Sponsored
Veterans Experience Live (VetXL): Survivors Together - Memorial Day Q&A with VA and Community Partners. What Are Your Questions?
311K
273
78
37
37
0
On May 26th at 1PM EST the Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include State VA, 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. Ask your questions now!
You can ask questions to the following people:
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Leigh Edmonds - Sr. Manager of Communications, TAPS
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» COL Les' Melnyk - Chief, Public Affairs and Outreach, National Cemetery Administration
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, Vet Center, VA
» RDML Ann Duff - Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» LTC Hugo Lentze - Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer, Travis Manion Foundation
» Leah Christensen - Clinical Program Coordinator, VA Caregiver Support Program
» Mary Beard - National Employment Coordinator, VBA
» Geri Maples - Chapter Coordinator, Blue Star Families
Veterans Crisis Line:
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans and Service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
· Call [login to see] and Press 1, 24/7.
· Chat online (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat)
· Text to 838255.
Get Help - Mental Health (https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mentalhealth/get-help/index.asp)
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national organization providing compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to all those grieving the death of a military loved one through peer-based emotional support, connections with grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and the 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline, all at no cost to surviving families. For more information, please visit TAPS.org or call 202.588.TAPS (8277).
You can ask questions to the following people:
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Leigh Edmonds - Sr. Manager of Communications, TAPS
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» COL Les' Melnyk - Chief, Public Affairs and Outreach, National Cemetery Administration
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, Vet Center, VA
» RDML Ann Duff - Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» LTC Hugo Lentze - Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer, Travis Manion Foundation
» Leah Christensen - Clinical Program Coordinator, VA Caregiver Support Program
» Mary Beard - National Employment Coordinator, VBA
» Geri Maples - Chapter Coordinator, Blue Star Families
Veterans Crisis Line:
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans and Service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
· Call [login to see] and Press 1, 24/7.
· Chat online (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat)
· Text to 838255.
Get Help - Mental Health (https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mentalhealth/get-help/index.asp)
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national organization providing compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to all those grieving the death of a military loved one through peer-based emotional support, connections with grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and the 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline, all at no cost to surviving families. For more information, please visit TAPS.org or call 202.588.TAPS (8277).
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Caregiver
Mental Health
Memorial Day
Family
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Mental Health Memorial Day Family
Responses: 26
4
4
0
Hello, my name is Leigh Edmonds. I'm TAPS Sr. Manager of Communications and here to answer any questions. TAPS is the leading national organization providing ongoing compassionate care to all those grieving a death of a military loved one. We provide care and connections to resources at no cost to the survivor, regardless of circumstances of death, relationship to the deceased, and time since death. We can be reached 24/7 on our National Military Survivor Helpline at 1-800-959-TAPS(8277) or email [login to see] . Learn more about our mission at http://www.taps.org.
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.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
I am a survivor of a veteran who was receiving 80% disability at the time of his death. How do I know when I can start to file for his Social Security?
(4)
(0)
Melissa Comeau
Hello Kristie George Thank you for being with us today. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your Veteran. I don't have a good answer for you but I found this information from the Social Security Administration and though it might be helpful.
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/sspus/veterans.pdf
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/sspus/veterans.pdf
(2)
(0)
Leigh Edmonds
Hi Kristie, TAPS Casework is available to all surviving military families who need support with navigating and filing paperwork related to benefits. We're here for you anytime. Please reach out at [login to see] or call [login to see] . http://www.taps.org/casework
TAPS is here to help you navigate your military survivor benefits. Click here to reach out to TAPS Casework for assistance.
(3)
(0)
Geri Maples
Kristie George I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad to see that my fellow community partners will able to give you some direction today with some resources.
(3)
(0)
4
4
0
Melissa Comeau
Hello Celeste Matthews If you are looking for a patient advocate at VA this link will help you find the one at your location VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/health/patientadvocate/
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.
(2)
(0)
Andi Martinez
VA wants to make sure you get the best care possible. Every employee at VA, especially your treatment team, wants to be involved in providing the best care possible. If you have a compliment, suggestion or concern regarding your care, first speak with your treatment team. Your treatment team includes your doctor, nurse, social worker, dietitian, pharmacist, chaplain, therapist and other professionals associated with your medical care. If you feel your concerns are not being addressed by your treatment team, you may contact a VA Patient Advocate. A Patient Advocate is an employee who is specifically designated at each VHA facility to manage the feedback received from veterans, family members and friends. The Patient Advocate works directly with management and employees to facilitate resolutions. You may contact the Patient Advocate at your facility. https://www.va.gov/DIRECTORY/GUIDE/home.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.
(2)
(0)
Geri Maples
Hi Celeste, it may be best to contact your local VA Medical Center you can find that information via their webpage at https://www.va.gov/
VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs
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.
(2)
(0)
4
4
0
Thank you for bringing together such a great group of leaders on this important topic. I am curious, what has changed/improved in each of your organizations since Memorial Day last year in the way you serve survivors?
(4)
(0)
Melissa Comeau
Thank you CPT David Gowel for your incredible leadership and vision at Rally Point. I am honored to be a part of a new effort with TAPS and EDF called Caregiver to Survivor. You can learn more and find support here https://www.taps.org/caregiver
TAPS Caregiver to Survivor Program
If you have lost a military loved one after having been a caregiver, we understand, are advocating on your behalf, and are here to support you with comfort, care and resources.
(3)
(0)
Leigh Edmonds
Thank you, David. TAPS in the wake of the pandemic, we've continued to expand both our online community as well as continuing to offer online components to many of seminars and other events. It's been an important effort to stay connected across our survivor community to reduce any further sense of isolation which of course is a common hardship felt by those grieving. http://www.taps.org/onlinecommunity
The TAPS Online Community provides grief support and an opportunity to connect with others wherever you may be. Click here to become a part of it.
(3)
(0)
4
4
0
Travis Manion Foundation appreciates all of the organizations and leaders brought together for this virtual event! As an organization that works with survivors and within the veteran service space, we know how invaluable the collaboration and conversation between us all is to best serve our survivor community. Thank you to everyone who is pitching in to provide expertise and advice!
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Thanks. Question: What services exists for the veteran with memory problems especially if the vet can't drive himself to the offices and mostly resigns at home?
(3)
(0)
PO3 Matthew Campbell
Hi Liliya- VA provides a full range of VA health care services depending on the Veterans needs. Here is some more information that you may find information: https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Alzheimers_and_Dementia_Care.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.
(1)
(0)
Geri Maples
SPC Liliya Hartman Also depending on location some state and local agencies may have programs available. If you have a State Veterans Department you may want to check with them.
(1)
(0)
Melissa Comeau
I also want to share Coaching Into Care which can help encourage the Veteran to engage in program and services that benefit their health. https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/
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.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
Please cover PCAFC Appeal Process when you have exhausted one or more decisions from VA. There is a class-action lawsuit, for Veterans Claims recently ordered, but how to navigate through medical records to process your Appeal to the Board of Veterans'?
(2)
(0)
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for joining us today Au Smith Here is the information I found for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Familiy Caregivers appeals process. I hope this helps.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCAFC_Appeals.asp
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCAFC_Appeals.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.
(1)
(0)
Leah Christensen
Thank you for your inquiry. We are continuing to develop processes to offer additional options for seeking further review of decisions. If you disagree, in whole or in part, with a Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) decision, there are options for you to appeal or to request a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) review of the decision. Your options depend on the date we issued your PCAFC decision. Previously you could only appeal PCAFC decisions through the VHA Clinical Review Process (also known as the VHA Clinical Appeals Process). You can find more information on the website: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCAFC_Appeals.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.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Hi,
I have had a claim in with the VA on appeal for almost 6 years now for care giver when my husband was still alive. He died 2/28/2017 of Agent Orange problems. I filed the claim in 2017 and was told that he wasn't sick enough to need a care giver. He had so many things wrong and couldn't be left alone while I was at work. Was forced to quit my job and lose my health insurance to be home with him. It was denied at the end of 2016. I was appealed in March of 2017, didn't reach the court until 2/8/2018 and have been waiting ever since to get a answer from anyone. Have had several Senators check on status and they get the same thing I do. It's waiting to be looked at. Just because the survivor is still living doesn't mean the claim should be shoved to the back. If this is the way the appeals works I'm shocked. God forbid that one of our veterans has to wait for this. All I want is a answer!
I have had a claim in with the VA on appeal for almost 6 years now for care giver when my husband was still alive. He died 2/28/2017 of Agent Orange problems. I filed the claim in 2017 and was told that he wasn't sick enough to need a care giver. He had so many things wrong and couldn't be left alone while I was at work. Was forced to quit my job and lose my health insurance to be home with him. It was denied at the end of 2016. I was appealed in March of 2017, didn't reach the court until 2/8/2018 and have been waiting ever since to get a answer from anyone. Have had several Senators check on status and they get the same thing I do. It's waiting to be looked at. Just because the survivor is still living doesn't mean the claim should be shoved to the back. If this is the way the appeals works I'm shocked. God forbid that one of our veterans has to wait for this. All I want is a answer!
(2)
(0)
Melissa Comeau
Hello Margaret McLauchlin Thank you for being with us today. I am sadden to hear of the loss of your husband and grateful for your years of service as his caregiver. I do not have an answer on your claim or appeal but hope someone on here can help get the answer you deserve.
(1)
(0)
Andi Martinez
We'd love to help. Please call our team VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent)
(2)
(0)
Geri Maples
Hello Margaret McLauchlin I am so sorry your loss. Thank you for being with us today. Like Melissa Comeau I don't have an answer about your claim but I am glad to see that Andi is able to provide you with some guidance. I hope you are able to get the support you deserve.
(1)
(0)
Leigh Edmonds
Hi Margaret, we are so sorry for your loss and the difficulties you've encountered since with navigating claims and benefits. TAPS Caregiver to Survivor Program and TAPS Casework team are here to assist you any time. Both with understanding peer support and help with resources. Please give us a call anytime at [login to see] .
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
Thanks. Question: what services exists for veterans with memory problems, especially when such veteran can't drive himself into any facilities?
(2)
(0)
PO3 Matthew Campbell
Hi Liliya- VA provides a full range of VA health care services depending on the Veterans needs. Here is some more information that you may find information: https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Alzheimers_and_Dementia_Care.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.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google