Not all Heroes Wear Capes

They confronted COVID. They’re tackling homelessness. They work with organizations across the United States every day to make life better for Veterans and their Families. If there were real life superheroes, the Department of Veterans Affairs would be it. This week I had the great opportunity with talk to Terrence Hayes, the Department of Veteran Affairs Press Secretary, about new developments in the VA military community.

What does the VA do?

They solve major Veteran-related issues: emotional health; physical health; employment, financial and educational services. The VA does it all.

We talk about mental health all the time. I’ll say it again: One life lost to suicide is one too many. The VA has been working hard to reduce suicide amongst our Veterans. Through counseling, training and awareness, the professionals at the VA are dedicated to ending this crisis. Over the past two years, the numbers have drastically decreased, but they aren’t at zero yet – where the VA wants that number to be. The VA knows they still have work to do and are actively working with community-based partners to provide services to at-risk Veterans. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing number 1.

The VA has also been working through the disability claims back log. Don’t let the words “back log” deter you from filing a claim. They’ve hired highly trained additional personnel to work through these claims. To date, more than 9 million Veterans receive health care services which is about half of the total Veteran community in this country.

Recently, they’ve been working on the PACT Act, a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for people who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This legislation encourages our Veterans and their survivors to apply for disability compensation. Whether it’s agent orange from Vietnam or exposure from a burn pit in the Middle East, Veterans should know that there are 23 new presumptive conditions for which they might be qualified. It’s important to file immediately. All claimants who file now will be backdated to August 2022. Check out VA.gov/PACT to learn more information about this specific bill.

How can the VA help me?

The VA is supporting a new initiative, Dial 988, which simplifies your access to a live person who is trained to assist you with a personal crisis. It literally takes seconds.

You can also chat online, text 838255 or visit VA.gov for information about healthcare, education benefits, and counseling services for you and your Family.

For More Information

Watch Terrence Hayes’ full video on this week’s Your Next Mission^® video podcast episode on our website or on our YouTube channel.

Your Next Mission^® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to serving our Veterans and Families. Your Next Mission^® video podcast with host 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley features insightful conversation with subject matter experts from the military and civilian communities. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.