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VeTALKX: Survivors Together - Memorial Day Q&A. Ask Questions Now!
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The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, Blue Star Families, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation will be here to answer questions about survivor resources, benefits, caregiver support, memorial affairs, and mental wellness.
You can ask questions to the following people:
» COL Les' Melnyk - Chief of Public Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, VA
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» RDML Ann Duff - Director, Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» Caregiver Support Program Team - Caregiver Support Program Office Team, VA
» Allyson Bowers - Team Lead, Code of Support
» Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, Blue Star Families, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation will be here to answer questions about survivor resources, benefits, caregiver support, memorial affairs, and mental wellness.
You can ask questions to the following people:
» COL Les' Melnyk - Chief of Public Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, VA
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» RDML Ann Duff - Director, Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» Caregiver Support Program Team - Caregiver Support Program Office Team, VA
» Allyson Bowers - Team Lead, Code of Support
» Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
American Red Cross
Blue Star Families
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Responses: 85
What are my Veterans Benefits with regard to burial? I'm not ready yet, just checking so my son will have that information. Thank You
Craig D. Brookey
AF19838825
Craig D. Brookey
AF19838825
COL Les' Melnyk
The VA offers several burial and memorial benefits for Veterans and their survivors. The best place to start to learn more about these benefits is at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ Veterans, their spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult dependent children can be interred in a VA national cemetery, even if they pre-decease the Veteran. Everything provided within the national cemetery is at no cost to the family. These burial benefits are very similar at VA-funded state Veterans cemeteries. Funeral expenses for the Veteran can also be offset by applying for a Veteran's burial allowance here: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/ For Veterans buried in a private cemetery, families can receive a government headstone, grave marker or medallion, a burial flag, and one or more Presidential Memorial Certificates at no cost.
My husband was 100% disabled for 3 years . He was supposed to get these benefits in 1984 but VA lied that they could not find his medical reports which burned in 1973 fire. We found his records thru congresswoman in 2016 from National Military Center . VA did not go back to 1984 to his original claim for PTSD and all many other problems after 3 plane crashes. He died in 2022 and I was told I couldn't get any of his disability since he was not 100 % disable for 10 years . Why.?? I took care of him till his death. I find this unfair. How to find a good lawyer to fight with VA ?
PVT Doris Brown
I can assure you the lawmakers always have a way getting around benefits for the surviving spouse. I contacted everyone I could. It had taken me 10 years to get the benefits my husband was entitled to. I spent over $700 going from 2005. He had been discharged 1/13/1960. My husband was injured in active service, but I had to fight like hell and I was able to get 50%. My husband was in a wheelchair, and suffered from a brain disorder that was due to him having a virus that wasn't treated with the right medication in a timely manner. It was horrible seeing such a strong individual to nothing. Since he died from pneumonia after being hospitalized from 7/28 and passing away on 8/6 and and that wasn't one of the diseases he was being compensated for, I didn't get any portion of his disability compensation. Any person remaining in a bed for that number of days didn't have a chance. His organs began to shut down. No one but me took care of my husband and I have been disabled since 5/12/1996. He couldn't even get a meal delivered to him because I drove him to his VA appointments. Crossville, TN to Nashville, TN. The senators and Reps don't do a thing to help. This is the biggest scam going.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Over 11 volumes of research review, NASEM has specifically studied colorectal cancers (including the small intestine and rectum) and found there is "inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine an association. Colon cancers are increasing in the general US population and is one of the leading causes of deaths due to cancer. There is no single cause of colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which can slowly develop into cancer. The best way to combat colon cancer is to get screening at the times advised by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) or your healthcare provider.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Yes. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) have done over 22 consensus reports reviewing the possible associations with Agent Orange exposure and disease to include cancers. Over 11 volumes of research review, NASEM has specifically studied colorectal cancers (including the small intestine and rectum) and found there is "inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine an association. Colon cancers are increasing in the general US population and is one of the leading causes of deaths due to cancer. There is no single cause of colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which can slowly develop into cancer. The best way to combat colon cancer is to get screening at the times advised by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) or your healthcare provider.
Why does the Spouse of a deceased Veteran at 50% disability compensation rating receive zero percentage when the veteran passes away? Married 43 years at the time of death and I was the only person taking care of my late husband. The VA sure didn't assist me. I lost my home and had to relocate and try to find an apt in the middle of a housing crisis. I HAVE NOTHING.
What is available to help the wife of a veteran (22 years) when the wife takes care of veteran at home? I am trying to help my husband get disability (agent orange and other) - why does it take so long to hear back about disability? How do I access this talk?
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for all of your care the last 22 years. The Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network would be honored to support you on your caregiving journey. Please visit http://www.redcross.org/caregivers to learn more.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service and your question. The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers 2 programs to support caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare that meet eligibility criteria. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) provides peer support mentoring, skills training, coaching, telephone support, online programs and referrals to available resources of caregivers of Veterans. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) offers enhanced clinical support and services for caregivers of eligible Veterans who have a serious injury or illness and requires in-person, personal care services. Please contact your local VA Caregiver Support Program or the Caregiver Support Line at [login to see] to learn more about CSP supports and services offered to caregivers of eligible Veterans. Also, please check out the CSP website and CSP fact sheets for additional information.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCS_Program_Difference.asp
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_PGCSS_Fact_Sheet.pdf#
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_Eligibility_Criteria_Factsheet.pdf#
For questions related to disability benefits please contact the Veterans Benefit Administration https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ Please contact your local VA healthcare team or VA social worker to learn about your options: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/your-care-team/; https:http://www.socialwork.va.gov/socialworkers.asp
https://www.caregiver.va.gov
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCS_Program_Difference.asp
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_PGCSS_Fact_Sheet.pdf#
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_Eligibility_Criteria_Factsheet.pdf#
For questions related to disability benefits please contact the Veterans Benefit Administration https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ Please contact your local VA healthcare team or VA social worker to learn about your options: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/your-care-team/; https:http://www.socialwork.va.gov/socialworkers.asp
My veteran is 100 % t.p. mentally and in 2019 he went into a manic state. He was able to have me removed as p.o.a. and fiduciary even with his mental state clear to anyone who spoke to him. We lost so much because the bills weren't paid and he is out there blowing money and I am struggling to keep the house that was almost paid off. I took care of this veteran for forty three years and he's been mental the entire time but yet the veterans admin keeps denying me the court ordered alimony for four years now , last time denied me saying we were divorced never even bother to read the name on the divorce papers to see he had sent the ones from his first marriage. denied me because you sent me the wrong form and didn't even tell me and then denied me based on the time had ran out to file, denied me based on hardship on the veteran when i asked for half his benefit. He needs to be in a nursing home under supervised care he is considered dangerous he has been convicted of threatening my life over money. He is wanted for contempt of court in that he won't pay the court order and now owes me over fifty thousand in back pay. Why when a veteran is mentally ill does the veterans admin allow him to handle his own affairs , drive a vehicle , attack people several times over and not confine him for the safety of others ? this veteran is able to seem normal but if stressed has as documented NO IMPULSE CONTROL NONE ! I have been attacked , law enforcement has been attacked , our children have been attacked , hospital v.a. staff has been attacked , dav vol was attacked verbally to the point the office won't even help me for fear of him .. he has thrown things at me in stores and hit an elderly lady right now he's spending hundreds on weapons he is allowed to have and i am living off food stamps and a small social security check wondering if i am going to make it every month just to have enough to eat don't know what the question was it doesn't show but these are mine
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your service and your question. The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers 2 programs to support caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare that meet eligibility criteria. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) provides peer support mentoring, skills training, coaching, telephone support, online programs and referrals to available resources of caregivers of Veterans. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) offers enhanced clinical support and services for caregivers of eligible Veterans who have a serious injury or illness and requires in-person, personal care services. Please contact your local VA Caregiver Support Program or the Caregiver Support Line at [login to see] to learn more about CSP supports and services offered to caregivers of eligible Veterans. Also, please check out the CSP website and CSP fact sheets for additional information.https://www.caregiver.va.gov
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCS_Program_Difference.asp
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_PGCSS_Fact_Sheet.pdf#
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_Eligibility_Criteria_Factsheet.pdf#
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCS_Program_Difference.asp
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_PGCSS_Fact_Sheet.pdf#
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_Eligibility_Criteria_Factsheet.pdf#
My late husband was a veteran and he was diagnosed with cancer that spread throughout his body. He was about to sign up with the VA but he passed away before he could do so. As his widow, do I receive any survivor benefits?
I served my country as a reservist on an 8 year plan starting before I was 181/2 years old I applied for health benefits and was told I didn't spend enough time on active duty.I spent 6 months on active duty plus 2 weeks on active duty during the summer I was on call for the Vietnam war but never called. This so called country of ours can find money for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and everything else under the sun but not for me who was born and raised here and who SERVED our country. What a bunch of BS
Sara Chase
Exactly!! The criminals in power as well as the lame congress has given BILLIONS & BILLIONS to Ukraine (a money-laundering scheme for themselves) and BILLIONS to other foreign countries (some who are America's enemies), but yet, our own people, our vets in America get little to no assistance.
BECAUSE CRIMINALS, COMMIES WHO HATE AMERICA & AMERICANS ARE IN POWER.
BECAUSE CRIMINALS, COMMIES WHO HATE AMERICA & AMERICANS ARE IN POWER.
What home aid resources are out there for a retired veteran taking care of my wife full time?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA's Caregiver Support Program provides services and supports for caregivers of eligible Veterans. If the spouse is a Veteran, they may be eligible for the VA services or the VA Caregiver Support Program. Please visit CSPs website for more information at https://www.caregiver.va.gov. If the spouse is a non-veteran, there are a number of community resources that may be able to assist. The Eldercare Locator is a public services of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. You can reach the Eldercare Locator at reach at [login to see] .
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