Under President Trump’s leadership, VA is engaged in the largest transformation and modernization effort in decades. As part of this effort, the department is tackling head-on issues that have lingered for years, including accountability, whistleblower protection, improving transparency and customer service for Veterans and expanding suicide prevention and mental health care services.

As outlined in tonight’s address, VA will have another groundbreaking year in expanding and improving our services for Veterans, particularly when it comes giving them more choices over their health care decisions, and improving yet again on the timeliness of our decisions on Veterans’ benefits.

The whole country was moved when President Trump recognized young Preston Sharp for his dedication and leadership in planting over 40,000 flags at our nation’s cemeteries to recognize America’s heroes. He has inspired hundreds of volunteers across the country who are looking to expand his effort to all 50 states. Well done, Preston — you’re an example to all Americans and everyone who works at VA.

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Secretary of Veterans Affairs

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23 Comments

  1. Cheryl Stallard February 14, 2018 at 13:53

    Yes the VA has a dental program but you can only get into it if you are 100% Total & Permanently VA Disabled.

  2. Patricia K Dowlen February 12, 2018 at 23:10

    I think it is pitiful that just because I am not “Classified” and or without funds, I have been denied access to the VA 9 or 10 times! The first time was right after I got out in 1984. I was trying to get my VA elvaluation and because they told me i was pregant they could not service my exesting medical problems and I would have to apply after my baby was born. I have been denied ever since. I served just like EVERY other Veteran, I should be allowed to get VA care !!

  3. Thomas Carey February 9, 2018 at 14:25

    Whatever happened to the accountability Act????
    Where does all those billions of dollars go, that are supposed to be helping veterans getting their proper Healthcare ????

    Why does the VA second-guess out-of-network doctors on medications and Health Care needs????

  4. Thomas Carey February 9, 2018 at 14:10

    I agree, seems like the VA is giving lip service but yet nothing has changed! Take a good at the ratings for each state ,no improvements or gone backwards In improvements! They’re too busy spending money trying to save money and the veterans suffer because of that….
    If you’re on the healthnet program, you got to fight to get your meds (formulated non formulated, generic brands so the VA can save money! WITH with no concern of the health needs and what works for the veteran as prescribed by their out-of-network doctors! The VA has to okay it and second-guess a qualified more experience doctor than theirs …..AND to get medical equipment in a timely manner some of it could be life-saving?
    If you live far away from a VA facility and you have to go to the emergency room then you have to fight to get reimbursed for their services ECT. Just to name a few which that are overlook by the VA, and you get no answers when you ask your Congressman or Senator for help (who are supposed to be the voice of the people), because it goes as far as the caseworkers and then it disappears.
    All’s you get is a standard form letter fill in the blanks with a rubber stamp signature on it, saying they’re looking into it!!!!
    Where is all these billions of dollars going that they’re throwing into the VA? That is a good question, more government waste and fraud????? And what about this ACCOUNTABILITY Act, that was signed and why isn’t that being abided by?????? And all veterans voices not being heard and getting the best possible Health Care that they earned and deserve?????

  5. Allen Kirk February 8, 2018 at 14:11

    I am a Vietnam veteran. I wasn’t drafted my number was to high so I enlisted. I was young and healthy when I got out so I never signed up for the VA. Under my enlistment contract I was to have VA benefits but George Bush decided he was going renege on my contract and take my benefits away from me and thousands of other vets. that is wrong. I don’t know if I would ever use them but it makes you fill like you aren’t even a veteran. Bush had no right to do that. He was in the guard and showed up when ever he wanted and I will bet you he has his VA benefits.

  6. Eugene Stafford February 4, 2018 at 22:49

    Will the VA fill antibiotics that was given from a outside Doctor for a sinus infection.

  7. Thurman Dunson February 4, 2018 at 01:34

    why is va dont paying my hospital an doctor bill after,they tell local hospital to keep me there cause they dont have a bed for me. i was told by va lady that they frivbting over who pay if you have other insurance. that it been going on flr 2 years.just more lies to vet from rich congressman an head of V A on taking care of the vet.

  8. Michael craig February 3, 2018 at 21:51

    The VA is working/waiting for the opportunity to allow Retirement pay together with Va disability in a way that had not allowed previously for veterans with 50 disability.

  9. James wheeler February 3, 2018 at 17:15

    I am a 86 World war veteran. I severed 34yrs. Now that I need some help I am turned down. I am disable. My wife works and we apply for caregiver assistance so that would could afford someone to come in and take care of me till my wife gets home but I was denied. Ask for lift chair got denied. Want to apply for help to get my basement done so this can be my living quarters because I have pstd but I am sure I will get denied. Apply for aid and attendance got denied. But I served my country and this is what I get “Denied on everything”. So sad

    • Ron Ave February 12, 2018 at 17:32

      You need the help of a good VA Rep. Contact an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Find out if your state has a Veterans Commission and, if so, call them to make an appointment. Be prepared to help them to help you. Have any and all military related and private medical documentation that you can find, collected and ready to show the Rep. I cannot believe that you would not qualify for assistance from the VA, on some level, and I respectfully wonder why you waited so long to apply. (If you did, of course).

  10. Bob J. Lathim February 2, 2018 at 21:31

    Why did VA Take away travel Reimbursement for Veterans in The Philippines,I fought in the same war as Veterans in the US and now rated 100% for 4 conditions and your qualifications for reimbursement apply to me,it seems very unfair you took away my travel Reimbursement,but did not increase my Disability payments to compensate it causes me a Hardship because I am required to Fly 800 miles round trip and at least one night in a hotel because of no return flight available same day all at my expense at least once every 18 months or be flushed from the Manila Clinic System,this rule needs to change.

    I fought in Vietnam for my Country so I should be able to live where I want and since there is a VA Clinic here I should get full benefits.
    With the FMP I should be able to get care locally and then VA accept the findings of local Doctors and send me the medications they prescribe,I am already paying about $400.00 a month for prescriptions that VA will not fill,WHY?

    ​Bob J. Lathim
    USMC Ret.
    Semper FI

  11. john Ramon Lahaie February 2, 2018 at 16:50

    Does the V.A. have a dental program?

  12. Jeffrey Saltzman February 2, 2018 at 16:20

    I called in to make an appt with my ohysician today….next available appt? APRIL !!
    Tried to make appt with psych svcs….next available? MAY !!

    Today is 2/2/18

    Nothing has changed

  13. Joe Novak February 2, 2018 at 15:42

    When will the VA get smart and start sending veterans to PROTON radiation centers for prostate cancer??????????
    I went on my own at an out of pocket cost of $12,000.
    Now I am cancer free and have NO, NO side effects. Any other method of prostate care leaves a man with sexual, urine and anal problems for life.
    Add to that the VA will be taking care of these men for life at a large cost.
    If anyone wants to learn more go to ‘proton.com’.
    Joe

    • Edward Moczydlowski February 10, 2018 at 15:50

      David Murphy has a point,
      and National Security may depend on
      our ability to keep ALL Veteran’s of the Armed forces
      healthy in case of the unforeseen.
      Consolidating our Nations Resources and protecting
      our people from …
      The V.A. is no non-sense – good health care,
      and the trust that all Soldiers in service will see.
      They are in, and they are and will always be look after.
      This is mandatory for troop morale.
      and your efforts are greatly appreciated.
      I support more V.A. funding to expand services for ALL OUR TROOPS,
      EVERY ONE.
      tank you.

  14. David Murphy February 2, 2018 at 12:19

    I think it is pitiful that just because I am not “Classified” and or without funds, I have been denied access to the VA. Seems that unless you are “Claasified” ie..PTSD, unavailable to pay for medical, you are out of luck getting VA care. I served just like EVERY other Veteran, I should be allowed to get VA care !!

  15. Benn A Murray February 2, 2018 at 11:53

    I fail to comprehend the extended delay of my “pending” disability claim. I filed them June 2016 at the “North Tower” in Oakland California. I filed a disagreement with VA concerning the sexual assault committed by a “doctor” in Letterman hospital in San Francisco Ca.. It seems VA could not verify medical conditions on one of my claims. That letter opened Pandoras box too the sexual assault. Since President Trump was elected, the policies were changed to shorten the process to 120 days. I am not to good at math but I believe the allotted time has long elapsed . I really believe the “North Tower” in Oakland should be drained completely and restaffed with competent personnel. I would LOVE to drain that swamp.

    • Doug Ewald February 3, 2018 at 01:56

      VA sucks. I’m a veteran of 3 branches and 11 years. The VA has treated me terribly many times for many years. This so called “organization” is filled with callous, incompetent people. I despise the VA. That’s a horrible thing for a US vet to say about the agency tasked with providing care. They are completely untrustworthy. Very sad travesty.

  16. JP HULLER February 2, 2018 at 10:06

    Wow, talk about PR spins!

  17. Dale Kelsey February 2, 2018 at 09:48

    A terrific and needed change for the VA veteran drafted or enlisted. Thank you so much!

    • Dale Kelsey February 2, 2018 at 09:50

      We now feel the value of our efforts!
      Thank You! Hoorah

  18. Arthur J Limbaugh February 2, 2018 at 09:40

    Vets need other pharmacies along with the VA pharmacies to fill scripts!

    • Keith Stevens February 10, 2018 at 15:45

      I’ve texted the President on this situation
      You need to raise compensation pay for disabled veterans I’m a 65 year old Vietnam disabled veteran

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