Posted on Nov 11, 2021
2021 Veterans Day Q&A with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough
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Over the past few weeks, the VA worked to answer more than 400 questions below on: Inflation, Burn Pits, Mental Health Services, Disability Claims, Medical Marijuana, Caregivers and Survivors, Community Care, Billing, Post-9/11 GI Bill, LGBTQ+, Electronic Healthcare Record, COVID-19, Dental, and Homeless Veterans.
On Veterans Day, Secretary McDonough directly responded to 9 RallyPoint member questions below. These responses are pinned below in green boxes.
On Veterans Day, Secretary McDonough directly responded to 9 RallyPoint member questions below. These responses are pinned below in green boxes.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Health
Mental Health
Disability
GI Bill
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 404
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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.
What is the next step that the VA going to do about COVID? It was reported that Gen Colin Powell passed away today from COVID related complications, even though he was fully vaccinated. This has proven to be a vastly horrible thing that nobody is immune from. And even though the medical community has made significant advances, much more still needs to be done.
CPO Arthur Weinberger
The retired General also had blood cancer. Thus, has immune system was compromised
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA will continue to offer FDA-authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccines for Veterans and to offer FDA-authorized treatments when medically indicated for Veterans with COVID-19. Even though vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection, getting vaccinated is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent infection by Delta and other variants. COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. See CDC's web site for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/why-measure-effectiveness/breakthrough-cases.html.
Mr Secretary thank you for your continued service and dedication. With the rising inflation and increased prices from food to housing will veterans see a significant c.o.l.a. increase in the coming year?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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.
when can i get an id card that says im eligible to receive medical care in the private sector, instead of going thru a million hoops everytime i see my cancer doctor.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
You can get a VA ID Card here https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/ but it's not used to receive medical treatment at all facilities and depends on the facility you are trying to use.
How to apply for a Veteran ID Card | Veterans Affairs
A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card—and how to apply.
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