Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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Friday, January 15, 2021
VETERANS CHRONICLE
HEY VETERANS, DID YOU KNOW … ?
… There is a new single access point to contact the VA?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), a single access point to all VA contact centers. The number is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to serve veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Responding to veteran feedback on the challenges of knowing the right number for VA assistance, 1-800-MyVA411, serves all members of the veteran community seeking information or help. Veterans and their families can still reach the Veterans Crisis Line directly at 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, online at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat or by texting 838255. The White House VA Hotline is also still available at 1-855948-2311 for veterans and their families to share compliments and concerns. When dialing 1-800-MyVA411, callers have the option of pressing 0 to be immediately connected with a customer service agent to answer questions or provide a warm-handoff to the appropriate VA expert. 1-800-MyVA411 provides information on: • COVID-19 updates • Health care eligibility and enrollment • VA benefits, such as disability, compensation and pension, education programs, caregiver support, insurance, home loans, and burial headstones and markers among others • The nearest VA medical centers, benefits offices or cemeteries to veterans, VA Medical Center operational updates and connection to VA Medical Center operators • Directory assistance and technical support for www.VA.gov • Debt and payment options For more information, contact the Veterans Experience Office at Vets-Experience@VA.gov or visit www.va.gov/VE/.
... Many veterans are unaware of VA’s disability benefits?
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment designed to compensate veterans for an injury or illness incurred or made worse from active military service, regardless of when they served. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Army veteran Jacob Burns simulates having a panic attack as he works with Jersey, his new support dog, as part of a Got Your Six Support Dogs training session Oct. 5, 2017, in Collinsville, Ill. well as mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Service-disabled veterans may also be entitled to health care, employment counseling and other benefits at no cost. For example, if your disability limits your mobility, you may qualify for a payment to buy or modify a vehicle to get around easier. Resources to help veterans file claims are available at www.va.gov/disability/ get-help-filing-claim/.
… Nearly 6 million American veterans have chosen VA health care?
That’s more than one-quarter of all veterans – and many more may be eligible.
An independent survey of veterans indicated they are highly satisfied with VA health care and would recommend it to their friends. One out of every three employees of the Veterans Health Administration is a veteran. Submit an application form online, by mail, or in person and VA will send you written notification of your eligibility status. Explore VA health care today at www. VA.gov/health-care.
… A veteran can get veterinary benefits for a service dog?
The VA provides a veterinary health insurance benefit and other benefits in support of service dogs to maximize the
life and utility of these specialized dogs. VA does not provide service dogs (SD) but does provide this insurance benefit for eligible veterans through VHA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) which administers this program. VA’s authority for this program includes guide, hearing, seizure, and mobility dogs. In order to qualify, the dog must be trained and from an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited service dog organization. This ensures veterans receive the highest level of quality and training standards. To apply, veterans may contact their clinician or facility PSAS department. Find more information at www. prosthetics.va.gov.
