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
Why can we no longer use the kiosks at the CBOC and Dorn (Columbia SC) to submit our information for travel pay? The online system is extremely difficult to navigate. I have been waiting months for payment for several 200 mile round trips.
I Would like to ask, Why durningy this pandemic did the Veterans office continue hearings on veterans only to cut the ratings down, and lower there checks
I find it totally unfair, because life is very hard right now.. for the veterans.I ww
I find it totally unfair, because life is very hard right now.. for the veterans.I ww
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Unfortunately, we are unable to answer questions specific to your individual claim in this forum due to privacy issues. Please contact our national call center for claim specific assistance at [login to see] for the status of your claim and so we may provide individual assistance.
Why does the VA allow LHI to take so long to reply to VA clarification inquiries? I’ve seen 4 month delays because LHI does not address inquiries with any urgency!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Contract examination providers have a maximum of 14 days to clarify any insufficiency to avoid the examination being considered insufficient.
IV.i.3.C.1.f. Returning Examination Reports Requested Through VBMS
IV.i.3.C.1.f. Returning Examination Reports Requested Through VBMS
All of the attention has been on the VA Healthcare System but virtually none on the benefits administration.
This is where access to care begins and is one of the most difficult and arduous processes to navigate. From the terrible way disability ratings are determined and added up to the generic Comp & Pen examinations where the doctors use a scripted form provided by the VA that in now way gets to the issue.
More than anything the low amount of compensation received by those with ratings. Approximately $3400 a month for a 100% rating with dependants. By no means enough to help support a family.
Is it time to look at the process in which disability claims are handled to improve efficiency and more so is it time to substantially raise compensation rates to allow for these veterans to live a more comfortable life after their sacrifice?
This is where access to care begins and is one of the most difficult and arduous processes to navigate. From the terrible way disability ratings are determined and added up to the generic Comp & Pen examinations where the doctors use a scripted form provided by the VA that in now way gets to the issue.
More than anything the low amount of compensation received by those with ratings. Approximately $3400 a month for a 100% rating with dependants. By no means enough to help support a family.
Is it time to look at the process in which disability claims are handled to improve efficiency and more so is it time to substantially raise compensation rates to allow for these veterans to live a more comfortable life after their sacrifice?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
One of our highest priorities and core responsibilities is providing Veterans with the benefits they have earned.
Secretary McDonough speech 02/09/2021
DBQs were developed as a specific means to collect necessary medical information required to process a disability claim.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_public dbqs.asp
The VASRD is being revised recently, to include the musculoskeletal system, the schedule for infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Also the dental and oral conditions, endocrine, gynecological, breast, eye, skin and hematologic and lymphatic systems
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/64537/updated-va-rating-schedule-includes-infectious-diseases-immune-disorders-nutritional-deficiencies/
Secretary McDonough speech 02/09/2021
DBQs were developed as a specific means to collect necessary medical information required to process a disability claim.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_public dbqs.asp
The VASRD is being revised recently, to include the musculoskeletal system, the schedule for infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Also the dental and oral conditions, endocrine, gynecological, breast, eye, skin and hematologic and lymphatic systems
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/64537/updated-va-rating-schedule-includes-infectious-diseases-immune-disorders-nutritional-deficiencies/
Mostly all of the issues and difficulties plaguing the VA Healthcare system are rooted in the inability for each individual facility to effectively and efficiently remove problem and underperforming employees. This can be attributed too poorly negotiated union contracts with the 3 separate unions in the VA system as well as a very weak and ineffective Human Resources department.
Is it time to revisit and/or remove the unions from the VA system or renegotiate the agreements? What are you doing to remove the many roadblocks to removing problem staff ?
Is it time to revisit and/or remove the unions from the VA system or renegotiate the agreements? What are you doing to remove the many roadblocks to removing problem staff ?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA's partnership with employee unions and our collective bargaining agreements support our common goals of providing the best care for our Veterans and hold employees who do not meet expectations accountable. There are no statutory, contractual, or practical impediments to holding employees accountable. Supervisors have available to them all the technical support necessary to undertake any necessary performance or personnel actions.
The VA Health Administration excels at a few things, i.e. Mental Health, Geriatrics, and Primary Care. It is also lacking in many other areas.
Is this because the VA is trying to be to broad in it's scope of care and services it offers, and should the VA just focus on the things listed above and outsource everything else to the private sector?
Is this because the VA is trying to be to broad in it's scope of care and services it offers, and should the VA just focus on the things listed above and outsource everything else to the private sector?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
As the nation's largest healthcare organization, the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) is uniquely positioned to not only provide stellar care and services to Veterans in the areas mentioned, but to also provide that same level of quality of care in specialty areas and accomplish the other missions of VHA. VHA has trained over 65% of all US doctors at a VA facility and provided groundbreaking research into areas that impact Veterans such as suicide prevention, opioids, Gulf War illnesses, and prosthetics, equipping providers with the knowledge and innovative tools to administer care that is tailored to the needs of each Veteran. VHA is committed to providing high quality, Veteran-centric care and ensuring the care provided is easily accessible and timely.
Jacksonville NC. I am unable to use the clinic because there are not enough Doctors for the amount of retirees. We are farmed out to civilians that could care less about our needs. What can you do about that?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Even when Veterans are eligible for community care due to wait times within the VA, they can elect to stay within the VA for their care with the next available VA appointment.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA is currently replacing recalled PAP devices. A replacement priority ("Tier") system was developed by Sleep clinicians and VA Ethics that prioritizes patients based on their diagnoses and likelihood of exposure to harmful effects from the devices. This Tier system is needed because there are currently not enough replacements available for all impacted patients throughout the U.S. and the World. We are currently providing replacements for patients in Tier 1, per the clinicians' criteria. If a Veteran has any concerns, they should contact their Sleep Clinic for additional information and assistance. This Tiering system has successfully maintained a supply for Veterans most impacted by the recall.
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