Veterans continue to receive benefits and services after VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) temporarily closed its 56 regional offices to the public March 19 in response to COVID-19.
“The decision to close our offices to the general public, is part of the VA’s effort to limit exposure to vulnerable populations like our older Veterans and those with underlying medical conditions, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA is expanding existing technologies to remain accessible to Veterans, service members and their families.”
Changes
Many in-person services are already available via the phone or online through virtual options like VA Video Connect. VBA has and continues to adjust to ensure the safety and well-being of its clients and staff. The changes include:
- Uninterrupted GI Bill payments so students continue to receive their benefits unaffected by any change from in-person to online learning.
- Supporting students for educational counseling through online and telephone services.
- Connecting Veterans to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services through teleconferencing; providing case management and general counseling virtually through VA Video Connect.
- Informal conference hearings by telephone or video conferencing when needed.
- Collecting information to process fiduciary claims by telephone. When necessary other accommodations will be arranged.
- Collecting information remotely via phone or teleconference when possible, to process grant requests for special adaptive housing.
- Conducting examinations for disability benefits using tele-compensation and pension or “tele-C&P” exams. If an in-person examination is required, Veterans will be notified for scheduling.
Effective March 30, VA will discontinue VA benefit briefings and services on military installations for transitioning service members and their families through the interagency Transition Assistance Program (TAP) until further notice. However, VA will provide virtual briefings and individualized counseling for transitioning service members where possible. Service members who have not received these briefings, as required by TAP, may access the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) platform and register for “TGPS-US006: VA Benefits and Services.”
Veterans with specific questions can call 1-800-827-1000 or go www.ebenefits.va.gov for additional details. Veterans can continue to get information about benefits, file a claim online or can call for claim-specific questions.
Visit VA’s website for information and updates regarding VA’s response to COVID-19.
Topics in this story
More Stories
In this news post, we explore the various options designed to keep you in your home, offering hope and possible solutions for when/if you experience financial hardship.
Vietnam Veteran David Chee is among the many Native American Veterans and service members who have dedicated their lives to military service. Chee proudly served with the Army's 82nd Airborne, parachuting into the jungles of Vietnam. Chee now owns a home he purchased on Navajo tribal lands with the help of the VA Native American Direct Loan.
For Veterans, donating to charities—especially those that support fellow service members—feels like a meaningful way to give back to the community. However, Veterans and their loved ones must remain vigilant and learn to protect themselves from charity scams.
I worked as a DoD Contractor I have a VA Rating over 30%. My VA doctor did schedule a Left Knee Replacement for June of this year. I had the Right Knee Replaced 18 months ago. I voluntarily left my job because I couldn’t do the job anymore. My pain level was too much for me to handle and prevent me from working safely.
I worked out of state (VA) full time. I moved back home In March 2020 because medical issues. Now COVID-19. I can’t get the surgery. I can’t work because of my knees. What can I do. Can VA assist me in any way.
The VA is a fcking joke as a whole. I am currently rated 60% s/c, and have had an appeal in on this rating since 06/2013. I cant work construction which was my former occupation. I am homeless again as I have to live on 1453/mnth and have gone thru every piece of crap angle the VA throws at me. Over it all, Lost my old lady, my career, & any kind of stability, im a full blown alcoholic and have to keep myself numb. I have no positive outlook twords the future as our own Govt and its ancillaries cant get sht straight for the people of our nation, to include us veteran’s.
WTF…../
I love the Toledo Ohio VA. Everyone there are wonderful. My doctors name is DR Williams she is the best doctor I have ever been to. I am 75 years old I have seen many doctors and I will never see another only DR Williams.
A little over a month ago, February 19th, I was involved in a accident. It was just myself. The only injury I received were 2 TIA’s.Can the TIA’s cause brain damage to me? My VA doctor is going to recommend that I do not drive pending the outcome of a examination of a neuropsycholohist. When I got home and rested and to bed. I woke up next morning feeling better than before the accident.
Secondly, I have paperwork in on my dental work that needs to be done immediately. My disability is for PTSD & DIABETES TYPE 2. I know that diabetes can have direct effect. on one’s oral health, thus on my needing a full set of either dentures or implants. They have been saying that they will take them out but I don’t qualify for replacements. So my question is am I supposed to gum it for the rest of my life. Heck, even my tongue has been extremely sensitive. I trust you folks might be able to look into these matters in a timely fashion. CRAIG VAN WEY.
Waterloo Iowa VA is a place I will never go to for help, I never in my life seen how a VA is ran, exspeially when u have veterans out in the world have hard time cause of disabilities, I will never ask Waterloo Iowa VA for anymore help veterans shouldn’t have to beg for help, and it’s so many dam excuses why they can’t help or shove the veterans off on other groups. I rather be homeless then go to that Dept again. Angry in Iowa.
Would like to volunteer and a prior field medic and NYS EMT..may main duties were to evecuate the sick while providing livesaving care..if you need my assistance.. Even if transporting the sick..Thank you
Stephen W. Brewster.
Thank you