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In a special town hall event, VA Secretary Denis McDonough addressed questions from Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Health
Benefits
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Caregiver
Responses: 201
I am a Marine Coros veteran, and my husband is a wounded Navy vet. I am his VA appointed caregiver. We have not had a single COLA increase since we joined the program 8 or 9 years ago. Why? I cannot go to work because I take care of him. We have separate households for my safety as he has severe PTSD from an IED blast in Iraq and has had 6 strokes. Our caregiver pay is worth 25% less than it was in 2015. How is that justifiable? It’s not. The OPM just says no raise. WTH? Can you survive on $40k? Rent is $300 higher, food, car insurance. My electric bill has gone from $100 up to $325. We need help.
Sgt Connie Plate
Do you know how much the pay and benefits for the people you voted for have changed in this same time frame? Research it then demand your pay and benefits be tied to a portion of their pay and benefits, and if one changes, so does the other in equal measures. If your representative refuses, then get a new representative the next election cycle.
Why is dental not covered for veterans who were not in battle? It seems that everything else (non-cosmetic) is covered. I live way below the poverty line federally and I’m losing most of my teeth.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA would like all Veterans to have access to good oral health care; however, VA is limited to providing dental benefits to those Veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligibility for VA dental care is governed by statute and provided in accordance with the provisions of existing law and regulations. These laws and regulations mandate dental care as a benefit for certain defined Veterans groups. The VA is obligated to fulfill the requirements of the statutes enacted by Congress and to follow their intent. Another option for Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system, and beneficiaries and their dependents of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA), is the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program: https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip/.
VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) | Veterans Affairs
The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers discounted private dental insurance for Veterans and family members who meet certain requirements. Find out if you’re eligible, and how to enroll in a plan that meets your needs and budget.
As service members, we served globally wherever our country needed us. As veterans, some of us choose to live abroad, including for financial reasons such as being priced out of living in the country we served. Why, with the advent of online medical care, are veterans who qualify for online mental and physical care denied it if residing overseas and when can we expect this to change?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Under current Federal statutes (38 U.S.C. § 1724 and 38 CFR 17.35) and international law, Foreign Medical Program (FMP) cannot authorize reimbursement for telehealth care provided to overseas Veterans from privately-based mental health providers in the continental United States (CONUS). CONUS-based VA medical providers are also not authorized to provide Telehealth services outside the United States, territories and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico because of medical licensing restrictions.
Sgt Michael Eaves
Cpl Angela M. - Yes I am medically retired, was at 50% during service and now 100% P&T. If you are retired with 20+ then you are eligible for CRDP and VA pay. When you are medically retired from active duty and under 20 then you only rate VA pay and have to surrender your Military (DFAS) pay to the VA.
Sgt Michael Eaves
My heartache is I was medically retired not medically separated. I was given a Retirement Certificate from the Corps|President, I was offered a retirement ceremony (I didn't accept since I was a Sgt with 6yrs in, seemed weird), I've had fully retirement benefits since my retirement in '96. The only difference is my retirement pay goes to the VA and not me. Since the enactment of CRDP that changed for retirees with 20+ but singled out all the under 20 that rated medical retirement. Honestly I don't understand why they give a medical retirement if they are going to treat you as medically separated.
Cpl Angela M.
Sgt Michael Eaves that they give your retirement to the VA is insane! This needs to change!
COL Randall Cudworth
Sgt Michael Eaves - While it may seem that way ("you only rate VA pay and have to surrender your military pay to the VA"), it's incorrect as stated - more accurately, you have to surrender a portion of your retirement pay (it doesn't go to the VA, it is withheld/recomped by DFAS) equal to what the VA payment is.
In your case, your retirement pay (50% of your high-3) is less than what you get for 100% P&T (even if you don't have any dependents), so to you it looks like "you surrender your military pay to the VA".
For Cpl Angela M. - Federal law (38 USC § 5304) prohibits the duplication of benefits - in other words, you cannot receive a benefit twice - in this case, a military retiree may not receive both Disability Compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs and military retired pay concurrently (this applies regardless if you are a career retiree (i.e., "over 20") or a disability retiree.
The exceptions to this are from injuries sustained as a result of combat or combat-related (Combat Related Special Compensation (CSRC)) and the exceptions noted in 10 USC § 1414* (referred to as Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)).
Prior to the changes for CRDP and CSRC, a retiree would waive a portion of their military retirement pay equal to what they would receive from the VA. In essence, the only "additional monetary benefit" they would derive is that the disability compensation from the VA is non-taxable.
The key point that Sgt Michael Eaves is referring to is that in order to be eligible for CDRP, you must have 20 years of eligible service. As he only has six years, he's not eligible.
I suppose in this limited context, someone that is medically retired with less than 20 years of eligible service is treated the same as someone that is medically seperated in that neither is eligible for CDRP, there is a world of difference between the two.
However, the VA doesn't have any ability to change the law - that is for the elected representatives in Congress to do.
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* 38 U.S. Code § 5304 - Prohibition against duplication of benefits - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/5304
* 10 U.S. Code § 1414 - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1414
In your case, your retirement pay (50% of your high-3) is less than what you get for 100% P&T (even if you don't have any dependents), so to you it looks like "you surrender your military pay to the VA".
For Cpl Angela M. - Federal law (38 USC § 5304) prohibits the duplication of benefits - in other words, you cannot receive a benefit twice - in this case, a military retiree may not receive both Disability Compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs and military retired pay concurrently (this applies regardless if you are a career retiree (i.e., "over 20") or a disability retiree.
The exceptions to this are from injuries sustained as a result of combat or combat-related (Combat Related Special Compensation (CSRC)) and the exceptions noted in 10 USC § 1414* (referred to as Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)).
Prior to the changes for CRDP and CSRC, a retiree would waive a portion of their military retirement pay equal to what they would receive from the VA. In essence, the only "additional monetary benefit" they would derive is that the disability compensation from the VA is non-taxable.
The key point that Sgt Michael Eaves is referring to is that in order to be eligible for CDRP, you must have 20 years of eligible service. As he only has six years, he's not eligible.
I suppose in this limited context, someone that is medically retired with less than 20 years of eligible service is treated the same as someone that is medically seperated in that neither is eligible for CDRP, there is a world of difference between the two.
However, the VA doesn't have any ability to change the law - that is for the elected representatives in Congress to do.
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* 38 U.S. Code § 5304 - Prohibition against duplication of benefits - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/5304
* 10 U.S. Code § 1414 - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1414
Why isn't the Discount on Property Taxes across all states for the Disabled Veterans?
Some of us can't afford our homes when they raise property taxes by $3000-$4000!
Some of us can't afford our homes when they raise property taxes by $3000-$4000!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Unfortunately, we cannot assist with the state benefit programs. However, we recommend reaching out to that program office directly or contact a local accredited Veterans service representative who may be able to assist.
On 9 January 2024, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authorized the publication of a change to the CFR, Title 38 Chapter 1 Part 3.307(a)(6) that added a new subparagraph (xi) that expanded the Agent Orange Presumptive Exposure locations to include selected CONUS installations as designated by the Department of Defense. As of 11 November this change has not been published. When can we expect the CFR Title 38 to be updated to include this change?
My wife left her job on 27th of February to give me home hemodialysis which requires a care giver. just doing that service is 7 hours 4 days a week. We were denied by the VA to let her be my home care provider care. I believe home hemodialysis is not in the criteria of the evaluation board. We are in the process of applying again. I wrote a point paper about the Home Hemodialysis even explaining that this method may have a high start up cost but in the long run saves the VA money. VA pays for my dialysis but now they don't have to pay facility or staff cost. Why does my wife have to give up her employment to provide me life sustaining, lengthening, and enhancing specialized care while saving the VA money and not get selected as a home care provider.
Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
Please reach out to your local team to seek more information about appeals and perhaps submitting a new application if things have changed with your medical condition. The local team program manager is equipped to provide feedback based on your specific situation. I'd also suggest reviewing the (PCAFC) program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers. One would apply for the program and not just apply for a stipend. If approved, and depending on your medical situation, a stipend may be provided. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp
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.
Sir, why is my retired USAF husband paying for his own 10 percent disability rating out of his military retirement pension, while other disabled veterans are receiving payments for their disability ratings higher than 10 percent? This policy adds insult to injury and discredits his service to our Nation. Thank you for your kind consideration. Charis Seaton (wife of a retired disabled veteran)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The offset of Department of Defense (DoD) retirement pay by VA disability compensation, known as "concurrent receipt," is currently governed by law under 38 USC 5304. Veterans who are rated below 50% disabled by the VA have their military retirement pay reduced by the amount of their VA disability compensation as per 38 CFR §3.750. Veterans rated at 50% or higher are eligible for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), which allows them to receive both VA compensation and DoD retirement pay without offset.
VA healthcare is still pushing COVID-19 "vaccine" injections. Why did VA re-define the word "vaccine" to mean something that doesn't prevent, treat or cure? These injections are the most dangerous ever marketed under the name vaccines, as ample evidence shows. As individuals are denied the right to sue for damages, now Individual States are suing the manufacturers, with very good evidence that these injections are harmful and that we have been intentionally misled as to their safety. Does the VA consider itself responsible for damages done to veterans as a result of these injections?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended because they DO prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and infection. You are correct that preventing infection altogether is not what the COVID-19 vaccines do best, and people can still get COVID-19 infection after they have been vaccinated. While vaccinated people are less likely to get infection, what these vaccines do best is make the infection milder, and lower the risk of getting hospitalized or dying when you do get infected.
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