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VeTALKX: Caregiver & Survivor Q&A with VA and Community Partners
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On November 16th the Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, Blue Star Families, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation were here to answer questions about caregiver support, survivor resources, benefits, memorial affairs, and mental wellness.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
American Red Cross
Blue Star Families
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Responses: 31
I am in the Caregiver support program, caring for my father who is 100% service connected. I am interested in the CHAMPS VA health care coverage extended to caregivers. My question is, when the Veteran passes away, does a caregiver continue to qualify for CHAMPS VA coverage, and do any of the costs or benefits change once the Veteran passes?z
Leah Christensen
Thank you for your service, Sgt Emmanuel. At this time, the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is not issuing identification cards for enrolled caregivers. I.D. cards are not required for participation in any of the clinical services and resources provided by CSP. There is a CSP team at every VA and we encourage you to reach out to your local team. Thank you! https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp
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.
My question is unique. I’m a caregiver and a veteran, service-connected. I care for my quadriplegic spouse. She is not a veteran. Are there resources for me? Thanks!
Melissa Comeau
Thank you for joining us today. The Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network offers programs and services to Veterans that are caregivers. We would love to support you. Please check us out 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.
Leah Christensen
SSGt Martin, thank you for your service and for providing care to your spouse. Our Caregiver Support Program teams are well-versed on the resources available at VA and in the community to support Veterans caring for non-Veterans. Please reach out to your local CSP team (link below) to learn more. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp
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.
I am a widow of a Vietnam Vetran who passed away in 2007 with 100 % disability through the VA. I have been trying to get my property taxes exempt since this started. I keep getting denied, yet I am told I have the paperwork that says I can get them exempt. Can someone please help.
Thank you, Linda B.
Thank you, Linda B.
Elaine Ketcham
Hi Linda, Once I obtained the proper form from my state, I completed it and sent it to the Veterans Administration Regional office for signature/authorization. When I received it back. I submitted it to my local tax assessor's office. It was not a total exemption, just partial. It might be different in other states.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your question, Linda. Please let me offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband. He proudly served his country and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is honored to have the opportunity to now serve you and your family. Please know that you can reach out to TAPS at any time with any questions or concerns, as well as simply talk via our toll-free number [login to see] ). Each state has specific eligibility criteria that differs for the state property tax exemptions and our Casework team would be honored to help you verify the eligibility criteria and navigate the application process. Please contact TAPS Casework by call [login to see] .
My husband passed away in 2020 soon after sending in a claim for additional disability along with Nexus letter and many documents. He was already rated at 60% disabled and receiving care at the VA hospital for the condition. I never received anything back from VA regarding that claim, so I guess it died when he did? Now, I have heard about the PACT act and there are several presumptive illnesses for Vietnam Veterans exposed to agent orange, from which he suffered as well, though they might or might not have increased his % rating had he lived. I do receive DIC benefits. Is there any reason for me to file a claim with required medical records regarding these newer presumptive illness’? If it increased his rating, he passed away well before the PACT Act so I don’t know. Someday the final claim he submitted for a serious lung condition could become a presumptive condition, but because the VA never responded,I guess that won’t change anything. Thank you for considering my questions.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Elaine, please let me share my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband. He proudly served his country and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is honored to have the opportunity to now serve you and your family. Please know that you can reach out to TAPS at any time with any questions or concerns, as well as simply talk via our toll-free number. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. If you or your family could use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800.959.TAPS (8277).
i'm a vietnam veteran and unable to walk. i'm in a wheel chair and am having trouble living a normal life. i need help with everyday chores, like taking a shower, cooking my food, getting dressed and undress. i've been trying to get my best friend and roommate to get approved. the caregiver program keep turning me down. i have bad health issues, arthritis, kidney issues, pain in lower back and right hip. i'm hoping you can help me. thank you
Leah Christensen
SSG Belschner, again, thank you for your service and for your interest in our resources. Please reach out to your local CSP team (link below) to inquire about enrolling in PGCSS or PCAFC. Additionally, they can provide you with resources on how your review and appeal options regarding any program denials. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp
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.
is there a link to participate on Thursday's event? Can't seem to sign up for RallyPoint because I'm the widow of a veteran and there is no option for this status to join RallyPoint. Please advise
Diana Inglis
thanks for the assistance on joining. Will I receive a link to participate in Thursday's event?
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
Diana Inglis - Hi Diana- Your in the right spot! If you have a question, please feel free to post here and our SME's will be on tomorrow to answer. :)
My husband was a Veteran and he was to ill to file a claim on the esophageal cancer.I get told I can't file a claim because he would have had to file while he was alive.We found out he had cancer 4 days after his 57th birthday and he passed a little over a month in May 2019 after finding out.They said I could have filed the claim but I had to care for my husband.VA had a home health aide come but she sat outside the whole time she was here.I sure in the hell didn't know I could have filed the claim as I wasn't even thinking about that.My focus was trying to tend to my husbands medical needs that was my priority.Why won't they allow us to file certain claims I don't think it is right.He died from the cancer from going to Iraq no doubt.He was exposed to depleted uranium,sand storms and burn pits.Then on top of that they never told my husband he had tested for TBI.He had shrapnel all over his skull.I am so angry because he was cheated by the VA.His rating could have been up to 100% but it was only at 70%.It's wrong VA screws over the Veterans and widowed spouses.I get DIC which is the same as all the others except the higher ups their wives get more.That is another thing why not make that fair as our Veterans died from service connected illnesses.What makes their wives better than the rest of us?
Yvonne Bryan
I know about the DIC part.It is just the fact that they said I couldn't file a claim on my husband's cancer because he should have done that when he was alive which he was to ill to focus on anything.I was caring for him so I wasn't thinking about that either.My husband was screwed over big time.The VA made sure of it.I have an ongoing appeal right now that he was denied.I was told if they go in my favor I can get his rating moved up which would give me higher back pay.I could have been working for the VA I know so much since he passed.I just find it amazing how they think a man dying from cancer should have filed a claim like he was wheelchair bound and I was having to rush him to the hospital constantly once he was diagnosed with the cancer.He had breathing issues and they cancer was already at stage 4.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Yvonne, please let me my share sincere condolences for the loss of your husband. He proudly served his country and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is honored to have the opportunity to now serve you and your family. Please know that you can reach out to TAPS at any time with any questions or concerns, as well as simply talk via our toll-free number. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. If you or your family could use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800.959.TAPS (8277).
On the initial occasion, my request to serve as a caregiver for my father, a distinguished Air Force veteran, was met with refusal. May I submit another application in the event that his health starts to decline?
Leah Christensen
Thank you so much for caring for your father and please thank him for his service to our country. You are welcome to reapply to PCAFC at any point, especially if there is a change in his condition. You also have the right to appeal the decision. Please reach out to your local CSP team (link below) to inquire about reapplying to PCAFC or about your rights to appeal the decision. You may be eligible to participate in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services, and we invite you to learn more about the variety of supports available, including 1:1 coaching, skills training, support groups and peer support mentoring. There is a CSP team at every VA who can provide you with more information, including your review and appeal options regarding any program denials. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp
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.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
SFC Susan Zenda Your in the right spot. Please just drop your question here and we will have our SME's onboard to answer.
SFC Susan Zenda
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell I have a combination of conerns I feel no need to be public. How can this be overcome this ? My Hipa known by many does not need to be public.
SFC Susan Zenda
SFC Susan Zenda likely stemming from a long leniar line of completed grief at an early age. In solitude currently with a virus I'am just now resinating with this.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
SFC Susan Zenda - Please send a connect request and I will get you in touch with the right folks to address any concerns.
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