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
What can you do to speed up the disability appeal I made back in 2013. It shouldn't take that long for a disabled veteran to get a decision.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Board agrees that 8 years is too long, but also note that claims and appeals can be very complicated and many processes are in place to protect Veteran claimants. If you are facing any hardships that meet the criteria for Advance on the Docket (AOD) (38 U.S.C. § 7107(a) and 38 C.F.R. § 20.900(c), you should work with your representative or VSO to file a motion to expedite your appeal.
With the recent death of Major Colin Powell, who was fully vaccinated, do you support the mandate for the Covid vaccine or would you allow personal choice. There has been no significant studies that supports the vaccine over natural immunity.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
COVID-19 vaccines do not offer 100% protection against infection, illness and death from COVID-19, but scientific studies show that the vaccines greatly reduce the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people who have had COVID-19 as COVID-19 vaccines are safe, reduce the risk of future COVID-19 infection, and protect against COVID-19 including variants such as the Delta variant. Those who have natural immunity may not have as strong protection against getting COVID-19 compared to those who are vaccinated. VA requires that its employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, their families, their communities, and the Veterans we serve.
Why is the VA, at least in Los Angeles trying to make PTSD patients talk to Psychologists by phone instead of face to face through Care in the Community when they live over 50 miles from the closest facility with a Psychologist? Are we too much trouble, or don't you care how unpleasant we can get.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your feedback. VA has shared these comments with leaders at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Community Care is available to Veterans based on a variety of factors, including distance from VA providers, wait times for VA services, and the best medical interest of the Veteran. We would be happy to address your specific concerns if identifying information is provided.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. VA makes a determination about the severity of your disability based on the evidence you submit as part of your claim, or that VA obtains from your military records. VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. 10%, 20%, 30% etc.).
I have a question of my own. I was given an appointment for compensation and pension (C&P) over a decade after requesting one. Lo and behold, the Regional Office in Cleveland canceled my appointment and NO ONE has been held accountable! Had a hearing this year and Regional has yet again aide-tracked now stating they need/want more information. I want my C&P appointment. I wish they gave me this much trouble when I joined and fought for this country. Are they hoping I die (as they did with a young man who was finally awarded a rating, only to die 6 months later, after waiting 16 years)? Heaven help me!!! Frustrated and disappointed, but not EVER giving up! JD
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.
Thank you, Mr. Secretary: I live overseas and have a blended family of stepchildren that make it not possible to relocate to the United States. In order to receive health care in Australia, I have to pay for expensive procedures 100% out of pocket ''If the disability is service-connected". If my treatment is an aggravating issue that is not connected I can not get help. If it is service-connected then I have to pay $17,000 AUD for a radio ablation for my back every year. I have to put $17,000 on my credit card and wait for a treasury check to be mailed to me to reimburse my credit card company. Can the VA do better than this?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Per the legal authority,the FMP can only pay for service-connected care or care that is held to be associated with and aggravating a service-connected condition. The FMP cannot make payments for services that do not meet coverage criteria. The FMP has no say whether a provider requires payment be made before the service are rendered; that is at the sole discretion of the provider. The FMP cannot make electronic payments; payments can only be made via treasury check.
I am a 100% Disabled Veteran and have a couple questions/concerns.
1. When are the VA clinics and hospitals going to be fully operational? It takes too long to get an appointment, even waiting for referrals to see doctors/therapists outside the VA.
Luckily I have Medicare and Tricare for life, so I am able to get care and treatment much more quickly than waiting on the VA. However, for those not so lucky, it sucks to have too wait so long for care/treatment.
2. I live with chronic pain (service connected) and when I was living in Massachusetts, I was able to get acupuncture treatments from non-VA care and paid for by the VA; however, since I moved down here in Virginia, I haven't been able to get acupuncture. It was very effective in relieving my pain and bring my pain level down. Whereas, injections medications and physical therapy haven't been as effective. Why are there different rules for each VA VISN? I have done my do diligence and research showing that acupuncture treatment was approved by the previous VA Secretary.
Please make it easier and better for us veterans to get care and treatment. Also, please get all VA clinics/hospitals on the same page, so that treatment doesn't change or become more difficult when we go on vacation or move to a new VISN.
Thank you for response!
1. When are the VA clinics and hospitals going to be fully operational? It takes too long to get an appointment, even waiting for referrals to see doctors/therapists outside the VA.
Luckily I have Medicare and Tricare for life, so I am able to get care and treatment much more quickly than waiting on the VA. However, for those not so lucky, it sucks to have too wait so long for care/treatment.
2. I live with chronic pain (service connected) and when I was living in Massachusetts, I was able to get acupuncture treatments from non-VA care and paid for by the VA; however, since I moved down here in Virginia, I haven't been able to get acupuncture. It was very effective in relieving my pain and bring my pain level down. Whereas, injections medications and physical therapy haven't been as effective. Why are there different rules for each VA VISN? I have done my do diligence and research showing that acupuncture treatment was approved by the previous VA Secretary.
Please make it easier and better for us veterans to get care and treatment. Also, please get all VA clinics/hospitals on the same page, so that treatment doesn't change or become more difficult when we go on vacation or move to a new VISN.
Thank you for response!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
We are sorry to hear you have not been able to secure an appointment for direct VA care or a provider referral for community care, if that's what you choose. We want to make it easy for you and all Veterans to get the highest quality, timely care you need and we're working to make that happen.
One way we are doing this is through referral coordination teams (RCTs); each VA medical center has one. This team of nurses, physician assistants and administrators are trained and dedicated to review your care options with you and help secure and schedule your appointment or provider referral, whether it's in the VA medical center or in the community, based on your eligibility.
Another way is through the introduction of a new service in 2022 that will provide access to virtual care at every facility – with just one phone number to call for each of VA's 18 regional networks. As this new service rolls out, we will offer Veterans pharmacy support, scheduling and clinical triage with someone available to answer your calls 24/7 – 365 days a year.
One way we are doing this is through referral coordination teams (RCTs); each VA medical center has one. This team of nurses, physician assistants and administrators are trained and dedicated to review your care options with you and help secure and schedule your appointment or provider referral, whether it's in the VA medical center or in the community, based on your eligibility.
Another way is through the introduction of a new service in 2022 that will provide access to virtual care at every facility – with just one phone number to call for each of VA's 18 regional networks. As this new service rolls out, we will offer Veterans pharmacy support, scheduling and clinical triage with someone available to answer your calls 24/7 – 365 days a year.
'Mr Secretary. My Mother was a WAC working on the Manhattan Project 1945 at Hanford WA.. She died of leukemia in 1964. I was, also, exposed to the same lethal dose (that killed my mother) of radiation as a fetus. I am (now) a veteran (1967 to 1973) and the VA told me years ago that I had been exposed. I have had many immune and emotional problems. The emotional problems clearly contributed to the loss of my 2nd marriage. Who is responsible for my unnecessary immune and nervous system damage and my Mothers' leukemia? That's a legitimate question. They KNEW women should not be exposed because a woman's eggs are for life and a male's sperm regenerates every 8 days. General Leslie Groves KNEW this fact in 1943 in Selafield England. He wrote a book that said "Now it can be Told". I don't think so...Thank you Sir. ( [login to see] / [login to see] )
SPC Al Comstock
With many older veterans suffering dental issues they cannot afford to take care of will the VA ever provide dental services fro retired veterans?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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.
I am a 100% disabled vet. I get travel pay for my multiple trips to the VA. For over a year now travel pay has been messed up. The travel clerks say that they are short handed and that it would help if we put our own online travel vouchers. I have been doing this since last summer. I have gone for months without pay and rarely will receive several payments but no way to track which claims are paid. Travel says it is so far behind because of short staffing. It is now apparent that even with additional staff the situation will not improve without major over hauling the system. Including making the claims traceable by the vet. How are you going to provide guidance for this problem
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