VetXL: Minority Veterans Together Q&A. Ask questions now on services and benefits for Minority Veterans

2022-02-15T08:52:03-05:00

Join us live on February 24th @ 1PM ET for a Q&A focused on Minority Veterans. You can ask questions, on this page, about Minority Veterans, Benefits, Health Equity, and LGBTQ+

*RP staff will be monitoring this discussion. Please be advised that comments that don't adhere to our discussion conduct guidelines (https://rly.pt/RPguidelines) will be deleted

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Col Dennis May - Deputy Director, Center for Minority Veterans
» Capt Josh Seefried - LGBTQ+ Coordinator, VEO
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Regina Yount - Assistant Director, Enterprise Contact Operations, VA
» PO1 James Minick - Program Analyst, VA
» Kevin Powers - Program Analyst, OFO-NCC, VA
» Allie Leaver - Program Analyst, VA
» Krystal Connor, VBA - Program Analyst, VA
» Lauren Korshak - Awareness and Translation Lead, Office of Health Equity, VA

RallyPoint Support Center

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Feb 16 at 2022 5:14 AM

2022-02-16T05:14:48-05:00

Thanks for the heads up

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2022 11:28 AM

2022-02-16T11:28:50-05:00

What time zone? EST PST,MDT ........

Response by SSG Cj Jones made Feb 16 at 2022 8:41 PM

2022-02-16T20:41:48-05:00

Thanks! Looking forward to it. I'll be sure to tune in, with a few unanswered questions in hand.

Response by PV2 Willie Moorehead made Feb 17 at 2022 8:57 AM

2022-02-17T08:57:00-05:00

Any class action suits ?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2022 10:44 AM

2022-02-17T10:44:09-05:00

Col May and Ernest Moy, I have been trying to get my medical and dental records for about two years now, so that I can ask for an upgrade of my disability. I was told to contact my representative here in Corpus Christi, Texas, so I did, and he told me to register at VA. gov, in which I did, and the only records I would be able to get are from the clinic. That was my help. In the meantime, I am a 67-year-old African American female with a disability that has gotten worse over the years, and the only thing the clinic does is try to kill me. They allowed my blood pressure to get up to 218/126, which has now affected my heart and I must take nitroglycerin, all because they would not give me my medication for blood pressure that they prescribed. I don't know if this is the right forum for this, but please explain why some of us get help and others are treated as though we don't matter. I no longer trust the clinic. Also, why am I being prescribed medication (metformin) that has been recalled for at least two years? Are they trying to kill off all of the minorities? I have lost all faith in the people that I was willing to die for.

Response by CW2 Tilo Stanley made Feb 17 at 2022 11:00 AM

2022-02-17T11:00:01-05:00

I would like to read something about Veterans that served with a Green Card.Some one,like me served during War time in a War Zone. In my Case,I served in Vietnam and my Dad was a World War 2 Soldier.My Roots run deep in America ,but he was not able to make me a Citizen.But ,received my Draft Notice and served in Vietnam twice as Green Card holder during my first Tour. These are the forgotten Soldiers.Some have died for there adoptive Country.They all deserve our respect.

Response by CW2 Tilo Stanley made Feb 17 at 2022 11:32 AM

2022-02-17T11:32:04-05:00

We were all Soldiers.In my Case ,I was a Green Card Holder serving in the US Army in Vietnam.67-68 and as a US Citizen 69-70. We are all proud Americans !

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2022 10:20 AM

2022-02-19T10:20:00-05:00

Question for Josh Seefried and Ernest Mo.

I'm a Trans Woman.

I have a lump in my breast.

If it turns out to be cancerous and has to be removed will the VA do reconstructive surgery and return me to my former state or will they declare reconstruction of my breast as cosmetic surgery leaving me with only 1 breast. Everything my VA is telling me is that is what will happen.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Feb 20 at 2022 4:21 PM

2022-02-20T16:21:44-05:00

We never had any problems. 8-)

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 23 at 2022 5:58 PM

2022-02-23T17:58:19-05:00

What can we do, as a veteran community, to help promote these programs to minority veterans? How can we help?

Response by A1C Paul K made Feb 23 at 2022 6:19 PM

2022-02-23T18:19:41-05:00

Is there a link to this? I don’t see how to join the discussion tomorrow…

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Feb 23 at 2022 10:26 PM

2022-02-23T22:26:15-05:00

I have tried to get the doctors from criticizing me and claiming that I made certain statements by complaining and asking for the False Statements and criticisms be amended or appended. Now after receiving more records, I have only found more False statements.

Response by LCpl William Powell made Feb 24 at 2022 8:27 AM

2022-02-24T08:27:56-05:00

I am a member of the American Legion, served four years in the Marine Corps but I am not an American. My recruiter claimed I would become one once I joined and my Drill Sergeant thought the same but no that wasn't the case. Does this fact make me and others like me a Minority Veteran? Even the American Legion refers to us as American Armed Forces but some of us aren't.

Response by Maj Rachel Benson made Feb 24 at 2022 11:52 AM

2022-02-24T11:52:18-05:00

Capt Seefried, When will the VA decide on the exclusion for transgender surgeries?

Response by CPL Peter Dais made Feb 24 at 2022 12:18 PM

2022-02-24T12:18:25-05:00

I am Afrikan American disabled veteran residing in the state of Alabama. I and several other african american veterans in my state have been denied several times or delayed when trying to get disability benefits. I trained myself to do and help other veterans obtain disablity benefits. I noticed that veterans that I help that are not african americans get their benefits faster and with no problems. Some have not served any time other than training while on active duty. I truly understand systematic racism. My question is what can you or are you doing to help African American veterans in the southern states other than talk about the problems?
Peter Dais [login to see]
I am currently waiting for claims since 2009 to be settled.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2022 12:44 PM

2022-02-24T12:44:59-05:00

My second question.

Mr. May upon discovering the lump and notifying my doctor I felt isolated with zero information about breast cancer and not even a number to call to ask questions or seek help.

Is it possible for the VA to institute a standardized protocol that will go into action the moment a woman reports a lump or change in their breasts. This waiting for imaging and blood tests is diffcult. It just takes to long and leaves women in the dark.

Education on this issue should be standard at every appointment a woman has plus information in clinics.

Response by Sgt Sharon Brooks made Feb 24 at 2022 12:47 PM

2022-02-24T12:47:19-05:00

There is a great need for a panel to investigate the disparity in how disability cases are handled and awarded. There is a huge disparity between male and female ratings and between white and other races. So if I am a AA female I am at the bottom. The state of Florida would be a good place to start.

Response by Sgt Sharon Brooks made Feb 24 at 2022 1:00 PM

2022-02-24T13:00:49-05:00

I have been turned denied a disability rating and increase twice so far. So now I have my case submitted to wait another 3 to 5 years to see if its denied again. I know half the problem is the 2 VSO's who filed them didn't know how to write it up properly. The majority of the proof is in my active duty records and the rest I submitted. The other reasons are sexism and racism. For those who say I am wrong read the comments on half of these veteran boards and blogs and half the proof is there. How long before real change will happen?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2022 1:03 PM

2022-02-24T13:03:15-05:00

Where is the link to join this live?

Response by Andi Martinez made Feb 24 at 2022 1:08 PM

2022-02-24T13:08:37-05:00

Thank you all for joining the event and typing your questions in the chat. One of our experts will be addressing your questions. Department of Veterans Affairs

Response by Andi Martinez made Feb 24 at 2022 1:10 PM

2022-02-24T13:10:27-05:00

Get News to use each week from VA! Subscribe to https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/vetresources/

VetResources - VAntage Point

VetResources is a weekly VA newsletter filled with VA and non-VA resources for Veterans, their familes, caregivers, and survivors.

Response by Andi Martinez made Feb 24 at 2022 1:11 PM

2022-02-24T13:11:26-05:00

Check out the VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/

Print out your VA Welcome Kit | Veterans Affairs

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned. Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your...

Response by Andi Martinez made Feb 24 at 2022 1:12 PM

2022-02-24T13:12:21-05:00

Need to talk with someone at VA now? Use these resources.
1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA.
White House VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent)
Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255
VA.gov makes it easy for Veterans to schedule an appointment, update contact info, file a claim, apply for healthcare and much more!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2022 1:12 PM

2022-02-24T13:12:24-05:00

Good afternoon,
I am wondering when the VA will cover IVF for gay couples? I’m not sure if the policy is a remnant of DADT that was appealed over 10 years ago, but it is completely outdated and flat out discriminatory.

Response by CMSgt Reginald Davis made Feb 24 at 2022 1:14 PM

2022-02-24T13:14:42-05:00

Can't login

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Feb 24 at 2022 1:15 PM

2022-02-24T13:15:27-05:00

Good afternoon! Welcome to this afternoons VetXL in honor of Black History Month and Minority Veterans who served their country and others who paid the ultimate sacrifice. My name is Zelda Davis with the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Employment Program Office formerly known as the Veteran Employment Services Office. We provide employment assistance to Veterans seeking Federal careers primarily in VA. However, we also partner with other Federal agencies and private-sector employers seeking to hire Veterans to fill their mission-critical positions. Please visit the VA for Vets website @ http://www.vaforvets.va.gov or VA Careers @ http://www.vacareers.va.gov and find available employment opportunities. If you need assistance with your Federal resume there's available training resources on the VA for Vets website to assist you! Also Follow and Like US on [login to see]

VA for Vets: Your Gateway To VA Careers

VA for Vets

Response by A1C Kiniko Cora made Feb 24 at 2022 1:15 PM

2022-02-24T13:15:34-05:00

Where is the link to log in?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2022 1:18 PM

2022-02-24T13:18:31-05:00

Ms. Korshak

You did not answer my question as to coverage for Transgender Women.

Response by LCDR James Albino made Feb 24 at 2022 1:44 PM

2022-02-24T13:44:43-05:00

Logged on

Response by Andi Martinez made Feb 24 at 2022 2:12 PM

2022-02-24T14:12:01-05:00

Thank you all for joining us today!

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Feb 24 at 2022 3:10 PM

2022-02-24T15:10:33-05:00

I thought I asked how I can get any doctors to stop lying or writing False Statements. I have tried to have the false and libelous statements amended or appended and they just write more false/libelous statements in mostly my medical records.

How can I get them corrected or to get my statements written in my records?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2022 3:35 PM

2022-02-24T15:35:32-05:00

1. Any plans to do more with the PRIDE program for gay veterans? More Veteran Care Coordinators (VCCs)? More classes? More opportunities for gay vets to tell their stories within VA blogs and the No Veteran Behind Podcast?

2. Any plans to create a similar program providing resources for transitioning to black veterans?

3. Finally, who can I contact about doing a guest post on the VA blog? I never received an response from the official VA blog email.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Mar 26 at 2022 5:15 PM

2022-03-26T17:15:09-04:00

I am a minority vet:
Retired 1SG
Combat Arms
4 year degree

Response by SGT Lenard Kasst made Mar 31 at 2022 7:31 PM

2022-03-31T19:31:33-04:00

Why are we not all being treated the same, we are Vietnam veterans.

Response by SSG Donald Bramley made Sep 10 at 2023 1:39 AM

2023-09-10T01:39:52-04:00

It is with regret that I had not discovered this Live discussion on Black History and LGBTQ+ on 2/24/2023. I have lived both "tags" since in the 5th grade. Do I regret it ? NO! Early I learn to handle my Personal life seperately. Either one was always a task. Standing up to ridicuqer and the likes. Steping forward with intelligence to shame the ignoranant.