‘Women’s health at the VA? Really?’ Yes indeed.

2022-05-03T10:54:33-04:00

‘Women’s health at the VA? Really?’ Yes indeed. There certainly is. How do you find out about it? The Veteran Women’s Health Reengagement training, a training geared toward women Veterans who are unengaged in VA health care.

Many of us leave the military without fully understanding our VA health benefits. I know I nearly did. After ten years of active duty in the Air Force and another twenty plus in the Air Force Reserves, I was focused more on the three ‘R’s: retirement, resumes, and mortgage refinancing.

I first heard about women’s health at the VA in one of those post-deployment VA briefings. When I was back home and had unpacked my ‘mo-bags’, I went to a nearby VA clinic to enroll. There was a volunteer in the lobby who was so rude to me that I decided it wasn’t worth it, and I walked out. But the following year I took the first Women’s Health Transition Training course. The excellent facilitator encouraged me to try again because that rude person should not be the one to stand between me and a benefit I earned through nearly three decades in the military. While I was skeptical, I did return to enroll and I’m glad I did.

When I look back on my work log – you know those 5x8 green hardcover books we military types use – I see the reminder to attend ‘a VA Women’s health training’. What I learned in that classroom changed my understanding of VA health care and the services available to me as a woman Veteran. I learned about the range of VA women’s health services, how to access them, and whom to call if I need help navigating the system. It also changed the trajectory of my professional life- I became a trainer for the VA Women’s Health Transition Training and am now a trainer for the VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training.

So, my Service Sisters, whether you left the service last year or thirty years ago, this training is for you. Whether you have private health insurance or not, this training is for you. Whether you have TRICARE or not, this training is for you. If you’ve ever walked into a VA facility and then walked out, as I did, this training is for you too. There are virtual and in-person training sessions, so whether you live in a rural or a metropolitan area, you can still access this training and connect with other sister Veterans.

As a trainer in this Women’s Health Reengagement program, I get to meet women Veterans across the country from all services and eras, each with their own stories - what a privilege. Thank you for your service.

Sign up for the VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training by visiting https://bit.ly/womensheart_RP and learn what Veteran- and women-centered VA health services are available to you. Virtual and in-person sessions available.

Not utilizing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care? It’s never too late to enroll. Sign up for VA’s Women’s Health Reengagement Training, designed and taught by women Veterans! Connect with women in your area and learn what Veteran- and women-centered services are available to

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2022 11:14 PM

2022-05-03T23:14:26-04:00

Thanks for the advice about women's health care at the V.A. All Veterans should have a briefing prior to leaving the military.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made May 4 at 2022 9:24 AM

2022-05-04T09:24:36-04:00

This is a good news story MSgt Donna Southwood-Smith. Thanx for the info. Keep letting us know about this and any other type of VA support.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 5 at 2022 9:56 AM

2022-05-05T09:56:16-04:00

Good share and read.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2022 7:46 PM

2022-05-08T19:46:50-04:00

Great comment MSgt Southwood-Smith! VA has an entire group of caregivers dedicated to women's health! They even have a process to source obstetrics when needed! Thanks for taking the time to help your military sisters!! Well done!

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made May 11 at 2022 8:34 PM

2022-05-11T20:34:13-04:00

Donna, Know the feeling. The VA has a lot of good programs, medical professional and provides good care. But there is a "however". The VA has more than their fair share of ignorant, uncaring staff members whose conduct is "below reproach". The problem, is these people are usually the first ones you meet. Once you clear the gate, it's smooth riding, usually.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 15 at 2022 7:48 AM

2022-05-15T07:48:03-04:00

Great share MSgt Donna Southwood-Smith

Response by SGT Wayne Dunn made May 20 at 2022 11:05 AM

2022-05-20T11:05:02-04:00

We need them

Response by LT Michaline Schalton made Jun 21 at 2022 1:54 PM

2022-06-21T13:54:54-04:00

Thank you for this article. When I separated in 1985 I was told I would never be eligible for VA healthcare benefits, but that all changed in 2003 when my service years were covered under new legislation. Then with the Affordable Care Act, I could carry VA healthcare instead of private insurance and it was a real lifesaver for me. VA healthcare is so much easier to navigate than private healthcare and I've always had excellent doctors and care providers.

Response by SPC Cara Alligood made Jul 27 at 2022 12:32 PM

2022-07-27T12:32:44-04:00

The VA really wants to know if you were sexually attacked while serving as a female soldier, and you will hear from them for years, even if you were not one of the rape victims. If you have real world medical insurance, they will demand to charge it, even if you were promised free care from the VA when you served - and they will send you bills even if you pay them a copay in person. My experience in trying to deal with the VA in relation to my service-connected condition was horrible and they did nothing for me. All they did was want to know what medications I take, said that they couldn't make an ID card during that visit, and that I would have to go through the VA rep to get my rating percentage reevaluated - so a complete waste of time and money.

In Texas, you can now get a veteran designation on your driver's license with your DD214 - no real need to get an ID card from the VA to prove your veteran status. You can get a discount on your property taxes based on your disability rating, and that was my entire reason for even opening that can of worms in the first place. There are other avenues for women to obtain any services that the VA might provide, so I would recommend not dealing with them unless you absolutely have no other choice. If you are in that circumstance, then by all means get what you are entitled to from them. You earned that care.