A few weeks ago we released episode 1103 of The American Veteran, a compilation of videos and stories from around our community. Included in that episode was an interview we recently conducted with Secretary Shulkin about improvements around VA, modernizing the processes, and announcements being made.

I wanted to make sure you all heard this interview, so I decided to make it this week’s feature interview. My colleague, Melissa Heintz, sat down with Secretary Shulkin to discuss where VA is eight months into his watch.

Covered in Episode 65:

  • Secretary Shulkin on Twitter
  • Interview with Secretary Shulkin
    • Where we are 8 months in
    • Modernizing VA
    • Helping Veterans choose VA
    • Recent announcements
    • Veterans Day message
  • #VeteranOfTheDay

The #VApodcast is now available in iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Spotify. Search “Borne the Battle” in your podcast app of choice to subscribe.

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9 Comments

  1. jesse james. anderson December 19, 2017 at 18:32

    I am a African-American 70 year old Vietnam Veteran who have PTSD, COPD, part of Lung remove due to Cancer, Left Knee Problems, Border line diabetic and ED problems. I do believe parts of my problems are due to me serving in Vietnam as a combat medic. I have tried numerous time to get financial assistance (increase in compensation), I have being before appeal board and was told I need to get more proof about my service connection disability. presently, I am receiving 30% disability for only the PTSD. if anyone can help with a increase in my compensation before I pass on, it would be appreciated.
    Jesse J Anderson
    (last 4 redacted)

  2. Stanley L Shaffer December 2, 2017 at 12:40

    Why does it take 15 years to get a claim settled and make it retro active to the onset of first claim? My lawyer sent letters to both Dr Shulkin and to the VA at the House of Representatives with not even a reply. All the proper paperwork has been sent in five times and still have not been able to get a hearing as requested. I do not know where to go next. I would like to know how to get something done when everytime the is filed VA just sits on the claim for two years Please can I get help.

  3. SMsgt Lucia, USAF December 2, 2017 at 09:23

    The website for the VIC card isn’t working.

  4. Eddie Jensen December 2, 2017 at 04:02

    I recommend that the VA increased the level of resources Recreational Therapy. When a person that has a mobility limiting disability and has given up. By building their confidence, disabled vets have a chance to turn their lives’ around and be productive. If you accomplish something that you believe is beyond your capabilities, that builds confidence and self-esteem and the realization that perhaps you can do other things that you thought were out of reach
    Fishing is a perfect example of what I mean. A person goes to war and is injured in combat leaving them severely disabled for life with only one arm. Fishing is one activity that the disabled vet may think he could never do but thanks to companies like Freedom Adaptive Systems the wounded warrior can fish and be completive. It is through programs like Recreational Therapy that our wounded men and women who sacrifice so much can get back to living their lives in an uninhibited environment.
    Organizations in the North West like Salmon for Soldiers, Wounded Veterans Fishing Program, and Boating for Heroes are making a difference in veterans’ lives by fishing. Fishing is saving lives.

  5. Ramon Santiago December 1, 2017 at 13:06

    I just spent 15 minutes filling the application to get my VIC. After I finished with the whole process, answered all the questions, etc.I clicked the button to ask for my VIC, I got a message telling me that the session had expired. It sent me back to the Vets.Gov page. There I saw a Help Desk button and dialed the 855 # for Vets.gov . Waited 20 minutes (measured by my phone), kept on getting all those recordings that tell you your call is going to be taken “in a moment”.

    So I gave up, all frustrated, no results, not knowing when I will be ready to spend 20 minutes again to possibly get zero results. Is this the way you help veterans ?

    Ramon Santiago
    US Veteran-Viet Nam era.

  6. Robert C GOTHARD December 1, 2017 at 11:12

    I would PLEASE like to know Why Veterans Choice ( Health E Vet) is not paying doctors bills? My pain doctor has stopped one procedure and slowing others because they are owed so much money for my care. They helped me tremendously but now I am back in severe pain! This life sucks being in this much pain! and you keep cutting pain meds.
    Please Help
    Robert C Gothard
    Disabled Veteran

  7. Vic Ricardo December 1, 2017 at 09:47

    MOVE the dates !!!! Aug 5, 1964 ***BACK TO:*** Jan 1, 1962. Thanks

  8. Joe Kaczkowski November 30, 2017 at 14:59

    If you live with in the 40 mile rule yet the Center you go to does not have the service you need they will send you over 190 mile one to see that a doctor that you need IS THAT FAIR when you there a doctor 3 miles away

  9. Pamela Sweeney-Sheehan November 29, 2017 at 08:00

    Can you all help veterans rehabilitate themselves & wildhorses by getting 500Miles @ Vimeo.com/242337463 shown in VA waitingrooms? ❤️. Maybe show it in your podcasts as well? It’s only 37 min long and is such an inspiring and artful work. Thank you!!! Pamela Sweeney-Sheehan

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