Posted on Nov 11, 2021
2021 Veterans Day Q&A with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough
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Over the past few weeks, the VA worked to answer more than 400 questions below on: Inflation, Burn Pits, Mental Health Services, Disability Claims, Medical Marijuana, Caregivers and Survivors, Community Care, Billing, Post-9/11 GI Bill, LGBTQ+, Electronic Healthcare Record, COVID-19, Dental, and Homeless Veterans.
On Veterans Day, Secretary McDonough directly responded to 9 RallyPoint member questions below. These responses are pinned below in green boxes.
On Veterans Day, Secretary McDonough directly responded to 9 RallyPoint member questions below. These responses are pinned below in green boxes.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Health
Mental Health
Disability
GI Bill
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 404
How can I get all of my records of my TDY's and Travel Vouchers I was on Duty 4 Mar 1970 - 5 May 1990. The Archives do not seem to have those record's.
Why cant we get better and quicker service from VA claims. Denials with zero response isnt acceptable in my humble opinion. No answers is the norm and I dont expect to get one now. Pathetic is giving the service credit!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA provides a detailed response on the outcomes of all claims, whether a disability is granted or denied. If you did not receive a copy of the decision for your claim, please contact VA at [login to see] .
I think it would be helpful if there was a way to pay veterans like 15 a month to go to a gym 12 times a month. The rewards would be a more health veteran society.
Since 2003, veterans have not been able to complete registration for VA medical or receive an ID card unless they meet certain criteria (disability, etc.) or meet income requirements. Why aren't all honorably discharged veterans able to receive an ID card even if we are not using VA health benefits?
Secretary McDonough. I must point out to you a serious shortfall of service to many thousands of disabled veterans today,, and possibly millions since the founding of the V.A., almost 100 years ago.
I'm talking about those like me who live alone with their most loved house members, their pets even! They are all vital "Service Animals" to those like myself. I've had to miss "In-Patient"surgeries and extended "In-Patient" treatment, only because I had no one to care for my beloved animation!
Sir, I must propose to you that every major V.A.M.C. be outfitted with a smaller staffed Veterinary Clinic for "Alone In-Patient Disabled Veterans"!'massive proposing 10 to 20 cages per V.A.M.C.! While the veteran heals, they know that they can go down to visit, and re-assure their most loved kids, whether a dog, or cat!It's medically proven that the patient does so much better when the're given access to their most loved one's teen! There has never been a better time for You to make such beneficial impact in the lives of veterans in general, and "Alone Veterans", in particular!
Secretary McDonough, I've been a spinally injured, service connected disabled veteran for 40 years now. Due to long term P.T.S.D. I was always most comfortable living alone. Though, while living & working in Michigan, and having family nearby, they never were there to help.
In 2007, I retired to Florida with no old friends, or siblings within 1000 miles. I struggle daily with pain, and financial insecurity!
I need your help. Create, and staff 24/7 these Veterinary Care Clinics, at every V.A.M.C.!
Thank You Sir!
James Ghrist/3398.
I'm talking about those like me who live alone with their most loved house members, their pets even! They are all vital "Service Animals" to those like myself. I've had to miss "In-Patient"surgeries and extended "In-Patient" treatment, only because I had no one to care for my beloved animation!
Sir, I must propose to you that every major V.A.M.C. be outfitted with a smaller staffed Veterinary Clinic for "Alone In-Patient Disabled Veterans"!'massive proposing 10 to 20 cages per V.A.M.C.! While the veteran heals, they know that they can go down to visit, and re-assure their most loved kids, whether a dog, or cat!It's medically proven that the patient does so much better when the're given access to their most loved one's teen! There has never been a better time for You to make such beneficial impact in the lives of veterans in general, and "Alone Veterans", in particular!
Secretary McDonough, I've been a spinally injured, service connected disabled veteran for 40 years now. Due to long term P.T.S.D. I was always most comfortable living alone. Though, while living & working in Michigan, and having family nearby, they never were there to help.
In 2007, I retired to Florida with no old friends, or siblings within 1000 miles. I struggle daily with pain, and financial insecurity!
I need your help. Create, and staff 24/7 these Veterinary Care Clinics, at every V.A.M.C.!
Thank You Sir!
James Ghrist/3398.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Understanding how important and special these animals are to Veterans, VA has taken into consideration how we might meet the need for temporary boarding for the service animals of Veterans in our care. Our VA medical centers must maintain an environment of care for the provision of health care for Veterans. To ensure that those standards are not compromised, we have been in discussion with community partners who have the capacity and qualifications to safely care for animals in off-site boarding settings utilizing trained and certified volunteers, as well as the ability to access licensed Veterinary services should they become necessary.
Can veterans over 65 get free use of gyms such as the YMCA? This will hopefully keep medical cost down.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am a disabled veteran, retired from the airline industry and would like to install solar panels on my roof. The government allows for a tax deduction for such an upgrade but in my case I have no tax deduction available to me. All I have is Social Security, my VA disability and a very small pension from Pan Am. Is there anything the government can do for us vets to help the environment by reducing our carbon footprint and lowering our utility bill. Thank you for your time - John R. Nolan Largo, Florida
I am a disabled veteran, retired from the airline industry and would like to install solar panels on my roof. The government allows for a tax deduction for such an upgrade but in my case I have no tax deduction available to me. All I have is Social Security, my VA disability and a very small pension from Pan Am. Is there anything the government can do for us vets to help the environment by reducing our carbon footprint and lowering our utility bill. Thank you for your time - John R. Nolan Largo, Florida
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA Loan Guaranty program does have options available for obtaining energy efficient improvements such as solar heating. A VA Home Loan representative can be contacted at [login to see] .
https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/benefits-summary/SummaryofVAHomeLoanGuarantyBenefits.pdf
https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/benefits-summary/SummaryofVAHomeLoanGuarantyBenefits.pdf
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension is a needs-based benefit program for wartime Veterans, who are age 65 or older or have a permanent and total non-service connected disability, and who have
limited income and net worth. Most Social Security Administration benefits are also a needs-based program, additional income from VA benefits will affect the cash benefit amount. When you receive Social Security benefits, those are considered recurring income which affects your overall income determination.
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSA_and_VA_Disability_Benefits_122415.pdf
https://choose.va.gov/pensions
limited income and net worth. Most Social Security Administration benefits are also a needs-based program, additional income from VA benefits will affect the cash benefit amount. When you receive Social Security benefits, those are considered recurring income which affects your overall income determination.
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSA_and_VA_Disability_Benefits_122415.pdf
https://choose.va.gov/pensions
What's it gonna take to get quality healthcare? We all put our lives on the line and the best we get if 2 month wait-periods while Congress gets their pockets stuffed by "Big Pharma"
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA is committed to ensure that you and all Veterans have easy access to the highest quality, timely care when you need it. We are sorry for any delays you experienced in getting the care you need, when you need it – not in two months or more if you need to be seen sooner. That should not happen. If your local VA medical facility or clinic is not able schedule you within MISSION Act time standards, you have the option to be seen by a provider in the community. If we can get more information about the care you need, we will work with the facility director where you get your care to better understand what has held up the process and get it resolved. VA care is exceptional care. Survey feedback from Veterans indicates high satisfaction with the care they received and that they would recommend VA care to others.
Why; after receiving my eye glasses from VA free of charge for over 30 years, did I have to pay over $200.00 for lenses. It was a new company issuing the glasses. I emailed the West Palm Beach, FL. VA Hospital admin. and I got NO RESPONSE! I’m on Social Security and 72 years old. This I considered a slap in the face by the VA.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Veteran's record at the facility level is under review for resolution. The concern has been forwarded to the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 Prosthetic Representative to obtain a status update from the West Palm Beach, FL Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Chief, Brian Corey [login to see] / [login to see] .
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