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
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA has four ways you can order prescription refills and we recommend you request a refill at least 15 days before your run out of your medication. To receive a medication refill authorized by your VA prescriber, you must actively request a refill using one of the methods described below: (1) Online with MyHealtheVet—you can request refills of your refillable VA-issued prescriptions, track VA prescription deliveries, view VA prescription history online; (2) Rx Refill mobile application—you can request refills of your refillable VA-issued prescriptions, track VA prescription deliveries, view VA prescription history from the convenience of your mobile device; (3) Telephone call—most VA pharmacies have automated telephone refill lines. You can find the phone number of your local VA Pharmacy on your prescription label. To order refills by phone, you will need the prescription number (shown as RX # on the prescription label) and your Social Security Number. For many prescriptions that are no longer refillable, this automated system may allow you to send a request for more of the medication to be sent to you. For some medications, the healthcare team will need to contact you first; (4) By Mail—VA pharmacy provides a refill request form with each prescription filled. To refill by mail, please complete the request form and mail it to your VA pharmacy at the address listed on the paperwork that arrives with your prescription.
I receive care at the Lovell Federal Health Care Center. It's SUPPOSED to be a joint VA and Military Health Care Center. BUT there are two different computer systems, two different formularies, etc. Will the VA and DOD ever completely integrate care at Lovell FHCC or elsewhere? It seems a great idea nationwide, but fails in the implementation. Basically now the VA and the DOD only share a roof.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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.
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.
I really don't have any major gripes about our VA in Omaha NE except the parking problem. The problem is that several nurses have quit because of Bidens unlawful vacine mandate. There are several good hospitals here and they would have no problem finding work. We have a good Governer here in Nebraska. Goc. Rickets anong with several other governors are fighting Bidens dictorial mandate.
Why, sir do we as Veterans must file and refile , supplemental and request higher level review claim and BVA Appeals etc, over a period years, to maybe one day at 30+ yrs like I did receive my 100% PT; for compensation, some of us are in our 70's by the time we reach this point. This system is and have been very flawed for over 80 years. It's co-dependent on a subjective decision from a VA reviewer and adjudicator ; when we have technology such as AI-Artificial Intel and ML- Machine Learning. This process would expedite the Veterans Claims Processing , from discharge with all the possible diagnosis codes based on the Service Members Medical and Service Record. This would be a jump start for the Reviewer and the Adjudicator, to begin from a impartial non-subjective position. And would assist with reducing the BVA and overall Compensation backlog. I have sent this Idea to your office the VA COS as well as the Under Sec of Compensation months ago. No Reply.... Please take this question and publicly answer it for us in the Veteran Community. We as Veteran should not be at our closing twlight years of life , before we get compensated for our service to our Country.
Thank you and Respectfully,
Edwin S. Cooke (1341) , US Navy 1977-1985 17 yrs old to 26 yrs old 2 / 4 yr tours of duty, USS John F Kennedy, CVA-67 and USS Nimitz CVN-68 (Norfolk,VA); VA-34 and VA-35 ; both Medium Attack Squadrons in VA Beach, VA NAS Oceana Master Jet Base.
100% PT S/C Disabled Veteran ( Over 30+ years in my quest with the VA departed service in 1985
1st filed year). Use my case as your peer review / analysis case study.
Thank you and Respectfully,
Edwin S. Cooke (1341) , US Navy 1977-1985 17 yrs old to 26 yrs old 2 / 4 yr tours of duty, USS John F Kennedy, CVA-67 and USS Nimitz CVN-68 (Norfolk,VA); VA-34 and VA-35 ; both Medium Attack Squadrons in VA Beach, VA NAS Oceana Master Jet Base.
100% PT S/C Disabled Veteran ( Over 30+ years in my quest with the VA departed service in 1985
1st filed year). Use my case as your peer review / analysis case study.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Each Veteran's service presents a unique situation in the decision process. VA is committed to streamline and automate, when possible, to assist in the decisions of disability compensation claims for Veterans. VA is committed to further innovation and modernization.
This summer we received a new VA facility to serve our community. Yesterday, I had my yearly appointment to see my primary care doctor. There are no desks in any of the patient examination rooms. The doctors now have to stand with a laptop and a small rolling podium. This was a step backwards for them. I would like to see if somebody could look into this situation. All veterans would be better served by doctors who are properly equipped.
Very respectfully, Thomas Whiteside
Very respectfully, Thomas Whiteside
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your feedback. VA agrees that healthcare providers need proper equipment and facilities to best serve Veterans. We would be happy to look into the specific clinic situation if additional information is provided.
Can the standard VA disability rating change notice include a complete list of all the Veterans disabilities and their rating percentage? Identifying what is being included in the combined total ratings, and any disabilities that have been replaced or eliminated.
Veteran privacy is not an acceptable answer that this cannot be done.
Filing a freedom of information request was not successful for me. They would only release the requested information if I was dead.
Having every Veteran call EBENEFITS [login to see] requesting a complete list of their disabilities is probably not a good solution either. But it is information every veteran should have.
Why this is needed:
Situation: With my total hip replacement surgery on 2/5/2019, DC 5054 Hip Replacement replaced DC 5255 Femur Malunion. The standard one year 100% DC 5054 disability compensation was reduced to 80%. This is standard procedure, and I was notified only of the DC 5054 replacing DC 5255. My total combined disability did not change.
Problem: I was not informed that my 30% service-connected disability DC 5314, SCAR LEFT HIP WITH MUSCLE DAMAGE AND RETAINED FOREIGN BODY’ was eliminated back on 7/1/2019 six months after the DC 5054 Hip Replacement (prosthesis).
Displaying all my disabilities online through the EBENEFITS web site continues to show my DC 5314 effective 9/16/1971. It does not list a termination date. It does list DC 5255 replaced by S/P left hip.
In my case the surgery procedure for the metal hip prosthesis did not fix the AK47 gunshot wound muscle damage or remove shrapnel.
Solution: Whenever a rating is changed the standard rating notice should be enhanced to include a complete list of all the Veterans disabilities with their associated ratings.
If this was done, I would have immediately filed a claim to correct the clear and unmistakable error of the elimination of the DC 5314 muscle damage.
Because DC 5314 was removed, I was not able to file a Fully Developed Claim online to correct the problem. I had to mail in the documents. When they copied my VA Form 21-526EZ current disabilities list they made major typing errors as to eliminate the clear and concise descriptions
Veteran privacy is not an acceptable answer that this cannot be done.
Filing a freedom of information request was not successful for me. They would only release the requested information if I was dead.
Having every Veteran call EBENEFITS [login to see] requesting a complete list of their disabilities is probably not a good solution either. But it is information every veteran should have.
Why this is needed:
Situation: With my total hip replacement surgery on 2/5/2019, DC 5054 Hip Replacement replaced DC 5255 Femur Malunion. The standard one year 100% DC 5054 disability compensation was reduced to 80%. This is standard procedure, and I was notified only of the DC 5054 replacing DC 5255. My total combined disability did not change.
Problem: I was not informed that my 30% service-connected disability DC 5314, SCAR LEFT HIP WITH MUSCLE DAMAGE AND RETAINED FOREIGN BODY’ was eliminated back on 7/1/2019 six months after the DC 5054 Hip Replacement (prosthesis).
Displaying all my disabilities online through the EBENEFITS web site continues to show my DC 5314 effective 9/16/1971. It does not list a termination date. It does list DC 5255 replaced by S/P left hip.
In my case the surgery procedure for the metal hip prosthesis did not fix the AK47 gunshot wound muscle damage or remove shrapnel.
Solution: Whenever a rating is changed the standard rating notice should be enhanced to include a complete list of all the Veterans disabilities with their associated ratings.
If this was done, I would have immediately filed a claim to correct the clear and unmistakable error of the elimination of the DC 5314 muscle damage.
Because DC 5314 was removed, I was not able to file a Fully Developed Claim online to correct the problem. I had to mail in the documents. When they copied my VA Form 21-526EZ current disabilities list they made major typing errors as to eliminate the clear and concise descriptions
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for the recommendation. VA is open to considering this enhancement.
Only a few years ago 23 1/2 veterans committed suicide everyday, what has been actively done to reduce the numbers and has it worked?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Specific actions we are taking include significant enhancements in clinical and community-based preventive services. Clinically, this includes screening Veterans regularly for suicidality across our health care continuum, providing suicide safety planning after a Veteran visits an Emergency Department, and expanding the delivery of evidence-based psychotherapies specifically aimed at reducing suicide. VA's SP 2.0 Community-Based Interventions involve active partnering with communities to support local efforts to prevent Veteran suicide. These efforts have led to 35 states engaged in VA/SAMHSA Governor's Challenges with plans to expand to all 50 states and 5 U.S. territories in FY22. Nationally, Community Based Interventions cover 2,381 counties in the United States, including 13.2 million Veterans. VA has completed many efforts and continue to build on efforts as directed by the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide (2018) and our public health approach which are available at: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/strategy.asp.
Why is my agent orange &PTSD/depression claim stalled for two years? According to the local VSO rep archives are not released info to the VA in a timely matter. I have had bladder cancer & now renal failure. I’ve submitted letters from my VA doctors, psychiatrist & counselor. I also wrote to my congressman, Jarred Huffman.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Bladder cancer was recently added as a presumption for Agent Orange exposure. VA encourages you to file claims for Agent Orange exposure. Veterans who are experiencing health issues that they associate with their service should see their primary care provider or local environmental health provider. Veterans may also file a claim for disability compensation (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage). VA decides these claims on a case-by-case basis. Many Veterans Service Organizations can assist Veterans in filing claims.
I would like to know if community care can go back to the way it was and we can call try west directly to get an appointment to see a dr. I live in a rural area and it is a burden to have to go to a clinic to get an approval to see a dr.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Community Care Network (CCN) contract does allow the ability for the third party administrator, such as TriWest, to assist in scheduling efforts for community care when needed. VA Medical Centers that require scheduling assistance could utilize this option when needed, although not all do.
Ssgt David Moyer,
Mister Secretary,
I was wondering if dental could be added as part of preventable care for our veterans, as standard care. As we all know our dental health can effect our overall health in so many ways. Just a thought , but it might really be cost effective in the long term. The VA. facility here in Chattanooga, is great, with dedicated and caring staff. I trust them completely.
Mister Secretary,
I was wondering if dental could be added as part of preventable care for our veterans, as standard care. As we all know our dental health can effect our overall health in so many ways. Just a thought , but it might really be cost effective in the long term. The VA. facility here in Chattanooga, is great, with dedicated and caring staff. I trust them completely.
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.
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