Posted on Mar 2, 2023
SGM Mikel Dawson
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It is great the VA is doing something. I just wish the VA would do something about their locking me out of checking on my claims and such. Ever since the new security login wis set in place, I am locked out as the DMDC LOGIN will not accept international phone number. I live in Denmark and am now unable to access my account.
I made the 800 call, which is not free from here, sat on hold for an hour before talking to a human. The lady I talked with was very good. She tried and tried to get the system to accept my number but no go. I was then transferred to her supervisor who then informed me their new system would only accept a few selected international numbers, mine was not included. She then told me they knew the system was flawed when they put it into action. I could get a Google number (Google number does not support Denmark, NG), or I could buy a Skype number. I asked her why should I provide a band-aid for their broken system? I then told her I retired as a SGM from the Army and money was not the issue. The issue is their broken system. What about the lower enlisted guy who didn't retire who doesn't have that much money, why should he be forced to band-aid their system? I then informed her if I had done my job as a SGM the way they are doing their job, I would have had my ass handed to me, probably demoted and given the boot. I then proceeded to tell her I was going to start a Congressional Investigation. She now backed up and ask who I was going to name ? I told her I have your name, your supervisor's name and these calls are recorded so just wait and find out.
Just so you know. Yes I know there are several choices to login - I have tried them all. All of them end up coming back to the DMDC verification using my telephone number which they will not support. Believe me, I have tried all the options available, none work.
Get this, I can log in to the Social Security site, check my account after they started their new double security login. I can login to a site in Idaho and order my new Idaho driver's license, but not the VA site. WHY? Yes all systems are different, so the supervisor at DMDC told me, to which I told her their system was wrong, bad and flawed.
I am hoping the VA is following this site, looking at posts and not just posting stuff here to make us think they care. Yes the VA does a fairly good job, but to not think about OCONUS VETS, is a FUBAR. I challenge anyone from the VA to get in gear, make the DMDC get their login squared away so us OCONUS vets are not left out.
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Responses: 7
COL Randall C.
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SGM Mikel Dawson did you check out Sonetel? I know it's not a free solution (runs a couple of dollars a month), but as I mentioned before, everything on their website states that it WILL forward calls to numbers in Denmark.

Is it a perfect solution? No. But at least it seems to be a viable workaround that even PFC Snuffy can use until DMDC gets their act together.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
SGM Mikel Dawson
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Sir, we all can "accommodate" the VA - DMDC, but we shouldn't have to, that is the whole point. The point is they accepted a flawed system/solution, knowing it from the state and that is wrong. As I stated, I do not have to "accommodate" SSA, so why can't the VA-DMDC get their sh!t together? I urge ever Vet to write about this, contact the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman, I posted his link. This needs corrected, not a band-aud,
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COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
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Agree. I couldn't find a good number of veterans living overseas, but there are about 55k enrolled in the VA's Foreign Medical Program currently living outside the US and not near an overseas VA treatment facility.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
SGM Mikel Dawson
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COL Randall C. - The thing is a "few select" foreign countries work, I am guessing Germany, Italy, England, and such, where U.S. troops are posted. I know of Vets living in Morocco, Portugal and around. We need to get on VA - DMDC's case and get this fixed. A Congressional is a good way to kick some butt.
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SGT Unit Supply Specialist
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SGM Mikel Dawson Thank you for sharing this. I want to commend you for your tenacity in drawing attention to an area of the VA that's deficient... to put it mildly. Your efforts will help many Veterans facing similar challenges. If I can be of any assistance in making calls for you or another area... don't hesitate to send me a Message on RP.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
SGM Mikel Dawson
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SGT Charlie Lee, will keep it in mind. I am still in the SGM mode - taking care of troops. Will keep your offer in mind.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
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I access VA with Real ID, which works with SSA also. Have you tried that route?
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SGM Mikel Dawson
SGM Mikel Dawson
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Yes Sir, sure have. The problem comes when the initial verification of your VA account using Real ID. It once again requests a phone number verification(VA)
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