Vietnam Veteran Danny Cox was given a flyer from his neighbor about an event taking place at Fayetteville VA. Touting free food, music, games and VA informational booths, he decided to check out the 2nd Annual VetFest.
Cox was interested in talking to someone about his eligibility for health care under the relatively new PACT Act to learn more about toxic screening.
“Long ago I was told I wasn’t eligible for VA care, so I didn’t have any expectations. After answering a few questions, I was told my service in Vietnam qualifies me for care. I was simply overwhelmed,” Cox shared.
Through the PACT Act, Veterans are eligible to enroll in VA health care without needing to first apply for disability benefits if they served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other combat zone after 9/11; deployed in support of the Global War on Terror; or were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service at home or abroad.
“Doing all we can to get the word out.”
Specific toxins and hazards include burn pits, sand and dust, particulates, oil well or sulfur fires, chemicals, radiation, warfare agents, depleted uranium, herbicides and other occupational hazards.
The annual VetFest is just one in a series of events hosted by the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks. These outreach efforts are intended to raise awareness of VA benefits and services along with the new eligibility created by the PACT Act.
“Our team is hosting events, attending community events and doing all we can to get the word out. We want to be accessible so Veterans can sign up and claim their VA benefits,” said Eligibility Manager Teresa Hamilton. “We want Veterans to know they could be receiving care at the VA and once you’re in, you have health care access for life.”
Organizers of Saturday’s VetFest hope its “Open House” feel makes it more inviting for Veterans and their family members to stop by and learn about VA, just like the young couple pictured above.
“I tell every Veteran they need to reach out.”
With a family friendly environment, they can enjoy a free hamburger, have their kids jump in the bouncy house, listen to music and learn about VA health care and other benefits at their own pace.
“This will help us out financially and I like that VA staff really understand the particulars of Veteran health issues,” said Cox. “I tell every Veteran they need to reach out to their local VA to see if they qualify for care. We are over the moon that I’m eligible now, and I want all Veterans to know this could help them, too.”
Since August 2022, the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks has screened almost 50,000 Veterans and plans to increase that number.
“We pledge to continue our outreach efforts to support those who have served our nation,” said Hamilton. “It’s VA’s goal for every Veteran to receive all the benefits he or she has earned and that includes world-class health care.”
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I’m a nurse who served stateside during Viet Nam . I experienced PTSD and a major bipolar depression while caring for brain injured soldiers and had to be hospitalized myself. I completed my service. I was not only denied any medical benefits, I was denied a military ID card “on the basis of income”? We spent several years fighting to get benefits for my husband who served 20 years in the Navy. Every time we get a slight increase in our income from SS the V A wants to decrease our Aid and Attendance and it means hours more of paperwork.
A waste of 4 years of my life. United States Air Force. After I got out, I paid my way through college. Us veterans get nothing! World Class health care???? Nothing but run down, crappy VA facilities! That’s why I don’t use them. Thanks for nothing Uncle Sam! ??
All wars are unnecessary! Done to depopulate, & make $$. We who served really love our country, our country doesn’t love us!
We served ” the corporation”.
The VA is crazy for some strange reason. I applied a few months ago having a Vietnam presumption condition, and used the VA own medical records for evidence – it was denied! LOL! LOL!
I served onboard the USS LEXINGTON AVT-16 from Dec.79 – Mar ‘82 , I ran the 10’x10’ paint locker with zero ventilation , except keeping the door open . Due to 4 months working there I developed emphysema, which my primary care Dr says is due to all the fumes my lungs had breathed in . I applied to get a rating an my local VA. In Cape Coral Florida told me I make too much money , I’m not totally positive but there was no question “ how much money are you currently making “ correct me if im wrong , but does anyone else recall there being that kind of question. Meanwhile the government keeps giving out free everything to live at our Southern Borders
I went to one in Charlotte to discover a benefit I did need. But it wasn’t fully explained. Nor was there any mention of behind the scenes corrupt raters, a known systemic blight of deceit, incompetence and lies. This designed malfeasance canceled my assistance program for this better Housebound Program. The VA raters do what they always do, lie and give the lowest rating possible. They ended my much needed “activities of daily living” and made it my responsibility to find, hire, and pay. Had they actually read my medical file no less than an R1 was appropriate. Instead the rater gave the minimum of L1. The pay to hire a certified nursing assistant was intentionally made impossible. You can not hire a certified nurse for 6 hours a day 6 days a week for $380. The R1 was a little over $4000/month. While I suffered in the VA hospital from VA medical malpractice; a letter was mailed to my home that I would not return to for months. The letter I never received supposedly outlined their rating decision. Since 30 days passed without a notice of disagreement (NOD) the VA designed negligence became the decision. I began arguing in Sept when they took away my help and got no straight answer until January. The Regional Office in Winston Salem claimed it was my fault for not submitting a NOD and that I had to file an appeal to be heard in 3 to 5 years without any daily activity assistance. I have sent medical letters to the appeals board only to be ignored. They took my needed health care away and replaced it with life threatening dangers, anxiety, pain and suffering, and severly decreased mental health. Since Jan I think I have had ten ER visits for stress induced Menieres attacks which caused falls and bleeding. The VA cannot be trusted. They do not honor the contracts we signed when we enlisted. And their raters are paid frauds since 2015 when they were assigned to clear the backlog with fraudulent denials and a disregard for court orders. If they promise you anything have it checked by a legit veterans attorney.
VA won’t do the right thing. I naively went to the VA when I first started my journey with this government bureaucracy and I had hard evidence via military treatment records and the VA told me “DENIED “! The motto of the VA is “ Deny, Deny, Deny, until they die” and that’s why I lawyered up. Believe me you can’t take on the VA bureaucracy by yourself. You need another Goliath in your corner and they are well worth the cost
As a vet stationed at Camp Lejeune, unfortunately I don’t qualify
I would like to see all veterans get world-class care too. If you have non VA health insurance, keep it.
My son-in-law has burn pit exposure and was getting care through the VA. In April he started having Grand Mal seizures. These have turned their lives inside out. He needs to be observed 24/7 in case he has another one. After asking for a treatment plan his primary care provider finally referred him to the VA Epilepsy Center of Excellence in Baltimore. That was weeks ago. He’s never heard back from them and at this point they are paying out of pocket for care. This is the reality of VA care. Smoke and mirrors.
I got out in ’95 and went right back to work in the trade I was already in, a journeyman level painter. I had heard about VA Healthcare and disability comp but assumed it was just for veterans who were seriously ill and/or injured. I found out I was eligible from a fellow vet coworker in 2009! Perhaps the VA could do some kind of campaign to remind veterans about the benefits they earned.
Unfortunately he won’t get the benefits he deserves. I have been waiting for almost two years now. And it’s not even my fault, the VA is correcting an error . I guess it takes 2 years to fix it.
You can apply and check your eligibility
There are requirements that you must meet to receive VA benefits.
I know years ago I was told by our VA in my area that I was not eligible for benefits now get this because I didn’t serve long enough 2 yrs active 4 yrs inactive
I served during peace time onboard a nuclear submarine had to wear a radio active meter on each patrol to measure the exposure of radiation ☢️ from the nuclear reactor powering the submarine!!!!!
I’m sure I and my shipmates were exposed how much radiation ??? I was told the need to know wasn’t there for enlisted sailors ?????