2021 Veterans Day Q&A with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough

The impact of the opioid crisis on the public and our nation's Veterans, in particularly, is of deep concern to us in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We must balance maintaining access to opioid medication when clinically indicated while minimizing risks. More than half a million people have died from an opioid overdose in the United States since 1999, with another increase by 30% just in the last year (2020). Millions have become addicted to opioids, and Veterans are at high risk. VA has a multitude of initiatives to reduce the potential harms and risks related to opioids including the Opioid Safety Initiative. It establishes a multidisciplinary approach in coordination with Veterans to safely and effectively treat their pain while minimizing the use of opioids. VA provides Veteran-centric, holistic care for pain management while promoting overall well-being and we emphasize an individualized approach that prioritizes Veteran safety. Additionally, the VA has developed patient and provider education tools that promote evidence-based, best practices so that patients and providers may better understand the risks and potential benefits of various pain care modalities. We want to make sure that you are receiving care that is effective for you so please let your provider know about any issues with your current pain management plan.

In general, entitlement to service connected disability compensation is warranted when evidence shows a diagnosis of a chronic disability, an in-service event and a link between the two. If an in-service event is not clearly documented in the service member's medical records, other evidence may be considered, such as written statements, military personnel pages, potential impact of the military occupational specialty or combat experiences. Each claim is reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. Delay, Deny, until they Die. Sorry for what you're going through, brother

We are sorry to hear you have not received the care you need due to cancelled referral appointments without any explanation for those cancellations. That is unacceptable, poor service and does not meet the high standards of this organization. We want to make it easy for you and all Veterans to get the care you need in a timely manner and we're working to make that happen. There are emergencies that occur from time to time at medical centers and clinics but when that happens, someone from the care team should update you as soon as possible to let you know how that circumstance may affect your appointment. We will work with the facility director where you get your care to determine what has held up the process for your referral appointments and get it resolved. We appreciate you letting us know about this because it indicates a situation where we haven't done a good job communicating with you.

Thank you for your feedback. VA shared these comments with leaders at the Omaha VA Medical Center. Community Care is available to Veterans based on a variety of factors, including distance from VA providers, wait times for VA services, and the best medical interest of the Veteran. We would be happy to address your specific concerns if identifying information is provided.

Thank you for your feedback. VA has shared these comments with local leaders in the Alaska VA Healthcare System. We would be happy to address specific concerns and work to resolve any additional problems if identifying information could be provided.

Unfortunately, we are unable to answer questions specific to your individual claim in this forum due to privacy issues. Please contact our national call center for claim specific assistance at [login to see] for the status of your claim and so we may provide individual assistance.

Dependents you may add to your VA disability compensation include biological children, step children and adopted children who are unmarried and either under the age of 18, between the ages of 18-23 and attending school full-time, or who were seriously disabled before the age of 18. It was recently established by the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 that service members can now transfer all or part of their Post 9/11 GI Bill Entitlement to their ward or foster child.

https://benefits.va.gov/compensation/add-dependents.asp

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/87864/va-expands-gi-bill-benefits-dependents/

Data provided by Philips Respironics indicates that risk of harm from recalled devices is quite low, but the VA is still replacing recalled PAP devices in accordance with FDA guidance. A replacement priority ("Tier") system was developed by Sleep clinicians and VA Ethics that prioritizes patients based on their diagnoses and likelihood of exposure to harmful effects from the devices. This Tier system is needed because there are currently not enough replacements available for all impacted patients throughout the U.S. and the World.  We are currently providing replacements for patients in Tier 1, per the clinicians' criteria. If a Veteran has any concerns, they should contact their Sleep Clinic for additional information and assistance.  This Tiering system has successfully maintained a supply for veterans most impacted by the recall.

At this time, there is no streamlined process in place for a Veteran to obtain their claims file. Veterans or Service members can obtain a copy of their claims file by submitting a Privacy Act request to VA. An electronic request may be emailed to [login to see] , utilizing VA Form 20-10206.

All enrolled Veterans regardless of their period of services are provided a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. Gulf War Veterans are eligible for enrollment in priority group 6 and assessed copayments unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group based on other eligibility factors. Post 9/11 Combat Veterans are also enrolled in priority group 6 during the 5-year period of enhanced eligibility following the latest separation or release from military service date. After the 5-year period ends, Combat Veterans remain continuously enrolled and based on their eligibility and/or income on file are moved to the appropriate Priority Group, unless eligible for a higher Priority Group based on additional eligibility factors. Gulf War and Combat Veterans receive cost-free care, medications, and extended care for any illness or injury related to their combat service.