Has anyone noticed how many programs the VA puts out on the E Benefits website?

2015-07-14T17:21:24-04:00

The VA has many programs to help Vets they advertise on their Ebenefits website. Has any had any success getting the VA to actually help them with these programs? How many have run into the same issue I have had where the employees don't have a clue about what is on Ebenefits? Has anyone run across an employee that actually knows the VA programs? The picture is from the VA's Ebenefits Website which again refers everyone to another Federal Agency which has no clue about the program...

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 14 at 2015 5:37 PM

2015-07-14T17:37:07-04:00

Hi Rick, I think you need to be a little more specific about the issue you're having, but you are correct when you say one hand doesn't know what the other is talking about. Part of the issue is the different branches of the VA (VBA, VHA, etc) don't talk to each other well.

Many job initiatives are Federal programs that the VA tells you about but are not necessarily offering themselves. Further, many HR directors don't really understand the way the programs are supposed to work... It's a mess...

Response by CPL David Salazar made Jul 14 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-07-14T17:38:57-04:00

We don't. I work on compensation and pension disability claims exclusively. Even in that department, we have an exclusive special ops lane that deals with very specific types of claims. For Texas, education benefits go through muskogee, OK. When you call the 1-800 number, you'll get through to somebody that can only look at notes and add notes to a claim. VA healthcare is a whole other monster. There is far too many resources for a VA employee to know them all. Some people that work with me have a hard enough learning how to learn compensation claims alone, shocker... I know. If you want to message me, I can try to help you find the answer.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Jul 14 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-07-14T18:39:03-04:00

I've experienced this. I was sent from the VA to Fort Lee and back, and not one person had a clue as to anything about what I was trying to do.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made May 5 at 2016 5:33 PM

2016-05-05T17:33:37-04:00

90% of the services, programs, and organizations found under the "National Resource Directory" tab within eBenefits are not VA programs. Some are programs available to anyone, but a majority are military or veteran focused programs that fall under some other government agency or non-profit outside of the VA.

The particular picture you posted has to do with the USDA's new (new as in new to farming, not a new program) farmer program and getting assistance for veterans in farming. I've attached a few links that should help if you are truly interested. On the USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach page (first link), you will find a link to search for local offices. Contact the local USDA office and ask for information about the program. In addition to assisting with farms, they have a rural home loan program (last link) that is often times a far better deal than obtaining a VA guaranteed loan or using an FHA loan. You do have to meet income requirements.

https://www.outreach.usda.gov/veterans.htm#
http://www.nal.usda.gov/veterans-agriculture
http://www.start2farm.gov/
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

USDA | Outreach | Information for Veterans

The Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO), created by the 2008 Farm Bill, coordinates programs and outreach across USDA for several underserved groups of farmers and ranchers. The Office is working with several states and organizations to create programs to help veterans transition to farming, ranching, and other agricultural jobs. While no federal programs exist specifically for veteran farmers and ranchers, financial and resource management...