Posted on Feb 13, 2019
How do I change my address with the VA if I'm OCONUS?
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I live int the Philippines. My U.S. address is registered with the VA, so they can mail my prescriptions to my U.S. address and then they are forwarded to me in the Philippines.
I recently filed a claim, from the Philippines, for pension benefits. I received an email suggesting I update my address. They provided no instructions on how to update my address. If I change it at MyHealth.net, I will no longer receive my prescriptions. Ebenefits won't let me change my address without a premium subscription and they will not give me, or confirm by email, a premium subscription, because they are not allowed to email outside the U.S. It's a catch 22. Per the American Legion there is also no way I can check on the status of my claim.
I recently filed a claim, from the Philippines, for pension benefits. I received an email suggesting I update my address. They provided no instructions on how to update my address. If I change it at MyHealth.net, I will no longer receive my prescriptions. Ebenefits won't let me change my address without a premium subscription and they will not give me, or confirm by email, a premium subscription, because they are not allowed to email outside the U.S. It's a catch 22. Per the American Legion there is also no way I can check on the status of my claim.
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 5
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Please allow me to weigh in on this issue. There are a number of variables coming into play and will try to take all the issues and explain as best as I can. For some specifics, please feel free to PM me.
1. Even if your meds are being sent to an APO/FPO address, do not be shocked if they get sent back. In spite of the fact that APO/FPO addresses are valid USPS addresses, the VA can use and DOES use an obscure DEA rule that prohibits the mailing of medications outside the US.
2. You do not mention where in the Philippines you are located. I would recommend you make time to go to the VARO (VA Regional Office) and register there. A Premium Subscription with eBenefits is easy to get and should be free of charge to obtain but a change of address will not necessarily change it for all the different databases.
3. You need a premium account to check your claim status. Claim and appeals information has been moved to VA.gov but your logon should still work. You can see the status and projected completion date.
4. The VA in Philippines is not the same as the US as you know it. Effective 1 October 2017 the Philippines came under the umbrella of the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP). Simply stated, the VA will only pay for service connected issues. Anything else is on you. On point here, I am 100% DAV. If I fall and break my hip, I have to pay for it. So if it isn't a rated service connected matter, you will pay for it.
5. As mentioned by 1SG Anonymous, those are the phone and address for the VARO. I need to advise you that the VARO is located in the US Embassy Seaside Compound...not the Main Embassy Compound. Take an Uber and be sure you are on the bay side of the building. You should call ahead as access is restricted and tight security measures are in force.
I hope this helps and again, feel free to PM me if you need to discuss specifics.
1. Even if your meds are being sent to an APO/FPO address, do not be shocked if they get sent back. In spite of the fact that APO/FPO addresses are valid USPS addresses, the VA can use and DOES use an obscure DEA rule that prohibits the mailing of medications outside the US.
2. You do not mention where in the Philippines you are located. I would recommend you make time to go to the VARO (VA Regional Office) and register there. A Premium Subscription with eBenefits is easy to get and should be free of charge to obtain but a change of address will not necessarily change it for all the different databases.
3. You need a premium account to check your claim status. Claim and appeals information has been moved to VA.gov but your logon should still work. You can see the status and projected completion date.
4. The VA in Philippines is not the same as the US as you know it. Effective 1 October 2017 the Philippines came under the umbrella of the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP). Simply stated, the VA will only pay for service connected issues. Anything else is on you. On point here, I am 100% DAV. If I fall and break my hip, I have to pay for it. So if it isn't a rated service connected matter, you will pay for it.
5. As mentioned by 1SG Anonymous, those are the phone and address for the VARO. I need to advise you that the VARO is located in the US Embassy Seaside Compound...not the Main Embassy Compound. Take an Uber and be sure you are on the bay side of the building. You should call ahead as access is restricted and tight security measures are in force.
I hope this helps and again, feel free to PM me if you need to discuss specifics.
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SGT Glen Adkins
1. My meds are being mailed to my U.S. address and forwarded, to me, in the Philippines.
2. I am in Angeles City, Pampanga. A Premium Subscription to eBenefits is NOT easy to get. I tried again today. I selected Claims Status. Then I selected "Upgrade with DS Logon registration wizard. It sent me back to the home page with no selection for upgrading to Premium status.
3. Yes. I understand I need Premium access to learn anything at all about my claim. I tried logging on to VA.gov. The ID.me requirements include a U.S. phone number for verification. I could not complete the process. So, again, no access.
4. Yes I am aware.
5. I tried calling and could not get a live person to answer the phone. I will try again.
2. I am in Angeles City, Pampanga. A Premium Subscription to eBenefits is NOT easy to get. I tried again today. I selected Claims Status. Then I selected "Upgrade with DS Logon registration wizard. It sent me back to the home page with no selection for upgrading to Premium status.
3. Yes. I understand I need Premium access to learn anything at all about my claim. I tried logging on to VA.gov. The ID.me requirements include a U.S. phone number for verification. I could not complete the process. So, again, no access.
4. Yes I am aware.
5. I tried calling and could not get a live person to answer the phone. I will try again.
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SGT Glen Adkins
I would have sent you a PM, but I have now been able to figure out how to do it on this website.
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SSG Carlos Madden
SGT Glen Adkins - Go to Jims profile and connect with him. Then you'll be able to message.
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