Va Updates

[Berta]

VA Media release:

VA Updates Online Application for Health Benefits

WASHINGTON (May 5, 2010) - Veterans will find it easier and faster to

apply for their health care benefits now that the Department of Veterans

Affairs has updated its online Form 10-10EZ, "Application for Health

Benefits."

"VA is committed to tapping into the best that technology has to offer

to ensure Veterans receive the benefits they have earned," said

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We continue to look for

new ways to improve access to care and benefits."

This revised online application provides enhanced navigation features

that make it easier and faster for Veterans to apply for their health

care benefits. This new version also allows Veterans to save a copy of

the completed form for their personal records.

The most significant enhancement allows Veterans to save their

application to their local desktop and return to the application at any

time without having to start over. Previously, Veterans had to complete

the form in a single session.

This updated online form, along with the revised VA Form 10-10EZ,

reduces the collection of information from Veterans by eliminating some

questions.

In addition, there are minor changes to simplify the wording of

questions and provide clarity in the instructions. Further enhancements

to the online application are expected to be delivered in increments

throughout 2010.

Veterans may complete or download the 10-10EZ form at the VA health

eligibility website at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez

<https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/> . Veterans may also

contact VA at 1 (877) 222-8387 (VETS) or visit the VA health eligibility

website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility.

[Vync]

Interpretation: The VA has made it easier for Veterans to hurry up and wait :D

[broncovet]

Maybe I just dont get it. Is this the "application" to use the VAMC? I did not fill out an application..at least not that I remember, and if I did, what is the point of doing it online...are we gonna get "online medical care" also?

"The only purpose of this seems to be to deny health care, and to complicate what was once a simple process...you go to the VA hospital and meet with a representative who takes your address and maybe dd214 and makes you a VA medical card.

Many people who use the VA do so when they need urgent medical care, so I am guessing if you are having a heart attack, the VA will have you go home, fill out your application for benefits online. Then, if/when they approve you, if you are not dead, then you can get medical care. It sounds like they will be creating still another "backlog"..this time a backlog to use the VAMC.

Is this the "21st Century VA" that Shinseki was boasting about? In other words, you used to not have to wait to get approved to use the VAMC and in the 21st Century, they will close that loophole and make still another waiting line, and still another backlog.

Edited May 6, 2010 by broncovet

[SaintX]

IId

Maybe I just dont get it. Is this the "application" to use the VAMC? I did not fill out an application..at least not that I remember, and if I did, what is the point of doing it online...are we gonna get "online medical care" also?

"The only purpose of this seems to be to deny health care, and to complicate what was once a simple process...you go to the VA hospital and meet with a representative who takes your address and maybe dd214 and makes you a VA medical card.

Many people who use the VA do so when they need urgent medical care, so I am guessing if you are having a heart attack, the VA will have you go home, fill out your application for benefits online. Then, if/when they approve you, if you are not dead, then you can get medical care. It sounds like they will be creating still another "backlog"..this time a backlog to use the VAMC.

Is this the "21st Century VA" that Shinseki was boasting about? In other words, you used to not have to wait to get approved to use the VAMC and in the 21st Century, they will close that loophole and make still another waiting line, and still another backlog.

[SaintX]

I don't think that's what it's saying. Believe it or not there are still some Vets that have never filed a Claim. I met one yesterday during my VA appointment. I had to tell him what to do gave phone#s and of course this Website. Many of the new guys coming out do all of their stuff online now. I believe it's for them and maybe those who have never filed. JMO. Sorry bout the double post.