Veterans Affairs Thread

[Jay]

Greetings,

I currently work at a VA Hospital in Health Information. If any of you have a VA-related issue, or questions, I'll do my best to answer them or get the answer, or give you contact info to get that information. I am not, nor do I purport to be an official source of any sort, but being affiliated with the VA, I may be able to help in some cases. I'll post what I consider to be relevant info now and then, but I will do what I can to accurately answer questions/concerns.

The new 2009 VA Benefits Book is available at any VA. They're free, just ask for one..........

Semper Fi

I moved this info over from the other info thread......

Here's a rather long list of VA and Gov't sources for specific Veteran-related information. ALL of these sites/links are in the public domain. Some of these links may be outdated, I have checked some, but not all of them.

Semper Fi




Appeals: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/...part1/ch05.doc
Board of Veteran's Appeals: Gateway to VA Appeals
CARES Commission: Gateway to VA Appeals
CARES Draft National Plan: http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans: Center for Minority Veterans Home
Center for Veterans Enterprise: http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans: Center for Women Veterans Home
Clarification on the chang es in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans: http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc.: http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/...part6/ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03: Compensation Rate Table - Effective 12/1/08 (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations: Veterans Service Organizations - View by Chartered Organizations
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp: Index of Disability Examination Worksheets (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Due Process: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/...part1/ch02.doc
Duty to Assist: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/...part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: GPO Home Page
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents: Hazardous Exposures - Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards
Environmental Agents M10: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...asp?pub_ID=315
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU): http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHa...1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1158
See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet: http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/Depl...umFAQSheet.doc
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GUL F WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU): http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHA...W130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...asp?pub_ID=206
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, Redirect
Forms and Records Request: VA Forms
General Compensation Provisions: http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38 /partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care: Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care Home
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG: http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health: Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses - Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards
Gulf War Subject Index: Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses - Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards and http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?...=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q&As: Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses - Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards /GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admi - http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/...part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans: Homeless Veterans Home
HSR&D Home: VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D)
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams: Index of Disability Examination Worksheets (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Ionizing Radiation: Radiation - Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA: http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M10 for spouses and children: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1007 - http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents: VBA M21-1 (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38C...RT4/S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelines: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1094
Ment al Illness Research , Education and Clinical Centers: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence: http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet: My HealtheVet - The Gateway to Veteran Health and Wellness
NASDVA.COM National Association of State Directors: National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA)
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38c.../s4%5F124a.doc - http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/boo kc/part4/s4_124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector): Office of the Medical Inspector (OMI)
Online VA Form 10-10EZ: https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders: http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/so...parkinsons.pdf and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...ame=browse_usc - http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...c&docid=Cite:+ 38USC1131&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death: http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/tit...chapteri_.html and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/tit...hapterii_.html and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/tit...apteriii_.html

Persian Gulf Registry: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_...Appendices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress: http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_w...lfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...sp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index: http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/...part1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD): Project 112/Project SHAD - Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards
Prosthetics Eligib ility: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/V...asp?pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page: Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home
Public Health/SARS: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/p...ions.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports: http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_i...e=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage: New Page 1
Records Center and Vault Site Map: New Page 1
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS: http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/...=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002: http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Min...pril112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses: http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Rep...tions_2004.pdf
Research and Development: http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/progr...l_programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance: http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/tit...hapter35_.html



Title 38
Index
Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...38cfrv1_02.tpl



Part 18
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: l=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl>
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...38cfrv2_02.tpl



Title 38
Part 3 Adjudication
Subpart A, Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation:



http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...f8f8801bc9b3dc
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...r3_main_02.tpl



Title 38
Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief
(also 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here):



http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-



Title 38
PART 4 - SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart B - DISABILITY RATINGS
target=_blank>
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...a2067dbbcf95c0
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text....5.2&idno=38&a mp;rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38



Title 38
4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual.
PART 4, SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart A, General Policy in Rating
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...f8f8801bc9b3dc
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text....96.11&idno=38



U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: This site has moved...
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet: http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility: http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF): http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook, Chapter 3: http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGl iSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans: VA Loan Limits and VA Jumbo Loans
VA MS Research: http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program: Clinical Public Health Programs: Hepatitis C (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
VA Office of Research and Development: Our Domain Name Has Changed
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War: Gulf War Health Issues Readings - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA WMD EMSHG: Emergency Management Strategic Health Care Group Home
VA WRIISC-DC: The War-Related Illness and Injury Center in Washington, DC (US Department of Veterans Affairs)
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address: http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.ht m
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service: http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page: Redirect to Benefits Home Page
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information: http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives: http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page: Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans**(tm) Health: http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gul...tudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service Home Page
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Online Application System (VONAPP)
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C: VBA 38 CFR Book C (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Wartime Di sability Compensation: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...ame=browse_usc - http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110 > &docid=Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey: VA New Jersey War Related Illness and Injury Study Center - War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC)
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site: GI Bill Home - (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
What VA Social Workers Do: http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility: http://www.illegion.org/va1.html


HEPATITIS C

If you have questions or concerns about Hepatitis C, this link may provide some info......

http://www.hcvets.com/


VIET NAM DATA

This link is from Georgia Tech and is a huge source of information on the Viet Nam War.

Vietnam War Resources


VETERAN'S BENEFIT INFORMATION

The Vetrans Benefit book is also available online, at this link...

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors - Public and Intergovernmental Affairs


SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Special Earnings From Active Duty Service From Social Security....

Special Extra Earnings for Military Service


VA CONTACT INFORMATION

Toll Free Numbers for Contacting VA


VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000

• Burial
• Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
• Death Pension
• Dependency Indemnity Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Directions to VA Benefits Regional Offices
• Disability Compensation
• Disability Pension
• Education
• Home Loan Guaranty
• Life Insurance
• Medical Care
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

Beneficiaries in receipt of Pension Benefits: 1-877-294-6380
Education (GI Bill): 1-888-442-4551
Health Care Benefits: 1-877-222-8387
Income Verification and Means Testing: 1-800-929-8387
Life Insurance: 1-800-669-8477
Mammography Helpline: 1-888-492-7844
Special Issues - Gulf War/Agent Orange/Project Shad/Mustard Agents and Lewisite/Ionizing Radiation: 1-800-749-8387
Status of Headstones and Markers: 1-800-697-6947
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-829-4833
For health care services, contact your nearest VA medical facility. To locate all VA facilities, click on Find a VA Facility.

Source... https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/cci/phonenbrs.php



VHA Forms, Publications and Records Management

If you're looking for specific VA form or publication, you can probably download it here
http://vaww1.va.gov/vhapublications/

 

[Cwood]

Greetings,

I currently work at a VA Hospital in Health Information. If any of you have a VA-related issue, or questions, I'll do my best to answer them or get the answer, or give you contact info to get that information. I am not, nor do I purport to be an official source of any sort, but being affiliated with the VA, I may be able to help in some cases. I'll post what I consider to be relevant info now and then, but I will do what I can to accurately answer questions/concerns.

The new 2009 VA Benefits Book is available at any VA. They're free, just ask for one..........

Semper Fi

Can I get a new ID card without having to go to the VA? Mine is old and the plastic coating id falling off.

 

[MoparMan]

Can I get a new ID card without having to go to the VA? Mine is old and the plastic coating id falling off.

If you live by Camp Atterbury they can do it. Stout Field may still do them also Ft. Benjamin Harrison.

 

[Jay]

Can I get a new ID card without having to go to the VA? Mine is old and the plastic coating id falling off.

No sir. With the computer theft issues in the past couple of years, VA security is at an all time high. It's really not a time-consuming process, but your person must be there. and you may be asked to prove who you are. If your old card does not have it, your new card will have your pic on it. The process should take only about 15 minutes, and no appt is required.

 

[MACHINEGUN]

If any of you have issues with the VA.. go through a VSO (Veterans Service Organization) instead of dealing with the VA directly.

Any of the VSO organizations will gladly help you.

 

[MACHINEGUN]

Also wanted to add...

Any veteran who is entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability for which he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive an annual clothing allowance. To apply, contact a VA regional office.

VA Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

 

[Jay]

machinegun, thanks for the info.... for those interested, the relevant part of the prosthetic clothing allowance is in Chapter 2 of the Benefits Book, about 2/3 the way down the page (online), or page 27 in the actual book

 

[tenring]

What is the best place to get the new mandated ID cards that don't have the Social Security number on them? Indy?

 

[Jay]

What is the best place to get the new mandated ID cards that don't have the Social Security number on them? Indy?

Yes sir, that would be closest to you. You should NOT need an appt, but I'd call first just to be safe.

(317) 988-4498

Outside area code (317): 888-342-7602

Just tell them you need to have your VA ID replaced.

Semper Fi......

 

[mdroz3]

I am currently at 70% service connected. I have an appeal in process to see if i can get to 100%.
My question is, What benefits would my family be entitled to at that point? I have heard different things from different people.

 

[Jay]

I am currently at 70% service connected. I have an appeal in process to see if i can get to 100%.
My question is, What benefits would my family be entitled to at that point? I have heard different things from different people.

There are varying benefits depending on number of dependents, and ages of those dependents. Here's a link to the benefit structure, but keep in mind that while these figures are very close, benefits may vary in either direction.

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors - Public and Intergovernmental Affairs


ONLY the review board can accurately determine your disability.

 

[Jay]

hmmmmm, well, it seems as if my perceived need for this info location may have been overestimated. If it would benefit the site to let this drift where it may, instead of being a fixture, than that's what should happen. Many thanks for setting the space up. It wasn't done in a few minutes, and I appreciate the effort.

 

[tenring]

Well, we may or may not have enough swine flu serum to go around, time will tell, but they have not stated exactly who will be first in line once they get it out in the system. As the big world wide killer that started in 1915 was seemingly festered on military bases, then spread throughout the world due to the war, would I be correct in thinking that the military would be somewhere at the head of the line [of course after the politicians]? What about the VA? Will the CBOC's be giving them out along with the regular flu shots? Inquiring vets would like some info.

 

[jeremy]

hmmmmm, well, it seems as if my perceived need for this info location may have been overestimated. If it would benefit the site to let this drift where it may, instead of being a fixture, than that's what should happen. Many thanks for setting the space up. It wasn't done in a few minutes, and I appreciate the effort.

I would really like to express my heart felt thanks for this thread!

As a Veteran, to me it is hard trying to track down some of this information. Mainly because of lack of even knowing about a lot of the programs that are available to us to use.

Thanks again Jay!

 

[Joe Williams]

hmmmmm, well, it seems as if my perceived need for this info location may have been overestimated. If it would benefit the site to let this drift where it may, instead of being a fixture, than that's what should happen. Many thanks for setting the space up. It wasn't done in a few minutes, and I appreciate the effort.

Actually, I think having the sticky is a good idea. A good spot where folks can go to look for info, ask for info, or where you can post new tidbits as you find them.

 

[Jay]

What about the VA? Will the CBOC's be giving them out along with the regular flu shots? Inquiring vets would like some info.

Most of the info we've been getting has been preventative in nature. Here's the link to the VA site on the H1N1 flu.......

H1N1 Flu - Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards

 

[cce1302]

Can I get a new ID card without having to go to the VA? Mine is old and the plastic coating id falling off.

You can get one @ 1901 S Kemble Ave, South Bend. I dont have the phone number for the ID card center there anymore, but you need to call to set up an appointment.

 

[Cwood]

You can get one @ 1901 S Kemble Ave, South Bend. I dont have the phone number for the ID card center there anymore, but you need to call to set up an appointment.

Thanks, I will look into it.

 

[clt46910]

I am thankful for this sticky as well. I have already found some good sources and programs I did not know exisited.

 

[tenring]

Go to Military.Com and pick your branch of service and sign up and get all kinds of info sent to you, plus a ton of links, that's what it's there for.