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Command Post What is this?
Posted on Nov 11, 2021
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Responses: 404
SSgt Matthew Lee
What is being done or what can the VA do to help homeless veterans? The numbers seem to be continuing to rise and a large number of them are disabled veterans that need care, medications and treatment.
Lt Col Bill Martin
Lt Col Bill Martin
3 y
No softball questions here: Mr secretary - thanks for ALL you do for us vets! Do you think MORE could be done - especially for our Homeless Veterans? It APPEARS that the illegal border crossers are getting more 'benefits' than our own Veterans. Housing help. Food help. Child care help. Education help. Medical help. Do you feel like the VA could be using some of those funds for OUR OWN veterans?
LCDR William Higgins [LION1000+]
LCDR William Higgins [LION1000+]
3 y
I echo the comment above. We have an effort here in Maine to house 100 veterans in 100 days (in the 100 days before Veteran's Day). Can each Continuum of Care in the country receive a similar expansion in HUD-VASH and SSVF programs?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
Significant progress has been made to prevent and end Veteran homelessness. The number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States has declined by nearly half since 2010. Additionally, since that time, 914,061 Veterans and their family members have been permanently housed, rapidly rehoused, or prevented from falling into homelessness through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) targeted housing vouchers and VA's homelessness programs. As of November 5, 2021, 85 communities — which includes three states — have effectively ended Veteran homelessness, based on criteria established by VA, HUD, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). To see a full and current list of communities that have achieved an effective end to Veteran homelessness based on these guidelines, go to http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/endingVetshomelessness.asp.

However, we recognize that there is still more work to be done. A 2020 Government Accountability Office report found that, since 2016, progress towards ending Veteran homelessness has stalled. The HUD Point-in-Time (PIT) Count estimates that on a single night in January 2020, 37,252 Veterans were experiencing homelessness. Not only that, but between 2019 and 2020, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness increased slightly, by less than one percent (167 more people). This increase was entirely among Veterans staying in unsheltered places (859 more Veterans). We at VA find this pattern concerning. Simply put, to Veteran who has served this country - let alone more than 37,000 on a given night - should experience homelessness.

VA and our partners at HUD are aligning efforts and mobilizing the strength of our two departments to do everything in our power to ensure every Veteran can access safe and stable housing.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
Cpl Vic Burk
Edited 3 y ago
Mr. Secretary, I have no complaints about my local V. A. Hospital other than they can be slow with appointments however, many Veterans complain about sub-standard care at many facilities. What and when is the government going to fix this issue? It may in some cases be the difference between life and death. This is even more true with veterans needing mental health services. A Veteran contemplating suicide can't wait two months for a mental health counselors calendar to open up. A phone call to a suicide hotline is nothing compared to an in person visit. (In my opinion)

Sgt (Join to see) SGT Randal Groover SGT (Join to see) SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SGT Charlie Lee Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr CPL Douglas Chrysler SPC Michael Terrell SPC Nancy Greene GySgt Thomas Vick GySgt Gary Cordeiro GySgt Jack Wallace PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Mark Huddleston MGySgt (Join to see) SGT Mary G. SPC Woody Bullard SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt Marian Mitchell SPC Margaret Higgins
Cpl Vic Burk
Cpl Vic Burk
3 y
SP5 Ishmael Shelton - I hate the hear that Brother but I can guarantee you your case is not unique. My oldest brother attempted a suicide by shooting himself in the head but he lived thirteen years basically brain dead. In his case he refused to accept that he had PTSD and needed help although we all knew he did.
CPT Aaron Kletzing
CPT Aaron Kletzing
3 y
SP5 Ishmael Shelton I’m sorry for your loss
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
VA takes timeliness and quality of care very seriously. Independent governmental and non-governmental agencies and research consistently have shown the quality of VHA mental health services is the same as, or better than community programs. But we do not rest on this assurance. VHA maintains both local and national processes for the oversight the mental health quality.

Of 1.2 million Veterans who received VHA mental health services and completed a survey following their appointment, 87% reported they received their appointment on a time and date that worked for them.
Through FY 2021 Q3 Veteran satisfaction data reveal a high level of satisfaction with VA mental health care. The vast majority of responding Veterans reported that they are treated with respect and kindness by VHA mental health staff (95%) and that mental health treatment has been helpful in their life (90%). We share this information broadly and work to continue to improve performance where needed.
The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act (Congressional Public Law [PL] 114-2), required an annual, independent evaluation of mental health programs and suicide prevention services carried out by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) beginning in December 2018. The key findings from the most recent report include:
VA mental health and suicide prevention programs are effective at reducing symptoms in the first three months of outpatient treatment, and in the 3-4 months after discharge from a bed program.
VA mental health programs consistently reduce suicidal ideation and attempts in the first three months of treatment.
Veterans who engage in VA mental health services are very satisfied with their care.
Although women entering mental health care are frequently more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation, programs appear equally effective for men and for women at reducing that ideation.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
SSG Ken Steinhoff
Edited 3 y ago
Will the VA be taking into consideration the high inflation rate this year to give us a bigger cost of living adjustment? Rent alone jump up from $900 to $1,300 That was al most up by 50%. So please tell me getting a bigger adjustment this year.

Just heard on the News that President Biden want to give $450,000 to each parents that had their kid separated from them at the border.

So I guess we will get Screwed again

You do know if I take a 4 year old and have them walk from NY to LA they will take my kids from me, for I am an unfit parent.

But Lets give them that are Invading our country $450,000 for the fun of it
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
The VA’s annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is authorized by Congress and is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Based on the increase in the CPI announced on October 13, 2021, VA beneficiaries will receive a 5.9 percent COLA increase. This is the largest increase in benefits payments since 1982 when the COLA was 8.7 percent.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
SPC Will Benson
Why does the VA make it so difficult to re-file a disability claim after being denied? It seems like it is a lost cause to file for a claim I’ve previously been denied for.
PO2 Scott Polsgrove
PO2 Scott Polsgrove
3 y
If you have a DAV chapter in your area contact them. Mine was denied because I was homeless and unable to receive correspondence. They helped me to get the Seattle office to expedite my claim and it was approved in less than 6 months. DAV and other service org. are there for this reason.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
As of March 24, 2015, VA requires the use of standardized forms when filing a claim. These forms allow claimants to clearly identify their request. Claimants who were previously denied and want subsequent reviews of their claims, can request a Higher -Level Review (HLR), Supplemental Claim decision, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Claimants can submit any of these requests by mail or in person at a regional office. Helpful resources, including a comparison chart, are available on our website, and Veterans Service Organizations, who are trained professionals, are also available to assist with determining the type of request to file. Individuals can contact VA toll-free at [login to see] regarding any questions or assistance. Claimants can also visit VA’s website at http://www.va.gov for more information.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
SSgt Dennis Britt
What are the obstacles to allowing Dental Services to Veterans rated 50%+ ? In Light of the current legislative pressure to add Dental to Medicare Benefits, VA Eligibility for Dental seems to be equally valid and a simple Policy Change Directive.
PO1 Johnny Brown
PO1 Johnny Brown
3 y
Roger That SSgt!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
VA would like all Veterans to have access to good oral health care; however, VA is limited to providing dental benefits to those Veterans who meet specific eligibility criteria as defined by statute. In order to provide dental care to a larger group of Veterans, statutes defining eligibility would need to change. VA does not have the authority to write policy that is not in accordance with statute. VA continues to explore options presented by members of the house, senate, Veteran Service Organizations, and stakeholders in the community, to expand eligibility and access to dental care for Veterans.  Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and who are not eligible for VA Dental Care can enroll in the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program to purchase discounted dental insurance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
SSgt Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Crewmember
Hello, will Veterans ever be able to obtain medical Marijuana cards for pain (issued by the VA). I will not be using this, but I know many vets that can benefit from this, in dealing with pain/ptsd, instead of just pills.
Amn Kevin Engle
Amn Kevin Engle
3 y
Agreed. I would rather take medical marijuana than the 3 different psych meds I am on, as well as the different medications I am on for pain and sleep.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
As an agency of the U.S. Government, VA is governed by federal laws, not state laws. VA and all VA staff, including contractors, as well as outside providers acting on VA's behalf, may only prescribe medications that have been approved by the FDA for medical use. At present, marijuana and most products containing delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other cannabinoids are not approved by the FDA for this purpose. For these reasons, VA providers may not prescribe or recommend medical marijuana, nor complete paperwork/forms required for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs. In addition, VA pharmacies may not fill prescriptions for these drugs, nor will VA pay for such prescriptions from any source. Federal law would have to be changed, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have to approve medical marijuana before VA providers would be able to prescribe or recommend medical marijuana or complete paperwork/forms for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
PV2 Cara High
When will the VA end the "in person" requirement for Veterans who are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to get their full housing stipend? It is antiquated and out of date in todays educational systems.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
A monthly housing allowance is paid to GI Bill beneficiaries attending school. Unfortunately it cannot be paid based on online only enrollment but it can now be paid based on the location most advantageous to the Veteran. If a student attends classes at more than one location, they are paid the rate that is most advantageous.

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
PO2 Steven Lundgrin
Mr. Secretary, will the VA require veterans get the COVID-19 vaccine (and any boosters) as a condition of receiving health care treatment from the VA? Thank you.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
VA does not plan to require that Veterans get vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of receiving health care services from VA.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
PO2 Stephen Esker
Why is that not a standard, universal data system between locations? And why is there no way to evaluate PC doctors.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
We are moving to a more integrated and seamless system. We know how frustrating it can be for our customers, but also our employees.
We do have a seamless Veteran data system in place. This means you can go on VA.gov right now and update your contact information, and everyone in VA will have that update.
We also have an effort underway to implement a new electronic health record system, which will connect all health care data and improve our patient’s ability to interact with their health care providers.
The new system will also connect with the Department of Defense.
We started the implementation in Spokane, WA – and we’ve learned a lot. But we’ve also made mistakes.
No other health care organization in the world is attempting something of this scale and complexity.
We are committed to getting this absolutely right for America’s Veterans.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
CPT David Gowel
Mr. Secretary - Thank you for taking the time to answer RallyPoint Veterans' questions. I am an OIF veteran and worry that military-connected caregivers and their children struggle to care for and live with some of our most catastrophically wounded veterans. Can you share how you expect the VA to both identify these struggling caregivers and children and expand programming to support their needs?
Tammy Johnson
Tammy Johnson
3 y
They are actually cutting back on caregivers-my story is to long to tell it is in questions posted to the secretary but might not be posted as it isn’t positive to particular VA prescriber-no name mentioned but…
Anyway, they are cutting caregiver program drastically. All level one. Some level two. Only recently included Vietnam vets-my brother in law died the month after my sister/his wife, got into the program and he’d been debilitated for over a decade. Agent orange related. Brain deteriation. Sad.
CPL Infantryman
CPL (Join to see)
3 y
Tammy Johnson - I am with you!!!! The VA would NOT upgrade my care tier from two to one when I have loss of use due to Agent Orange poisoning!!!!! You are QUITE correct when you say that this site will ONLY publish positive input even if they are falsehoods!!!!!
SPC Rodney Simmons
SPC Rodney Simmons
3 y
SP/4 Rodney T. Simmons Mr. Secretary. I am a combat wounded veteran of the Vietnam Era with loss of use of right hand and arm and both feet and legs. My sentiments are similar, however, I feel that I need to go before a Board of Veterans Law Judge to appeal the decision made on me reference the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The first time I applied, I was denied because I did not serve during 9-11. The second time it was stated that I did not show any evidence. Can you help me with case?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3 y
The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) recognizes that military-connected caregivers and their children can struggle when they lose the structure of military life. It is important that we reach these individuals to provide support as quickly as possible. The CSP engages with strategic partners, community organizations, DoD, VA departments and many other organizations to spread awareness of our services and the impact they can have on Veteran's caregivers and families. Care can look different from Veteran to Veteran, but no matter what kind of care is provided, it is important, and caregivers deserve our support. Thus, it is critical that we identify all caregivers caring for our nation's Veterans.

CSP's Program of General Caregiver Support Program (PGCSS) provides services to caregivers of Veterans of all eras enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. PGCSS offers a wide array of services to family and friends who care for Veterans, including peer support mentoring, skills training, coaching, telephone support and online programs, and connections with VA and community benefits and services. VA continues to enhance PGCSS. This includes having dedicated staffing at every facility to implement standard programming at every VA medical center. These clinical staff are available to meet individually with caregivers, identifying each caregiver's own unique needs so that together, they can develop a plan of care specific to those needs.

Additionally, VA has developed a system to automatically identify the name of the caregiver of a Veteran who is actively participating in PCAFC and PGCSS within the Veteran's electronic health record. This will allow for improved communication and coordination of care for the Veteran, recognition of the caregiver as an essential member of the Veteran's care team and increased support services for the family caregiver.

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