Sponsored
20
20
0
Thanks to all who participated! This sweepstakes event has ended and all prizes have been awarded. Please continue to share your stories and follow the RallySweeps page for the next event! https://rly.pt/RLYSWP
From theSITREP: VA Payments Are Changing for Some Veterans and Dependents
From theSITREP: VA Payments Are Changing for Some Veterans and Dependents
Posted in these groups: 
RallySweeps
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
BenefitsUS Department of the Treasury
Money
RallySweeps Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) BenefitsUS Department of the Treasury Money
Responses: 296
7
7
0
More medical screenings. It has been absolutely awesome being able to telecall mental health visits, and I think being able to to more or these things would be great. Especially for Veterans with PTSD, sometimes they don’t like leaving their caves.
(7)
(0)
SFC Casey O'Mally
Yes! But.....
Only for those who desire and will benefit from telehealth.
Many folks I know just don't get the same benefit from talking on a phone that they do from talking face to face. Additionally, for those hermits, sometimes they NEED to be forced out of their caves from time to time. Allowing them to stay hidden may be more comfortable and may be better short-term. But it may be counter-productive long-term.
As with just about everything, there has to be a balance.
Only for those who desire and will benefit from telehealth.
Many folks I know just don't get the same benefit from talking on a phone that they do from talking face to face. Additionally, for those hermits, sometimes they NEED to be forced out of their caves from time to time. Allowing them to stay hidden may be more comfortable and may be better short-term. But it may be counter-productive long-term.
As with just about everything, there has to be a balance.
(0)
(0)
SSgt Brittany Arnold
SFC Casey O'Mally I do agree with that. I’m one that needs to be forced out. But there’s also times all the appointments do get overwhelming and it really is nice to be able to call from home sometimes. And for me, no have to stress about finding childcare.
(1)
(0)
SFC Casey O'Mally
SSgt Brittany Arnold For me it isn't PTSD, but depression. When I am at the bottom of one of my depressive episodes, I don't even want to leave my bed, let alone my house.
But the longer I am allowed to curl up and feel sorry for myself, the longer the worst of the depression lasts. Being forced to go DO stuff, even if it is just a grocery run, helps me break the cycle and start to recover.
But the longer I am allowed to curl up and feel sorry for myself, the longer the worst of the depression lasts. Being forced to go DO stuff, even if it is just a grocery run, helps me break the cycle and start to recover.
(1)
(0)
7
7
0
Mental health appointments, especially for those who don't have means of transportation
(7)
(0)
7
7
0
The first true mass-produced (read: affordable) home computers hit the market in 1977, and began to saturate the market in 1979. In 1979, someone born in 1968 would have been 11 years old, and would be 55 today. Folks older than that did not really grow up with computers. Many are still not comfortable with them.
There are still a heck of a lot of folks in America - and on the VA's rolls - older than 55.
Just about any paperwork, records, databasing, or analytocal process can be streamlined and/or more available by making it digital. But as we move more and more things to the digital world, let's make sure we keep analog options. The are very few people that are COMPLETELY incompetent digitally. But there are plenty more who will be turned off by "online only" options and refuse to engage.
If my parents have to text to do anything, they simply don't do it. They even quit a doctor whose office refused to accept an old-school landline phone number because the office wanted to be able to text.
Let's not leave those folks behind.
There are still a heck of a lot of folks in America - and on the VA's rolls - older than 55.
Just about any paperwork, records, databasing, or analytocal process can be streamlined and/or more available by making it digital. But as we move more and more things to the digital world, let's make sure we keep analog options. The are very few people that are COMPLETELY incompetent digitally. But there are plenty more who will be turned off by "online only" options and refuse to engage.
If my parents have to text to do anything, they simply don't do it. They even quit a doctor whose office refused to accept an old-school landline phone number because the office wanted to be able to text.
Let's not leave those folks behind.
(7)
(0)
Sgt Kerry Thurlow
If only the VA would make their pages less cluttered and their sites easier to navigate....oh, and perhaps even allowed user created shortcuts or bookmarks on their site(s).
(1)
(0)
PO2 Jennifer Horn
I'm so glad to see this comment. We are all aging and the VA needs to start considering how our oldest of the older population feels about everything electronic. It is a stressor and no one is patient, understanding, sympathetic, and confident enough to sit down and offer to explain and show someone how to navigate the basics with confidence. If the VA is going to do digital and expect all to follow then they should be responsible to provide free computer literacy courses.
(1)
(0)
6
6
0
VA travel reimbursements. Filing out paperwork is archaic. Travel, for medical reasons, should be claimed online with uploaded receipts.
(6)
(0)
5
5
0
A better question would be; Which government or VA resources that go digital would improve Veterans' VA connection the most. I have been a Caregiver for WWII and early Vietnam Veterans in the past and most of them do not have access to or have no assistance in using the technology that younger people take for granted. Currently, the word 'digital' is related to current technology and future technology.
(5)
(0)
PO2 Jennifer Horn
100% the VA could be doing so much more and should be doing much more for the caregiver program and ensuring that Veterans and their designated caregiver gets relief, resources, support, etc. Caregivers save this world so much money, yet recieve sometimes the worst parts of the people they are caring for. So, the VA needs to figure out a better way to qualify people for caregiver support, if the Veteran is the caregiver to a spouse who is not, why shouldn't the Veteran qualify to recieve some assistance. The caregiver of the Veteran's surviving spouse should be entitled to extended care services, A&A, VIC/VDC, etc. To provide relief by allowing the caregiver - many times children - the chance to remove themselves from the caregiver role, and back to the person they were before they took om that role. The VA could help by allowing that, but in my experience, they don't or at least that is what is told to the caregivers of surviving spouses.
(1)
(0)
PV2 Mary Gilmartin
Thank you Jennifer for your input. Veterans need to know this information. Also, if a Veteran is the caregiver but not the spouse, the Veteran caregiver should be allowed to access all resources to assist that Veteran who needs assistance. I have reached out to the VA for this type of assistance and was told that the Veteran needing assistance needs to be the one to reach out for these resources. When a Veteran needing care does not have the cognitive capacity to request assistance from the VA, this creates a barrier between the Veteran needing assistance and the VA.
(0)
(0)
5
5
0
Many government agencies operate in silos. All these entities need to share information and/or have a central repository that shares/transfers information between them.
(5)
(0)
SFC Casey O'Mally
Yes.... and no.
There is no reason Homeland Security needs my VA medical records. Nor does the VA need my security clearance information or background checks.
We often look at silos as a problem, and if only there was more sharing more stuff could get done. This is very true to a degree. But silos also serve an important role in limiting sharing of personal information.
Information sharing is great, when it is appropriate. But the more entities that share info, the less privacy we have.
There is no reason Homeland Security needs my VA medical records. Nor does the VA need my security clearance information or background checks.
We often look at silos as a problem, and if only there was more sharing more stuff could get done. This is very true to a degree. But silos also serve an important role in limiting sharing of personal information.
Information sharing is great, when it is appropriate. But the more entities that share info, the less privacy we have.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
5
5
0
I believe that the many snail mail appointment reminders could benefit from digital resources. I think for me personally it's a waste of paper and/or postage since I've already been notified by text and email. For those vets who are able to receive digital notification notify them digitally and for those that don't have that capability send their notices by mail. I think that would cut paper and postage significantly.
(5)
(0)
Sgt Kerry Thurlow
I ask to not receive letters as reminders for appointments. If the scheduler contacted me and we spoke, then the appointment is in my calendar. Once it makes it to the calendar, then it's going to be kept.
(2)
(0)
5
5
0
Thank you for reaching out with an intriguing question about the potential benefits of digitalization in government and VA resources. As technology continues to advance at an exponential pace, there are indeed several areas where digitization could significantly improve efficiency, accessibility, and effectiveness. In this response, I will highlight a few key areas that stand to benefit from embracing digital transformation.
1. Citizen Services and Engagement:
By leveraging digital platforms, governments can enhance their citizen services and engagement efforts. Online portals and mobile applications can provide streamlined access to various government services such as applying for permits, licenses, or benefits. Furthermore, digital channels facilitate efficient communication, enabling governments to promptly notify citizens about important updates, emergency alerts, and policy changes.
2. Healthcare and Veterans Affairs:
Digitalizing healthcare and VA resources can bring numerous advantages to both patients and providers. Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems can improve information sharing, reduce medical errors, and enable seamless coordination between healthcare professionals. Telemedicine services can also expand access to quality healthcare for individuals in remote areas or with limited mobility, while also offering convenience and timely consultations for veterans who may struggle with physical visits to healthcare facilities.
3. Public Records and Document Management:
Governments maintain vast repositories of public records and documents. By digitizing these resources, agencies can ensure easier access, enhanced searchability, and improved preservation. Online platforms and databases allow individuals to retrieve information efficiently, saving both time and effort. Moreover, digitization enhances data security, reducing the risk of physical document loss or damage.
4. Election Processes:
Transitioning election processes to digital platforms can bolster transparency, security, and efficiency. Online voter registration, digital ballot submission, and electronic voting systems can help simplify the voting process, increase voter turnout, and reduce administrative burdens. Incorporating blockchain technology can provide added security and maintain the integrity of election results.
5. Government Procurement and Contracts:
Digitalizing government procurement and contract management processes can streamline operations and promote fair competition. By adopting e-procurement systems, governments can simplify bidding procedures, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency. Electronic contract management platforms can streamline negotiation, approval, and monitoring processes, leading to greater accountability and efficiency in public spending.
It is worth mentioning that implementing digital solutions must be accompanied by robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect against potential threats.
In conclusion, embracing digital transformation in various government and VA resources holds tremendous potential for improving efficiency, accessibility, and citizen engagement. By adopting innovative technologies and leveraging the power of digital platforms, governments can create a more responsive, efficient, and inclusive public sector.
Thank you for providing such an interesting question, and I hope this response sheds light on the potential benefits of digitalization in government and VA resources.
1. Citizen Services and Engagement:
By leveraging digital platforms, governments can enhance their citizen services and engagement efforts. Online portals and mobile applications can provide streamlined access to various government services such as applying for permits, licenses, or benefits. Furthermore, digital channels facilitate efficient communication, enabling governments to promptly notify citizens about important updates, emergency alerts, and policy changes.
2. Healthcare and Veterans Affairs:
Digitalizing healthcare and VA resources can bring numerous advantages to both patients and providers. Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems can improve information sharing, reduce medical errors, and enable seamless coordination between healthcare professionals. Telemedicine services can also expand access to quality healthcare for individuals in remote areas or with limited mobility, while also offering convenience and timely consultations for veterans who may struggle with physical visits to healthcare facilities.
3. Public Records and Document Management:
Governments maintain vast repositories of public records and documents. By digitizing these resources, agencies can ensure easier access, enhanced searchability, and improved preservation. Online platforms and databases allow individuals to retrieve information efficiently, saving both time and effort. Moreover, digitization enhances data security, reducing the risk of physical document loss or damage.
4. Election Processes:
Transitioning election processes to digital platforms can bolster transparency, security, and efficiency. Online voter registration, digital ballot submission, and electronic voting systems can help simplify the voting process, increase voter turnout, and reduce administrative burdens. Incorporating blockchain technology can provide added security and maintain the integrity of election results.
5. Government Procurement and Contracts:
Digitalizing government procurement and contract management processes can streamline operations and promote fair competition. By adopting e-procurement systems, governments can simplify bidding procedures, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency. Electronic contract management platforms can streamline negotiation, approval, and monitoring processes, leading to greater accountability and efficiency in public spending.
It is worth mentioning that implementing digital solutions must be accompanied by robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect against potential threats.
In conclusion, embracing digital transformation in various government and VA resources holds tremendous potential for improving efficiency, accessibility, and citizen engagement. By adopting innovative technologies and leveraging the power of digital platforms, governments can create a more responsive, efficient, and inclusive public sector.
Thank you for providing such an interesting question, and I hope this response sheds light on the potential benefits of digitalization in government and VA resources.
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
5
5
0
I get way too much paperwork with prescriptions sent to me by VA. Hopefully it's an easy fix to send an email with that info instead!
(5)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google