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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
My question is for Leah Christensen:
I was accepted into the CSP during the last months of my spouse’s life. I was pleased to see there were resources, information, and support finally available to me. After having been a caregiver for many years prior, I wondered why this program was not available to ALL caregivers? After all, joining a zoom call or having access to workshops and information on the basics of caregiving and self-care through the process didn’t seem like something that should be a secret to everyone. Does the VA have plans to allow ALL caregivers to participate? If not, why not? What does it really cost for another caregiver so “sit in” on a meeting?! Although I am grateful for the program, quite frankly I could have used the information at the start of the caregiving journey and am disappointed for my fellow caregivers that remain unsupported when they need it the most.
I was accepted into the CSP during the last months of my spouse’s life. I was pleased to see there were resources, information, and support finally available to me. After having been a caregiver for many years prior, I wondered why this program was not available to ALL caregivers? After all, joining a zoom call or having access to workshops and information on the basics of caregiving and self-care through the process didn’t seem like something that should be a secret to everyone. Does the VA have plans to allow ALL caregivers to participate? If not, why not? What does it really cost for another caregiver so “sit in” on a meeting?! Although I am grateful for the program, quite frankly I could have used the information at the start of the caregiving journey and am disappointed for my fellow caregivers that remain unsupported when they need it the most.
My question is to Leah Christensen.
I'm a Post 9-11 legacy participant in the caregiver program. I'm part of the 90% of legacy veterans whose eligibility will end in 2025. I'm a Combat wounded veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.
My question is, why did the VA caregiver program decide that those of us in the legacy program required a review to establish eligibility. I'm 100% P&T. 00 % for PTSD by itself. A Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as more than 25 surgeries on both legs and upper body. Can you explain how mental health was not included in the eligibility questionares.
I'm a Post 9-11 legacy participant in the caregiver program. I'm part of the 90% of legacy veterans whose eligibility will end in 2025. I'm a Combat wounded veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.
My question is, why did the VA caregiver program decide that those of us in the legacy program required a review to establish eligibility. I'm 100% P&T. 00 % for PTSD by itself. A Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as more than 25 surgeries on both legs and upper body. Can you explain how mental health was not included in the eligibility questionares.
Leah Christensen
SSG Cox, thank you for reaching out. Information on the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, including eligibility, can be found here: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp. Please note that on March 25, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a decision that set aside VA's definition of “need for supervision, protection, or instruction.” As a result of this decision, VA has made changes to the criteria used to evaluate eligibility for PCAFC when making determinations issued under PCAFC regulations that became effective on October 1, 2020. This is the only criteria that has changed. More information can be found by visiting: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Announcements.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 was a caregiver and participant in the CSP. When my spouse deceased, I was disappointed to learn that there were no viable grief support opportunities within the VA structure. I am curious as to what plans the VA has to implement worthwhile programs for “caregivers to survivors” that are commensurate with the level and duration necessary for healing.
J Mac
AB Bonnie Carroll - TAPS is one of the reasons why I have found some healing in this process. I feel the VA has a direct responsibility to do the same and should be leading the charge.
AB Bonnie Carroll
J Mac - Thank you for sharing. TAPS is so honored to walk with you on your grief journey. TAPS is here for you and survivors of all eras and all relationships at http://www.taps.org or [login to see] (TAPS).
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You!
TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one.
Katherine Cook
Leah Christensen - thanks Leah the VA center in California close to me. in Windsor is not on the list and the others are to far away. I appreciate your prompt reply.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Elaine Ketcham - Please let me offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your precious husband. Having been accepted into the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) before his passing, we hope you were able to access some of the clinical and support programs available through CSP, such as education and training, mental health counseling, respite care, and other services. In terms of grief support programs, the VA partners with organizations like TAPS, who recognize the differences present when someone has been a caregiver before they have transitioned to a survivor to guide the peer support services, programs and referrals we provide to you. Please visit our Caregiver to Survivor webpage for more information and support services, https://www.taps.org/caregiver.
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You!
TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one.
Greetings, My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the spouse and caregiver to a combat wounded Marine. I am also the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. We serve caregivers of all eras with peer support services and resources. We also serve Veterans that are caregivers. You are welcome to 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.
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,service members, their families and caregivers (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.
Vet Centers offer community based counseling services, community engagement, and referral services to eligible Veterans,service members, their families and caregivers (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.
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.
Why does this program keep trying to mess with veterans? 100% disabled PT on homebound status, and 2 days ago they call to make a in person appointment, they give us one of 2 days as an option before thanks giving, how do people screw up so much then put it on the veteran? stop saying you care if you don't its a joke
Leah Christensen
Sgt Steven P, thank you for your service. Please reach out to your facility CSP team to discuss options for scheduling your home visit. We strive to accommodate schedules to the extent possible and encourage you to connect with your team to find a time that will work. Thank you!
Hello All,
My name is Christopher Vidaurre, I am the Senior Program Manager at the George W. Bush Institute, and 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, caregivers, survivors and their families with high-quality care for mental and brain health services at no cost.
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
My name is Christopher Vidaurre, I am the Senior Program Manager at the George W. Bush Institute, and 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, caregivers, survivors and their families with high-quality care for mental and brain health services at no cost.
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
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.
Why is filing for travel pay for my disabled vet so hard? When the VA had the checkin kiosk, it was super easy to checkin and file for travel pay.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
Thanks for your question. Please feel free to check out the additional information here on how to file for travel pay reimbursement: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/
VA travel pay reimbursement | Veterans Affairs
VA travel pay reimbursement pays eligible Veterans and caregivers back for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments. Find out if you’re eligible and how to file a claim.
I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions. My questions are for Leah. My loved one has been in the caregivers program for over a decade and is 90% service connected. About 3 year ago he got cancer and his health continues to decline. At this time his mom is listed as his primary caregiver. When he went to change it to add me because he was grandfathered in they said he would lose his benefits. Unfortunately his mom has been unable to care for him for some time which then falls on myself. I am also a service connected disabled veteran. If she passes away soon, then he will lose his eligibility. Has there been consideration for scenarios such as this? Is there a waiver or process to change a caregiver without losing benefits? I do not feel comfortable sharing more details as to why he needs care in this space but due to the nature of disabilities has to have a caregiver. Are the requirements going to be updated?
Leah Christensen
Thank you for your service A1C Ronk. I'm so sorry to hear about the health challenges your family is facing. If a Veteran's approved Primary Family Caregiver dies, the Veteran is able to reapply with a new caregiver applicant. Please reach out to your local Facility CSP team (link below) regarding specifics of the application process and eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. 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.
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Information can be found at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/), and the Rosalynn Carter Institute (https://rosalynncarter.org/).
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.