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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
Transition
Caregiver
Responses: 201
Mr. McDonough,
When will VA veterans have an annual monthly increase that equal to society’s rise in cost for housing, autos, foods, etc.? We’re struggling to make it on the current rates and we’re hearing 2.5% this year which we have to agree, is NOT equal to current economy price gouges that we can’t change.
When will VA veterans have an annual monthly increase that equal to society’s rise in cost for housing, autos, foods, etc.? We’re struggling to make it on the current rates and we’re hearing 2.5% this year which we have to agree, is NOT equal to current economy price gouges that we can’t change.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
By law, VA is required to increase our benefits annually by the same amount as the Social Security Administration. When calculating the annual cost of living adjustment, the government utilizes the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is a measure of a broad sampling of the cost of consumer goods and services. The CPI is compared to the previous year, if there is an increase, then there is a cost of living adjustment.
Can I take an online ministry course or go to school with tuition paid for myself and spouse. I am a disabled veteran with a 100 percent disability status.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
For those eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, VA may cover tuition and fees, provide an annual book stipend, and provide a monthly housing allowance (or MHA), as students pursue their chosen program. Depending on the school’s offering, classes may be taken online, in-person, or combination of both. For those who choose to attend school or train entirely online, or through a foreign institution, their MHA is half the national average, which is $1,177.50 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Veterans and their family members can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find and compare approved schools. As well, using the Comparison Tool, they can estimate tuition and fees, as well as their monthly housing allowance. It is important to note that a program of study must be approved by VA to receive GI Bill benefits. Prospective students should use VA’s Web Enabled Approval Management System (or WEAMS) to verify if a program is approved.
Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater may be eligible for education or training through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program (VR&E). Similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA will pay tuition and fees and provide a monthly stipend to help cover other expenses. If a Veteran has a service-connected disability rating of 100% permanent and total, their spouse and/or dependent children may be eligible for Dependents’ and Survivors’ Education Assistance (DEA), also known as chapter 35. Those eligible can get a monthly payment to help cover the cost of school or expenses while participating in on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Like the GI Bill, the chosen school and program must be approved by VA for both the VR&E and DEA programs.
Veterans and their family members can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find and compare approved schools. As well, using the Comparison Tool, they can estimate tuition and fees, as well as their monthly housing allowance. It is important to note that a program of study must be approved by VA to receive GI Bill benefits. Prospective students should use VA’s Web Enabled Approval Management System (or WEAMS) to verify if a program is approved.
Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater may be eligible for education or training through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program (VR&E). Similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA will pay tuition and fees and provide a monthly stipend to help cover other expenses. If a Veteran has a service-connected disability rating of 100% permanent and total, their spouse and/or dependent children may be eligible for Dependents’ and Survivors’ Education Assistance (DEA), also known as chapter 35. Those eligible can get a monthly payment to help cover the cost of school or expenses while participating in on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Like the GI Bill, the chosen school and program must be approved by VA for both the VR&E and DEA programs.
When will the Major Star Act be looked at on a serious note by the house and the senate? With inflation and having 3 kids my 100% disability just isn't enough to keep everything up.
As an Army service member, I qualified for Medical Benefits and also as a Business owner, I paid taxes for both sides of Medicare and Social Security as both an employee and as the Employer and, therefore, subsidized and qualified for my Medicare Benefits.
Now, when I applied for VA benefits, I was told that I couldn't use my Medicare benefit as a Combination of Benefits, as most duplicate eligibility Americans do, as I was told that was "Double Dipping" By the Political Liaison.
I, therefore have subsidized my VA benefits by paying for many Dr visit expenses as well as Medicines plus paying for a Medical Coinsurance payment every month...even tho I was rarely able to use that benefit...
My question is since I worked for and qualified for both benefits, why can I only use one and not qualify for using the other to pay for overages not paid for by the VA?
Now, when I applied for VA benefits, I was told that I couldn't use my Medicare benefit as a Combination of Benefits, as most duplicate eligibility Americans do, as I was told that was "Double Dipping" By the Political Liaison.
I, therefore have subsidized my VA benefits by paying for many Dr visit expenses as well as Medicines plus paying for a Medical Coinsurance payment every month...even tho I was rarely able to use that benefit...
My question is since I worked for and qualified for both benefits, why can I only use one and not qualify for using the other to pay for overages not paid for by the VA?
I’m 70% service connected and denied pact act claim and more of presumptive conditions. I should be 100% service connected. Can you investigate?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for sharing your concerns and experience. While VA can't speak to your specific claim situation in this forum due to privacy issues, we encourage you to contact our national call center at [login to see] or your local VA regional office to address your concerns and learn more about your options to file a claim.
Why can nothing be done about past disability payments. In addition, I had to stop using Direct Express because money was being siphoned off by those running the program. I asked for an investigation and was met with a letter saying there was no proof. They were the only ones who could have committed the act/fraud. I wonder how many other veterans are experiencing this same brand of fraud from a previously trusted source. Would like an answer. Thank you.
Sincerely, Ted Collins
Sincerely, Ted Collins
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for sharing your experience. VA established the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) in December 2019. VBBP provides Veterans and their beneficiaries with banking options and resources to help manage their finances and reduce instances of fraud. Veterans can sign up for bank accounts and receive their VA benefits using direct deposit, which is proven to be easier, safer, and more reliable than pre-paid debit cards or paper checks. With direct deposit, payments are automatically placed into a secure bank account, ensuring that Veterans get the benefits they have earned on time, every time. Learn more about how direct deposit can help you safely get your VA benefits. Veterans who already have a bank account but want to use direct deposit for their federal benefits can call VA at [login to see] . You can also visit va.gov/change-direct-deposit/.
"Secretary McDonough, with the rise in veteran homelessness, funding remains a significant barrier for small businesses like J K Awesome Deeds LLC and nonprofits like David's Harmony House Foundation, which is dedicated to providing stable, supportive housing for homeless veterans. Could the VA consider expanding partnerships with for-profit organizations that support grassroots nonprofits to provide direct funding and resources? Additionally, what new initiatives are in place or planned to simplify grant applications and increase access to VA funds for smaller, community-driven organizations working to house and support veterans?" Javier Cruz, United States Navy Veteran, [login to see]
Why does a veteran applying for pension benefits have to wait for until he reaches the economic threshold to even apply and why does it take up to 6 months for the review? Care is expensive and they could run out of funds while waiting for a response
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for sharing your concerns and experience. Every claim is different - depending on what evidence VA may need to gather, a Veteran's claim may take more or less time, depending on the circumstances. While VA can't speak to your specific claim situation in this forum due to privacy issues, we encourage you to contact our national call center at [login to see] or your local VA regional office to address your concerns.
Approximately 15 years ago a study was submitted to the VA stating that Agent Orange caused Skin Cancer and Hypertension. The VA finally acted on the Hypertension by awarding a 10% rating (no money) if your BP was 110/90 via the PACT Act. What happened to awarding benefits for Skin Cancer?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA does not require that a condition or location be on a presumptive list to grant a Veteran eligibility for disability compensation benefits. In cases where a Veteran is claiming a non-presumptive condition, VA considers the claim on a case-by-case basis. VA may grant disability compensation benefits if there is evidence of record showing the Veteran has a current disability related to their military service.
The PACT Act established new examination requirements for claims involving “toxic exposure risk activity” (TERA) under 38 U.S.C. § 1168. For these impacted claims, if a Veteran submits evidence of a disability and evidence of TERA, a VA medical examination, and medical opinion may be provided to determine if the Veteran’s claimed disability is the result of the combined synergistic effects of all toxic exposure risk activity during service.
If a Veteran submits exposure-related information from third-party sources (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency website noting Superfund sites), VA would consider this evidence on a case-by-case basis.
The PACT Act established new examination requirements for claims involving “toxic exposure risk activity” (TERA) under 38 U.S.C. § 1168. For these impacted claims, if a Veteran submits evidence of a disability and evidence of TERA, a VA medical examination, and medical opinion may be provided to determine if the Veteran’s claimed disability is the result of the combined synergistic effects of all toxic exposure risk activity during service.
If a Veteran submits exposure-related information from third-party sources (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency website noting Superfund sites), VA would consider this evidence on a case-by-case basis.
Why doesn't HISA Department answer questions, queries or their phones? I've been waiting since February to get an answer on adding a walk-in shower and no one will answer me?
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