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Kentucky Veterans! Do You Have a VA Claim or Benefits Question? Need Peer Support? Ask Your Question Now!
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On August 12th, 2 – 3PM ET, 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:
» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» Coleton Whitaker - Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» SGT Lauren Augustine - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» Meghan Williams - Outreach Director, Cohen Veterans Network
» CMSgt Scott Robinson - Director of Military & Veteran Services, Easterseals
» Kacie Kelly - Deputy Director, Military Service Initiative, George W. Bush Presidential Center
» Staci H. - Senior Manager of Volunteers and Partnerships, Blue Star Families
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Maj Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, TAPS
» PO3 Audri Beugelsdijk - Vice President, Survivor Services, TAPS
» Corey Bowlin - Operations Manager, Veteran's Club Inc.
» Phyllis Abbott - Co-Chair, Veterans Resources United of Central - Southeastern Kentucky
» Anita Vincent - Public Affairs Officer, VA Regional Office Louisville, KY
» SPC Geslia Owens - Public Contact Outreach Specialist, VA Regional Office, Louisville KY
» SN Desley Snyder - Veterans Service Representative, VA Regional Office, Louisville KY
» LCDR Donna Scrivener - Benefits Division Director, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director of Community Integration, Americas Warrior Partnership
» PO1 Kate Stevens - Operations Associate, Team Rubicon
» LTC Keith L Jackson - Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Kentucky
» Patricia Sweeney - National Director, Peer Support Services, VA Central Office, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
ETS Sponsorship:
ETS Sponsorship assists in the successful transition of servicemembers into civilian life, pairing them with trained sponsors from their destination community and utilizing a range of digital tools to provide a unique, personalized plan for each transitioning servicemember tailored to their individual needs. http://www.etssponsorship.com
The Cohen Veterans Network:
The Cohen Veterans Network is a nationwide network of non-profit clinics dedicated to providing accessible, low-cost mental health care to active duty service members, post 9/11 Veterans and their loved ones. We believe this most deserving population has earned the right to compassionate, high-quality care and strive to provide that support regardless of role, branch, or time service and regardless of discharge status or one’s ability to pay. Our local clinic serving Kentucky Veterans and their families is the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, and although located in Clarksville, TN, we offer all services including individual, family and couples counseling via telehealth, breaking down the distance barrier to care.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured veterans. Our mission is to strengthen and empower American military caregivers and their families by raising public awareness, driving research, championing policy, and leading collaborations and programs that make a significant impact on their lives. The Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated, and recognized for their service to our nation. https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/
Student Veterans of America:
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
Easterseals:
We serve veterans and their families in Southwest Ohio, Eastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. Our Military & Veteran Services team is 100% staffed by veterans with nearly 70 years of combined active duty experience, including deployments and combat tours. With these common core of experiences we share with the vets we serve, we know first-hand the complex challenges they and their families face. In addition, we understand the journey each person who has served our country takes as they transition from Active or reserve status back into the civilian sector because we have also made that same journey. We are proud to provide our services at no cost to the veteran or their family members, and we live by the same ethos we held on the battlefield – we leave no veteran behind – period. Regardless of discharge status, disability, or personal circumstances, we treat EVERY veteran with honor, dignity, and respect. We work with them to identify their needs and empower them to overcome their barriers, and secure sustainable employment to turn their lives around. https://www.easterseals.com/gc/our-programs/military-veteran-services/
American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network:
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging. The mission of the MVCN is to provide our nation’s military and veteran caregivers of all eras with peer support to reduce isolation and increase connection, engagement, knowledge, skills and hope.
TAPS:
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 95,000 survivors of fallen military in the form of peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been profoundly affected by a death of a military loved one. For more information go to taps.org or call the TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS (8277).
Blue Star Families:
Founded in 2009 by military spouses with you in mind, we empower military families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors – both people and organizations – to create strong communities of support.
Team Rubicon:
Team Rubicon is a disaster response organization that serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises. The organization serves a dual purpose: serve vulnerable communities after disasters but also provide a sense of purpose, mission and community to the veteran volunteers serving those populations.
America’s Warrior Partnership:
America’s Warrior Partnership is committed to empowering communities to empower veterans. We fill the gaps that exist between veteran service organizations by helping nonprofits connect with veterans, their families and caregivers. Our programs bolster nonprofit efficacy, improving their results and empowering their initiatives.
Louisville VA Regional Office:
The Louisville VA Regional Office administers a wide array of benefits in the areas of Compensation, Veteran Readiness and Employment, Fiduciary Services, and Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Special Mission.
Lady Veterans Connect:
Lady Veterans Connect's mission is: "Honoring Lady Veterans by providing Hope - Homes- Healing for women veterans". A primary focus is providing a transitional housing program for homeless women veterans where they can live up to one-year while participating in restoring self-esteem, life skills, financial literacy, job training, resume writing, interviewing skills, nutritional classes, Yoga, art therapy, and restoring relationships with family members. Additionally, we host retreats for all women veterans, lunch and learn events, and our premier event is hosting a women veterans appreciation dinner to honor all women veterans. We opened our first home in 2016 which was a three-bedroom house. We have opened our second home, "Anna's House" in Winchester June 12, 2021 where we can provide transitional housing for 32 women veterans.
You can ask questions to the following people:
» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» Coleton Whitaker - Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» SGT Lauren Augustine - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» Meghan Williams - Outreach Director, Cohen Veterans Network
» CMSgt Scott Robinson - Director of Military & Veteran Services, Easterseals
» Kacie Kelly - Deputy Director, Military Service Initiative, George W. Bush Presidential Center
» Staci H. - Senior Manager of Volunteers and Partnerships, Blue Star Families
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Maj Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, TAPS
» PO3 Audri Beugelsdijk - Vice President, Survivor Services, TAPS
» Corey Bowlin - Operations Manager, Veteran's Club Inc.
» Phyllis Abbott - Co-Chair, Veterans Resources United of Central - Southeastern Kentucky
» Anita Vincent - Public Affairs Officer, VA Regional Office Louisville, KY
» SPC Geslia Owens - Public Contact Outreach Specialist, VA Regional Office, Louisville KY
» SN Desley Snyder - Veterans Service Representative, VA Regional Office, Louisville KY
» LCDR Donna Scrivener - Benefits Division Director, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director of Community Integration, Americas Warrior Partnership
» PO1 Kate Stevens - Operations Associate, Team Rubicon
» LTC Keith L Jackson - Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Kentucky
» Patricia Sweeney - National Director, Peer Support Services, VA Central Office, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
ETS Sponsorship:
ETS Sponsorship assists in the successful transition of servicemembers into civilian life, pairing them with trained sponsors from their destination community and utilizing a range of digital tools to provide a unique, personalized plan for each transitioning servicemember tailored to their individual needs. http://www.etssponsorship.com
The Cohen Veterans Network:
The Cohen Veterans Network is a nationwide network of non-profit clinics dedicated to providing accessible, low-cost mental health care to active duty service members, post 9/11 Veterans and their loved ones. We believe this most deserving population has earned the right to compassionate, high-quality care and strive to provide that support regardless of role, branch, or time service and regardless of discharge status or one’s ability to pay. Our local clinic serving Kentucky Veterans and their families is the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, and although located in Clarksville, TN, we offer all services including individual, family and couples counseling via telehealth, breaking down the distance barrier to care.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured veterans. Our mission is to strengthen and empower American military caregivers and their families by raising public awareness, driving research, championing policy, and leading collaborations and programs that make a significant impact on their lives. The Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated, and recognized for their service to our nation. https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/
Student Veterans of America:
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
Easterseals:
We serve veterans and their families in Southwest Ohio, Eastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. Our Military & Veteran Services team is 100% staffed by veterans with nearly 70 years of combined active duty experience, including deployments and combat tours. With these common core of experiences we share with the vets we serve, we know first-hand the complex challenges they and their families face. In addition, we understand the journey each person who has served our country takes as they transition from Active or reserve status back into the civilian sector because we have also made that same journey. We are proud to provide our services at no cost to the veteran or their family members, and we live by the same ethos we held on the battlefield – we leave no veteran behind – period. Regardless of discharge status, disability, or personal circumstances, we treat EVERY veteran with honor, dignity, and respect. We work with them to identify their needs and empower them to overcome their barriers, and secure sustainable employment to turn their lives around. https://www.easterseals.com/gc/our-programs/military-veteran-services/
American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network:
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging. The mission of the MVCN is to provide our nation’s military and veteran caregivers of all eras with peer support to reduce isolation and increase connection, engagement, knowledge, skills and hope.
TAPS:
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 95,000 survivors of fallen military in the form of peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been profoundly affected by a death of a military loved one. For more information go to taps.org or call the TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS (8277).
Blue Star Families:
Founded in 2009 by military spouses with you in mind, we empower military families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors – both people and organizations – to create strong communities of support.
Team Rubicon:
Team Rubicon is a disaster response organization that serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises. The organization serves a dual purpose: serve vulnerable communities after disasters but also provide a sense of purpose, mission and community to the veteran volunteers serving those populations.
America’s Warrior Partnership:
America’s Warrior Partnership is committed to empowering communities to empower veterans. We fill the gaps that exist between veteran service organizations by helping nonprofits connect with veterans, their families and caregivers. Our programs bolster nonprofit efficacy, improving their results and empowering their initiatives.
Louisville VA Regional Office:
The Louisville VA Regional Office administers a wide array of benefits in the areas of Compensation, Veteran Readiness and Employment, Fiduciary Services, and Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Special Mission.
Lady Veterans Connect:
Lady Veterans Connect's mission is: "Honoring Lady Veterans by providing Hope - Homes- Healing for women veterans". A primary focus is providing a transitional housing program for homeless women veterans where they can live up to one-year while participating in restoring self-esteem, life skills, financial literacy, job training, resume writing, interviewing skills, nutritional classes, Yoga, art therapy, and restoring relationships with family members. Additionally, we host retreats for all women veterans, lunch and learn events, and our premier event is hosting a women veterans appreciation dinner to honor all women veterans. We opened our first home in 2016 which was a three-bedroom house. We have opened our second home, "Anna's House" in Winchester June 12, 2021 where we can provide transitional housing for 32 women veterans.
Bowling Green
Owensboro
Elizabethtown
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Responses: 35
Not entirely clear to me how this VETXL is supposed to work but am taking a stab at it.
I retired active duty in Aug 2019. Registered an intent to file medical claims on 6/26/2020. To date, I still haven't actually filed any claims. What are the ramifications of my procrastination? Have I messed around too long and now the ship has sailed?
Thanks in advance for your reply!
-Ken
I retired active duty in Aug 2019. Registered an intent to file medical claims on 6/26/2020. To date, I still haven't actually filed any claims. What are the ramifications of my procrastination? Have I messed around too long and now the ship has sailed?
Thanks in advance for your reply!
-Ken
Maj Bonnie Carroll
SP5 Greer, thank you for your service to our country. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) may be able to review your application for a Veteran Identification Card and the required supporting documentation in an effort to identify the issue. However, you can also send a request for assistance related to your application to [login to see] .
Anita Vincent
Thanks for the question SP5 Greer! There are different types of ID Cards. I'm not sure which one you requested. This site describes the different types of identification cards available https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/
Types of Veteran ID cards | Veterans Affairs
There are many types of identification cards you can use to show you’re a Veteran. You only need to have one of them for this purpose. Learn about the different types of VA ID cards and other Veteran ID options.
Andi Martinez
Thank you for your service! We apologize if you received misinformation about receiving a VA ID card. You can get your VA ID card here! https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/
You may be eligible if you meet both of the requirements listed below.
Both of these must be true. You:
Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and
Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions)
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, you’re not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application.
You’ll need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when you apply for a VIC to prove your character of discharge.
You may be eligible if you meet both of the requirements listed below.
Both of these must be true. You:
Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and
Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions)
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, you’re not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application.
You’ll need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when you apply for a VIC to prove your character of discharge.
How to apply for a Veteran ID Card | Veterans Affairs
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. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card and how to apply.
I submitted an update for some of my service-related illnesses after 18 months, because they are not getting better or treated and submitted some new claims that were missed on my 1st claim. Then I get a letter saying they are reducing my disability by 30% because I have not been to the Dr for it in the past year. I went to my VA PMC and addressed these illnesses several times but apparently her notes were not reviewed by the appeals panel. Why are the VETs being treated this way? I was sent to a Dr an hour away and he took maybe 10 minutes to shine a light in my nose and stand up with shoes off, who paid for this reevaluation of illnesses? I did with 8 hours of sick leave from my employer and a wasted time of this dr.? I only spent 30 years in the Army and 6 deployments starting with (SWA-Desert Storm). I might have gone on sick call 7-10 times during my career but now that I am trying to get help, I get sent to some crack doc with an office that looked like he was just using it to put two extra chairs in, no medical stuff was anywhere to be seen actually I think the 2 chairs were the only thing in the room (scarry?). I just want to know why the VA wants to take away my benefits that have medical documentation already confirmed of the illness and how they figured out that it must of got better magically? I would love to get that prescription so I can stop taking medicine for my illness. [login to see] .
LCDR Donna Scrivener
KDVA is available to help you respond to the proposed action. I will send you an email with contact information for your Veterans Benefit Field Representative who can review the examination report and discuss ways to rebut the proposed reduction. When a veteran asks for an increase in a service connected disability he or she is usually provided with an Compensation and Pension examination to determine the current severity of the condition. Many veterans do not realize that if the examination shows that the condition has improved the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has to propose a decrease. There are due process rights associated with a proposal to decrease including a 60 day period to submit additional evidence in rebuttal. The VA will not finalize the reduction until the due process period has expired. As advocates, we at KDVA encourage veterans to seek the counsel of an accredited veterans representative before filing any new claims. We review the rating criteria for increased ratings with the veteran and ensure that he or she is aware of the type of evidence the examiner will be reviewing. This can often prevent reductions in ratings. As to the examination itself, the VBA has switched to using contracted examiners rather than Veteran Health Administration employees. If you are unhappy with your examination we suggest that you call [login to see] and report your concerns.
Anita Vincent
Good afternoon! I agree with Donna’s post above. Accredited Veterans Service Officers can provide valuable guidance when navigating the claims process. It sounds like we (VA) may not have had all your medical records at the time of the last rating. The proposal period allows time for additional records to be identified and obtained. In addition, you have the option of requesting a personal hearing (which can be conducted virtually). I’m sorry your exam experience didn’t meet your expectations. I’ve shared your concerns with the Exam Coordinator at the VA Regional Office.
1SG Rob Pike
LCDR Donna Scrivener good to have that number I will call because that contract dr must have a magic eye and light for the three seconds he looked at my nose. Since his three second assessment was the only thing used at his consult and none of the DR notes from DR Rice/Beyers was used showing my request for follow up treatment and medication.
thank you.
The paid VA VSO I used to submit my retirement claim was the one who said don’t appeal my findings.
18 months later someone recommended to me to use a volunteer DAV at a VFW and it was found there were missing ailments not claimed.
thank you.
The paid VA VSO I used to submit my retirement claim was the one who said don’t appeal my findings.
18 months later someone recommended to me to use a volunteer DAV at a VFW and it was found there were missing ailments not claimed.
Why aren't talking about the present "Bills" that are being considered this year.
We need to contact our legislators
Veterans and their families are in need of legislative assistance to support their efforts to receive the needed medical care and assistance with their disability claims.
From your Congressional Office I would like to receive written correspondence to my request that you, acting as my “Congressional Representative”, Co-sponsor / support the following legislation:
The 2017th Congress has several legislative bills before it.
The Team Act: H.R. 2127-Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act (TEAM Act) Expansion of health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances
Justice Act: H.R.2192 - Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 To provide for recovery by individuals who were stationed, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune, for certain actions of omissions by the United States.
Fort McClellan Health Registry Act:
H.R.2825 - Fort McClellan Health Registry Act To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a registry of certain veterans who were stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and for other purposes.
Ask to amend H.R. 2825 to include a “Health Registry” for the Veterans associated with the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water.
Brandon Act H.R. 3492 Brandon Act
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the process by which a member of the Armed Forces may be referred for a mental health evaluation.
We need to contact our legislators
Veterans and their families are in need of legislative assistance to support their efforts to receive the needed medical care and assistance with their disability claims.
From your Congressional Office I would like to receive written correspondence to my request that you, acting as my “Congressional Representative”, Co-sponsor / support the following legislation:
The 2017th Congress has several legislative bills before it.
The Team Act: H.R. 2127-Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act (TEAM Act) Expansion of health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances
Justice Act: H.R.2192 - Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 To provide for recovery by individuals who were stationed, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune, for certain actions of omissions by the United States.
Fort McClellan Health Registry Act:
H.R.2825 - Fort McClellan Health Registry Act To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a registry of certain veterans who were stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and for other purposes.
Ask to amend H.R. 2825 to include a “Health Registry” for the Veterans associated with the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water.
Brandon Act H.R. 3492 Brandon Act
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the process by which a member of the Armed Forces may be referred for a mental health evaluation.
Melissa Comeau
Thank you so much for posting these CWO3 Bob Terhune These are all important issues and I appreciate that you are encouraging others to be informed and get involved.
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Learn about the different types of VA claims for disability compensation. Find out when you can first file a claim for service-connected benefits—and what to do if you want to request more benefits or have new evidence to support a claim we denied in the past.