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

Mr. Secretary: Will you consider creating a VA pilot program that reverses the burden of proof from the veteran (who must prove eligibility when (s)he files a disability claim with the VA), to the VA that would grant a disability rating from the VA until the VA disproves the eligibility of the veteran?

My appeal has been on this hamster wheel since 2013. What is the VA doing to clear the back log and ensuring that veterans get a timely review of their case? Also the C&P exams are currently designed to go against the veterans claim since they are not real exams. I have had 2 and all they do is ask a few questions and write an opinion that is clearly in favor of the veteran. What is VA doing about getting real C&P exams from serious doctors?

Thanks, Ryan Desselles

I'm a Viet Nam veteran and 75 yrs old. My sister is a retired RN and she insists that I get the quadrivalent flu shot rather than the flu shot offered by the VA. So I paid Walgren's 61.00 again this year.

Why does the VA not offer the high dose vaccine to those in the elderly age groups?

At one point the VA had 600,000 backlogs I myself tried to hurdle the tortuous process of denials and appeals Those with TBI , burns, etc cannot navigate such a complex system where rules change each region has their own rules files are lost and more Soldiers fall through the cracks cannot get care and sadly there are extremely high suicide rates. Each of us had a duty and accountability. Then too the Organization set up by the Government to help Veterans should be held to the highest standard . Saying “ We can’t handle the volume “ is unacceptable. I will never stop being a voice for those who cannot speak Maj Deb Stuart USAR ret Army Nurse Corp

I as a disabled Vet rated at 40%, and retired from the Air Force after 20 years. I have not been able to obtain my full retirement and disability. What are you doing regarding getting the Concurrent Receipt passed?

I have Parkinsonism. I have been rejected several times for a disability. A few months ago you announced that the VA now excepts Parkinsonism as a disability. We were told we had to do nothing and are claims would be reviewed and approved. When will this happen? Can we be told that our claims are under review?

I would like to put in a good word for the Clinic i go to in Idaho Twin Falls Clinic is down right awesome with the staff and what they do. The Main in Boise is good as well, but it think the clinic in Twin Falls is better staff wise and heath care but the Boise VA Center has a greater volume of people to deal with.

Secretary Denis McDonough, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contacting you directly. I would like to bring up a medical point. I an a Vietnam Era Veteran. I volunteered to go to Nam but was never sent. I spent my time on a WWII Aircraft Carrier that was converted to Anti Submarine Warfare. We need Dental help. There are plenty of Veterans who can't afford Dental on the outside, I know I can't. There are no plans that allow us get reasonably proper dental care. Veterans can access Delta and Met Life but some Dentist don't accept Delta. Is it possible if we not a disabled Veteran, non Congressional Honor Vet or if we weren't POW, could we pay a small premium for dental to cover cost and get all our dental needs with no deductibles or copays??????? I tried talking to my Congressman Veteran affairs guy, emailed veterans groups but didn't get anywhere or any replies from them. Could you help us?????????? Thank you for your time. I would more than happy to help if needed.

Mr. Secretary, greetings from Forney, TX.
I served honorably in the Air National Guard in the 1990s. I received 36 months of education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill.

In 1997 I received a commission in the U.S. Navy and honorably served 22 years. In 2018 the VA granted me only 12 months of education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The VA cited that since I used 36 months under the old M. GI Bill, the VA would only grant me the balance of the total 48 months of alleged entitlement. But this is a totally different authorization.

So Airman Timmy or Private Tammy only need to serve 3 years on active duty, go home, and receive a full 48 months of benefits (up to $26,000 or more, plus BAH and books stipend), while I served 22 years active (TOTAL 29 YEARS) and I only get 12 months of benefits, being penalized for 36 months of RESERVE benefits (pennies on the dollar, no BAH, no stipend), under a different authorization.

How so, Mr. Secretary?

I speak for all the veterans who are in the same or similar situation.

Thank you for taking my question.

Mr. Secretary, greetings from Forney, TX.
I served honorably in the Air National Guard in the 1990s. I received 36 months of education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill.
In 1997 I received a commission in the U.S. Navy and honorably served 22 years. In 2018 the VA granted me only 12 months of education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The VA cited that since I used 36 months under the old M. GI Bill, the VA would only grant me the balance of the total 48 months of alleged entitlement. But this is a totally different authorization.
So Airman Timmy or Private Tammy only need to serve 3 years on active duty, go home, and receive a full 48 months of benefits (up to $26,000 or more, plus BAH and books stipend), while I served 22 years active (TOTAL 29 YEARS) and I only get 12 months of benefits, being penalized for 36 months of RESERVE benefits (pennies on the dollar, no BAH, no stipend), under a different authorization.
How so, Mr. Secretary?
Thank you for taking my question.