How do I change my address with the VA if I'm OCONUS?

2019-02-13T01:54:13-05:00

I live int the Philippines. My U.S. address is registered with the VA, so they can mail my prescriptions to my U.S. address and then they are forwarded to me in the Philippines.

I recently filed a claim, from the Philippines, for pension benefits. I received an email suggesting I update my address. They provided no instructions on how to update my address. If I change it at MyHealth.net, I will no longer receive my prescriptions. Ebenefits won't let me change my address without a premium subscription and they will not give me, or confirm by email, a premium subscription, because they are not allowed to email outside the U.S. It's a catch 22. Per the American Legion there is also no way I can check on the status of my claim.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Feb 13 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-02-13T21:54:06-05:00

Get on the phone and call their help desk. Be prepared to spend an entire day trying to get through to talk to the right person.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 14 at 2019 9:38 AM

2019-02-14T09:38:29-05:00

I feel like this should be something you can easily do through the VA.gov site or https://www.myhealth.va.gov/. If not you may have to call.

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Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 14 at 2019 2:23 PM

2019-02-14T14:23:01-05:00

cc: SSgt Jim Gilmore. He might know.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2019 4:15 PM

2019-02-14T16:15:14-05:00

There is a VA Regional Office in Manilla.
1501 Roxas Blvd, Pasay, 1302 Metro Manila, Philippines
Metro Manila Trunk Line: [login to see]
Outside Metro Manila toll-free number: 1-800-1-888-5252
Fax Number: [login to see]

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Feb 14 at 2019 10:20 PM

2019-02-14T22:20:32-05:00

Please allow me to weigh in on this issue. There are a number of variables coming into play and will try to take all the issues and explain as best as I can. For some specifics, please feel free to PM me.

1. Even if your meds are being sent to an APO/FPO address, do not be shocked if they get sent back. In spite of the fact that APO/FPO addresses are valid USPS addresses, the VA can use and DOES use an obscure DEA rule that prohibits the mailing of medications outside the US.

2. You do not mention where in the Philippines you are located. I would recommend you make time to go to the VARO (VA Regional Office) and register there. A Premium Subscription with eBenefits is easy to get and should be free of charge to obtain but a change of address will not necessarily change it for all the different databases.

3. You need a premium account to check your claim status. Claim and appeals information has been moved to VA.gov but your logon should still work. You can see the status and projected completion date.

4. The VA in Philippines is not the same as the US as you know it. Effective 1 October 2017 the Philippines came under the umbrella of the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP). Simply stated, the VA will only pay for service connected issues. Anything else is on you. On point here, I am 100% DAV. If I fall and break my hip, I have to pay for it. So if it isn't a rated service connected matter, you will pay for it.

5. As mentioned by 1SG Anonymous, those are the phone and address for the VARO. I need to advise you that the VARO is located in the US Embassy Seaside Compound...not the Main Embassy Compound. Take an Uber and be sure you are on the bay side of the building. You should call ahead as access is restricted and tight security measures are in force.

I hope this helps and again, feel free to PM me if you need to discuss specifics.