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 >1 y ago
Responses: 404
What about those who can't have certain vaccines?
I have an influenza vaccine allergy, so, I'm not allowed the shingles, pleurisy, pneumonia, and like-made vaccines.
Will the VA be considering the immunizations in a pill form, soon?
I have an influenza vaccine allergy, so, I'm not allowed the shingles, pleurisy, pneumonia, and like-made vaccines.
Will the VA be considering the immunizations in a pill form, soon?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA is only able to procure vaccines that have been approved for use in the United States. Currently there are no vaccines available in pill form in the United States. There is a nasal flu vaccine currently available and there are recombinant vaccines available that may be suitable for people with egg allergies. I would encourage you to discuss your options with your VA provider so you can take full advantage of the vaccines that would be suitable for you.
The last time I received pen needles from the VA, they were made in Poland. Why can't you buy US-based needles?
The needles are not manufactured in a sanitized environment. They are irradiated after being manufactured to make them sterile.
The VA only provides one size and gauge. The size is not compatible with people such as me, that are on blood thinners, and easily bruise and bleed with the VA gauge. I have to buy needles thru the retail market.
The needles are not manufactured in a sanitized environment. They are irradiated after being manufactured to make them sterile.
The VA only provides one size and gauge. The size is not compatible with people such as me, that are on blood thinners, and easily bruise and bleed with the VA gauge. I have to buy needles thru the retail market.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA has a contract for pen needles available in several different sizes. If the size of the needle you are receiving is not working well, please discuss with your provider, as he/she should be able to request a different size needle to meet your needs.
Sir, first off, thank
You for accepting the challenge to assist all who have served our country honorably. My question: what is the VA doing to expand the current level of nursing homes and assisted living facilities fir our aging veteran population? More and more of our veterans are going to need assisted living facilities in the very near future (20-25 years). We will need more skilled and unskilled nursing facilities to house those who have their all to serve this great nation. Thank you for your consideration of this important question.
You for accepting the challenge to assist all who have served our country honorably. My question: what is the VA doing to expand the current level of nursing homes and assisted living facilities fir our aging veteran population? More and more of our veterans are going to need assisted living facilities in the very near future (20-25 years). We will need more skilled and unskilled nursing facilities to house those who have their all to serve this great nation. Thank you for your consideration of this important question.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for the encouraging words. This year VA will embark on a major, multi-year transformation of our Long-Term Services and Supports programs for elderly and disabled Veterans. This work will improve our offering to Veterans whose care needs can be safely met at home. VA will expand our home and community-based care programs to more sites and, when indicated, authorize more hours of care. For nursing home care, VA realizes that more beds will be needed in the next 20 years. VA anticipates growth in the State Veterans Home program and through contracts with community nursing homes. At this time, VA is prohibited by law from paying the room and board cost of assisted living for Veterans. For Veterans in assisted living who would otherwise be placed in a nursing home, VA expects to increase its support through better coverage of the cost of nursing and nursing aide services. Planning for this transformation is well underway.
Do you uphold the constitution and the rights of soldiers? If so how do you justify forced drugs? Especially when a high % die from it.
I 100% love the care I get at the CT VA facility in West Haven! I am an AF vet and I am 68 years old. As a result I also pay for Medicare. I don't have a problem with paying for Medicare as a backup as I view the VA care as a privilege in exchange for my service. I also enjoy the fact that the VA can get some reimbursement from Medicare for the care provided at the VA. What I'd like to have happen is greater coordination of VA care with Medicare. To have Medicare recognize the VA as an approved facility and have better coordination with the VA for all aspects related to health care. Please note that I have no problem with continuing my Medicare payments! It is not a disagreement with cost. Please consider this idea in the future and I look forward to your views.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
For Medicare related questions, please reach out to 1-800-MEDICARE ( [login to see] ).
Why is every VA system separate when it comes to updating information. I spend time at 2 locations and it is ridiculous that when I change me address for benefits it does not change for Pharmacy. Since everything is under on SS# all systems should change together. It seems to be more unnecessary bureaucracy.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
We are moving to a more integrated and seamless system. We know how frustrating it can be for our customers, but also our employees.
We do have a seamless Veteran data system in place. This means you can go on VA.gov right now and update your contact information, and everyone in VA will have that update.
We also have an effort underway to implement a new electronic health record system, which will connect all health care data and improve our patient’s ability to interact with their health care providers.
The new system will also connect with the Department of Defense.
We started the implementation in Spokane, WA – and we’ve learned a lot. But we’ve also made mistakes.
No other health care organization in the world is attempting something of this scale and complexity.
We are committed to getting this absolutely right for America’s Veterans.
We do have a seamless Veteran data system in place. This means you can go on VA.gov right now and update your contact information, and everyone in VA will have that update.
We also have an effort underway to implement a new electronic health record system, which will connect all health care data and improve our patient’s ability to interact with their health care providers.
The new system will also connect with the Department of Defense.
We started the implementation in Spokane, WA – and we’ve learned a lot. But we’ve also made mistakes.
No other health care organization in the world is attempting something of this scale and complexity.
We are committed to getting this absolutely right for America’s Veterans.
Sir-I submitted a claim over a year ago in the case styled Wolfe v. Wilkie, and have been unable to find anyone within the VA system who can give me any idea of the status of the claim, or when it may be paid. How can I find out?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans may find the status of their claim/appeal by using the VA.gov website, calling the VA [login to see] , or requesting assistance through their accredited representatives.
Mr. Secretary- Thank you for allowing me to ask my question.
The Navy is back logged on getting service members their DD-214. I will transition out of military service with no expected date to receive my DD-214. Is there any other documentation that would suffice to get my benefits started ASAP.
The Navy is back logged on getting service members their DD-214. I will transition out of military service with no expected date to receive my DD-214. Is there any other documentation that would suffice to get my benefits started ASAP.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA has a link to access a Veteran’s military history information from VA/DoD Identity Repository (VADIR). The information obtained from VADIR is considered an electronic DD Form 214, and is acceptable for verification of service, Character of Discharge, and separation reason. Since obtaining records here is not always guaranteed, VA recommends submitting a copy of DD214 from the Veteran as well.
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