VA Secretary Robert Wilkie addressed the Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference last week via live stream from Washington, D.C. In his speech, Wilkie outlined his priorities and the role the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) plays in the department’s improvement.
“Customer service is what our [VEO] team is all about,” said Wilkie. “VEO is about listening to Veterans like you, and then making improvements based on your feedback.”
One way VEO has used feedback is by creating a helpful product called the VA Welcome Kit. The kit, which was designed with student Veterans in mind, was first introduced and tested at the SVA National Conference last year in San Antonio, Texas. This year, after refining the kit, VEO passed out hundreds of them before Wilkie’s speech.
“The Welcome Kits can help guide you,” said Wilkie. “Whether it’s time to go to school, to get a job, to buy a house … or make plans for your own care as you age.”
WHAT IS IN THE KIT?
The Welcome Kit has guides and checklists to help Veterans apply for education benefits, VA health care, disability ratings, and caregiver benefits.
The kit also includes a booklet explaining eligibility and VA processes. Additionally, it maps out the life of a Veteran from transition out of the military to retirement and care. Veterans can use this map to find out where they are in the VA system.
“I was able to readily identify how this [map] relates to where I am today,” said Navy Veteran, Jae Kwon, after reviewing the Welcome Kit for the first time. “So, when I go to a VSO or the VA to and talk to a representative . . . I’ll be more prepared.”
Click on the carousel below to view sample pages of the Welcome Kit.
[carousel ids=”55415,5516,55417,55418,55419,55420,55421″]
Topics in this story
More Stories
Built by Veterans for Veterans, Warrior PATHH is an in-person program designed to train you to manage struggle, trauma and hardship.
This post contains jobs for the week of Dec. 23, 2024. Each week, we post relevant and timely listings as we receive them, and for the locations listed.
Brick by Brick Vets, an online gaming organization for Veterans, is hosting Q&A sessions with VA experts on Twitch.
I am a 100% disabled veteran of Desert Shield/Storm with service connected Short Bowel Syndrome. I had a intestinal resection in Jan 2016 which resulted in a loss of most of my small bowel. In the past year I have developed four hernias due to my medical issues from Short Bowel Syndrome. These hernias are non operable due to the high risk of damage to my intestines which would result being on TPN feeding for the remainder of my life. VA in 2017 decided to drop my rating for my SBS condition from 100 to 30 percent. It’s been almost 2 years I appealed. To date I cannot find out what my appeal status is. My VA clinic does not have a gastroenterologist that I need to see. The last gastroenterologist left my clinic over two years ago and has not been replaced. I need VA to locate a doctor I can see for my condition. How can I get this issue fixed?
CLICK ON THIS LINK. iT SHOULD ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!!
https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/va-outpatient-dental-care.html
I was discharged with a permanent hearing loss in my right ear. I was awarded compensation for my loss. Now that I am older my hearing loss have declined even though I have Hearing Aids my hearing is still declining. What can I do to increase my disability. I am 79 years old.
You should be able to get it in Texas through the Veterans Choice program. Ask your Pcp. Or the specialty doctor.
After spending the last year in more pain then I could ever imagine, due to an endoscope procedure done by Elgohary at the VA Loma Linda hospital. I am convinced the reason so many veterans have mental health issues and are taking their own lives is because they go to VA hospitals looking for help only to be turned away.
I have filed for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation and was denied in 6 weeks. I was told that because I am divorced I cannot receive it. I remarried and am now divorced. Title 38 Sect 103 Special provisions relating to marriages- states any claim filed by person if entered into marriage with vet for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage.
This law was enacted in 1999 by the United States codes. Also Title 38 Sect 1304 Special provisions relating to surviving spouses- states or 3) for any period of time. I have appealed and have not heard anything. It appears the people are not trained who are reviewing these claims or the people training them are not properly trained in the law related to benefits. The definition for surviving spouse Sec. 101 surviving spouse definition only applies to a spouse who has not remarried. I am in prayer that the person who reviews my appeal is trained in the laws regarding compensation. Who is training and the reviewers and are they trained properly regarding the laws? How do I contact reviewers at the regional office related to my appeal? Is there a phone number or e-mail?
In order to receive DIC you have to be married to the veteran during his death, if you were divorced prior to his death you do not qualify for DIC
Keith is right. If you were not married to the veteran upon their death you are not entitled to DIC. I am a DAV department service officer in Florida. I have been doing this for 9 years and I am a certified paralegal.
I’m a Retired senior non commissioned officer with 20 years a faithful service to this Nation. It seems that the VA does not want to care for veterans with sevair pain. I don’t know what is going on with no one will give me a strategy answer . I’m being taken off pain medication and I know my quality of life will suffer. So I guess you can’t tell me either..
It’s very difficult or next to impossible to get a straight answer
The doctors don’t want their true diagnosis to be in print .That
Whey if you’re rated for a disability their name isn’t on it they jerk you around to discourage you.One told me my condition was permanent. But wouldn’t out that 8n my medical records, his reason was he wasn’t a COMPENSATION doctor. This was a pain doctor in Houston now he did prescribe some stuff if I take it the way it’s prescribed I’d be more useless than I am. Don’t stop complaining about your pain you can get them to do something just don’t let them give a dead end answer.
A congressional, The Veterans Inspector General office, these always work for me. Also TRUMP put together a team at the white house. There was an aarticle in VA new paper.
I was just approved service connection via BVA. I am an affected resident from Hurricane Michael. I was made aware that it the case was sent to St Petersburg, FL for the rating. I have been at getting evidence getting denied since 1995. I witnessed another Veteran get approved on 1st try 90 %. It’s frustrating to not get so much as a letter or communication after this process. I have resentments as well being thankful for the care
I served 20 years as a Navy sailor, on submarines 1960 to 1980. Every time I asked about the VA I was told – do not worry, if you stay long enough to retire, you will have benefits.
Then that changed with out any notice in the form of a letter to me. Because I did well after my 20 years, and my retirement was above $30 k, I was reclassified class 8, no benefits.
What a way to treat me and others for 20 years of service.
Don’t lie to recruits today, tell them to serve, retire, and do not make too much money in retirement, or you lose your benefits.
I was just wondering if Secretary Wilkie is considering new presumptive diseases from the NAM report the VA received in 2017 , ex-secretary was considering it and almost made an announcement in November 2017 but was let go t that time.
I have had excellent care at the Syracuse NY VA and also the clinic in Rome NY. But I was wondering if Secretary Wilkie really cared about Viernam Vets as the last Secretary did.
I have 100% disability for pulmonary fidrossis need a lung transplant . the. Transplant can be done in my state of Texas . the va only does lung transplant in Washington state or Wisconsin l will have to relocate with my family to get this done.another hardship for my family and me. Way can the va assist me to get this done in my state of tx.
Well, for those of you who posted and your post is deleted, mine was too…..
I fear retaliation for the entry, but I should try again! The VA took $6000 from me by telling me my children did not attend school over an extended period of time. They said they informed me I had to fill out a form. I was not informed and there were no humans to call nor were there any replies to my pleading to not take this money.
There should be a law against severe financial attacks on a veteran. I sold my house to make ends meet.
There were no contacts, phone numbers or anything other than an encrypted portal with no logical data or instructions for help.
You Hurt ME! Bad! Imagine PTSD and a sudden catastrophic financial loss!
Is there any way to get my money back? I would have gone to jail if my kids did not attend school!
I have an ongoing complaint about staff at the Marion VAMC, specifically Dr. George, Pain Management. For years Dr. George refuses to provide any semblance of compassionate care to me by prescribing pain medication to allieviate my chronic pain. Dr. George repeatedly told me to my face to go see the Neurosurgeon’s who did my surgeries for medication. I actually drove to the JC Medical Center in St. Louis recently to obtain the compassionate care that the Marion VAMC refuses to provide to me. Upon arrival at JC I was directed to the Patient Advocate named Victor. I explained my reason for coming to JC. Victor told me that JC cannot provide me any form of care because my records show that the Marion VAMC is where my Primary Care Provider is. Victor did authored an email directed to the Asst. Director, the Chief of Staff, Dr. George and Dr. Lyle (my PCP), at the Marion VAMC. The Marion VAMC seems to absolutely refuses to provide me any form of compassionate care and, could care less about the constant chronic pain I have been experiencing for years. All that the Marion VAMC did was to refer me to Community Care and out-source me to see a local Pain Management Doctor at SSM in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. My written complaint to the Director of the Marion VAMC seems to have fallen of deaf ears and blind eyes (Ms. Ginsberg). Who can help me?
I filed for my disability 17 years ago it’s still under appeal. Only the last 2 years that I have been in contact with someone from the VA. I had to wait 5 years on a video conference, finally got that, then had to go through a battery of doctor appointments and I am still waiting. All of my paperwork is in Washington and that has been almost 2 years ago. I am going on 70 years old and I would like to hear from this before I die.
These comments are truly depressing. So many stories of neglect. My thought is that the VA does not have the resources to help the veteran when they need to navigate this very complex system. That type of hand-holding (guidance) requires designated people to do this work. I know what the reason is … not enough MONEY!!!
There’s plenty enough money for Nancy Pelosi to use military aircraft to gad around.
I retired from the Army 40 years ago and. Have. Gotten the majority of my medical care via the VA. I have no complaints at all about the care I’ve. Received or the people that provided if. Sure, there have been some that were better than others but that’s true in the civilian sector also. Sometimes it takes longer Han I would prefer but look at the volume of patients that the largest medical system in the country has…it’s a wonder they do as well as they do.
My name is Richard C Tudor (last four redcated) and I am 100% disabled with a medical discharge. I have been trying to get my psychologist Dr. Renze-Eilers paid for over two years. She is non VA and has been approved for 10 years. Getting her paid has become a major issue because the VA keeps changing how or who handles the payment. I used to call Salem, VA, for her payment and that was usually not a major problem. Then it changed to Denver, CO, and I would wait on the phone for over an hour every time. Nothing was resolved. It has now been 2 ½ years since she has been paid. I tried patient advocate at the Durham VA and got nowhere. Could not even get a call back. I went to the congressional liaison’s office and the secretary was hopeful in her responses. A lady even came up from the back and said I will handle this. I heard nothing so went back to the liaison’s office. This time I felt like I was bothering them. They informed us that now Care in the Community was handling the payments and they would be in touch. That was over 3 weeks ago. I thought the liaison’s office would help with the transition to a new system of pay. They said no. Dr. Renze-Eilers would have to start the process over. The amount of paperwork she has submitted is overwhelming. Now here I am. No one calling me back. Dr. Renze-Eilers not getting paid. Who out there can help us? I tried to talk to Mr Paul Cruse the General Manager of the VA; however, no one can get his extension or be transferred to his office. PLEASE. I NEED HELP.
Richard Tudor, Sgt retired, USMC
This is absolutely prime time to call in your senators and representatives. They love solving these kinds of problems.
Except if you have Pelosi, Schumer, Waters, Durbin as representatives or senators . They are too busy trying to impeach President Trump. To care about us veterans.
Get IDEA !!! Ask veterans what they think of the VA
I’m 60% rated. I joined the Army to make it my career and was cut short 10 years due to job skill and combat. I cannot speak clearly when being interviewed or counseled in person. I’m just to shaky and nervous. There’s other medical problems I suffer that is not recorded that limits my everyday activities. Job on the line, house on the line and financial hardship starting to hurt me. Family don’t know it yet. Tried to get lawyers for help in claims but they keep saying NO. How and where you suggest I go from here since your department keeps denying?
I agree with you on your figth to get health care, because I have been going through the same thing. I have been seeing the doctors at va hospital, but I was told the same thing no type of medical operation untill I was 65, all I get is pain meds and told to have nice day.
I’ve been waiting for 7 years for the VA to make a decision on my disability. I have gone through several appeals processes and I’m now waiting for my final appeal to be scheduled in front of a judge it will be 2 years this January. I still haven’t heard whether or not I’ll be scheduled for a hearing. Since it’s taken well over 2 years to get a Secretary of the VA by this administration I’m curious to know how backlogged is the VA? In addition, I’d like to know why with the number of doctors (3) I’ve had confirming my disability was most likely service connected and SSDI paying me for my disability why the VA still insist I’m not service connected . I have seen one doctor that represented the VA over 5 years ago and he told the VA they didn’t think it was a service connected disability my doctors say it is. I’m really disgusted with the VA at this point and until the administration changes I will have that same point of view.
This administration? You liberal azz! Try the Democrat backlog in confirming this administrations picks! Do you liberals listen to yourselves?
I am asking to VA secretary
What the important to get benefit? What is the important vso, equity? Compere to services records, and medical records of veterans ? That VA Manila denied our claim? From 1952 up to 1985 my mother claim denied from 1986 up 2002 due to none equity non vso what this the best evidence vso, equity? Or services records,? Show that he servedAnd medical records!?and medical records show proving that the veterans suffering of Malignant malaria, bursitis hip joint left?the veterans Die on services related?
I am asking to secretary what VA benefits for dependent son of wwII veterans to get VA benefits in behalf of my parents both applied services connect and non services connected? Both denied both death? And Let us not talk to about Mino r child ldue to I am now over 30 let us talk about benefit that my parents non to receive due to non equity non vso during their lifetime? And not talk about vso because until now we don’t have vso? In our place phlippines Dumaguete..
Let us talk about services records show proving that my father served during WWII and my father was suffering of illinses of malaria , bursitis in 1944 during active duty military
Try The VFW some of them have programs to help all vets.
I am a disabled combat vet rated at 100%. The problem is that many “combat” veterans cannot prove their injury. The process isn’t easy, but very doable. I am satisfied with the VA and its operations. The problem now, is that we have an inept criminal in office, who dodged the draft 5 times with the help of his rich daddy. Anyone who refused to serve our great country, will never be there for those who have. Vote Democrat if you want the government to earmark more funds for veterans. Republicans have proven themselves to be enemies of veterans.
I also I’m rated at 100%. Of course were satisfied. We get paid. This post is to help vets not talk politics. I hope your a miserable man and you die soon. Love, Joshua (no political affiliation)
Really Baca, as a marine combat disabled vet. be careful what you say remember Clinton.
Clinton,obama,Rfk really Baca is that where you want to go. go elsewhere this is where we vet go
take your Dumas policy elsewhere. this is for real vets. not your Dumas .
The Veterans Administration; When we review how the VA was formed, only then we will understand that it has been a fight from the start for Veterans to get benefits, the Objective may have not changed.
[ No Improvements Whatsoever At The VA.]
I’m a 50 yr. old full American war vet that has served Honorable with more than 5 yrs of service. I have 8 herniated discs and never provided any healthcare or income. All VA doctors, civilian doctors, judges and congress have told me the country is broke and that I could hot have any help until I was 65 yrs. old unless I was a woman, colored or foreigner because the country was broke. Congress has told me unless the VA got $6 Trillion otherwise I was getting any healthcare. I have contacted everyone that could be contacted over the decades all by Priority Signature Mail, phone and email to No Avail ! Biggest response ‘ We Don’t Help Christians” !
Was told I wasn’t going to get any healthcare unless the VA got 6 Trillion Dollars.
you need go to the D.A.V. and talk with a rep. there, so you can file a claim. that’s the only way the v. a. will help you . the d a v will get you started.
To the OH Vet or anyone else seeking care at the VA hospital system. I agree with the responder who said go to the DAV (VFW or similar organization outside the actual VA) and make an appointment with a Service Officer. You will need to have your DD 214 and any pertinent medical records. I was an active duty Army Nurse for 25 years (1971-1996) and NEVER based my care on rank, gender, race, religion, nationality, etc. After honorable discharge from the Army I used my GI Bill to become a Nurse Practitioner and then worked for the VA as a primary care provider for 10 years (2000-2010). I am also a lifetime member of DAV. You sound very bitter and maybe rightfully so. In any case, quit worrying about Congress, trillion dollar budgets, national debt, Christians, foreigners, etc and just focus on becoming a VA healthcare enrollee and then presenting your claim with the help of a (non-VA) Service Officer. Yes, as in any bureaucracy there are a few hoops to jump through; but, any disability award payment will be back dated to the date you first file your original claim. Focus, hang in there, and good luck with getting all your well deserved benefits.
LTC Caldwell, US Army (ret)
Yes the DAV is incredible. They are always busy but they will eventually take care of you if not in the time frame you have.
I was in the Navy during Vietnam and was in Danang Harbor constantly and up and down the coast. My ship was on the agent orange list and for the times listed yet I have been turned down twice for agent orange. I have type 2 diabetes, multiple stents and on 7 medications. How can I get a partial disability?
Great service from the Grand Junction, CO. VA hospital. Either in-house or in the community if the VA can’t handle a particular problem. You do have to be politely pro-active. Quit whining and put out effort to solve your issues. At a higher level, it is very hard and discouraging to try to get credit for exposures and disability and deserved awards. Trying to prove you did duty in some circumstance is nearly impossible. My opinion– too many non-veterans on those decisions . (Or lack of decisions. )
My husband was 100% disable he died of agent orange lung cancer. My question is can I use the commissary and px as his widow
I would definitely like to know this myself my dad died of Agent Orange my mother just recently passed away
Donna if you have a dependent ID card which you should then yes you do have commissary benefits.
I really thankful for the VA and have had the best medical care service from the VA in Sacramento. Thank you to all that work at the VA
Where to turn when the VA Hospital has left you in severe pain?
The VA facilities in Charlotte and Salisbury, NC provide excellent care. I have no problems with the system.
I must say, I have been blessed with the standard of care I have received and continue to receive thru the VA. Bay Pines Medical Center has been a life saver for me literally.
But there must be something done at the National Appeal level. They drag their feet on appeals, and I’m concerned that they just rubber stamp everything. I pray I am wrong, I have an appeal pending at the National level and still waiting to hear?
This site is like Facebook, only took them 15 minutes to delete my first post…
No comments have been deleted and non are located in the spam folder. It could have been an incorrect captcha code.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY 7 MONTHS AGO BVA DECIDED I WAS 70% RATED ON ONE ISSUE ALONE AND REMANDED THE ISSUE OF TDIU. I HAVEN’T WORKED IN ALMOST A YEAR AND EVERY DAY IS A STRUGGLE I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT MYSELF BUT I CAN’T JUST SEND 30% OF MYSELF TO WORK I CAN’T FOCUS ON TASKS. MY FAMILLY NEEDS ME TO PROVIDE AND WHEN U CAN’T THE MENTAL PAIN IS UNBEARABLE.
If you are new to the VA, beware!!! They are not there for you and will become a nightmare when you least expect them to be, you’ll see!
How you ask?
Operation used to train new doctors
How do I know this happened. My civilian Dr told me so after he fixed me.
Denied service for a broken collar bone, 5 broken ribs and a hole in left lung
How could this happen?
On vacation in Florida and was told to go home to NC if I want care, Thank You Cape Coral Florida.
Paid 100% of my Emergency room visit after Murfreesboro VA TN approved it. That’s what happens under the choice program.
Told a mistake was made on your compensation and it’s your TBI dumbass fault for trusting a VA service rep to assist your stupid brain dead self, it’s happened more then twice now.
I can go on and on and on and the patient advocates and all of you who say their here for us.
Signed 100% disabled combat vet
I want to watch, help what channel or device do I use to watch
How do I watch the January 17, 2019? What channel on TV, or do I watch on my cell phone?
Secretary Wilke,
I pray that you will give100% to this new endeavor. We are counting on you!
I was exposed to Nitrogen tetroxcide from a mishap at a missile refueling in Kansas. August 1978. I continue to have problems with the VA at getting Dental care. I am only 60% but need help
It’s my understanding you aren’t entitled to dental care unless rated 100%, unless your rated disability is the cause of your dental problem.
Politically mirrors Trump. Not a person you can trust.
Go fish Lefty
Trump is a corrupt criminal. Embarrassing the United States every single day with his ineptitude. Impeach trump
What does your comment have to do with the subject at hand?
I am a 100% disabled vet it took me 40 years to get this disabilty as i was refused many times i was discharged one day under one year with phy disb without severance pay there is a lot to get into about this but i have been told by many v a service people that i should of gotten disabilty from day one discharge i also served 3months and 11 days in viet nam before being med a vaced out of country i would like to talk to some one higher i have also been told by v a medical drs that i should of gotten it at discharge.
Sucks to be a “dreamer”
Nothing just another un informed dem trump hater obviousy! MAGA
I have a hearing problem for a number of years. It was brought about by standing guard on flight lines at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO 1955-1956 and Keflevick, Iceland, 1956-1957. I served as an Air Policeman and as such we were the only units that were qualified to bear arms.
I have applied for help purchasing hearing aids and have been refused. The hearing tests that I have had indicate I need hearing aids.
I have purchased hearing aids but like everything else, they don’t last forever.
It presents a financial burden for me to have to purchase new ones.
I have applied for financial help to purchase new hearing aids but have been turned down.
I would appreciate any advice or help you can provide.
Thank you,
Richard A. Forte
(redacted)
Contact your local Lions Club to see if they can help you with hearing aids. Robert Bahn I am a member of a Lions Club in Arkansas and we send people to MidSouth Lions for help.
https://www.midsouthlions.org/
The VA provides FREE hearing aids, diagnostics and fittings to all veterans, even if there is no service related disability. You just need to get enrolled in the system.
This letter is so much myself I first applied in 2002 for PTSD and have been turned 3 times but I didn’t have any treatment until 2005 because I was dissatisfied with the government and the VA because they never believed anything that I said I am a Combat Vietnam Veteran and I left the Army with a discharge but I was released early for mental health reasons Fast forward to now My disability rate is 60% the reason for this is prostate cancer diabetes and neuropathy two years ago I contacted a lawyer that took my case and after two years finally won a appeal for major depression disorder and I recently found out that I won my appeal so I don’t know what my percentage Will be now but all my records which was shown that I was telling the truth and there’s so many veterans out there that have the same problem no one believes thatPlease listen to what the veterans have to say thank you
Actually tried to get a disability rating last year from the VA and it was such an over complicated and frustrating process. Separated in 2012 and always thought the process would be a waste of time and it was. VA contracted with another company in California to set up an appointment 140 miles away from where I live.
It only took me 36 years but now I am rated 100% with a K rating now that I am on my down side.
I am very fortunate to be in the Asheville, NC VA Hospital area. This is how healthcare service to veterans continuously improves. It wasn’t always like this here; but they have fixed their past problems and have been providing very good service for several years. It’s about positive, sincere leadership. From the top down – they care.
what is a K rating ,please thank you
Well said, Sir. Bless you.
I retired from the Navy in 1977 and am not registered with the VA! Why? Too time consuming, for one, and too many horror stories about services. Case in point, I knew a retired Marine that had 3 back surgeries: the third resulted I n his being confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life! A man who once walked tall and proud was hunched over and in constant pain.
I currently have chronic back pain but am hesitant to have surgery for fear the same would happen to me!
Based on the story above, the VA would be the LAST choice if surgery were required!
I am at 90% but just had open heart surgery 5 bypasses and at some time had a heart attack I would like to know how to get 100%
Greetings, I am a single female veteran in my 60’s and am registered with VA but need to learn more of what I could or should get involved in. Currently “vagabonding” after retiring from AK Military Youth Academy, my situation is what I consider “in between”. Now living in TX near my daughter (but still AK resident) visited all 5 children, wrist surgery, foot surgery and looking for parting work and volunteer opportunities.
This is wonderful information that is comprehensive and understandable. I am looking forward to reading what is available and listen to Town Hall Meeting on the17th. May you keep up the good work that has been started!
Blessings
My comment is why is the VA being privatized do you do not need to be privatized we went to war to survive country now we are disabled unable to do things that we was doing probably going into the military now you want to take out benefits away from us why the VA being privatized if you’ve never been in the military maybe you don’t understand but the VA do not need to be to be put in the private sector into private hands the doctors and the nurses and all the people that work in the year do a job because they want to the practice that gives only after money it will not do the job that the VA can do take this money put in the VA hospitals update them
I posted earlier, not sure it it got posted. I need help with getting spousal support from my husband who i am still married to. He retired in 1992 at Camp Pendleton.
Hi, I served for 9 years in the Army and use the VA Health Care System. It’s both good and bad. One of the worst aspects is trying to get an appointment. It takes dozens of phone calls, playing phone tag, talking to several operators, most of whom switch you to another operator. Often, you get cut off, the line goes dead. If I had a serious health concern that needed prompt attention, I would have to go to a non-VA provider. One exception has been Hepatology at the Seattle VA; Ms. Hansen is great and has probably saved my life. I can also message her on MyHealtheeVet and she responds. Ditto for my primary-care provider, but the nurse responds instead of the doctor, which is fine, as long as I get a response. I hope you can speed up the process of getting an appointment scheduled. Thanks.
Lelia James- the VA is not the agency to get you support. The court system may or not help you- you’re still married so that will be a problem. You waited 26 years to do this?
hello ,I am a veteran and disabled one at that so recently or should I say for the past9 yrs the canandagui va has some serious problems when it comes to some of the doctors who don’t even know what they are prescribing to veterans,i have been fighting for some time to get proper care and keep running into a wall, until recently it as taken 6-8 months to get seen by a specialty doctor when a doctor says its probably nothing after complaining many times about prostate concerns,im just hoping I don’t have cancer,with ptsd amongst other problems to much to explain but hope you read this and maybe someone will look into this va,ive had to switch out one lpn and now a doctor,something has to give.
Such (redacted) Couldn’t even leave a comment
I would like to know why it took so long to get the percentage I now, when i should have been granted this when I was discharged honorably. Can someone tell me how to get what I have now retroactively. When I got back from Vietnam I was really F….d UP and tried to get help that the VA never gave. Reading this information it’s very informative.
Abdush shahid Yasin, really you served in Vietnam which side . from a vietnam combat vet 68-69
Same o Same o
Been trying to get injury relooked at fot 7 years, no luck! Sure it’s great to give out so called promises and then do nothing! I have found the VA to be backstabbing unethical mess!
Let’s get the new much improved VA clinic built at French Camp/ Stockton CA, We are waiting many years now, after Republicans like draft dodger Trump failed to fund the construction.. … My fellow veterans and active duty: Ask your reps to impeach and remove the Liar in Chief in the WH..
Disruptive behavior committees need to include veterans in them. To have a veteran be treated like they are a criminal for frustrations with the VA system, disrespectful behavior to the veteran, the lack of informing the veteran accurately and timely, being irresponsible with the veteran’s medical information, not informing the veteran of changes until appointments or pre-op appointments after many arrangements have been made months in advance, and more is unacceptable. This aspect of the VA absolutely needs to have a revision to it. There are always two sides of a story and if it concerns the veteran, the veteran absolutely needs to be considered before a committee or a certain person makes decisions on behalf of that veteran.
Mr. Secretary Wilkie:
Sir;
There are good branches of Government within the United States, as there are good Companies and Corporations. However, we have bad apples in them all. The VA has a had bad re-pore towards Vets, and still does to this day. Ill treatment,
general disrespect, leaking our medical records to the general public, failure to provide clear, and concise medical information that we are entitled to review, and much more. The problem within many VA treatment facilities, has been hiring the worst of the worst, and this affects the few honest care providers whom truly endeavor to do their best. The sorriest thing to be said about the VA Health Care System is; “retribution”, for complaining about the lack of ethical care, and treatment.
In addition, and holistically speaking, throughout the Las Vegas Heath Care Hospital; Why are the VA Police permitted to stalk, and bird dog visiting patients for no apparent reason?
These issues are from conversations from other Veterans, and my own personal experiences. Seems the VA Health Care is a hit or miss…I’m just “sick and tried” of rolling the dice, wondering how I will be treated before each visit, as I walk from the parking lot into the “Care facility”.
One question, what does the Patient Advocate do? Is he/she just a stop gap measure between management and the Vet?
Why don’t you contract with local hospitals that are in rule areas. We have an out patient VA clinic here in Clearlake CA it still take around two to three weeks to get an appointment, they take no emergencies, they have no x-ray machine. I had to go all the way to Mather AFB Hospital to get an X-Ray. Our VA Hospital is San Francisco for our VA district, with traffic its a 2 to 3 hour drive, Mather is closer and it’s a 2 hour drive but with less traffic. Need a please that is close that is contracted to take VA patients with out all the paper work. Right now I have a pinched nerve in my back, still weighting to get an appointment for an MRI. Also I having some dizziness and my local VA doctor at our clinic here has requested an appointment and I still haven’t received a call and its been two days just to find out when I can come in. And this could be something seriously wrong with me. VA needs lots of improvements.
Thanks
Please do not let the Mar-A-Lago horde privatize the VA.
why does a veteran have to own the land to get a va loan for a mobile home?? cannot get one to put in a mhp.
because you rent the lot
I hope he does well also because he will be leading a team of lazy, lackadaisical individuals that you almost have to beg to do the jobs that they were hired. I’m working on my 5th year of attempting to receive benefits. Guess I should be glad it’s been only 5 years. If the VA was any other organization we would have gotten rid of this albatross years ago. Let the civilian doctors and services handle specifically medical and mental health. I’m hoping my Choice providers stick with me and help me to navigate the VA.
Had L ankle ligament grafts performed 12-weeks ago. Received the ok for physical therapy (PT). Speaking with PT, next available date for PT assessment is 6-weeks out. I seriously question this standard of care!!!
Will be seeking advice from outside source. Findings will be sent to DC!!!
Any questions – call…
The President vowed that the VA would improve healthcare and other services to Veterans. Why are the VA clinics REFUSING to address reports of poor patient care? I reported a HIPAA violation that a (lazy) nurse had committed. The executive office ( Medical Center Director) has so far REFUSED to acknowledge my complaint and has REFUSED to investigate any other issue of poor patient care I presented to that office. VA Montana ~hides~ poor patient care and behaves very manipulatively until veterans drop the complaint.
I have a busted pipe under my house wich will cost me $600 to fix. My car have $4500 worth of damage done to it I paid 2200 of that my water is off it cost $567 to get back on. I fixed the AC that was $500. I got the electric on that $475
I need help with food and the water and if someone could help with my car that would be great. Where can I find help
I am 100%service connected disabled from agent orange due to my service in Korea, but because I am not covered by Nehmer, I am not eligible for back pay, even though I filed for my diseases back in 1998. I feel it is all wrong, but that wasn’t my decision.
Wilkie is an anticipating legend trust me
Secretary Wilke:
I am 100%IU rated Disabled Marine Corps Veteran. Took 42 years to get benefits. Still haven’t received entitlements. I love your message to the Veteran community. I hope what your trying to convey is truthful and in your heart. I guess come judgement day we’ll find out. A lot of Veterans and families are counting on you. I pray for you daily. I hope you achieve your initial goals that persuaded you to take the job in the first place. The story you tell about your dad is heart wrenching. I wish you ALL the best. Please stick to your guns. And straighten out the VA Adversarial Behavioral Protocol that leads my fellow veterans both male and female to commit suicide 22 times daily. You have big shoes to fill. But a lot of people are praying for you to engage the appropriate actions by using ethical means to achieve the appropriate ideological goals (means to end of Veteran suicide). No need to waste millions on studies. “TREAT VETERANS THE SAME WAY YOU DESIRE TO BE TREATED”! Respectfully versus deception and malfeasance. Good luck.
Been waiting on benefits for over 20 years and still no benefits. The VA spends more money on preventing veterans in getting benefits then they pay out.
Antonio Marrone, I don’t want to degrade your service but maybe what you did in service was not
service connected . As a vietnam combat vet an disabled not every service member is “service connected “