VA uses tech to better deliver benefits to Veterans in Arkansas

Using video conferencing technology at nine VA outpatient clinics located throughout the state of Arkansas, the Little Rock VA Regional Benefits Office is leading the nation in expanding opportunities for Veterans to access their VA benefits.

“Instead of spending an entire day driving, pushing options on a phone tree, or getting my granddaughter to help me with a website, VA telebenefits gives me an easy way to talk face-to-face with an actual person,” said Vietnam Veteran Bill Gregory, who lives in southeast Arkansas. “I can build a relationship. I know who I’m talking to, I know they understand my problem, and I know I can get answers to my VA benefits questions.”

Using high-definition cameras and secure, video teleconferencing equipment at local VA clinics, the VA telebenefits service allows Veterans to video chat with a VA representative located in North Little Rock. During these video sessions, the representative has immediate access to a Veteran’s file and benefit information, while the Veteran is able to submit claims and supporting documents on the spot.

“The VA telebenefits service provides Veterans the opportunity to speak with the same representative every time; building trust and establishing a relationship,” said Supervisory Veterans Service Representative Jay Mergenschroer. “We are taking services to Veterans and their family members to their community, instead of asking them to drive to us.”

This initiative allows Veterans to “meet” face-to-face with VA Regional Benefits Office staff without incurring the expense and inconvenience of traveling to the VA office located in North Little Rock. Veterans do not have to be a VA medical patient to use the service and may bring a Veteran Service Organization representative or other advisor with them.

“With the VA telebenefits service, there is no need to drive hours to speak in person with a VA representative,” said Director Lisa Breun. “The program has been so popular that we are expanding to Fayetteville, Hot Springs, and Jonesboro in the very near future.”

If you are a Veteran or family member with questions about service-connected compensation, nonservice-connected pension, survivor benefits, burial benefits, guaranteed VA home loans, life insurance, specially adapted housing and automobile grants, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, and education benefits, don’t miss these upcoming VA telebenefits sessions:

For more information about VA telebenefits in Arkansas, call (501) 370-3771.