Indiana Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support? Ask Questions Now!

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 14:18:05 -0500

On December 15th, 1-2PM ET, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits, claims, and peer-to-peer support services. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Capt Dennis Wimer - Director, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
» Cpl Trent Thomas - Supervisor, VBA
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Stacy Birk - Owner, Vet2Vet
» SFC Private RallyPoint Member- Vet2Vet
» SSG Private RallyPoint Member- Vet2Vet
» Justin Monk - Policy Associate, Student Veterans of America
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director Community Integration, America’s Warrior Partnership
» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Tony Doster - Owner, Targeted Direction
» Patricia Sweeney - National Director, Peer Support Services, VA Central Office, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Targeted Direction:
Targeted Direction is my organization through which I provide free, no-obligation career transition support for Veterans and other individuals. I bring the experiences gained from my senior management positions with the federal government, two departments in state government, a national energy company, a Wall Street financial services firm, and other retail businesses to guide others. I am connected to dozens of local, national, Veteran and civilian groups which assist in career transition. I have professional associations with The Entrepreneur's Source, Executive Career Partners, Hire Heroes USA (for which I serve as a peer mentor) and other groups in identifying these key resources. My only focus is to support Veterans in their new career investigations.

Response by 1SG James R. made Nov 22 at 2021 3:34 PM

1SG James R. — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:34:41 -0500

Why did congress change the promise of free TriCare health care upon retirement? I personally promised Soldiers I counseled during retention counseling of the benefit of free health care upon retirement from the National Guard. In many cases free health care upon retirement from the National Guard was the deciding point to retain qualified Soldiers. Thus, congress made me a lair. For this I apologize to all who read this and to whom I unwittingly deceived.

Response by PFC Jim Rodman made Nov 25 at 2021 8:22 AM

PFC Jim Rodman — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 08:22:04 -0500

I am 80% service connected disabled and unable to work a full time job because of my disability’s can I or should I file for unemployabilty thank you

Response by CPT Scott King made Dec 7 at 2021 10:10 AM

CPT Scott King — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:10:32 -0500

It is my understanding Governor Holcomb signed legislation some time ago exempting military retirement pay from Indiana State Taxes...Why are state taxes still being taken out of my retirement pay?

Response by PFC James Engelking made Dec 7 at 2021 10:26 AM

PFC James Engelking — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:26:00 -0500

I have several friends who were sexually assaulted during their military careers. They did not report the incidents due to fear and shame. Now all of them have ptsd related to this but are denied benefits because the incidents weren’t reported. What do they need to do? They all are seen by VA mental health with diagnoses

Response by PO3 Jason Redd made Dec 7 at 2021 10:27 AM

PO3 Jason Redd — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:27:05 -0500

As a Veteran with Severe Anxiety issues, really dislike traveling to Indy VAMC for care. Love the Shelbyville VAMC but limited resources as it's a small clinic, any plans to expand resources at this small clinic? Thank You!!

Response by SGT Leon Krebs made Dec 7 at 2021 4:21 PM

SGT Leon Krebs — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:21:46 -0500

The election of a new President usually results in the appointment of a new VA Secretary and with that, a new priority for improving the processes and procedures within the VA. This requires many employees to receive additional training, resulting in a slowdown in progress in all areas that the new processes and procedures effect. Many of these changes often directly involve how claims are processed. That being said, is the VA working on a way to implement change without disrupting production? This question is for Cpl Trent Thomas.

Response by Stacy Birk made Dec 15 at 2021 8:36 AM

Stacy Birk — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:36:32 -0500

Good morning everyone. I look forward to interacting with everyone today!

Response by SP5 Verda Barrett made Dec 15 at 2021 10:11 AM

SP5 Verda Barrett — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:11:19 -0500

I am a caregiver to my husband that has 70% disability can I get my health care from the VA also?

Response by SGT Marika Waiters made Dec 15 at 2021 10:14 AM

SGT Marika Waiters — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:14:27 -0500

Capt Wimer: why are female veterans treated differently across the board?

Response by MSgt John Pryor made Dec 15 at 2021 11:35 AM

MSgt John Pryor — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:35:11 -0500

When can the less fortunate disabled retirees that are less than 50% disabled expect our full retirement and disability payment. I for one have followed this since the early 1990"s HR 303. At the rate this is going we'll be dead.

Response by MSgt John Pryor made Dec 15 at 2021 11:43 AM

MSgt John Pryor — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:43:36 -0500

Response by BG Mike Eastman made Dec 15 at 2021 11:58 AM

BG Mike Eastman — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:58:22 -0500

Transitions can be difficult. Our mission at ETS Sponsorship is to support the journey between active duty service and rejoining the civilian community as a Veteran. Veterans are a national treasure, and communities across the country are eager for your arrival! Interested in becoming a sponsor for a Servicemember leaving active duty and moving to Indiana? Considering heading to Indiana after active duty and want a sponsor? Please check out our program at http://www.etssponsorship.com.

ETS Sponsorship Program

Response by SSgt Darrel Len McDonald made Dec 15 at 2021 12:01 PM

SSgt Darrel Len McDonald — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:01:17 -0500

Question please -
I am a disabled veteran and currently have a VA backed mortgage. The builder did not complete the house and used faulty construction practices on several areas of the home that are considered completed.

How can I obtain help with this matter?
(Note: I have contacted the Cleveland VA Field Office and they were not able to fully persuade the builder to do what is right.
For example: finish the house and repair/replace the construction defects.)

I sincerely thank you for you time and service.

Darrel McDonald (SSgt USAF) [login to see]
[login to see]

Response by SSG Michael Leumer made Dec 15 at 2021 12:31 PM

SSG Michael Leumer — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:31:21 -0500

am retired with TriCare, do I really need Medicare too?
as retired NG out of Michigan, and 10% disabled, why do I have to pay my own VA disability back to the VA out of my retirement pay? NO Mistake, they take it out automatically.
Mike in Elkhart.

Response by PO3 Rod Tolliver made Dec 15 at 2021 12:37 PM

PO3 Rod Tolliver — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:37:50 -0500

is there a way to get help to use the home buying benefit for homeless vets?

Response by Justin Monk made Dec 15 at 2021 12:46 PM

Justin Monk — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:46:28 -0500

Excited to be here on behalf of Student Veterans of America! I'll be around today and tomorrow to answer any questions you may have on veterans' education benefits and the GI Bill. If you'd prefer to connect with me, or SVA, through email, you can reach out at [login to see] .

Response by LTC Mary Shaw made Dec 15 at 2021 12:55 PM

LTC Mary Shaw — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:55:39 -0500

When re-filing for a VA disability condition that was initially turned down, will I need to get all of my VA medical records for that condition or will the VA automatically retrieve those records? This is for a condition that has been recently labeled presumptive by the VA.

Response by SP5 Charles Smith made Dec 15 at 2021 12:56 PM

SP5 Charles Smith — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:56:19 -0500

I currently receive compensation for a cervical spine injury sustained while on active duty and the subsequent two neck surgeries as a result of that injury. After the second surgery, December 2015 I have been having issues with hypothyroidism. The thyroid issues were not diagnosed until July 2019, and I have been struggling since 2015. I suffered a thyroid crises this year in May and June and am still recovering from that. I believe the condition of my cervical spine is causing the thyroid issues. Could this condition be a claim for additional compensation? I am currently residing in Germany and have no idea how I can obtain medical evidence connecting this condition to my cervical spine condition.

Response by SFC Delores Livingston made Dec 15 at 2021 1:05 PM

SFC Delores Livingston — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:05:20 -0500

How do you get name changed on retirement pay and VA pension?

Response by SFC Delores Livingston made Dec 15 at 2021 1:08 PM

SFC Delores Livingston — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:08:44 -0500

How do you get your name change on Retirement (My Pay) and VA Pension? My ID card and DEERS has been updated.

Response by SGT Rob Coombs made Dec 15 at 2021 1:09 PM

SGT Rob Coombs — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:09:32 -0500

I would like to know why is I requested my medical records from the Army and I received none from my second enlistment.

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Dec 15 at 2021 1:11 PM

1SG Zelda Davis — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:11:30 -0500

Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to meet you! I look forward to answering your questions and providing you with helpful resource information! Kindly!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2021 1:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:11:34 -0500

Good afternoon everyone, looking forward on assisting in event.

Response by SFC Delores Allen made Dec 15 at 2021 1:28 PM

SFC Delores Allen — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:28:03 -0500

Ok, maybe I am not doing this correctly. I ask a question and it disappears. Lol. So the question is how do you get your name changed on retirement pay (My Pay) and VA pension? ID card and DEERS are updated.

Response by Capt Dennis Wimer made Dec 15 at 2021 1:38 PM

Capt Dennis Wimer — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:38:17 -0500

Welcome to everyone on this meeting today. The mission of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is Serve, Support and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community. If you have questions, please connect with our website - http://www.in.gov/dva or give us a call at [login to see] .

Home

Response by SP5 Robbyn Ratliff made Dec 15 at 2021 1:45 PM

SP5 Robbyn Ratliff — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:45:57 -0500

Hello!
What are the options for real estate training/learning/experience?
Robbyn

Response by Sgt Jay Cole made Dec 15 at 2021 8:15 PM

Sgt Jay Cole — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:15:22 -0500

Jay Cole
I sent this as an official inquiry to the VA on November 9. They stated I would receive an answer in 5 days. Today is December 15 & I have received nothing yet.
I have been asking for someone in authority to explain to me how this can be justified? So far, no one has come forward. My simple question -
VETERAN A (VA Citation 1453935) Aircraft Environmental Systems Specialist.
The Board concludes that while stationed at the U-Tapao RTAFB the Veteran regularly served near the air base perimeter and as such, in-service herbicide exposure is conceded on a direct or facts found basis. As the Board has concluded that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in-service and that he has a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II that has become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more after service, entitlement to service connection is warranted on a presumptive basis and the Veteran's claim is granted. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 1116 (West 2014); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.307, 3.309 (2014).
VETERAN B - The evidence of record does verify that Mr. Cole was stationed in Thailand. His DD 214 and Military Personnel Record shows that he was an Aircraft Environmental Systems Specialist; however, there was no evidence that he routinely worked on the perimeter of the base as required by current regulations to establish herbicide exposure.
I just want someone to explain how Veteran A was exposed to herbicides in-service & Veteran B was not. Please keep going higher in the VA hierarchy until you get an answer.
Regards
Jay L. Cole
United States Air Force 1966-1970
Rank: Sgt