Why did the VA (DMDC LOGIN) accept a flawed login system which will not accept international numbers?

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:22:20 -0500

It is great the VA is doing something. I just wish the VA would do something about their locking me out of checking on my claims and such. Ever since the new security login wis set in place, I am locked out as the DMDC LOGIN will not accept international phone number. I live in Denmark and am now unable to access my account.
I made the 800 call, which is not free from here, sat on hold for an hour before talking to a human. The lady I talked with was very good. She tried and tried to get the system to accept my number but no go. I was then transferred to her supervisor who then informed me their new system would only accept a few selected international numbers, mine was not included. She then told me they knew the system was flawed when they put it into action. I could get a Google number (Google number does not support Denmark, NG), or I could buy a Skype number. I asked her why should I provide a band-aid for their broken system? I then told her I retired as a SGM from the Army and money was not the issue. The issue is their broken system. What about the lower enlisted guy who didn't retire who doesn't have that much money, why should he be forced to band-aid their system? I then informed her if I had done my job as a SGM the way they are doing their job, I would have had my ass handed to me, probably demoted and given the boot. I then proceeded to tell her I was going to start a Congressional Investigation. She now backed up and ask who I was going to name ? I told her I have your name, your supervisor's name and these calls are recorded so just wait and find out.
Just so you know. Yes I know there are several choices to login - I have tried them all. All of them end up coming back to the DMDC verification using my telephone number which they will not support. Believe me, I have tried all the options available, none work.
Get this, I can log in to the Social Security site, check my account after they started their new double security login. I can login to a site in Idaho and order my new Idaho driver's license, but not the VA site. WHY? Yes all systems are different, so the supervisor at DMDC told me, to which I told her their system was wrong, bad and flawed.
I am hoping the VA is following this site, looking at posts and not just posting stuff here to make us think they care. Yes the VA does a fairly good job, but to not think about OCONUS VETS, is a FUBAR. I challenge anyone from the VA to get in gear, make the DMDC get their login squared away so us OCONUS vets are not left out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2023 11:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:34:13 -0500

SGM Mikel Dawson Thank you for sharing this. I want to commend you for your tenacity in drawing attention to an area of the VA that's deficient... to put it mildly. Your efforts will help many Veterans facing similar challenges. If I can be of any assistance in making calls for you or another area... don't hesitate to send me a Message on RP.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 3 at 2023 7:12 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:12:40 -0500

This didn't post. Here is the link to the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Give him a write: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/chairman

Chairman

Response by COL Randall C. made Mar 3 at 2023 7:31 AM

COL Randall C. — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:31:55 -0500

SGM Mikel Dawson did you check out Sonetel? I know it's not a free solution (runs a couple of dollars a month), but as I mentioned before, everything on their website states that it WILL forward calls to numbers in Denmark.

Is it a perfect solution? No. But at least it seems to be a viable workaround that even PFC Snuffy can use until DMDC gets their act together.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 3 at 2023 10:39 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:39:47 -0500

I access VA with Real ID, which works with SSA also. Have you tried that route?

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Mar 3 at 2023 3:00 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:00:08 -0500

Wow! What a shock! The VA actually adopted a system that doesn't work for less than 1% of veterans! Guess what, Sergeant Major? Most of their systems don't work for far more people. In fact, many of their systems just plain don't work at all.

I'm sure you felt better blasting the nice lady who tried to help you and her supervisor, but neither of them had anything to do with creating the problem and there is absolutely nothing that either of them can do to solve it.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2023 12:14 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 12:14:44 -0500

They have an app for that.

Response by SFC Paul Jowers made Jun 23 at 2023 3:10 AM

SFC Paul Jowers — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 03:10:05 -0400

I agree 100%!!