Sponsored
VeTALKX National Peer to Peer Q&A Chat! Ask Questions Now About Navigating VA & Community Services
68.8K
114
53
Join us on August 22nd, 1pm – 2 pm ET to participate in our National VeTALKX Q&A Chat on RallyPoint to gain access to Veteran peer support resources. Get connected to a Veteran peer to help you navigate VA and community services. Post your questions on how to get peer support!
(Typed Q&A format. No audio/visual)
You can ask questions to the following people:
» MG Mark Graham - Executive Director, Vets4Warriors
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» AB Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
» SGT Jim Zenner - Director, LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
» Heather Kelly - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Travis Manion Foundation
» SSgt Kathryn Dobbs - Outreach Coordinator, Student Veterans of America
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Michael Seifer - Veteran Network Peer to Peer Program Manager, American Red Cross
» SMSgt Mike McManus - Program Manager, Veterans Navigation Network
» Anh Tran - LCSW, Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network
» LT Christian DiMercurio - Lead, Whole Health Field Implementation Team, VHA
» MSG Samuel Rodriguez - Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator, UNC THRIVE Program
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network
» MSgt Brian Arrington - Founder/President, VETS2INDUSTRY
» Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
Vets4Warriors:
Vets4Warriors provides live, confidential 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members and families. Connecting for over 109,000 consecutive hours of continuous service and over 845,000 contacts we remain committed to supporting whenever needed. Our goal is to ensure none is ever alone, because a Vets4warriors peer is always ready to answer your call or chat. [login to see]
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN):
MVCN offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Home Front Military Network (HFMN):
HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.
LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs:
LA County Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs focuses on connecting with service members, veterans, their dependents, and caregivers to provide peer support, educate on accessing benefits and healthcare, and has a team of accredited veteran service officers to improve the wellbeing of our military and veteran community through connection to VA and county services and benefits.
Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
Student Veterans of America (SVA):
SVA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting military veterans in higher education. With a network of over 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA provides resources, leadership training, scholarships, and advocacy to help veterans succeed academically and transition into the civilian workforce. SVA also conducts research, advocates for policies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and collaborates with various partners to enhance opportunities for student veterans. Through its annual national conference and other programs, SVA fosters a community that empowers veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.
Avalon Action Alliance:
Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care. Avalon uses an integrative approach to brain wellness where our clients are seen by an alliance of partners, all focused on providing comprehensive care for the invisible wounds of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress (PTS), and Substance Abuse.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s online peer support program, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, is a safe virtual space for thousands of registered caregivers of all eras to connect, share stories, seek advice, and find commonality in their experiences.
Veterans Navigation Network (VNN):
Former Army Ranger Blake Fuhriman founded Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) in October 2019 with the goal of meeting the transition needs of veterans. VNN does this through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, advocacy, social and informational events. Federal & state VA benefits, nonprofit, faith-based, & local government services improve quality of life, but only if the veteran is aware of the resources.
This is VNN’s role: connecting veterans/families with healthcare resources, behavioral health options, legal, employment, education, fitness, homeless & suicide prevention, referrals for equine therapy and canine service animal training, assistance with VA disability compensation, discharge upgrades, survivor benefits, and more.
VNN has directly assisted nearly 900 veterans since its inception in late October 2019. Additionally, VNN is the lead agency for the Eastern MT Veteran Service Provider Network. This network consists of government agencies, non-profits & faith-based organizations assisting veterans/families. VNN is a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, helped revitalize the Montana Governor’s Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and stood up the MT Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. The subcommittee will enable SMFV to benefit from policy improvements and mental health block grant funding.
The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
VPAN is a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health program designed to connect veterans and their families with the services available to them. Program goals are to reduce homelessness, suicide, under-employment, and dramatically increase ease of access to resources and services for the veteran and MilVet communities. VPAN is staffed by veterans and military family members who provide peer support and linkage to services to their fellow veterans and their family members. Callers are connected with housing, health care, financial, legal and employment advice & assistance resources, and clinical professionals are also available to assist those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
VHA Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation:
Whole Health Field Implementation Team - Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.
Veteran Outreach & Integration for Connections & Expansion (VOICE) Team - The mission of the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation’s (OPCC&CT) Veteran Outreach, Integration, Collaborations & Expansion (VOICE) Task Force is to advance and support national, regional and local collaborations to integrate and expand understanding of the Whole Health system of care within the Department of Defense, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Veteran serving Non-Profits, and other community organizations, programs and service entities intended to support transitioning service members, Veterans and their family members. Collaborations and partnerships with Veterans Administration/Veterans Health Administration stakeholders will be a priority of this task force.
(Typed Q&A format. No audio/visual)
You can ask questions to the following people:
» MG Mark Graham - Executive Director, Vets4Warriors
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» AB Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
» SGT Jim Zenner - Director, LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
» Heather Kelly - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Travis Manion Foundation
» SSgt Kathryn Dobbs - Outreach Coordinator, Student Veterans of America
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Michael Seifer - Veteran Network Peer to Peer Program Manager, American Red Cross
» SMSgt Mike McManus - Program Manager, Veterans Navigation Network
» Anh Tran - LCSW, Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network
» LT Christian DiMercurio - Lead, Whole Health Field Implementation Team, VHA
» MSG Samuel Rodriguez - Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator, UNC THRIVE Program
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network
» MSgt Brian Arrington - Founder/President, VETS2INDUSTRY
» Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
Vets4Warriors:
Vets4Warriors provides live, confidential 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members and families. Connecting for over 109,000 consecutive hours of continuous service and over 845,000 contacts we remain committed to supporting whenever needed. Our goal is to ensure none is ever alone, because a Vets4warriors peer is always ready to answer your call or chat. [login to see]
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN):
MVCN offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Home Front Military Network (HFMN):
HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.
LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs:
LA County Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs focuses on connecting with service members, veterans, their dependents, and caregivers to provide peer support, educate on accessing benefits and healthcare, and has a team of accredited veteran service officers to improve the wellbeing of our military and veteran community through connection to VA and county services and benefits.
Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
Student Veterans of America (SVA):
SVA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting military veterans in higher education. With a network of over 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA provides resources, leadership training, scholarships, and advocacy to help veterans succeed academically and transition into the civilian workforce. SVA also conducts research, advocates for policies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and collaborates with various partners to enhance opportunities for student veterans. Through its annual national conference and other programs, SVA fosters a community that empowers veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.
Avalon Action Alliance:
Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care. Avalon uses an integrative approach to brain wellness where our clients are seen by an alliance of partners, all focused on providing comprehensive care for the invisible wounds of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress (PTS), and Substance Abuse.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s online peer support program, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, is a safe virtual space for thousands of registered caregivers of all eras to connect, share stories, seek advice, and find commonality in their experiences.
Veterans Navigation Network (VNN):
Former Army Ranger Blake Fuhriman founded Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) in October 2019 with the goal of meeting the transition needs of veterans. VNN does this through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, advocacy, social and informational events. Federal & state VA benefits, nonprofit, faith-based, & local government services improve quality of life, but only if the veteran is aware of the resources.
This is VNN’s role: connecting veterans/families with healthcare resources, behavioral health options, legal, employment, education, fitness, homeless & suicide prevention, referrals for equine therapy and canine service animal training, assistance with VA disability compensation, discharge upgrades, survivor benefits, and more.
VNN has directly assisted nearly 900 veterans since its inception in late October 2019. Additionally, VNN is the lead agency for the Eastern MT Veteran Service Provider Network. This network consists of government agencies, non-profits & faith-based organizations assisting veterans/families. VNN is a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, helped revitalize the Montana Governor’s Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and stood up the MT Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. The subcommittee will enable SMFV to benefit from policy improvements and mental health block grant funding.
The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
VPAN is a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health program designed to connect veterans and their families with the services available to them. Program goals are to reduce homelessness, suicide, under-employment, and dramatically increase ease of access to resources and services for the veteran and MilVet communities. VPAN is staffed by veterans and military family members who provide peer support and linkage to services to their fellow veterans and their family members. Callers are connected with housing, health care, financial, legal and employment advice & assistance resources, and clinical professionals are also available to assist those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
VHA Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation:
Whole Health Field Implementation Team - Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.
Veteran Outreach & Integration for Connections & Expansion (VOICE) Team - The mission of the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation’s (OPCC&CT) Veteran Outreach, Integration, Collaborations & Expansion (VOICE) Task Force is to advance and support national, regional and local collaborations to integrate and expand understanding of the Whole Health system of care within the Department of Defense, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Veteran serving Non-Profits, and other community organizations, programs and service entities intended to support transitioning service members, Veterans and their family members. Collaborations and partnerships with Veterans Administration/Veterans Health Administration stakeholders will be a priority of this task force.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Peers
Support
Benefits
Community
Responses: 19
Thank you for having me. My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. I am also a proud spouse and caregiver to a combat wonded Marine. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network serves caregivers of all eras as well as veterans that are caregivers with best practice peer support. You can join us here 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.
Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
So happy to see you, Melissa! Our partnership with the American Red Cross and recent CPR training initiative for caregivers, has been fantastic.
Melissa Comeau
We are so grateful to partner with VA. Thank you for all that you do for our caregivers.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you, Melissa. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is honored and proud to work along side the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network to support military veterans, their families and caregivers. With care and gratitude.
Vets4Warriors [login to see] provides 24/7 live answer peer support. We are a national program with over 845,000 contacts. Calls are confidential / anonymous. Veterans answer the calls and quickly establish a connection to work together on challenges. We connect those reaching out to resources and then follow up for a as long as the caller desires. Our goal is to support 'upstream' before challenges turn into a crisis.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
@MG Mark Graham for joining us. Really appreciate you and your team at Vets4Warriors and all that you do in service back to our Veterans!
Melissa Comeau
I am a proud ambassador for Vets4Warriors. Their peer support is evidence based and makes a difference for veterans and thier families. You can learn more here https://vets4warriors.com/
Vets4Warriors is the nation’s leading 24/7 military peer support program staffed by veterans.We are here to serve every member of the US Military community.
MG Mark Graham
Thank you Matt and Melissa for the kind words. We are honored to be a part of this community working together.
Melissa -- thanks for being a wonderful Ambassador for Vets4Warriors!
Melissa -- thanks for being a wonderful Ambassador for Vets4Warriors!
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for sharing, MG Graham. Vets4Warriors is another wonderful veteran service organization for veterans and their families. We are honored to work along side organizations like yours to support military and veteran families. With care and gratitude.
Thank you for joining us today. For 30 years, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) has been a pillar of support for the families of our nation’s fallen heroes, providing unwavering comfort, care, and resources to those grieving the loss of their loved ones who selflessly served our nation. Whether a service member or veteran dies in combat, by suicide, from illness, or in an accident, TAPS stands ready to support their families and honor their lives, ensuring they are forever remembered by a grateful nation. TAPS is a family. A family of care, compassion and hope. We are here for you, whether you need someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a connection to resources, or an opportunity to remember and honor your loved one. If you are in need of support or are looking for way to support surviving military families, please visit https://www.taps.org/ and join the TAPS family.
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.
MG Mark Graham
TAPS is the best and makes a difference in thousands of lives each year. Thank you AB Bonnie Carol and your amazing team for all you do.
Hi, I'm Heather Kelly and happy to join today on behalf of Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). Travis Manion Foundation is a community - led by veterans and families of the fallen but open to all - that serves together and supports each other. We provide our members best-in-class personal development training and experiences, creating volunteer leaders that address our country's most pressing problems. We believe veterans and families of the fallen are uniquely positioned for this role, both due to their commitment to our country and their passion for service. TMF programs work to ensure the well-being of our veteran and survivor leaders first so they can move forward addressing the needs of their communities, starting with youth and continuing to the larger community.
In order to adequately equip them for their role as leaders, TMF provides them with personal development and training to grow and thrive — beginning with mental health and well-being, and continuing to community support. Armed with these resources, they are empowered to serve and unite communities while ensuring the legacies of our fallen live on in the next generation of leaders.
I encourage you to Join the Mission at our website, http://www.travismanion.org, and I'm happy to answer questions!
In order to adequately equip them for their role as leaders, TMF provides them with personal development and training to grow and thrive — beginning with mental health and well-being, and continuing to community support. Armed with these resources, they are empowered to serve and unite communities while ensuring the legacies of our fallen live on in the next generation of leaders.
I encourage you to Join the Mission at our website, http://www.travismanion.org, and I'm happy to answer questions!
Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
Thank you for joining us today @Heather Kelly and for all the great work you do in service of our Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors!
Hello, I hope this finds all of you well! Thank you for inviting Avalon Action Alliance to join your forum! We see the larger discussion is about helping those who serve our country! I am happy to explain more if you have questions! Below is a summary of what our programs have to offer. Again, thank you! Sam Rodriguez
Avalon Action Alliance, a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to assist our Veterans and First Responders in taking the first step toward healing from the hidden wounds of service to our country. We believe in providing the resources to move forward. Avalon has alliances with 11 posttraumatic growth programs, 7 TBI centers, and 2 substance abuse treatment facilities across our nation.
One thing we want to emphasize is that Avalon's Alliance of Care is integrative and not focused on just one element of brain wellness. We connect our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care.
How do we do this? Avalon has an alliance of partners who are committed to an integrative and multidisciplinary approach to overall wellness, especially brain health. We focus directly on the invisible wounds caused by TBI, PTS, and substance abuse. Avalon is here to help remove barriers to care for our transitioning service members, veterans, and first responders.
Avalon Action Alliance, a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to assist our Veterans and First Responders in taking the first step toward healing from the hidden wounds of service to our country. We believe in providing the resources to move forward. Avalon has alliances with 11 posttraumatic growth programs, 7 TBI centers, and 2 substance abuse treatment facilities across our nation.
One thing we want to emphasize is that Avalon's Alliance of Care is integrative and not focused on just one element of brain wellness. We connect our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care.
How do we do this? Avalon has an alliance of partners who are committed to an integrative and multidisciplinary approach to overall wellness, especially brain health. We focus directly on the invisible wounds caused by TBI, PTS, and substance abuse. Avalon is here to help remove barriers to care for our transitioning service members, veterans, and first responders.
MSG Samuel Rodriguez
Here is the link to our Avalon Action Alliance website if you are interested in finding about more and connecting with our program. avalonactionalliance.org
At the website you'll be able to apply for one of our programs. Our programs are located throughout the United States. We have TBI centers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Colorado. We will work to help you attend the closest TBI center, posttraumatic growth program or substance abuse treatment facility near you.
In the case of our TBI Centers our goal is not to replace the current medical facility or doctors that you are utilizing, but to provide an opportunity to see between 10-12 Clinical specialists to provide a medical summary to take back to your healthcare providers and work on the issues they have found.
At the website you'll be able to apply for one of our programs. Our programs are located throughout the United States. We have TBI centers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Colorado. We will work to help you attend the closest TBI center, posttraumatic growth program or substance abuse treatment facility near you.
In the case of our TBI Centers our goal is not to replace the current medical facility or doctors that you are utilizing, but to provide an opportunity to see between 10-12 Clinical specialists to provide a medical summary to take back to your healthcare providers and work on the issues they have found.
Greetings everyone, Thanks to everyone who has joined us for the Q&A! Please post your questions and our team of VA & Community Subject Matter Experts are here to answer!
Melissa Comeau
Thanks PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell We appreciate the opportunity to share about peer support for our veterans, families, caregivers and survivors.
MSG Samuel Rodriguez
On behalf of Avalon Action Alliance (Greg Frey) and the UNC THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC, thanks for the invitation! Anything we can do to help our Veterans and First Responders where in!
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you, PO3 Campbell. We also appreciate that opportunity to share the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which has been a pillar of support for the families of our nation’s fallen heroes, providing unwavering comfort, care, and resources to those grieving the loss of their loved ones who selflessly served our nation. Whether a service member or veteran dies in combat, by suicide, from illness, or in an accident, TAPS stands ready to support their families and honor their lives, ensuring they are forever remembered by a grateful nation. TAPS is a family. A family of care, compassion and hope. We are here, whether to listen, be a shoulder to cry on, a connection to resources, or an opportunity to remember and honor our loved ones. We welcome all those in need of support or are looking for way to support surviving military families, to visit https://www.taps.org/ and join the TAPS family.
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.
Did you know? 1-800-MyVA11 is the one number to reach VA! 1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA. You can still reach VA at any other direct or contact center numbers, but 1-800-MyVA411 offers the simplicity of a single number to call when you don’t know who to call. https://www.va.gov/indiana-health-care/stories/1-800-myva41 [login to see] -is-the-one-number-to-reach-va/
1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is the one number to reach VA | VA Indiana health care | Veterans...
With one phone call, Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors can easily access information on VA benefits and services or be connected to an expert for answers to questions.
Want to learn more about resources for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Subscribe to #VetResources to receive this weekly newsletter. Sign up here: https://news.va.gov/vetresources/
Hello fellow vets, 1st time joining. I'm a USAF veteran served in the Gulf War in 1990 in Saudi Arabia. Question about VA health benefits, I know I qualify for benefits, but would my wife be able to qualify or access any VA hospital benefits if she did not serve?
Sgt (Join to see)
Sgt Julio Pabon Your wife would not be eligible for VA Hospital benefits. She might be eligible for surviving spouse benefits.
https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
About VA DIC for spouses, dependents, and parents | Veterans Affairs
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Find out if you can get VA benefits or compensation.
Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
And should the time come when you are in need of a caregiver, our program is here to support you and your spouse. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
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.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your question, SGT Pabon. Though your spouse may not be eligible for care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care benefits program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. To be eligible for CHAMPVA, you cannot be eligible for TRICARE, and you must be in one of the following categories: (1) The unremarried spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a veteran who has been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service connected disability by a VA regional office; OR (2) The unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a veteran who died from a VA rated service connected disability; OR (3) The unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service connected disability; OR (4) The unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a servicemember who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (however, in most of these cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA). To learn more, you contact CHAMPVA at [login to see] . Additionally, TAPS Casework provides support in navigating survivor benefits by leveraging partnerships with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have additional questions or would like assistance, please call TAPS 24/7 at 800-959-TAPS (8277) or e-mail [login to see] . We are here to help. With care and gratitude.
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google