What do you think are the largest issues facing the Veteran community?

Adequate mental health care and strong guidance assuring all veterans understand each benefit they have earned and are entitled so that they have the opportunity to excel after active duty.

1. Timely Access to Care- Far too many veterans are still not able to be seen at a VA facility within the time frames set forth by VA. Even with the access to care outside the VA, even those appointments are being pushed out further that 3 weeks out. There are many factors that affect this and its not an easy fix

2. Mental Health- Mental Health is just as important as physical health. Our veteran population suicide and incarcerated rates are still significantly high. We have to pump more and more resources to the Mental health departments and continue to reach as many veterans as we can through different outreach programs. We also need a safe haven where veterans feel safe to discuss and treat these issues without any fear of being looked down on and even for veterans who are also employees of the VA to feel a sense of security that they will not be judged or retaliated against for having such issues. Mental Health problems are something that most if not all of us face at least once in our lifetime while some face these challenges on a daily basis.
3. Compensation- With the cost of living and inflation rapidly increasing, most veterans continue to have major issues surviving and staying afloat. If no other group in America deserves a higher competitive compensation raise veterans do!!!!! A 100% permanent and total disabled veteran who is not able to work and has a family cannot take care of a family of 2 or 3 even with the max compensation rate as of now. Veterans are not trying to get rich from this compensation but we all should be able to live a modest lifestyle in order to care for and support our families the same way we supported, defended and cared for our country. Just as no veteran should die alone, no veteran should have to worry about where our next meal will come from or not being able to afford and take care of our families with the basic necessities of life.

Dental care should be available to all Veterans.

Transportation to VA medical care.

Dental Care.

Talking with veterans, I have found myself betting put in the role of advocate. Therefore, I feel one of the largest issues facing this community is the lack of education in all of the benefits available. The benefits are not all and only financial.

Suicide, PTSD/depression, homelessness, unbelievable long wait time’s for appointments.

The ability to return and go on with there regular CIVILIAN lives

Medical and Mental health care issues. Which leads to lack of goal-oriented thoughts for work, shelter, and healthy eating.

Over the years I have been able to incorporate holistic approaches to the care I receive. This has been very helpful, but why if they allow this can't most of us get dental care? Isn't that the basis of a good immune system? Do we have to lose our teeth and succumb to another health issue just to reach 100% in order to receive dental care? Come on! You policy makers can do better!