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 4 y ago
Responses: 79
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What is TX Veterans doing to assist in finding PVT Richard Halliday? https://twitter.com/DmbFor/status/ [login to see] 89611791?s=20
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LTC Deliris Montanez
It falls under peer services? Contact SC Senator Lindsey Graham's office and find out how can you assist his office? CID must relinquish their jurisdiction and let the FBI via the State Department do their job.
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Jeanette Gilles
You can locate the VSO in El Paso TX using this link https://www.tvc.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021_Claims_Directory_Web.pdf
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How does one attempt to fight a VA Disability Claim when original Medical, Dental & 201 Records and File was lost by Army personnel during my AIT training. This was even noted by the next station I showed up to as they had to create new records. My back, neck and knees were injured (went to sick call several times) in Basic Training, and now I have nothing to service connect. Can't proof of the documentation showing records was lost aid in my fight? What does a person like me do? That was in 1992. Today, I have a TKR (right knee) and debilitating back and neck issues. I was also one that refrained from going to Dr. because I was told that it would be frowned upon by Sr. personnel for promotion and to "suck it up." Plus as a female, I needed to not complain. Any direction information would be greatly appreciated.
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello Ma'am,
Once you got to AIT and it was noted that your records were lost, did you receive any treatment for your back, neck and knees there? Were any subsequent records created at all for these conditions. Did you go to any private doctor for these conditions during or after service? You can also have a doctor write a statement stating that the current severity of your disability is "as least as likely" as not related to your military service that started years ago. We will review that along with all other evidence in making our determination. Were you active duty, National Guard? You can also go to http://www.VA.gov/vso/ in order to find an accredited representative who can also assist you if you do not have one already.
Once you got to AIT and it was noted that your records were lost, did you receive any treatment for your back, neck and knees there? Were any subsequent records created at all for these conditions. Did you go to any private doctor for these conditions during or after service? You can also have a doctor write a statement stating that the current severity of your disability is "as least as likely" as not related to your military service that started years ago. We will review that along with all other evidence in making our determination. Were you active duty, National Guard? You can also go to http://www.VA.gov/vso/ in order to find an accredited representative who can also assist you if you do not have one already.
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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SPC Lori Coffman
Good Morning Mrs. Klint, we would have to gather some personal information in order to inform you of possible survivor benefits. If you would like you can call the VA toll free number of [login to see] or call our appointment line [login to see] . You can request a telephone interview or you can come into our office to see us personally. Once we gather all the necessary credentials for the veteran we will then be able to assist you further.
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Melissa Comeau
I am so sorry for your loss Mrs. Klint. One of my best recommendations for support as you navigate survivor benefits is TAPS. They can also assist https://www.taps.org/
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You!
TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one.
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Receiving 70% disability payment.
Q -after I depart, will my wife get any part of this ?
Thanks
Q -after I depart, will my wife get any part of this ?
Thanks
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello Capt Frech, we need additional information in order to determine just what your wife may be entitled to upon your demise. You can reach out to us at our toll free number of [login to see] or you can call our appointment line of [login to see] . You can request either a telephone interview or one and person. Once we research your records we can then provide you with any information that you may need.
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Melissa Comeau
Hello Capt Roland Frech Each situation is different but you can find more information on family and survivor benefits here 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 recently at 90% trying to get 100% can my spouse receive her own Hazelwood benefits even if we married after my time as active duty?
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello PFC Alan, the Hazelwood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees. You would need to contact the Education services team at [login to see] or [login to see] . You can also go to their website of [login to see] .gov.
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I've 2 questions:
1) When will we get qualified (and quality) doctors at the Charles Wilson Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin?
Don't get me wrong, the Nurse Practicioners I've been working with are simply great, and I greatly respect and trust them.
However, over the couple decades working with the clinic, the MH departemnt can't ever seem to keep any qualified doctors - they last a year or so, and leave. And have always been very shorthanded. Now my Primary Care doctor has retired as well, and they can't seem to ever find any replacements.
Budgeting? Internal issues that keep driving them away? (rhetorical, I suppose)
2) What must I do as a Veteran to get timely Care in the Community appointments?
I've been fighting (yes, it certainly feels like a protracted war) with the VA since March to obtain care for neck issues (spinal). It's been dragged out, delayed, with many an excuse. And no few instances of outright incompetance. I'm always told I MUST drive the 3 hours to Houston (and 5-7 to get home, due to traffic) to see the specialists. And that the Care in the Community department has 3 weeks to process any claim (which they use every day of). Appointments are made 2 hours away in other cities, requireng that to be contested (adding another 3 weeks), only to find out months later that all the doctors and clinics I requested to be sent to are already in the 'approved' VA database and 'in network'.
Phones that ring for 30 minutes (timed), with no answer.
Messages left, with never a call back.
Hospitals call for over a week, requesting forms to process requests for further care (therapy, pain management), and cannot get anyone to answer the phone or return their calls, either.
I asked the question of one of the Care in the Community Managers of "if the point was to speed up appointment times over 30 days, and drive times over 60 miles, what good does it do if YOU take up 21 days of that time, plus additional time for the doctor I'm to see? And if you schedule appointments 2-3 hours away from where I live?"
Again, perhaps a rhetorical question, which she also seemed unable to answer.
1) When will we get qualified (and quality) doctors at the Charles Wilson Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin?
Don't get me wrong, the Nurse Practicioners I've been working with are simply great, and I greatly respect and trust them.
However, over the couple decades working with the clinic, the MH departemnt can't ever seem to keep any qualified doctors - they last a year or so, and leave. And have always been very shorthanded. Now my Primary Care doctor has retired as well, and they can't seem to ever find any replacements.
Budgeting? Internal issues that keep driving them away? (rhetorical, I suppose)
2) What must I do as a Veteran to get timely Care in the Community appointments?
I've been fighting (yes, it certainly feels like a protracted war) with the VA since March to obtain care for neck issues (spinal). It's been dragged out, delayed, with many an excuse. And no few instances of outright incompetance. I'm always told I MUST drive the 3 hours to Houston (and 5-7 to get home, due to traffic) to see the specialists. And that the Care in the Community department has 3 weeks to process any claim (which they use every day of). Appointments are made 2 hours away in other cities, requireng that to be contested (adding another 3 weeks), only to find out months later that all the doctors and clinics I requested to be sent to are already in the 'approved' VA database and 'in network'.
Phones that ring for 30 minutes (timed), with no answer.
Messages left, with never a call back.
Hospitals call for over a week, requesting forms to process requests for further care (therapy, pain management), and cannot get anyone to answer the phone or return their calls, either.
I asked the question of one of the Care in the Community Managers of "if the point was to speed up appointment times over 30 days, and drive times over 60 miles, what good does it do if YOU take up 21 days of that time, plus additional time for the doctor I'm to see? And if you schedule appointments 2-3 hours away from where I live?"
Again, perhaps a rhetorical question, which she also seemed unable to answer.
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What is the VA doing to fix the issues in VBA. I waited 11 years of NODs, then BVA remand my 6 NODs to correct their errors, but of the 6 one got another NOD again while the others were service connected. This tells me that they were not doing the job that they were supposed to do.
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SPC Lori Coffman
Hello TSgt Ruble,
You would need to contact the Appeals Management Center at [login to see] .
You would need to contact the Appeals Management Center at [login to see] .
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Who can help with setting registering a farm, I have a Texas AG exemption on my property and need the registered farm status to rent and buy equipment.
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Melissa Comeau
I appreciate that you are farming. Have you connected with the TX Farmer Veteran Coalition? https://farmvetco.org/texas/ there is also Agrability http://www.agrability.org/resources/veterans/
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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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