WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has reached more than one million Veterans and family members through telephone town hall meetings held with states across the country.
The weekly meetings highlight VA benefits and give beneficiaries an opportunity to communicate directly with VA Under Secretary for Benefits Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D.
“The town hall meetings are an effective way to interact with Veterans and their beneficiaries,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Outreach to Veterans is part of our mission and making sure they know about the benefits they have earned is one of the ways we deliver our promise to them.”
Lawrence, who briefs listeners and takes questions from callers, conducts the meetings to ensure Veterans have accurate and up-to-date information. As of June 16, VBA has conducted 25 tele-town halls.
The briefings include updates about VA’s response to COVID-19 and the GI Bill along with the launch of Blue Water Navy Act, Solid Start program and other new initiatives to include the Veterans Benefits Banking Program — helping Veterans to understand and access all services and benefits earned. Veterans and family members are encouraged to join and ask questions about their benefits at 844-227-7557.
Lawrence will continue the telephone town hall meetings sharing steps VA is taking to support Veterans and keep employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out information about benefits or file a claim, visit www.va.gov. Veterans with any questions regarding claims or other matters can call 800-827-1000.
###
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.
More from the Press Room
News Releases
VA and DOD improve installation access process for Veterans and eligible caregivers for medical appointments, shopping, and certain morale, welfare, and recreation services.
News Releases
VA and and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness announced results of the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, which show a record low in Veteran homelessness since measurement began in 2009 and a 7.5% decrease since 2023.
News Releases
VA is proposing to eliminate copayments for all VA telehealth services and establish a grant program to fund designated VA telehealth access points in non-VA facilities, with a focus on rural and medically underserved communities.
