California Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Ask Questions Now!

2022-07-14T13:46:21-04:00

On August 11th, 11AM - 12PM PT, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits and claims. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Pamela Redwine - Coach Public Contact, LA Regional Office, VA
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» SP6 Calvin Payne - Outreach Coordinator, VA
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, Veterans and Military Families, George W. Bush Presidential Center
» SGT Lauren Augustine - Vice President Government Affairs, SVA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» Natalie Souza - Assistant Veteran Service Center Manager, LA Regional Office
» Rebecca Brenen - Veterans Service Center Manager, LA Regional Office
» Kris Lord - Associate Director, Team Red White & Blue
» LCpl Samuel Griffin - Outreach and Mental Health Services Manger, CalVet
» Daniel Young - Supervisory Program Analyst, National Cemetery Administration
» Jonathan Smith - Benefits Assistant Coach, VBA
» SrA Phillip Chaidez - Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, Veteran Peer Access Network
» Ben Gales - Local Interagency Network Coordinator

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet):
The California Department of Veterans Affairs works to serve California veterans and their families. With nearly 1.6 million veterans living in the State, CalVet strives to ensure that its veterans of every era and their families get the state and federal benefits and services they have earned and deserve as a result of selfless and honorable military service. CalVet strives to serve veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and to help them achieve their highest quality of life.

Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
A community driven support network serving veterans and their families helping them navigate and link to L.A. County departments, non-profits, the VA, and L.A. City programs. VPAN helps veterans navigate complicated systems by connecting them to a “battle buddy” and linking them to needed resources such as mental health, substance misuse support, housing, workforce development and employment, healthcare, education, legal and other miscellaneous services.

RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0

RallyPoint Support Center

Response by PFC Deryk Robinson made Jul 26 at 2022 12:00 PM

2022-07-26T12:00:04-04:00

Why is it so hard to get a home loan here in California???

Response by A1C Bernadette Sava made Jul 26 at 2022 12:07 PM

2022-07-26T12:07:42-04:00

Why is it taking so long for you to get to our claims?

Response by SA Charles Scarbrough made Jul 26 at 2022 5:10 PM

2022-07-26T17:10:42-04:00

Are VA doctors held to the Hippocratic Oath?

Response by SPC Brian Aites made Jul 26 at 2022 5:13 PM

2022-07-26T17:13:01-04:00

I would just like to know if anything can be done about the new Glasses contractor.??? Only had my glasses 3 months and they are scratched worse then the previous contractors glasses that took over 1 year to get the scratches I now have on a 3 month old pair. Then optometry claims they are not scratched enough in the focal area to get replaced. I just hope it doesn’t take me crashing my Harley for the VA to find out their glasses are way below Par these days. Thank you in advance.

Response by CPL Tijon Robinson made Jul 27 at 2022 12:10 AM

2022-07-27T00:10:02-04:00

Having difficulty finding someone to assist with va claim.

Response by 1stSgt Abel Aviles made Jul 27 at 2022 9:23 AM

2022-07-27T09:23:55-04:00

Are there any updates for the presumptive illness categories that would include aircraft maintenance personnel and aircrews that were exposed to high-powered RADAR systems? My RF radiation exposure(s) began in 1974 through 1982. I have seen some stories regarding studies being conducted for veterans from more recent events.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 27 at 2022 1:47 PM

2022-07-27T13:47:41-04:00

Thanks for joining us! What would you say is the most underutilized benefit or resource of SoCal veterans?

Response by PO2 Zorenia (Renni) Simmons Williams made Jul 28 at 2022 7:57 AM

2022-07-28T07:57:39-04:00

HELLO, I NEED HELP WITH MY BENEFITS CLAIM.
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH A BENEFITS SPECIALIST TO ASSIST ME WITH MY CLAIM PROCESS.
I AM CLOSEST TO THE OFFICE IN LOS ANGELES CA, WILSHIRE OFFICE.
THANK YOU

Response by SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr made Jul 28 at 2022 8:01 AM

2022-07-28T08:01:12-04:00

Why doesn't the VA have access to in service medical records?
Why does the VA make it difficult to obtain in service medical records?
Recent bill, passed by House, regarding burn pits covers personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, but does this apply to Vets working as contractors?

Regards,
Thomas A. Tullis Jr
Ssgt USMC

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 29 at 2022 11:22 AM

2022-07-29T11:22:58-04:00

Thanks for sharing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2022 11:24 AM

2022-08-02T11:24:50-04:00

If you've never been to the Griffith Observatory, you should go. Yeah I know it's in Los Angeles which is full of traffic but it's worth it.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Aug 3 at 2022 5:06 AM

2022-08-03T05:06:38-04:00

Thanks for sharing

Response by PO2 John Trowbridge made Aug 4 at 2022 1:46 PM

2022-08-04T13:46:54-04:00

I have a 60% rating and I may need hernia surgery and I want a specific surgeon at UCLA to do the surgery, will the VA cover the cost, if so how? Also my community care doctor referred me to my GASTRO doctor who i going to perform a EGD, I paid the deductable, will the VA cover any of the costs?

Response by SSgt William Blaty made Aug 4 at 2022 7:51 PM

2022-08-04T19:51:29-04:00

Hi'
I got my first Covid vaccination (Moderna) on March 24th 2021 at the Long Beach CA VA. Within hours I lost all hearing in my left ear got severe vertigo for a few days, and very sick. Sixteen months later I still have no hearing and I'm dizzy all of the time. No one seems to know what happened or how to treat it. i'm wondering what options I have.
Former SSgt USAF William Blaty (Bill)

Response by A1C Kareen Harmon made Aug 5 at 2022 2:46 AM

2022-08-05T02:46:11-04:00

The VA continues to deny my claim even though I and my physicians have thoroughly proven my case.The physician the VA sent me to twice has supplied ample evidence to support my claim. Is there anyone there today who can look into this for me or tell me what to do next. I shouldn't have to wait years to go before the Veteran's board of Appeals when the VA clearly has the evidence needed to award me the benefits I deserve.

Response by PO3 David Senit made Aug 5 at 2022 12:30 PM

2022-08-05T12:30:04-04:00

1) I, and a number of my friends can't get on a military base to visit the PX because we did not have a military disability.
2) All of my military friends have VA Medical. I can't get it because the rules changed and my yearly income is to high. They signed up before the rules changed and their incomes are much higher than my income. It doesn't seem right that just because my income is high I don't have any access to VA Medical.

Response by SPC Mike DiFilippo made Aug 6 at 2022 1:16 PM

2022-08-06T13:16:55-04:00

I am a veteran with 90% disability rating. I go to the VA for all my healthcare. Do I have to still have Medicare A&B and if so, do I need to add Medicare D.

Response by SPC Mike DiFilippo made Aug 6 at 2022 1:21 PM

2022-08-06T13:21:07-04:00

I am a disabled veteran with a 90% disability ranking. Do I still have to have Medicare Parts A & B. Also, if yes to the above, do I need to add Medicare Part D?

Thanks for your help.
Mike

Response by PO1 Thomas Swope made Aug 6 at 2022 2:27 PM

2022-08-06T14:27:12-04:00

Hello. I am rated at 100% but with TDIU. I have been on this rating for 20 plus years now and have managed to live ok up until the past two years. Due to the economic changes as of late, money has been tight. My question is: Can I work a small part time job that pays under the national poverty line of payment without jeopardizing my compensation benefits? I have tried to research this on my own and I'm getting conflicting information. Thanks.

Response by Col Ralph Wetterhahn made Aug 9 at 2022 4:00 PM

2022-08-09T16:00:49-04:00

My two-year post-cancer disability period ended, but the civilian review indicated I was not cancer-free. How long before my status is up for review again?

Response by PVT Phoenicia Gomez made Aug 11 at 2022 12:12 PM

2022-08-11T12:12:45-04:00

How come every VSO I get help from for service increase gets me denied?

Response by CPL Elizabeth Callaghan made Aug 11 at 2022 12:12 PM

2022-08-11T12:12:49-04:00

Do you have to be 100% disabled or a retired Military Veteran in order to qualify for VA medical benefits?

Response by CPO Marcia Thomas made Aug 11 at 2022 12:37 PM

2022-08-11T12:37:05-04:00

Once you have qualified and has been invited to apply for the Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits program, why does it seems there is another section of the VA poise to disapprove your qualification?
An entire industry of civilian lawyers has sprung up just to assist veterans to be approved for a program that they already qualified for.
Yes, I read my notification letter stating why I was disapproved, everything mentioned was incorrect. Counselor or approving official disregarded my statement of intent.
Two Doctors- Physical Therapist - diagnosed continuous actions has exacerbated my conditions. Yet, Counselor deemed me unqualified for VR&E.

Response by Sgt Sean Sullivan made Aug 11 at 2022 12:52 PM

2022-08-11T12:52:43-04:00

Hello and thank you for providing this opportunity.

I have a disability rating that I would like to be re-evaluated and hopefully increased due to it progressively getting worse. How do I go about getting this increase? It is for my back.

Also, I have been dealing with some mental health issues recently and haven't found a good resource that is conducive to my work and life schedule. Is there any mental health program that is specific to Vets to where it can be conducted online or not in person?

Response by Cpl Cp Saraceno made Aug 11 at 2022 12:56 PM

2022-08-11T12:56:17-04:00

I'm a VN vet with hypertension and a colon cancer survivor.
Would I be eligible for benefits with the passing of the Pact Act?
Should I file a claim for one or both?
Thanks for your help.

Response by Sgt Brian Heyman made Aug 11 at 2022 1:12 PM

2022-08-11T13:12:04-04:00

To Sgt. Jay Dalrymple, NCA: I wish to use this forum to commend Cemetery Representative Pablo Agrio of Los Angeles National Cemetery, who recently helped me order a memorial plaque in the new columbaria at the cemetery in memory of my father, WWII Veteran Arthur A. Heyman, whose remains were scattered at sea on June 25th. The memorial plaque is mounted on a column of the new columbarium wall along with those not many other Veterans of WWII. My siblings and I now have a beautiful and dignified setting to visit in honoring the memory of our father and his service. Please extend my thanks and appreciation to Pablo. Sincerely, Brian Heyman, USAF Vietnam Era.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2022 1:18 PM

2022-08-11T13:18:13-04:00

Hello everyone, and thank you to all who are here allowing for questions to aid in the support us Veterans and our families.
As a veteran, I have found that I am more interested in serving other veterans in a way to give back to my community. I have managed to receive an offer of employment at the Martinez VA. However, I am interested in training for other positions such as becoming a VSO or even an Advocate. How does one receive training in order to become eligible for these types of positions?

Response by A1C James Plowden made Aug 11 at 2022 1:34 PM

2022-08-11T13:34:23-04:00

I was a nuclear specialist in the Air Force. While maintaining nuclear weapons, we were required to clean components with trichloroethylene and other solvents without any raspatory gear. I also tested positive to exposure to radioactive tritium gas. I was also exposed to jet engine exhaust during missile runup testing.

I have never smoked but have been treated for asthma and shortness of breath by the VA. I have been denied disability claims twice for raspatory claims that I feel are the result of the exposure I received in the Air Force.
What recourse if any do I have?

Response by PO3 Matthew Campbell made Aug 11 at 2022 1:46 PM

2022-08-11T13:46:29-04:00

Thanks to all of YOU for joining us today! Please feel to ask your questions to all our amazing VA and Community Experts!

Response by Sgt C A made Aug 11 at 2022 1:58 PM

2022-08-11T13:58:44-04:00

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your busy time to allow for questions to be asked and hopefully answered.

My VocRehab Case has gone cold for a period of 4-6 months roughly without a response received from counselor or supervisors nor through ask VA. What would be the best course of action just to receive a response? My case is a sensitive file and had to be transferred from local jurisdiction to an up north office. I am trying to have my file transferred to San Diego.

Response by PO3 Samuel Sanchez made Aug 11 at 2022 1:59 PM

2022-08-11T13:59:13-04:00

If I am on TDIU (permanent), am I able to work a part time job? The 100% I get paid is barely enough to cover rent.

Response by SFC Jesse Urquieta made Aug 11 at 2022 2:03 PM

2022-08-11T14:03:23-04:00

Who can use caregiver assistance and how can you sign up? Can it be a Friend or Family Member??

Response by Capt Erich Reichenbach made Aug 11 at 2022 2:04 PM

2022-08-11T14:04:52-04:00

Signing in for my Dad, Vietnam War Vet, Air Force Captain stationed at Takhli AFB in Thailand. The base is on the official VA list for Agent Orange usage. Dad has Parkinson's Plus, he needs constant caregiving, he can't walk, is wheelchair bound, can't speak & is declining rapidly. Been fighting for 3 years to get his disability percentage increased from a low 10%. Will the PACT act now help us increase his disability claim before it's too late???

Response by HN Jon Mann made Aug 11 at 2022 2:04 PM

2022-08-11T14:04:52-04:00

I've been served with an unlawful detainer so my landlord can increase the rent. I'm paying over 90% of my income is for rent. Please help!

Response by PVT Danny Towler made Aug 11 at 2022 2:04 PM

2022-08-11T14:04:54-04:00

HOw long after calling the va care giver number and leaving 5 messeges over 2 weaks span should we get a call back not one call has ever been reurted

Response by PVT Danny Towler made Aug 11 at 2022 2:06 PM

2022-08-11T14:06:59-04:00

we haved celled 5 times left messege with the va 310 number of the last 2 weak with no call back

Response by TSgt Edward Diaz made Aug 11 at 2022 2:09 PM

2022-08-11T14:09:52-04:00

Do we ask questions here?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2022 2:12 PM

2022-08-11T14:12:49-04:00

Good day, To anyone with the answer With the open burn pit exposure bill passing and several conditions listed as presumptive. Did Chronic Fatigue Syndrome make it as a presumptive condition? 21B for 22+years and a Desert Storm/Shield and OIF 06-07 tour. I find myself tired and fatigued all the time. I’m still waiting for my second wind to come and it is not. I do thank my battle buddies that helped me and the VA or Else I would not be here. Garcia, Javier 1SG Ret

Response by TSgt Edward Diaz made Aug 11 at 2022 2:15 PM

2022-08-11T14:15:54-04:00

I was just denied my claim against the symptoms of burn pit exposure on the 15 th of July. Which level review option do I select to get the fastest return for my denied claim? I do have a presumptive service connection from my service in Afghanistan.

Response by Coleton Whitaker made Aug 11 at 2022 2:21 PM

2022-08-11T14:21:12-04:00

Great to see everyone! Let me know if you have specific questions as it relates to military and veteran caregivers and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation programs and/or resources. The Foundation’s programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels. These programs engage individuals, organizations, and communities across the country to get involved and make a difference in the lives of military caregivers. Some of our programs include:

Dole Caregiver Fellowship
Free Respite Help at Home
Hidden Helpers – Kids & Families
Health & Wellness
Caregiver Friendly Cities & Counties
Online Peer Support Community
Hope Fund for Financial Assistance

See full list here: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/our-programs/

Our Programs - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

The Foundation's programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels.…

Response by Sgt Christopher Vidaurre made Aug 11 at 2022 2:25 PM

2022-08-11T14:25:54-04:00

My name is Christopher Vidaurre, I am the Senior Program Manager at the George W. Bush Institute. I am here on behalf of the Veterans Wellness Alliance to share “Check-In”
Check-In is a first-of-its-kind network that unites peer-led organizations and service providers to connect veterans and their families efficiently and empathetically with high-quality care for mental and brain health services. Please feel free to ask me any questions regarding “Check-In” or on the Veterans Wellness Alliance. Or you can visit our website at: veterancheckin.org

Response by SGT Lauren Augustine made Aug 11 at 2022 2:45 PM

2022-08-11T14:45:15-04:00

Hey there! Happy to answer questions about Student Veterans of America. Through a dedicated network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and three countries overseas representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA inspires yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of dedicated chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential.

Response by Kris Lord made Aug 11 at 2022 2:48 PM

2022-08-11T14:48:21-04:00

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about Team RWB! [login to see] . https://about.teamrwb.org/mission

Mission & Ethos — Team Red, White & Blue

Team RWB is forging America's leading health and wellness community for veterans.

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Aug 11 at 2022 2:50 PM

2022-08-11T14:50:01-04:00

Good afternoon! My name is Zelda Davis with the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Employment Program (VEP). Our office advocates and supports Veterans, transitioning Service members and military spouses find employment opportunities in VA. Please visit our VA for Vets website at [login to see] for additional employment, training and resource information.

VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by LtCol Serge Morosoff made Aug 11 at 2022 2:57 PM

2022-08-11T14:57:49-04:00

I need help with my disability. I am a USMC vet (25 yrs AD). I did my claim 2 years ago essentially by myself because VSOs were shut down for COVID19. I received my finding but I think I need to appeal some stuff and also I have stuff to add. I live in S CA. I think I need a good VSO to help me. Where should I go?

Response by LtCol Serge Morosoff made Aug 11 at 2022 2:58 PM

2022-08-11T14:58:41-04:00

Response by PO3 Matthew Campbell made Aug 11 at 2022 3:05 PM

2022-08-11T15:05:30-04:00

This event is only for Veterans, Service members, family members, caregivers, and survivors residing in the Greater Los Angeles Area. If you register for this event and you are not a resident in the counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obisbo, Orange, and Kern, your registration will be cancelled. Additional VEACs will be held in other states across the country. Please visit http://www.va.gov/VEAC for additional information.

To register please visit: https://book.appointment-plus.com/ch422seq/#//

Veterans Experience Action Center | Veterans Affairs

Response by Andi Martinez made Aug 11 at 2022 3:17 PM

2022-08-11T15:17:16-04:00

Do you have VA benefits, claims, and health care questions unresolved and live in LA, California? Register for the Veterans Experience Action Center today! To register please visit: https://book.appointment-plus.com/ch422seq/#//

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Response by Andi Martinez made Aug 11 at 2022 3:20 PM

2022-08-11T15:20:11-04:00

Check it out!
VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Subscribe to VA News! https://www.va.gov/vetresources/
VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent)
Are you in crisis? Call our NEW Veterans Crisis Line # 988 Press 1

Print out your VA Welcome Kit | Veterans Affairs

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned. Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your...

Response by CPL Robert Clary made Aug 11 at 2022 3:49 PM

2022-08-11T15:49:11-04:00

What is the best resource in help a veteran can get for filing and expediting a service connected disability?

Response by Sgt Arturo Lozano made Aug 13 at 2022 2:09 PM

2022-08-13T14:09:32-04:00

I have a Chloracne claim due to Agent Orange expussure. Could you please check on the status. My name is Arturo G Lozano.