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

2023-07-25T09:31:35-04:00

On August 8th, 12 - 1 PM MT, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits, claims, and peer support resources. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» PO1 Kevin Eherenman - Congressional Liaison, Denver Regional Office, VA
» Marianne Delatorre - HHCC Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Presidential Center
» CPO Missina Schallus - Communications Manager, Center for Women Veterans
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office, VA
» PO3 Douglas Webb - Management Analyst, Veterans Experience Office, VA
» Kasia Davis - Senior Human Resources Specialist, VA
» Rebecca Smith - Supervisor, Public Contact Team, Denver VA Regional Office
» Court Ogilvie - Executive Director, Code of Support
» Terri Clinton - Public Affairs Officer, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network

+ Colorado Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) Event!

Are you a Colorado Veteran, family member, caregiver, survivor, or service member in need of direct assistance with benefits, care, and community resources? Join us from the convenience of your phone for the Colorado Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC), August 22-23 from 9am-3pm MT.

Register Now! CO VEAC Appointment Registration:
https://book.appointment-plus.com/ck3047g2/#/

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Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jul 26 at 2023 1:33 PM

2023-07-26T13:33:25-04:00

Good afternoon. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 28 at 2023 8:58 AM

2023-07-28T08:58:03-04:00

THANKS FOR SHARING

Response by Cpl Frank Lahtinen made Aug 3 at 2023 7:20 PM

2023-08-03T19:20:17-04:00

How can we secure funding to continue the amazing Colorado veteran support website - Operation Veteran Strong. Rocky Mountain VA (MIRECC) pulled our funding and support early June.

Operation Veteran Strong (OVS) is dedicated to the empowerment and support of Colorado veterans. Our mission involves various initiatives such as focus groups, strategic processes, and the creation of valuable content. We curate resources specifically tailored to veterans and ensure their hyperlocalization by incorporating community-oriented (CO) resources. Additionally, we actively engage in outreach and canvasing efforts to establish local training programs.

One of the key aspects that sets OVS apart is the emphasis on feedback from our vast subscriber base, consisting of thousands of veterans. Their valuable insights have shown us that they desire access to local resources, opportunities to connect with fellow veterans, and knowledge about new tools and resources that can enhance their lives as well as the lives of their families and other veterans.

Response by MCPO Micheal Phelps made Aug 5 at 2023 3:37 PM

2023-08-05T15:37:03-04:00

I have chronic pain from spine injuries and neuropathy. Does VA offer massages? That is the only thing that seems to help a little bit with pain!
Question #2 How can I get an appointment with a spine specialist at Aurora spine specialty hospital?

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2023 10:42 AM

2023-08-08T10:42:13-04:00

Adding this info to the thread since it's hidden in the Q&A event description above...

Are you a Colorado Veteran, family member, caregiver, survivor, or service member in need of direct assistance with benefits, care, and community resources?

Join us from the convenience of your phone for the Colorado Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC), August 22-23 from 9am-3pm MT.

Register Now! CO VEAC Appointment Registration:
https://book.appointment-plus.com/ck3047g2/#/

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Response by PO3 Douglas Webb made Aug 8 at 2023 11:57 AM

2023-08-08T11:57:17-04:00

Colorado Veterans! VA, the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs, and community partners will host a virtual event for Veterans, caregivers, Service members, survivors, and family members living in Colorado on Tuesday, August 22nd through Wednesday, August 23rd from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. MDT.

Are you looking to get a status on your claim? Sign up for VA health care? Whatever it is, VA and community partners are here to help. Simply schedule an appointment to speak directly with VA and get dedicated one-on-one service. At the time of your appointment, a Veterans Service Officer will call you—via telephone—to kick off your appointment.

Get assistance with: claims and appeals filing and status updates; VA health care enrollment and benefits; new PACT Act eligibility for Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxic exposures; Colorado state and community resources and benefits; family member, caregiver, and survivor benefits and services; memorial affairs; crisis resources; housing solutions, transition services and resources; and more.

Registration runs through Monday, August 21st with limited appointments available.

We look forward to connecting with you!

REGISTER HERE: https://book.appointment-plus.com/ck3047g2/#/

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Response by PO3 Douglas Webb made Aug 8 at 2023 1:50 PM

2023-08-08T13:50:14-04:00

Thanks to all of YOU for joining us today! The Q&A will be live from 12pm-1pm MT; please feel free to ask your questions to our amazing Community & VA Experts!
Please note this is a typed-only chat forum with no additional connection(s) for audio or video. Simply type and post questions and comments in the chat box (and please remember to refresh).

Response by CPO Missina Schallus made Aug 8 at 2023 1:55 PM

2023-08-08T13:55:05-04:00

Good afternoon, thank you for being here today. I am Missina Schallus, the Comms Manager at the VA Center for Women Veterans. I am happy to answer any questions related to your earned benefits and services. Learn more about CWV at https://www.va.gov/womenvet/. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @VAWomenVets.

VA.gov | 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 SMSgt Joshua Calderwood made Aug 8 at 2023 2:01 PM

2023-08-08T14:01:53-04:00

Since Colorado is one of the few states that taxes military retirements, are there any plans at the state level to make military pensions fully exempt? Same question for a full property tax exemption for veterans with disabilities? If not, who would be the recommended veteran liaison/state representative to contact, as to send my request/concerns? Thanks!

Response by Sgt Ed McEvoy made Aug 8 at 2023 2:02 PM

2023-08-08T14:02:06-04:00

Hello, I am Ed with VA’s Vet Center program. Vet Centers have been proudly providing counseling, referral, and community engagement services to Veterans, service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families since 1979.

Vet Centers offer community based counseling services, community engagement, and referral services to eligible Veterans, active duty service members and their families (when it is found to aid in the readjustment or transition of the Veteran or service member).

If you are interested in Vet Center services, you can reach us 24/7 by calling the Vet Center Call Center at [login to see] or find us online at http://www.vetcenter.va.gov.

I am also happy to help link you with your local Vet Center.

VA.gov | 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 Sgt Christopher Vidaurre made Aug 8 at 2023 2:02 PM

2023-08-08T14:02:39-04:00

Hello All, 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 mental and brain health service providers to connect veterans and their families with high-quality care for mental and brain health services. Please go to veterancheckin.org and fill out our short form to get connected to care. Once you fill out the form within in 72 business hours our Care Coordinator will reach out to you and find the most appropriate care and get you connected. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

https://www.veterancheckin.org/s/

Check In

Connecting veterans with the support and services they need to live happier, healthier, more successful lives-and to make sure veterans are treated like people, not case numbers, every step of the care journey.

Response by PO2 Gary Hummel made Aug 8 at 2023 2:03 PM

2023-08-08T14:03:46-04:00

Are there income limits to who can get help? I would like to inquire about hearing aids.

Response by PO1 Kevin Eherenman made Aug 8 at 2023 2:03 PM

2023-08-08T14:03:52-04:00

August 10, 2022, the PACT Act was signed into law. August 9, 2023, is the last day to either file a claim for conditions related to PACT Act or file an “Intent to File” to preserve August 10, 2022 as the effective date. This does not mean a Veteran cannot file a claim for PACT Act issues after August 9, 2023. Beginning August 10, 2023, the date the VA Form 21-526EZ or VA Form 21-0966 are received becomes the effective date. The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs

If conditions related to the PACT Act have been previously denied, use the Attached VA Form 20-0995 or VA Form 21-0966.

Response by SP5 B T made Aug 8 at 2023 2:03 PM

2023-08-08T14:03:58-04:00

How do you join the webinar? The invite only has a link to this page.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Aug 8 at 2023 2:04 PM

2023-08-08T14:04:37-04:00

Welcome everyone! My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) at the American Red Cross. I am also a caregiver to my husband who is a combat wounded Marine. The MVCN serves caregivers of all eras and veterans that are caregivers too. Please join us at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.

Response by CSM James Freeman made Aug 8 at 2023 2:05 PM

2023-08-08T14:05:39-04:00

Have a issue with my DS logon. Have tried all the information and call the hotline. The hotline did not help. Who do we contact for DSlogon questions?

Response by SP5 B T made Aug 8 at 2023 2:10 PM

2023-08-08T14:10:58-04:00

I asked the VA for PTSD counseling circa 2010; after some paperwork, I was denied any VA benefits bcs I made too much money as a civilian. No other reason, other than I made too much money. Is there still an income phase-out on VA eligibility based on income? I've got some service-related injuries (normal wear and tear "Vet Bod" type stuff) that I'd like to have evaluated. But don't want to waste anyone's time if I am still ineligible based on income.

Follow-up: I received a letter stating that I would be ineligible for benefits for life, based on the denial of benefits at the time, but that I could contest such ruling. I never did (I still made what I made, money-wise, at the time). Is there a way to appeal the denial? Is it "worth it" in other ppl's experience?

Response by LCpl Kevin Taylor made Aug 8 at 2023 2:16 PM

2023-08-08T14:16:40-04:00

I was physically and sexually assaulted in the Denver VA and received no advocacy, no accountability and have continued to be treated with complete disregard. I've been blacklisted after additional confrontations such as when a VA nurse came out into the lobby and in front of everyone started talking about all of my extremely embarrassing business. I told her to shut up and she kept on talking. I yelled at her to shut up and walked away. VA police come up and after completely humiliating me she tells them I tried to throw a chair at her. I never touched a chair or threatened to do anything. I told the VA police to ask the multiple witnesses and they said "we don't have to". Instead, I was given a citation for menacing and something else. It took six months because of delays to go to federal court where I found I was being threatened with 1 year in federal prison and a $10,000 fine. I fought it and got the charges dismissed within 15min with the judge apologizing for how the VA treats Veterans. For years there's been this continuing effort to have me commit suicide vs them ever doing anything about how I am treated. My health care is messed up by community care (because I'm banned from ever going back to the VA) where I have major gaps in care. Right now I have no primary care even. Suicide is imminent pending the prolonged effort of the VA having me live with physical and mental pain inflicted by them and lack of their responsibility to provide for my care in the absence of their incompetence. What am I supposed to do when I've exhausted all avenues to get accountability from them and help for myself

Response by Capt Richard DeVaux made Aug 8 at 2023 2:20 PM

2023-08-08T14:20:30-04:00

Is this a VTC or do I just type my question in this response box?

Response by Sgt Jay Dalrymple made Aug 8 at 2023 2:20 PM

2023-08-08T14:20:48-04:00

Good afternoon. My name is Jay Dalrymple and I am the Director at the VA National Cemetery Administration's Scheduling Office. My team is responsible for verifying a Veteran's eligibility for burial and scheduling burial services for all NCA National Cemeteries. We also have a Pre-Need program if Veterans are planning for their final resting place and want to confirm their eligibility for burial.

VA has a number of burial benefits available to our Veterans. You can find out more information at: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ .

I am here to answer any burial questions you may have!

VA burial benefits and memorial items | Veterans Affairs

VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. Find out how to apply for the burial benefits you've earned, and how to plan for a burial in advance or at time of need.

Response by CPT Joseph Carlson made Aug 8 at 2023 2:21 PM

2023-08-08T14:21:49-04:00

What is the most efficient resource to use to learn about VA survivor benefits for a 100% disabled veteran - service connected

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2023 2:21 PM

2023-08-08T14:21:51-04:00

Does the VA have an online resource that helps explain how they define specific conditions?

Response by SFC Christine Howland made Aug 8 at 2023 2:21 PM

2023-08-08T14:21:56-04:00

I participated in the Burn Pit Exposure trial a few years ago (yes, during COVID). How can I obtain the results of the study so I can apply for the PACT Act?

Response by Capt Richard DeVaux made Aug 8 at 2023 2:32 PM

2023-08-08T14:32:32-04:00

I'm a 100% disabled retired veteran. I have no friends or family to accompany me to surgical procedures that require someone to take me home following the procedure. Is there a service that can help me find a person to take me to a surgery, then take me home after the surgery.

Response by Marianne Delatorre made Aug 8 at 2023 2:34 PM

2023-08-08T14:34:33-04:00

Hi everyone, my name is Marianne Delatorre and I am the Community Engagement Manager at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. We are the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers known as “Hidden Heroes”; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs include peer support, critical financial assistance, respite, and much more. You can view our programs here: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/our-programs/. To learn more about our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, go to our website here: https://hiddenheroes.org/. We aim to ensure that families of veterans are supported in their caregiving journey and are recognized for their efforts. You can email me at [login to see] for questions. Look forward to chatting and hearing from you all!
https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

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 PO3 Douglas Webb made Aug 8 at 2023 2:57 PM

2023-08-08T14:57:54-04:00

Colorado Veterans, Military Families, Caregivers, Survivors, and Service Members:

Before there was Home Front Military Network, there was Peak Military Care Network and The Home Front Cares. PMCN and THFC shared similar missions—to serve those who have served. After several months of due diligence, the two organizations officially merged and became Home Front Military Network in January 2020. Our merger effort capitalized on the long-term collaborative working relationship between PMCN and THFC to streamline access to key services. As one organization, we connect military service members, veterans and their families to resources offered by our trusted community partners, and provide navigation, information and referral, and emergency financial assistance.
We are Home Front Military Network— a result of experience, passion, and knowledge seeking to bring hope and help to our heroes.

https://homefrontmilitarynetwork.org/

Home Front Military Network (HFMN), Service Members, Veterans

Home Front Military Network (HFMN) connects military service members, veterans and their families to quality resources provided by our trusted community partners.