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Women Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!
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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
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: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Women in the Military
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Women in the Military
Responses: 70
SSgt Lourdes Tiglao
Hi there! You're already here and welcome! this is an online Q/A through this platform. Subject Matter Experts from VA and others are here to help answer your questions.
Hello ALL! I just want to put a *trigger warning* on this VetXL related to Military Sexual Trauma. I am glad you are here, sharing your stories. I believe you and want to help. If this brings up your trauma and you need help right away please call the Crisis Line tel: [login to see]
Here are some additional resources
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp
https://www.rainn.org/articles/military-sexual-trauma
Here are some additional resources
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp
https://www.rainn.org/articles/military-sexual-trauma
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.
When I left the Navy in 1994 no one told me I could file for medical issues that I had from my time in the service. I paid out of pocket for over 20 years for my physical therapy and other issues. How Do I get reimbursed. I am currently 100% SC.
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for your service AN Catherine Wray-Tully I am so sorry you have had to pay for your service connected health care. I hope someone from VA is able to answer your concern and support you today.
Andi Martinez
Here is info on how to file a claim for community care: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/File_a_Claim.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.
My VA eChart never had the information from the 3 VA sites that I used... Portland, OR, Spokane and Walla Walla, WA in it. Is the newest, latest, greatest! going to put it all in one web location? And if not, why?
Melissa Comeau
PO1 Rennae Rosenberg Thank you for this question. You are not alone with this. I hope the new electronic health record (EHR) can resolve this issue for you and so many others.
PO1 Rennae Rosenberg
Melissa Comeau that would be nice. My surgery consult involved a cardiac consult. I'd like to refer to it now (10 years later) since the Dr said I would have more problems as I aged. Would be nice to review his notes!
When I returned from Iraq was told had breast cancer. Breast had to be removed was done by surgeon at Air Force Base. Since due to COVID they wont see retired veterans, however I'm 100%disabled combat vet how can I get them to do reconstruction surgery since only civilian surgeon in my area refuses
Melissa Comeau
SFC Julie Barcheers I am so glad you are a part of this event today. Thank you for your service and your question. I am so sorry for the challenges you have had with breast cancer. I hope there is an answer for you from VA today.
Patty Hayes, Ph.D.
VA would like to help, please contact the The Women Veteran Call Center (WVCC) to assist in enrollment to VA. The Call Center is open Monday-Friday 0800-2200 and Saturday 0800-1830. VA does pay for reconstructive surgery after breast cancer.
Is it my fault I was raped and my (male) commanders never did the paperwork? Is it my fault that the person who raped me was a SGT with a MP Unit? Is it my fault I joined the military doing the "Good Ole Boys" era? Any issues I've had while in uniform I except because I and I alone raised my right hand, however I DID NOT RAISE MY HAND TO BE RAPED.
Melissa Comeau
NO! none of this is your fault. I am so sorry this happened to you and you did not get the support or services you deserved.
Maj Lillie Mells
Good afternoon Nanette. Please know that none of this is your fault. Please reach out to Department of Veterans Affairs Women's Veterans Call Center for resources and assistance [login to see] . You may also reach out to the Veterans Crisis line [login to see] .
Which one of you lovely ladies do I need to talk to about still not hearing ANYthing about my appeal that I sent in May 2020? Everytime I sign in to VA.gov it says it's on a VA judges desk. It's said that for the past year now. What should I do? Or who should I contact? I know things got way behind in 2020 because of Covid but it's been 2 years.
PO2 Rebecca St
You can call the White House Veterans line, [login to see] . They will reach out and give the regional office less than 30 days to get you a real update.
Melissa Comeau
Definitely recommend the White House Hotline. It is managed by the Veterans Experience Office and they will help!
SSgt Jennifer Dane
If nothing else, you can reach out to your senator and representatives for expedient assistance.
Where is the best place to post information for woman veteran's who need assistance with Social Security Disability Benefits?
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for your willingness to share information and resources! You can share them in this special Rally Point event. I am sure our Women Veterans will appreciate the information.
SFC (Join to see)
I’m not sure where you are in your small business journey, but Syracuse and IVMF have some cool, free resources and support (check out V-Wise, for example). https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/
Melissa Comeau
The Women Veteran-Owned Small Business Initiative (WVOSBI) is the first program of its kind in the federal government. WVOSBI's mission is to equip, empower and educate Women Veteran entrepreneurs for success and economic opportunities https://www.va.gov/osdbu/wvosbi.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.
Col Michelle Gardner-Ince
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.
Col Michelle Gardner-Ince
Where are you located. Please visit a Womens Business Center near you for 1 on 1 counseling.
Please explain to me why the VA says breast reconstructive surgery after cancer is not allowed to transgender women.
Melissa Comeau
UGH! This hurts my heart. I am so glad you are here. I hope someone from VA can offer you support and guidance on the chat today.
Andi Martinez
Thank you for your question. Here is more information on VA services for LGBTQIA+ https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/docs/va-pcs-lgbt-factsheet-transgender-female.pdf
Andi Martinez
This has additional information as well: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/
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.
SGT (Join to see)
Andi Martinez You don't think I've read everything. Its a simple question but you folks run away from it. Why can't you answer the question
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