of America
» Kate Hatten - Executive Director, Home Front Military Network
» Rebecca Smith - Coach, Public Contact Team, Denver VA Regional Office
» PO3 Tiffany Morgan - Director of Training and Peer Mentor, WarriorNOW
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» SPC Dwight Amey - Legal Administrative Specialist, VA
Student Veterans of America:
Student Veterans of America is a Chapter-based organization with about 1,500 locations on college campuses nationwide. We represent about 750,000 student veterans and work on personal and professional development, leadership training, and advocacy at the federal level.
Home Front Military Network:
HFMN is a collaborative, working with nearly 50 service providers; we connect military service members, veterans and their families to essential resources, including financial assistance provided by HFMN and our partners, in order to meet the full range of needs of individual and families. Our programs include Navigation (Case Management); Financial Bridge Support; Information & Assistance; and Education & Outreach.
WarriorNOW:
WarriorNOW has designed and implemented a program that brings Structure, Camaraderie, and Purpose back into Veterans and their families lives, and we do this through peer-to-peer mentoring, recreational therapy, PTSD groups, pro-social events, and education on topics pertaining to mental health, addiction, and building healthy relationships. WarriorNOW has flipped the conventional treatment model 180 degrees to start with building protective factors and coping skills first through peer work, and then when the Veteran is ready, we start the individual clinical work.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Denver
Colorado Springs
Fort Collins
Lakewood
Responses: 45
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!
I'm moving to Fort Collins in a few months. What's the best timing and process for notifying my current VA in Massachusetts so records are transferred and appointments can be made at the correct facility?
Also, are there any unique benefits given to Veterans in CO that I should be aware of?
I'm moving to Fort Collins in a few months. What's the best timing and process for notifying my current VA in Massachusetts so records are transferred and appointments can be made at the correct facility?
Also, are there any unique benefits given to Veterans in CO that I should be aware of?
Glad to be here with you all today! I'm with Student Veterans of America, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about VA education benefits. If you'd prefer to reach out to me directly, my email is [login to see] . Looking forward to connecting with you!
Justin Monk
Melissa Comeau - Thank you for the kind words, Melissa! If I can ever be of service to you or your organization, please let me know.
Justin Monk
SPC Theresa Dvorak - I'm glad to hear it! If I can ever be of assistance, please let me know.
SPC Theresa Dvorak
Justin Monk - I have graduated and moved on but my children are using my benefits. Can they also reach out?
Good afternoon! My name is Zelda Davis with the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Employment Program Office. The VEPO 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. We can be reached at [login to see]
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. We can be reached at [login to see]
VA for Vets: Your Gateway To VA Careers
VA for Vets
Have you heard about this new platform to support Rural veterans on Colorado?
Operation Veteran Strong https://www.operationveteranstrong.org/
DENVER, November 12, 2021 — Colorado is launching an online platform, Operation Veteran Strong, designed to connect veterans to the right national and local resources at the right time to increase self-awareness, build resilience, and prevent the development of mental health and well-being crises. Although veterans make up nearly 10% of the population, 17% of all suicides in Colorado are veterans, and the suicide rate among veterans is more than double the rate of non-veterans.
State Office of Suicide Prevention funding supported the build out of regional and statewide resources as well as additional resources in six priority counties in Colorado that are participating in the development and implementation of comprehensive suicide prevention efforts. The National Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Rural Health is funding an evaluation of the site as well as support to tailor portal assistance and dissemination within rural Colorado communities. Rural Veteran communities are an area of concern as they often have a higher rate of suicide.
Operation Veteran Strong https://www.operationveteranstrong.org/
DENVER, November 12, 2021 — Colorado is launching an online platform, Operation Veteran Strong, designed to connect veterans to the right national and local resources at the right time to increase self-awareness, build resilience, and prevent the development of mental health and well-being crises. Although veterans make up nearly 10% of the population, 17% of all suicides in Colorado are veterans, and the suicide rate among veterans is more than double the rate of non-veterans.
State Office of Suicide Prevention funding supported the build out of regional and statewide resources as well as additional resources in six priority counties in Colorado that are participating in the development and implementation of comprehensive suicide prevention efforts. The National Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Rural Health is funding an evaluation of the site as well as support to tailor portal assistance and dissemination within rural Colorado communities. Rural Veteran communities are an area of concern as they often have a higher rate of suicide.
YOU at Operation Veteran Strong
Find tips and tools for everything from your mental and physical health, to friendships and finding balance. It’s all here. Operation Veteran Strong
Hey everyone, I'm Tiffany and I work with WarriorNOW where veterans are helping veterans through peer support. Looking for fellow veterans to connect with? Wanting to give back to your veteran community? Join WarriorNOW for our nightly Buddy Check at 1900 https://warriornow.org/buddy-check/
Check out our website for other events and supportive services we host for veterans and their families!
Check out our website for other events and supportive services we host for veterans and their families!
JOIN THE BUDDY CHECKEvery Night. 7pm Mountain. On Zoom. Join the Buddy Check Our vision THE WARRIORNOW NIGHTLY BUDDY CHECK WAS STARTED IN SUPPORT OF A VETERAN STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AND ADDICTION. THE ROOM WAS DEDICATED TO HIM AS A SPACE TO PROVIDE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OUR VETERANS STRUGGLING WITH RELAPSE AND TO GIVE […]
SPC Theresa Dvorak
I would love to partner with you. I am founder of http://www.elev8veterans.com
Mind - Body - Spirit
Patricia Sweeney
Tiffany, thank you for sharing this wonderful peer support resource in Warrior Now. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) also has peer support services available for Veterans. Veterans who use health care services in the VHA facilities can have the opportunity to work with peer specialists who work as part of the interdisciplinary teams that provide health care services for Veterans. The peer specialists are Veterans who self-identify with their own lived experiences of recovery from a mental health condition. The peer specialists have been trained to help other Veterans with similar experiences to identify and achieve recovery and personal wellness goals that are individualized and important to the Veterans. Peer specialists serve as relatable role models of recovery and can inspire hope in the Veterans to see their own potential and believe that they too can find success in managing their personal wellness and attain meaningful roles that they choose for their lives. As part of their work, peer specialists share their personal recovery stories. They assist Veterans with personal goal setting and problem solving. They help Veterans identify their strengths, resources, and skills that support their personal goals. Peer specialists use a host of recovery tools to help Veterans learn new coping strategies to improve their self-management over their mental health conditions. They assist Veterans with navigating the VA healthcare system, teach self-advocacy skills and empower Veterans to reconnect with others and find a sense of belonging and purpose both in VA and in their communities. Veterans may request a referral for peer support services from their VA mental health care provider or other VA provider with whom they are working.
PO3 Tiffany Morgan
SPC Theresa Dvorak - We would love to partner with you! Shoot me an email: [login to see]
The tax exemption for 100% veterans was written in 2004. Housing prices have doubled and reduced this benefit exponentially. What is being done to bring this up to date?
Cpl Frank Lahtinen
This is what I could find on the VA site for Colorado property tax benefit, wish is was better news: A veteran with a 100 percent disability rating in Colorado may receive a property tax exemption of 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the actual value of his/her primary residence. A property tax deferral exists for eligible veterans over the age of 65 and for active duty personnel.
PO3 Tiffany Morgan
The United Veterans Coalition (UVC) advocates for legislation pertaining to veterans. I'm not sure if this is on their current agenda to address but this might be a good place to start asking questions: https://uvcoc.org/
I'm a AIR FORCE Veteran. I was DX with cll leukemia JULY 2017. The base of assignment was MATHER AFB, CA. The base was strayed with chemicals. I have been rejected for serve connected disability. There are Veterans awarded 100% Service connected disability. The chemical veterans came in contacted is AGENT ORANGE. ARE VETERANS BEING AWARDED SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY FOR CLL LEUKEMIA?
PO1 Kevin Eherenman
You are absolutely right, the Veterans Benefits Administration currently does not have a regulation regarding presumptive conditions related to chemical exposure on Mather AFB like there are for Agent Orange exposure. However, this does not mean your diagnosed Leukemia cannot be related to hazardous chemicals while on active duty service. If the decision to deny leukemia is within a year, you have all three review options available. However, I suggest you start with a supplemental review. With the supplemental review, you should include information on the chemicals you were exposed to and include medical documentation linking your diagnosed leukemia to these chemicals. Medial journals or papers which link leukemia to the chemicals exposed to would likely help you in seeking service connection. Also, provide a doctors opinion stating your leukemia is a result of your exposure to chemicals while on active duty service.
You will likely need to appeal this to the Board of Veterans Appeals and you still may be denied for leukemia. Just remember if you receive an adverse decision there is always a next action. If you have not appointed a Veterans Service Representative to assist you with your dealings with VA, you should. Organizations such as Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans are there to assist you and their service is free of charge.
You will likely need to appeal this to the Board of Veterans Appeals and you still may be denied for leukemia. Just remember if you receive an adverse decision there is always a next action. If you have not appointed a Veterans Service Representative to assist you with your dealings with VA, you should. Organizations such as Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans are there to assist you and their service is free of charge.
Melissa Comeau
I am so sorry to hear you are battling this. I do not have a good answer but I found this information about exposure to hazardous materials that may help. https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/
Exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you can get disability compensation (monthly payments) and other benefits for illnesses or other conditions, like the ones listed below. These are illnesses and conditions we believe may be caused by contact with harmful chemicals or other hazardous materials while serving in the military.
SPC Leroy Chavez
Good afternoon,
Thank you for service with the United States Air Force!
Eligibility requirements for service-connected disability compensation related to Agent Orange exposure can be found on the VA.gov website:
https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
Thank you for service with the United States Air Force!
Eligibility requirements for service-connected disability compensation related to Agent Orange exposure can be found on the VA.gov website:
https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
Agent Orange exposure and VA disability compensation | Veterans Affairs
Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide the U.S. military used to clear leaves and vegetation for military operations mainly during the Vietnam War. Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have certain related illnesses. If you have an illness caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service, read below to find out if you may be eligible for disability compensation and how to apply.
Cpl Frank Lahtinen
This just came across my feed: From Mark Takano Member of Congress
Today the Honoring our PACT Act, passed the House of Representatives.
America’s message to toxic-exposed servicemembers and veterans has long been simple – we thank you for your service, but the price tag for addressing the effects of your exposure is just too high. Today, after years of diligent input from toxic-exposed veterans, my colleagues, our staff, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), Congress finally recognized toxic exposure as a cost of war. The bipartisan legislation addresses the full range of issues impacting toxic-exposed veterans including earned benefits and healthcare through VA. It will open up healthcare to over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service and finally concede exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards. It will also create presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof away from our veterans. The Honoring our PACT Act has the strong support of 42 VSOs, the Biden-Harris Administration, and advocates Jon Stewart and John Feal.
For too long, Congress and VA have been slow to act on toxic exposure – but today, the House took a bipartisan vote to change that. I look forward to working with Senator Tester to pass truly comprehensive legislation through the Senate and send it to the President’s desk. Toxic-exposed veterans do not have time to wait.
Today the Honoring our PACT Act, passed the House of Representatives.
America’s message to toxic-exposed servicemembers and veterans has long been simple – we thank you for your service, but the price tag for addressing the effects of your exposure is just too high. Today, after years of diligent input from toxic-exposed veterans, my colleagues, our staff, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), Congress finally recognized toxic exposure as a cost of war. The bipartisan legislation addresses the full range of issues impacting toxic-exposed veterans including earned benefits and healthcare through VA. It will open up healthcare to over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service and finally concede exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards. It will also create presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof away from our veterans. The Honoring our PACT Act has the strong support of 42 VSOs, the Biden-Harris Administration, and advocates Jon Stewart and John Feal.
For too long, Congress and VA have been slow to act on toxic exposure – but today, the House took a bipartisan vote to change that. I look forward to working with Senator Tester to pass truly comprehensive legislation through the Senate and send it to the President’s desk. Toxic-exposed veterans do not have time to wait.
I recently applied for Post-911 Education Benefits for a Certification from an educational institution that is not “accredited.” But neither are “trade” schools - but nonetheless the VA provides benefits for them, and other “Certifications.” Ive used benefits before with the VA, and recently submitted the form to change my education institution. My Question is: If an institution is not “accredited,” and I’m applying with that institution for a Certification- would this make it more likely to be denied? If I am denied, do you know of an appeal process? I just want to prepare in advance for my rebuttal, as my intuition tells me they would deny it because the school is not a typical school, and not accredited.
1SG Zelda Davis
Hello TSgt Mitchell, please review the following to help answer your question...How to track your VA education benefits appeal status?
Track the status of your VA education benefits appeal. If you disagree with a decision on your application for education benefits, you can request a decision review. You can also manage any review requests or appeals you already filed.
VA Education Benefits | Veterans Affairs
http://www.va.gov/education/
Track the status of your VA education benefits appeal. If you disagree with a decision on your application for education benefits, you can request a decision review. You can also manage any review requests or appeals you already filed.
VA Education Benefits | Veterans Affairs
http://www.va.gov/education/
VA education and training benefits | Veterans Affairs
VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you've earned.
Justin Monk
Matt, VA has specific requirements for compliance for unaccredited programs, but that shouldn't predispose VA to deny your application for benefits at that school. They may, of course, but not by default.
VA also has a system called WEAMS that you can use to search for already approved GI Bill schools, including unaccredited ones: https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do
If it's helpful, feel free to reach out to me directly at [login to see] and we can hop on a quick call to chat about any concerns you may have and the best path forward. Good luck!
VA also has a system called WEAMS that you can use to search for already approved GI Bill schools, including unaccredited ones: https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do
If it's helpful, feel free to reach out to me directly at [login to see] and we can hop on a quick call to chat about any concerns you may have and the best path forward. Good luck!
GI Bill Information
I have Veteran non-profit and offer Glass blowing as therapy. I am in Colorado Springs and would love to partner with VA to get more veterans involved.
Melissa Comeau
SPC Theresa Dvorak This sounds wonderful. I would like to learn more. Do you have a website?
If I have a veterans ID card does that mean I am automatically covered medically if needed?
Andi Martinez
Hi Greg, No the Veterans ID Card will not cover health care costs or eligibility. A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. You can’t use your Veteran ID Card to:
Prove your eligibility for any federal benefits, or
Access military bases or installations, or
Access military commissaries or exchanges, or
Present as a form of identification at the airport, or
Check into a VA hospital, or
Show as proof of retirement from the Armed Forces, or
Show as proof of wartime service to get a special license plate from the Department of Motor Vehicles
Prove your eligibility for any federal benefits, or
Access military bases or installations, or
Access military commissaries or exchanges, or
Present as a form of identification at the airport, or
Check into a VA hospital, or
Show as proof of retirement from the Armed Forces, or
Show as proof of wartime service to get a special license plate from the Department of Motor Vehicles
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VA.gov | Veterans Affairs
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.