2021 Veterans Day Q&A with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough

No softball questions here: Mr secretary - thanks for ALL you do for us vets! Do you think MORE could be done - especially for our Homeless Veterans? It APPEARS that the illegal border crossers are getting more 'benefits' than our own Veterans. Housing help. Food help. Child care help. Education help. Medical help. Do you feel like the VA could be using some of those funds for OUR OWN veterans?

I echo the comment above. We have an effort here in Maine to house 100 veterans in 100 days (in the 100 days before Veteran's Day). Can each Continuum of Care in the country receive a similar expansion in HUD-VASH and SSVF programs?

Significant progress has been made to prevent and end Veteran homelessness. The number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has declined by nearly half since 2010. Additionally, since that time, 914,061 Veterans and their family members have been permanently housed, rapidly rehoused, or prevented from falling into homelessness through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) targeted housing vouchers and VA's homelessness programs. As of November 5, 2021, 85 communities — which includes three states — have effectively ended Veteran homelessness, based on criteria established by VA, HUD, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). To see a full and current list of communities that have achieved an effective end to Veteran homelessness based on these guidelines, go to http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/endingVetshomelessness.asp.

However, we recognize that there is still more work to be done. A 2020 Government Accountability Office report found that, since 2016, progress towards ending Veteran homelessness has stalled. The HUD Point-in-Time (PIT) Count estimates that on a single night in January 2020, 37,252 Veterans were experiencing homelessness. Not only that, but between 2019 and 2020, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness increased slightly, by less than one percent (167 more people). This increase was entirely among Veterans staying in unsheltered places (859 more Veterans). We at VA find this pattern concerning. Simply put, to Veteran who has served this country - let alone more than 37,000 on a given night - should experience homelessness.

VA and our partners at HUD are aligning efforts and mobilizing the strength of our two departments to do everything in our power to ensure every Veteran can access safe and stable housing.

SP5 Ishmael Shelton - I hate the hear that Brother but I can guarantee you your case is not unique. My oldest brother attempted a suicide by shooting himself in the head but he lived thirteen years basically brain dead. In his case he refused to accept that he had PTSD and needed help although we all knew he did.

SP5 Ishmael Shelton I’m sorry for your loss

VA takes timeliness and quality of care very seriously. Independent governmental and non-governmental agencies and research consistently have shown the quality of VHA mental health services is the same as, or better than community programs. But we do not rest on this assurance. VHA maintains both local and national processes for the oversight the mental health quality.

Of 1.2 million Veterans who received VHA mental health services and completed a survey following their appointment, 87% reported they received their appointment on a time and date that worked for them.
Through FY 2021 Q3 Veteran satisfaction data reveal a high level of satisfaction with VA mental health care. The vast majority of responding Veterans reported that they are treated with respect and kindness by VHA mental health staff (95%) and that mental health treatment has been helpful in their life (90%). We share this information broadly and work to continue to improve performance where needed.
The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act (Congressional Public Law [PL] 114-2), required an annual, independent evaluation of mental health programs and suicide prevention services carried out by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) beginning in December 2018. The key findings from the most recent report include:
VA mental health and suicide prevention programs are effective at reducing symptoms in the first three months of outpatient treatment, and in the 3-4 months after discharge from a bed program.
VA mental health programs consistently reduce suicidal ideation and attempts in the first three months of treatment.
Veterans who engage in VA mental health services are very satisfied with their care.
Although women entering mental health care are frequently more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation, programs appear equally effective for men and for women at reducing that ideation.

The VA’s annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is authorized by Congress and is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Based on the increase in the CPI announced on October 13, 2021, VA beneficiaries will receive a 5.9 percent COLA increase. This is the largest increase in benefits payments since 1982 when the COLA was 8.7 percent.

If you have a DAV chapter in your area contact them. Mine was denied because I was homeless and unable to receive correspondence. They helped me to get the Seattle office to expedite my claim and it was approved in less than 6 months. DAV and other service org. are there for this reason.

As of March 24, 2015, VA requires the use of standardized forms when filing a claim. These forms allow claimants to clearly identify their request. Claimants who were previously denied and want subsequent reviews of their claims, can request a Higher -Level Review (HLR), Supplemental Claim decision, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Claimants can submit any of these requests by mail or in person at a regional office. Helpful resources, including a comparison chart, are available on our website, and Veterans Service Organizations, who are trained professionals, are also available to assist with determining the type of request to file. Individuals can contact VA toll-free at [login to see] regarding any questions or assistance. Claimants can also visit VA’s website at http://www.va.gov for more information.

Roger That SSgt!

VA would like all Veterans to have access to good oral health care; however, VA is limited to providing dental benefits to those Veterans who meet specific eligibility criteria as defined by statute. In order to provide dental care to a larger group of Veterans, statutes defining eligibility would need to change. VA does not have the authority to write policy that is not in accordance with statute. VA continues to explore options presented by members of the house, senate, Veteran Service Organizations, and stakeholders in the community, to expand eligibility and access to dental care for Veterans.  Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and who are not eligible for VA Dental Care can enroll in the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program to purchase discounted dental insurance.

Agreed. I would rather take medical marijuana than the 3 different psych meds I am on, as well as the different medications I am on for pain and sleep.

As an agency of the U.S. Government, VA is governed by federal laws, not state laws. VA and all VA staff, including contractors, as well as outside providers acting on VA's behalf, may only prescribe medications that have been approved by the FDA for medical use. At present, marijuana and most products containing delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other cannabinoids are not approved by the FDA for this purpose. For these reasons, VA providers may not prescribe or recommend medical marijuana, nor complete paperwork/forms required for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs. In addition, VA pharmacies may not fill prescriptions for these drugs, nor will VA pay for such prescriptions from any source. Federal law would have to be changed, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have to approve medical marijuana before VA providers would be able to prescribe or recommend medical marijuana or complete paperwork/forms for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs.

A monthly housing allowance is paid to GI Bill beneficiaries attending school. Unfortunately it cannot be paid based on online only enrollment but it can now be paid based on the location most advantageous to the Veteran. If a student attends classes at more than one location, they are paid the rate that is most advantageous.

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/

VA does not plan to require that Veterans get vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of receiving health care services from VA.

We are moving to a more integrated and seamless system. We know how frustrating it can be for our customers, but also our employees.
We do have a seamless Veteran data system in place. This means you can go on VA.gov right now and update your contact information, and everyone in VA will have that update.
We also have an effort underway to implement a new electronic health record system, which will connect all health care data and improve our patient’s ability to interact with their health care providers.
The new system will also connect with the Department of Defense.
We started the implementation in Spokane, WA – and we’ve learned a lot. But we’ve also made mistakes.
No other health care organization in the world is attempting something of this scale and complexity.
We are committed to getting this absolutely right for America’s Veterans.