Important links and contact numbers

[Berta]

This info is at hadit already but it pays to repeat stuff sometimes-

The White House VA Veterans Hot line is still in operation.

1-855-948-2311

Fortunately it was a program former President Trump began, and is still operating.

https://www.va.gov/ve/whvahotline.asp

 

There is a story there about how they helped a female veteran right away-the VA had failed to properly diagnose her fracture.

Also
https://www.va.gov/accountability/

That office is still operating.

And I know it is here at hadit but this is the Veterans Crisis Hot Line number

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/hotline

Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Text 838255
Chat online

The news about Afghanistan is alarming.

It is Deja Vu for many Vietnam Combat veterans, and all veterans of the Gulf War.

Thankfully they can come here------

"More than 650,000 Servicemembers served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect, meaning that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990 to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran."

https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/veteran-gulfwar.asp

That includes of course all Afghanistan Veterans:

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-afghanistan/

I have a concern maybe others have as well- VA extended the end date for Gulf War claims many times over the past 20 years.

We dont know yet what the VA will do about that final  date.

I hope it is not some ridiculous filing deadline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Berta]

Just to add- if you call the White House Hot Line, be prepared to state your problem as briefly as you can.

Tell them the exact problem and why you needed to call the WH about it-because no one at VA has been able to resolve it.

 

If you contact the Office of Accountability, please go over the link above first.

I had two experiences with the WH Hot Line.

One was remarkable and had good results- it was not a personal issue- it was something that could affect any veteran in the VA health care system.

The last time I called I was referred to someone at the VHA. He called me up and didn't have a clue.

It was a VHA issue but he said there is no liaison between the VHA and the VBA.

Al least he came up with an answer fast but he was completely wrong.