Michigan Veterans! Do you have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!

2023-03-07T10:01:03-05:00

On March 30th, 1 - 2 PM ET, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits, claims, and peer support resources. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» Michael DeRome - Public Contact Supervisor, VBA Detroit
» SSG Christina Potter - Patient Advocate Supervisor, VHA
» LCDR Allen "Repo" Dow - Partnership Coordinator, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manger, George W. Bush Institute
» PO3 Douglas Webb - Management Analyst, VA
» PO3 Matthew Campbell - Senior Partnerships Analyst, VA

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2023 9:49 PM

2023-03-07T21:49:10-05:00

thanks for the info.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 9 at 2023 9:14 AM

2023-03-09T09:14:58-05:00

thanks for sharing

Response by SPC Ashley Schulz made Mar 21 at 2023 12:38 AM

2023-03-21T00:38:43-04:00

Because of the restrictions on how many therapists can serve veterans in an area, there are no options for me to seek out specialized care such as EMDR in person. I live in mount Pleasant and the closest one to me is 1.5 hrs away(north). We need less restrictions on who we can see and where do that we can heal from our traumas and wounds, internal and external. We just had to drive over an hour to Lansing(during a snow storm) for a root canal because no dentist around here was VA covered. I love having community care as options, but, I believe the restrictions are also hurting a lot of veterans in need.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Mar 28 at 2023 3:58 PM

2023-03-28T15:58:52-04:00

Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by SSG Steve Bare made Mar 29 at 2023 6:11 PM

2023-03-29T18:11:05-04:00

As a honorably discharged Army Reservist without the 180 days of active duty. Are there any benefits available for me. Service Date 02/11/1977- 02/10/1989

Response by PO2 Jack Muse made Mar 29 at 2023 6:15 PM

2023-03-29T18:15:28-04:00

In 2015, I was denied a part of my disability claim for a back injury I sustained during active duty. It was denied due to lack of medical documentation. I was granted 10% for a different part of that claim. Since then, my back injury has been documented by VA doctors to the severity of it. Can I re-file a claim or am I ineligible to do so?

Response by SPC Steven Orasco made Mar 29 at 2023 6:32 PM

2023-03-29T18:32:13-04:00

I was active duty Regular Army from 1983 to 1986. I have DD214 with a honorable discharge. Then spent 3 years as inactive reserve. My question is, as a veteran is there any type of financial help available for me. Next week I am having my 6th back surgery in less then 5 years, it will also be my second in less then a year. On top of those surgeries in the last year I also fractured my elbow and ruptured my tricep tendon which I had to have surgery to repair. In August I was also diagnosed with prostate cancer and at the end of November I had to have my prostate removed. As I said next week is another back surgery. I have applied for SSDI but have not gotten a determination as of yet. I have been off work since April 5, 2022. I did receive short term disability for 6 months after that I went on long term disability, but they would only cover me for the cancer and not the back because they determined it was a preexisting issue. So as of February I am not getting any more disability payments. My surgeon does not want me to return to work, but at the same time I have no income. I did try to apply for benefits from the State of Michigan, but they said in the 4 months I worked in 2022 I made too much money to qualify for help. I do not know where to turn. I do not want to lose my house and end up as another homeless vet standing on a street corner begging for help.

Response by SFC Nick Chakur made Mar 29 at 2023 6:35 PM

2023-03-29T18:35:38-04:00

What prescriptions does Tricare cover and is it better then Medicare Part D.

Response by SFC M Hage made Mar 30 at 2023 7:16 AM

2023-03-30T07:16:22-04:00

My husband is 100% permanent disabled and he has a very serous medical conditions. We applied for the caregiver program and got denied, we appealed the decision and 10 days ago we were told that we got denied again but we have not received any letter. We talked to a lot of people from caregiver to patient advocate trying to find out how to appeal again but everyone gives us a different answer.
We would really appreciate it if you can help us with this matter.
Thank you,
Fay Hage

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Mar 30 at 2023 7:19 AM

2023-03-30T07:19:09-04:00

Are there few free tax advisors to help navigate the 2022 tax year filings?

Response by SPC Walter Keck made Mar 30 at 2023 7:44 AM

2023-03-30T07:44:43-04:00

Does the VA do anything as far as dentures?

Response by PO3 Matthew Campbell made Mar 30 at 2023 12:02 PM

2023-03-30T12:02:15-04:00

Thanks to all of YOU for joining us today! Starting within the next hour please feel free to ask your questions to all our amazing Community & VA Experts! If you are experiencing any technical difficulties please dial into our Trouble Shooting Line [login to see] and we'll be able to assist you further. Thanks again for joining us!

Response by PO3 Douglas Webb made Mar 30 at 2023 12:27 PM

2023-03-30T12:27:54-04:00

Good afternoon Michigan Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors!

Register for the Michigan VEAC event for 1-on-1 help on VA benefits, health care, memorial affairs, crisis resources, local and community services and more! VA, featuring special guests from the VA Center for Minority Veterans and Michigan state and community partners will host a virtual event for Veterans, caregivers, service members, survivors, and family members to help you get the services and benefits you’ve earned!

https://www.va.gov/initiatives/veterans-experience-action-centers/

Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) | Veterans Affairs

Response by Sgt Brian McKillip made Mar 30 at 2023 12:38 PM

2023-03-30T12:38:47-04:00

I'm an AF vet trying to obtain my mil med records. I have submitted my request to the archive department. It's been months and I really need these for an injury.

Response by Sgt Brian McKillip made Mar 30 at 2023 12:57 PM

2023-03-30T12:57:46-04:00

how do i sign into this chat

Response by Sgt Christopher Vidaurre made Mar 30 at 2023 1:04 PM

2023-03-30T13:04:06-04:00

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 mental and brain health service providers to connect veterans and their families 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 business hours our Care Coordinator will reach out to you and find the most appropriate care and get you connected. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

https://www.veterancheckin.org/s/

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 Ed McEvoy made Mar 30 at 2023 1:08 PM

2023-03-30T13:08:14-04:00

Hello, my name is Ed from VA’s Vet Centers. Vet Centers offer community based counseling services, community engagement, and referral services to eligible Veterans, active duty service members and their families (when it is found to aid in the readjustment or transition of the Veteran or service member).

I am happy to answer your questions and help put you in touch with your local Vet Center if interested.

You can reach us 24/7 by calling the Vet Center Call Center at [login to see] or find us online at http://www.vetcenter.va.gov.

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.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Mar 30 at 2023 1:15 PM

2023-03-30T13:15:21-04:00

Hello Everyone. My nae is Melissa Comeau and I am the spouse and caregiver to a combat wounded Marine. I am also the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. We serve caregiver of all eras and Veterans that are caregivers. to learn more or to join our Network please visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Mar 30 at 2023 1:17 PM

2023-03-30T13:17:40-04:00

Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by PO3 Matthew Campbell made Mar 30 at 2023 1:33 PM

2023-03-30T13:33:41-04:00

Check it out! VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Subscribe to VA News! https://www.va.gov/vetresources/
VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent)
Are you in crisis? Call our NEW Veterans Crisis Line # 988 Press 1 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 PO3 Matthew Campbell made Mar 30 at 2023 1:35 PM

2023-03-30T13:35:13-04:00

Do you have VA benefits, claims, and health care questions unresolved and live in Michigan ? Register for the Veterans Experience Action Center today! https://www.va.gov/initiatives/veterans-experience-action-centers/

Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) | Veterans Affairs

Response by LCDR Allen "Repo" Dow made Mar 30 at 2023 1:43 PM

2023-03-30T13:43:44-04:00

Hello everyone, my name is Allen Dow, and in addition to being an active Navy Reservist, I'm the Partnership Coordinator at the Michigan Veteran Affair Agency. We serve as the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. The agency works to identify and break down barrier's veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. Unlike the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides health care, educational, compensation and pension benefits, and more, the MVAA assists veterans and their families by connecting them to their federal resources and benefits, as well as those state benefits they have earned. The agency does this by working with various state departments and agencies, as well as hundreds of community-based veteran programs to create a no-wrong-door access to benefits and services. http://www.michigan.gov/mvaa

MVAA

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Response by Sgt Brian McKillip made Mar 30 at 2023 2:04 PM

2023-03-30T14:04:17-04:00

Being that this is my first time on M.V Q&A are these posts accessible for us to review at a later time?