Posted on Oct 12, 2021
Texas Veterans! Do You Have Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support? Ask Questions Now!
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On October 28th, 12-1PM CT, 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
» SGT Arlene Perez - Peer Services Manager, Texas Veterans Commission (MVPN)
» SFC Gregory Morton - Peer Services Coordinator, Texas Veterans Commission (MVPN)
» SFC James Schaale - Peer Services Coordinator, Texas Veterans Commission (MVPN)
» PO2 Elizabeth Saunders - Operations Associate, Team Rubicon
» Coleton Whitaker - Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Staci H. - Senior Manager of Volunteers and Partnerships, Blue Star Families
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director of Community Integration, Americas Warrior Partnership
» Justin Monk - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» SPC Lori Coffman - VBA Homeless Veterans Outreach Specialist, Claims Support
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 800,000 student veterans and work on personal and professional development, leadership training, and advocacy at the federal level.
Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN):
The MVPN provides services including direct peer-to-peer support, training on suicide prevention and military cultural competency, coordination of mental health first aid, and warm-handoffs to local resources based on the individual needs of the veteran and family.
You can ask questions to the following people:
» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» SGT Arlene Perez - Peer Services Manager, Texas Veterans Commission (MVPN)
» SFC Gregory Morton - Peer Services Coordinator, Texas Veterans Commission (MVPN)
» SFC James Schaale - Peer Services Coordinator, Texas Veterans Commission (MVPN)
» PO2 Elizabeth Saunders - Operations Associate, Team Rubicon
» Coleton Whitaker - Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Staci H. - Senior Manager of Volunteers and Partnerships, Blue Star Families
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director of Community Integration, Americas Warrior Partnership
» Justin Monk - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» SPC Lori Coffman - VBA Homeless Veterans Outreach Specialist, Claims Support
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 800,000 student veterans and work on personal and professional development, leadership training, and advocacy at the federal level.
Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN):
The MVPN provides services including direct peer-to-peer support, training on suicide prevention and military cultural competency, coordination of mental health first aid, and warm-handoffs to local resources based on the individual needs of the veteran and family.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Houston
San Antonio
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 80
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I had my VA ratings hearing in January 2021. To date I have not been able to get an update. The transcript has been uploaded however I’m told that nothing further has been done. My claim is classified as a hardship claim however I’ve been waiting and in appeals since 2011. Can someone help me please.
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TSgt Mike Ruble
If you cannot get e benefits, register at the local V A, you can get access on your claims and appeal. You can see your approve disability.
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SSgt Autherene Webster
TSgt Mike Ruble I have e-benefits. However the information is never up to date. It still shows my claim aa waiting to be heard.
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello SSgt Webster,
You can reach out to the Appeals Management Center at [login to see]
You can reach out to the Appeals Management Center at [login to see]
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SSgt Autherene Webster
I have reached out to them on several occasions. Each time they can only tell me that it’s awaiting a decision. SPC Lori Coffman
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How come the reimbursement for travel is not sufficient for those who use public transportation, currently it's $2.50 each way to dialysis, now they're informing us it is going up to $5 each way, the VA only provides $2.16 for the total trip. I'm trying to make ends meet! I've been waiting for over 8 months on my disability claim, I am a semi-quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair, 40% does not go far
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Melissa Comeau
Hello Sgt William Graham I don't have any information on travel reimbursement from the VA but I wanted to share that DAV has transportation services to assist veterans getting to medical appointments. Please visit this website for more information and how to request rides https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/
DAV - Disabled American Veterans Assistance Organization
DAV has purchased 2,496 vehicles to ensure that injured or ill veterans are able to get to their medical appointments.
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My father was a Army veteran, he is now deceased. My Mom receives his military benefits. I have POA on my mom because she now has dementia and requires full time care.
I am currently paying pirate pay because she does not qualify for assistance.
My question is are their any type of assistance or benefits she could receive to help me pay for her care.
I am currently paying pirate pay because she does not qualify for assistance.
My question is are their any type of assistance or benefits she could receive to help me pay for her care.
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Melissa Comeau
Cheryl Anderson Thank you for all that you do care for your mother. She may be eligible for Aid and Attendance from the VA. Please visit this site for more information. https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
If we can assist you in your caregiving or as a surviving child please do not hesitate to reach out [login to see]
If we can assist you in your caregiving or as a surviving child please do not hesitate to reach out [login to see]
VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits for Veterans and surviving spouses. You may qualify if you receive a VA pension and need help with daily activities or if you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability.
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Melissa Comeau
Hello LT Seneca Thompson Here is the link to yesterday's Press Release -VA extends presumptive period for Persian Gulf War Veterans https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5733
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.
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Melissa Comeau
From the press release "The Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026 for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans to ensure benefits established by Congress are fairly administered."
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello LT Thompson,
The Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026 for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans to ensure benefits established by Congress are fairly administered.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026 for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans to ensure benefits established by Congress are fairly administered.
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As a Texas Veteran that is 100% P&T, I understand there are chapter 35 educational benefits for my Daughter. She has been using my Hazelwood act benefits. How do we apply for the Chapter 35 resources and can these benefits be used at the same time as the Hazelwood act benefits?
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Justin Monk
Ch. 35 benefits can be applied for online at this link: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/.
You can also apply by mail, and the link above explains the step-by-step process how.
Re: using Hazelwood and Ch. 35 concurrent use, yes, you can. There are some nuances to which VA education benefits can be used, and the tuition amounts involved, so I'd recommend reading more at the TVC link here under 'Student Financial Aid'. (https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood-act/hazlewood-faqs/)
If you have more questions about Ch. 35, or would like more assistance with your application, the best organization for that is TAPS. (TAPS.org is the main website, and you can email [login to see] for education benefit assistance.)
You can also apply by mail, and the link above explains the step-by-step process how.
Re: using Hazelwood and Ch. 35 concurrent use, yes, you can. There are some nuances to which VA education benefits can be used, and the tuition amounts involved, so I'd recommend reading more at the TVC link here under 'Student Financial Aid'. (https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood-act/hazlewood-faqs/)
If you have more questions about Ch. 35, or would like more assistance with your application, the best organization for that is TAPS. (TAPS.org is the main website, and you can email [login to see] for education benefit assistance.)
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you're eligible for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program for children and spouses of Veterans who have died or been disabled. View current payment rates for college degree programs, career-training certificate courses, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
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How does Community Care work after you have been admitted to the ER the admitted to the hospital for surgery?
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Melissa Comeau
Hello PO3 Robert Nichols each scenario is different but here is a great article from VA that explains about VA Emergency Medical Care https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/48884/emergency-medical-care-veterans-eligibility-va-payments/#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20VA%20can%20pay,Veteran's%20non%2Dservice%20connected%20condition.
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PO3 Robert Nichols
Melissa Comeau - Thanks, but the central issue is "I've been to the ER and now the doctors say "I have Arterial Fiberillation (AF) and require an operation to correct the AF condition". What is the next VA step in getting the VA to authorize the operation and pay for it?
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Yes my dad is a Korean War vet. He has eye problems since he was electrician in the Navy Seabees. He has never filed for benefits.
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Melissa Comeau
Hello TSgt Roland Hernandez Please find the VA Welcome Kit that has so much information about getting started with VA benefits and care. It might be a good place to get started with your Dad. https://www.va.gov/files/2020-11/va-welcome-kit-bw.pdf
If you would like veteran caregiver support as you help your Father with his medical needs. Please join us at the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
If you would like veteran caregiver support as you help your Father with his medical needs. Please join us at the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello TSgt Hernandez,
You can go to http://www.VA.gov and file a claim if you believe that his eye problems are due to his being an electrician while in service. You can also go to http://www.VA.gov/vso/ to find an accredited representative in your area if you do not already have one that can assist you in filing a claim.
You can go to http://www.VA.gov and file a claim if you believe that his eye problems are due to his being an electrician while in service. You can also go to http://www.VA.gov/vso/ to find an accredited representative in your area if you do not already have one that can assist you in filing a claim.
VA.gov Home | 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.
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Jeanette Gilles
The Texas Veterans Commission can also assist. Use this link to find a VSO in your area.
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021_Claims_Directory_Web.pdf
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021_Claims_Directory_Web.pdf
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I am a 90% disabled veteran (pending 100%), non-combat related. When I pass, will my wife receive any survivor compensation?
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Melissa Comeau
SGT Terry Pridemore Thank you for joining us today. Here is some information on family and survivor benefits from the VA https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/
VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers | Veterans Affairs
Learn about VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers of Veterans and service members.
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I am a Veteran that relocated from CA to TX in 2017. I have school age children and was wondering when the State of TX will open up the education benefits under the Hazelwood Act to those that didn't enter the service from TX?
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Melissa Comeau
Great Question SGT Gary Shimmin I have seen the Hazelwood Act mentioned several times on this event so I am adding this link from TexVet that has more information. https://www.texvet.org/postings/hazlewood-act
The Hazlewood Act- Administered by the Texas Veterans Commission- grants up to 150 hours at Texas Public Universities to Texas Veterans or their dependents. See posting for qualifications, forms, and more info.
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I served 11 years as a Army National Guard Member, and 1 year Active Duty for Army Branch. I have tinnitis and sensoringual hearing loss, I have seen VA and they diagnosed as well as my Dr., to having this. So I don't understand why VA, says I don't qualify for any disability, being I only served 1 year Active Duty. So does serving the 11 years in Texas Army National GUARD not even matter? So they make it sound like ARMY National Guard, doesn't have soldiers get disabilities.
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello SGT Contreras,
You can go to http://www.VA.gov/vso/ and look for an accredited representative that is your area that can assist you with reopening this claim. If you live in the Houston area you can call our appointment line at [login to see] and request either a personal or telephonic interview. We will then be able to assist you more as we can research your records. You can also contact the VA at our toll free number of [login to see]
You can go to http://www.VA.gov/vso/ and look for an accredited representative that is your area that can assist you with reopening this claim. If you live in the Houston area you can call our appointment line at [login to see] and request either a personal or telephonic interview. We will then be able to assist you more as we can research your records. You can also contact the VA at our toll free number of [login to see]
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services youâve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family memberâlike health care, disability, education, and more.
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Jeanette Gilles
The Texas Veterans Commission can assist with claims. Use this link to find a Veterans Service Officer in your area https://www.tvc.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021_Claims_Directory_Web.pdf
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