Montana Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!

RallyPoint News — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 18:44:48 -0500

On January 5th, 11AM - 12PM MT, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits, claims, and peer support resources. Type your questions now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Maj Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
» Patricia Sweeney - National Director, Peer Support Services, VHA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, Veterans and Military Families
» PO3 Douglas Webb - Management Analyst, VA
» SFC Bryan Zipp - Veteran Service Officer, Montana
» SGT Blake Fuhriman - Chairman, Veterans Navigation Network
» Private RallyPoint Member - Supervisory Veterans Service Representative, VBA

VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention’s Peer Support Services:
The VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention’s Peer Support Services Section provides national policy guidance and national trainings for peer specialists and peer support supervisors to support the implementation of the peer specialist health care profession in VHA.

Veteran’s Navigation Network (VNN):
Veteran’s Navigation Network facilitates a smooth transition for our Nation’s Service Members, from military service to civilian life through creating networks that strive to allow Veterans to succeed through job placement, physical and mental health, and linking to other service as needed. VNN also offers Veterans the opportunity to volunteer to support other Veterans.

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA):
Veterans Benefits Administration administers VA benefits such as service-connected disability and non-service connected pension to Veterans, their family members, and other beneficiaries.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2022 9:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 21:01:01 -0500

Thanks for the info.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 11 at 2022 7:14 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 19:14:27 -0500

thanks for sharing

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Dec 13 at 2022 4:15 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:15:23 -0500

Thank You for posting this.

Response by 1SG Patrick Burke made Dec 15 at 2022 6:26 AM

1SG Patrick Burke — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:26:44 -0500

Thanks

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 16 at 2022 8:03 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 08:03:17 -0500

I work with Melissa Comeau, she is a wealth of information.

Response by LT Robert Chance made Jan 4 at 2023 4:37 PM

LT Robert Chance — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:37:10 -0500

This question is in regards to how long do we have to wait to get reimbursement for meds that were paid out of our pocket when the VA had authorized my husband Robert w. Chance to see dr’s out of network due to his condition. This started in jan2021 with meds that were required. My husband had parkinson,copd, asthma, pneumonia and Covid when he passed sept1,2021. I have submitted info twice regarding expenses. on jan4 2022 I contacted patient advocate at [login to see] . Talked to Justine and Robin. Gave them all the dates, amounts,etc. resent again on 2/8/22 to ft Harrison MT and still haven’t heard a word. Why do we have to wait so long to get reimbursed? Please put me in contact with someone who can get this resolved. Thank you for your time, Deb chance [login to see]

Response by CPO Gary Hervey made Jan 5 at 2023 8:27 AM

CPO Gary Hervey — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:27:52 -0500

my wife and i applied for caregiver program twice and denied both times. According to them she does not provide at least 60% of my care needed to qualify. I agree with that percentage because she provides more than 60%. All the cooking, cleaning, taking care of my needs and still holding down a part time job. This program is a sham and too many veterans, including myself who qualify for this benefit and are denied is a shame;

Response by PVT John Adams made Jan 5 at 2023 11:00 AM

PVT John Adams — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:00:30 -0500

i WOULD LIKE TO REGSITER

Response by PVT John Adams made Jan 5 at 2023 11:04 AM

PVT John Adams — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:04:42 -0500

Im concern about my claim as to rather to go with the American Legion or private

Response by PVT John Adams made Jan 5 at 2023 11:08 AM

PVT John Adams — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:08:11 -0500

I just feel peer pressure, and not making a good choice in the best representation for me to get good results but i have fears.

Response by SPC Armando Castro Thomas made Jan 5 at 2023 11:18 AM

SPC Armando Castro Thomas — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:18:50 -0500

I would like some support with a claims.

Response by PVT John Adams made Jan 5 at 2023 12:42 PM

PVT John Adams — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:42:31 -0500

IM NOT THAT COMPUTER SAVVY,

I AM IN FEAR, I DONT KNOW RATHER TO GO WITH A PRIVATE LAWYER, PR KEEP GOING WITH THE AMERICAN LEGION?

Response by PO3 Matthew Campbell made Jan 5 at 2023 12:47 PM

PO3 Matthew Campbell — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:47:54 -0500

Thanks to all of YOU for joining us today! Please feel to ask your questions to all our amazing VA and Community Experts!

Response by SSgt Patricia Moritz made Jan 5 at 2023 12:57 PM

SSgt Patricia Moritz — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:57:56 -0500

is this an audio and visual presentation or only chat?

Response by PO2 Shannon Noble made Jan 5 at 2023 12:59 PM

PO2 Shannon Noble — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:59:01 -0500

Thank you, VEO for all you do!
VETERANS ~ I’m a Navy Veteran, AJC DVOP and Outreach Specialist for the Veteran Support Network (VSN) – Missoula Region (access website from your desktop and click on "More" for multiple pages of resources): https://www.vsnmontana.org/
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions OR here is a list of DVOPs across our great state:
o Kalispell [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: James [login to see] , [login to see] )
o Polson [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: Ian, [login to see] )
o Great Falls [login to see] , [login to see] (Full time DVOP & LVER/Local (MT) Veteran’s Employment Rep – Justin, [login to see] )
o Helena [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: Pending)
o Billings (406) [login to see] , [login to see] (Full time DVOP: Dan [login to see] , [login to see] )
o Bozeman [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: David, [login to see] )
o Butte [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP – Shannon [login to see] , [login to see] )
o STATEWIDE – Veteran Program Manager: Nick, [login to see]

THANK YOU for your service and sacrifices!

Veteran Support Network (VSN) - Missoula Region

Resources, services, and events for Veterans, service members, and their families & caregivers in the Missoula Region

Response by Sgt Christopher Vidaurre made Jan 5 at 2023 1:00 PM

Sgt Christopher Vidaurre — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:00:19 -0500

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 Melissa Comeau made Jan 5 at 2023 1:03 PM

Melissa Comeau — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:03:52 -0500

Welcome All! My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the spouse and caregiver to my husband who is a combat wounded Marine. I am also the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. We serve caregivers of all eras and Veterans that are also caregivers. To join please visist 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 Marianne Delatorre made Jan 5 at 2023 1:04 PM

Marianne Delatorre — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:04:04 -0500

Hi everyone, my name is Marianne Delatorre and I am the Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community Program (HHCC) Coordinator at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. We are the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers known as “Hidden Heroes”; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs include peer support, critical financial assistance, respite, and much more. You can view our programs here: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/our-programs/. To learn more about our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, go to our website here: https://hiddenheroes.org/. We aim to ensure that families of veterans are supported in their caregiving journey and are recognized for their efforts. You can email me at [login to see] for questions. Look forward to chatting and hearing from you all!

Our Programs - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

The Foundation's programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels.…

Response by LT Robert Chance made Jan 5 at 2023 1:04 PM

LT Robert Chance — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:04:21 -0500

I’ve already submitted question. Where do I find answer?

Response by SSgt Beck Cody made Jan 5 at 2023 1:05 PM

SSgt Beck Cody — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:05:54 -0500

Since the pact act was passed one of my other claims will now be service connected and I had an appeal already going when it was denied the first time and it's been over a year for the hearing just wondering if there is a way to get it to go through now or just have to wait

Response by SPC Michael Turbyfill made Jan 5 at 2023 1:07 PM

SPC Michael Turbyfill — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:07:15 -0500

What happens once your “awarded” 50% disability for ptsd? Am I automatically entered for treatment options or do I seek those out on my own? Also I’m interested in the veterans readiness and employment which I applied for before joining here.

Response by SSgt Patricia Moritz made Jan 5 at 2023 1:07 PM

SSgt Patricia Moritz — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:07:59 -0500

As a Peer Support Specialist in an RRTP here in MT, what trainings other than TMS, are potentially available to me that will help me with working with fellow Veterans? Are there VA specific trainings that are held for PSSs?

Response by PO3 Douglas Webb made Jan 5 at 2023 1:08 PM

PO3 Douglas Webb — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:08:50 -0500

Hey Montana Veterans! VA and our partners will host a virtual event for Veterans, Service members, family members, caregivers, and survivors living in Montana on Tuesday, January 24th to Thursday, January 26th.
Are you looking to get a status on your claim? Sign up for VA health care? Whatever it is, VA and their partners are here to help. Schedule an appointment to speak directly—over the phone—with VA and get dedicated one-on-one service!
From Tuesday, January 24th to Thursday, January 26th, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. MST, Veteran Service Officers, VA experts, and community partners are coming together to help YOU obtain the benefits and services you have earned! A Veteran Service Officer will call you within the hour of your scheduled appointment. We look forward to connecting with you!
Join us and get assistance on: claims and appeals filing and status updates; VA health care enrollment and benefits; the PACT Act; Montana state and community resources and benefits; family member, caregiver, and survivor benefits and services; memorial affairs; crisis resources; housing solutions, transition services and resources; and more.
When registering you will have the option to schedule the virtual appointment time/day, which best fits with your availability.
Website: http://www.va.gov/VEAC
Registration link: Home - Veterans Experience Office (appointment-plus.com)

Veterans Experience Action Center | Veterans Affairs

Response by SFC Jestin Dupree made Jan 5 at 2023 1:09 PM

SFC Jestin Dupree — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:09:16 -0500

Why doesn't the Montana VA system send out an outreach mobile trailer to help veterans who live in very rural areas.

Response by Maj Bonnie Carroll made Jan 5 at 2023 1:11 PM

Maj Bonnie Carroll — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:11:36 -0500

Hi Everyone! My name is Bonnie Carroll. I am the President and Founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one. If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277). We are also here today to answer any questions you may have!

Response by SFC Bryan Zipp made Jan 5 at 2023 1:17 PM

SFC Bryan Zipp — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:17:08 -0500

Hello everyone. I am a Montana State Veterans Service Officer. I represent the State of Montana, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. If you have any Veterans Benefits Administration questions im here to help.

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Jan 5 at 2023 1:19 PM

1SG Zelda Davis — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:19:33 -0500

Good afternoon and welcome to the VETXL Montana Veterans Q&A. My name is Zelda Davis with the Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP). Our office provides employment assistance and outreach to transitioning service members, Veterans, and military spouses, family members and care givers while advocating use of special hiring authorities, and advertisement of VA employment and training programs to help VA become the employer of choice. Please visit the VA for Vets website currently undergoing changes to provide information to assist you in writing Federal Resumes, Navigating USAJOBS and to better understand the Federal hiring process so you can successfully find employment in VA and other federal and state agencies our office partners with.

Response by SFC Jestin Dupree made Jan 5 at 2023 1:24 PM

SFC Jestin Dupree — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:24:03 -0500

Why is this not working for me?

Response by SFC Jestin Dupree made Jan 5 at 2023 1:29 PM

SFC Jestin Dupree — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:29:45 -0500

This entire format is a waste of time. Who is responsible for this mess? Why is it hard to just do a live version where you can actually look at someone and ask your questions. This is trash

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Jan 5 at 2023 1:30 PM

1SG Zelda Davis — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:30:59 -0500

For additional information on available jobs in the VA across all career fields (Nursing; Physicians and Dentist; Mental Health; Allied Health Professionals; Pharmacist; Administrative and Technical Professionals (IT); Healthcare Technology Management; and Support Services Internships), please visit VA Careers website at http://www.vacareers.va.gov

Serve those who have served our country

ChooseVA helps you better understand your options by providing comprehensive information in one convenient place. Explore videos, links and firsthand accounts from Veterans and employees explaining the range of benefits, health care and employment...

Response by MAJ Paul Graham made Jan 5 at 2023 1:39 PM

MAJ Paul Graham — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:39:58 -0500

What kind of testing has been developed for testing exposure to the suite of chemicals we encountered in ODS/OIF/OEF?

Response by TSgt Harold Smith made Jan 5 at 2023 1:41 PM

TSgt Harold Smith — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:41:18 -0500

How does 1 ask a question pertaining to Travel pay

Response by A1C Eugene Landstrom made Jan 5 at 2023 1:43 PM

A1C Eugene Landstrom — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:43:02 -0500

I have been diagnosed with tinnitus and awarded 10% disability. Through VA and a 0% hearing disability, to me it seems to be getting progressively worse with the ringing in both ears throughout my head 24/7. I wake at night and cannot go back to sleep and have become very depressed over it. Is there anything on the horizon for treatment or anything I can do. Thank you
Eugene L

Response by PO3 Matthew Campbell made Jan 5 at 2023 1:43 PM

PO3 Matthew Campbell — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:43:06 -0500

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

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 1SG Zelda Davis made Jan 5 at 2023 1:48 PM

1SG Zelda Davis — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:48:14 -0500

If you would like to continue working for the Federal government after military service and make a difference in the lives of those who served, ChooseVA as your Employer of Choice! Check out a few open positions below in support of the PACT ACT. These positions can be found on USAJOBS: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is hiring for the following positions: Veterans Service Representatives (VSR), GS-0996-7-10, JOA #DHA-11770942-23-CB, Multiple Locations; Close Date: 2/16/2023. Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR), GS-0996-9-12; JOA #DHA-11770687-23-CB, Multiple Locations; Close Date: 2/16/2023.

Response by TSgt Harold Smith made Jan 5 at 2023 1:53 PM

TSgt Harold Smith — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:53:35 -0500

My question has to do with Travel pay. What is the time frame for getting you travel vouchers paid? I have 11 outstanding vouchers dating back to 9/20/2022 and yes they are filed on BTSS and yes the have the required documentation from the provider stating i made my appointment. Travel pay just says they are short handed and Patient advocate just send me back to Travel pay.