Women Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!

165K

219

211

On June 28th, 1-2 PM ET, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits and claims. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Richelle Taylor - Public Affairs Specialist, National Cemetery Administration
» CPO Missina Schallus - Communications Manager, Center for Women Veterans
» Col Michelle Gardner-Ince - Director, Women Veteran Small Business Initiatives
» SSgt Lourdes Tiglao - Executive Director, Center for Women Veterans
» RDML Ann Duff - Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» Leah Christensen - Clinical Program Coordinator, VA Caregiver Support Program
» DeShaun Sewell - Program Analyst, VBA Outreach, Transition and Economic Development
» Mary Beard - National Employment Coordinator, VBA
» Leigh Edmonds - Sr. Manager of Communications, TAPS
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA
» Karen Earhart - Program Manager, Caregiver Support Program, VA
» Maj Lillie Mells - Program Manager, Education & Training, VHA
» CPT Chanel Bankston-Carter - Director, Strategic Outreach and Communications, VA

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.

Women Veterans Call Center:
· Call or text the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-VA-WOMEN [login to see] )

Get Help - Mental Health:
· https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mentalhealth/get-help/index.asp

RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct:
· https://rly.pt/33ySsg0

Posted in these groups: 210d76c2

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Images

Women in the Military

Follow this discussion

Comments have been disabled

Responses: 70

Show most popular responses

CPL Symyra Trumpler

Posted 2 y ago

How are Army Reservist Veteran who completed the 8 year term obtain an ID to file a disability claim? Unfortunately, my military medical records and personnel records are lost. I don't have access to my complete years of service (DD214). I only have a copy of my service for basic training and AIT, and this doesn't show enough duty time.
I really need some help because I'm getting the run around and it's becoming truly depressing.

Melissa Comeau

2 y

Thank you for your service! Perhaps a VSO can help? https://www.va.gov/vso/

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services youâve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family memberâlike health care, disability, education, and more.

Melissa Comeau

2 y

You may have already tried this but this link can also help find service records https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

Request Military Service Records

Veterans and their next of kin can get FREE copies of their DD 214, and other military service records including Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), Replacement Medals, and Medical and Health Records.

DeShaun Sewell

2 y

You can still file a claim. VA’s Duty to Assist requires VA to assist you in getting evidence, such as medical records, that’s needed to support your case. VA’s Duty to Assist applies during your initial claim and if you file a Supplemental Claim. Please visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/Applying.asp to start the process.

VA.gov | 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.

Cpl Erin Thomas

Posted 2 y ago

My sister was repeatedly raped in the Navy in 1969 (she's 74). While processing her claim, I was told that she would not be grilled for information, even though we know his name, and that she would be granted 100% disability for her PTSD, and receive full benefits. She did not receive a 100% rating. I don't know where to turn to get satisfaction for her.

Melissa Comeau

2 y

Cpl Erin Thomas This is devasting. I am so so sorry for your sister and you as you navigate support for her. Have you tried a VSO who is knowledgeable in MST for the appeal? Or perhaps a MST coordinator at the VA could guide you? Please find some information here https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/military-sexual-trauma.asp

VA.gov | 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.

SPC Amber Seeley

Posted 2 y ago

Is there any programs to help women get there tubes untied?

Andi Martinez

2 y

Yes. Learn more here: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/infertility-and-ivf.asp

VA.gov | 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.

SFC (Join to see)

Posted 2 y ago

What are people’s experiences filing claims for endometriosis? Or any type of female reproductive/sexual organ dysfunction as compared to male service members’ part? Are service-connection standards for women’s ailments on par with men’s? Are the numbers for approved claims for reproductive organs skewed more favorably toward male parts? If so, how much and why?

Melissa Comeau

2 y

Thank you for your service and for asking this question. You are not alone and there are good questions regarding reproductive health in this event. While I do not have an exact answer for you, I did find this information from VA https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/reproductive-health.asp

VA.gov | 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.

SFC (Join to see)

2 y

Thank you!

SFC (Join to see)

Posted 2 y ago

Andi Martinez

2 y

Thank you for participating. Please call our Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN ( [login to see] ) so that we can assist you more directly.

Andi Martinez

2 y

Additional information and data on pelvic pain/VA support can be found here: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/103471/women-veterans-relief-is-available-for-pelvic-pain/

Women Veterans: Relief is available for pelvic pain - VAntage Point

Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition in women Veterans. VA health care providers can identify causes and provide treatment options.

SFC (Join to see)

2 y

Thank you, Andi. This is really helpful.

Capt Diane Yuska

Posted 2 y ago

How do I determine what my post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are for myself and/or my dependents?

Melissa Comeau

2 y

Thank you for your service! Here is a link for eligibility information for education benefits https://www.va.gov/education/eligibility/

GI Bill and other education benefit eligibility | Veterans Affairs

Learn about GI Bill eligibility requirements and find out if you can get these benefits. VA education benefits can help you pay your tuition, pick out a school, choose a career, and more. If you’re an active-duty service member or Veteran, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a qualified survivor or dependent, find out if you can get VA education benefits through the GI Bill and other educational assistance programs.

SPC Amina Higgs

Posted 2 y ago

I need a walk-in tub but the department over that won’t approve me for it even though I have a organization who is ready to pay for it

Melissa Comeau

2 y

I am so sorry this is happening to you. Here is some information I found on the Specially Adapted Housing Grant from VA https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/homeloans/SAHFactsheet.pdf

SAHFactsheet.pdf

Andi Martinez

2 y

VA wants to help. Please call the VA Hotline: [login to see] to speak to a live agent so that we can best assist you.

AB Mary Filer

Posted 2 y ago

My recent benefit decision came back denied, but did not list why it was denied. I was under the assumption the VA had a duty to assist? How can I find out why the claim was denied so that I may remedy the situation?

Melissa Comeau

2 y

UGH! I am so sorry to hear this. Perhaps a VSO can assist you in getting this resolved? Here is the VSO directory https://www.va.gov/vso/

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services youâve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family memberâlike health care, disability, education, and more.

Andi Martinez

2 y

Hi Mary - VA wants to help. Please call the VA Hotline: [login to see] to speak to a live agent so that we can best assist you.

SMSgt Walter Vann

Posted 2 y ago

When is the VA going to increase travel pay?

Andi Martinez

2 y

Current mileage rate: https://www.va.gov/resources/reimbursed-va-travel-expenses-and-mileage-rate/

Reimbursed VA travel expenses and mileage rate | Veterans Affairs

Read this page to learn what health care travel-related expenses we pay for and our current mileage reimbursementrate. If you're ready to file a claim for reimbursement, you can go to theAccessVA travel claim portal.

Andi Martinez

2 y

VA follows the GSA rates for travel

PVT Tamara Baker

Posted 2 y ago

I can't wait.

Melissa Comeau

2 y

Thank you for being a part of this.

Women Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.