Veterans Benefits and VA Health Care Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Obtaining Your Service Records or Medals

1. Question: How can I get a copy of my DD214?

Answer: If you have access to the internet, you can obtain copies of your military records here: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records (you can also mail the request)

Another on-line resource to obtain your DD 214 or other official military records is known as eBenefits, a service provided by the VA and the Department of Defense.

If you don’t have access to the internet, or you would like assistance with obtaining your records, contact a Wyoming state Veterans service officer at 1-800-833-5987 or visit our website at: https://sites.google.com/a/wyo.gov/wyomingmilitarydepartment/home

2. Question: How can I get a copy of my military medical records?

Answer: Your military medical records may be obtained by several different methods:

1. If you have filed a VA claim previously, your military medical records become part of your VA claims file. The custodian of the records is the Veterans Affairs Regional Office which has jurisdiction of your claim. Look at any VA correspondence about your claim to determine the address of the regional office responsible for processing your claim. You can contact that office and ask that a copy of your military medical records be sent to you.

2. If your military service was completed prior to 1990, and you have not filed a VA claim, then your military medical records are located at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. These records may be obtained by submitting an on-line records request at: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-recordsNote: If filing a claim for VA compensation or pension, do not request a copy of your military medical records. Submit your claims application; the VA will request your records in support of your claim.

3. If your military service was completed after 1990, then your military medical records are located at the VA Records Management Center (VARMC). Consult the chart below to determine when your records were moved to the VARMC:

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Branch Status Health Record to VA

Army Discharged, retired, or separated from any component October 16, 1992

Navy Discharged, retired, or separated from any component January 31, 1994

Air Force Discharged, retired, or separated from Active DutyDischarged or retired from Reserves or National Guard

May 1, 1994June 1, 1994

Marine Corps Discharged, retired, or separated from any component May 1, 1994

Coast Guard

Discharged, retired, or separated from Active Duty - Reservists with 90 days active duty for training April 1, 1998

Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to determine where your medical records are located, and how you may request copies.

3. Question: My DD 214 is lacking several medals and/or awards I received during my service. How can I get my discharge corrected?

Answer: If you believe that your DD 214 requires correction, you should complete a DD Form 149, which is found here: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd0149.pdf

Mail the completed DD 149 with supporting documentation to the corresponding address for your appropriate branch of service:

A RMY:

Army Review Boards Agency 251 18th Street South, Suite 385 Arlington, VA 22202-3531

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS:

Board for Correction of Naval Records 701 S. Courthouse Road, Suite 1001 Arlington, VA 22204-2490

AIR FORCE:

Board for Correction of Air Force Records SAF/MRBR 550-C Street West, Suite 40 Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4742

COAST GUARD:

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Department of Homeland Security Office of the General Counsel Board for Correction of Military Records 245 Murray Lane, Stop 0485 Washington, DC 20528-0485

Survivors and Burial Benefits

4. Question: My mother is the widow of a Veteran. Are there any VA benefits that she may be entitled as a surviving spouse?

Answer: Yes, surviving spouses may be entitled to certain benefits from the VA including Dependent Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for deaths related to military service or a Survivors Pension for a Veteran’s death unrelated to military service. Depending upon physical condition, eligibility for a Special Monthly Pension, also called Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, may be established in addition to the basic pension monetary allowance.

Contact your local Veterans service officer for more information on obtaining survivor’s benefits: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers

5. Question: What VA burial benefits are available for a deceased veteran?

Answer: Honorably discharged Veterans may be entitled to a U.S. flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a headstone, marker, or medallion provided by the VA. Most funeral directors will the assist the family with the arrangements for the graveside military funeral honors, a burial in a national or state Veterans cemetery if desired, and the U.S. flag to drape the casket. The funeral home will also assist in completing the applications for a headstone or marker or any potential reimbursement of burial or funeral costs.

6. Question: What funeral and burial preparations can be made prior to a Veteran’s death?

Answer: It is recommended that the family discuss with their funeral director such details as the location of the military discharge documents (DD 214 or equivalent), the cemetery of choice for burial, if a government provided headstone or marker is to be requested, and if military honors are to be conducted at the funeral.

7. Question: What burial or funeral costs may be reimbursed?

Answer: The VA offers partial reimbursements of an eligible Veteran’s burial and funeral costs. Costs of transporting a Veteran’s body to the place of burial may also be reimbursed. When the cause of death is not service related, the reimbursements typically come in two payments (a burial and funeral expense allowance and a plot or interment allowance). A single payment is offered when the cause of death is service related.

For a service related death: The VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after 9/11/2001, or up to $1,500 for deaths prior to 9/11/2001. If the Veteran is

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buried in a VA national cemetery, or dies in a VA hospital or nursing home, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

For a non-service-related death: The VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after 10/1/2011 (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $700 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. For deaths on or after April 1, 1988 but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (for Veterans hospitalized by VA at the time of death).

VA Disability Compensation and Pension Benefits

8. Question: I just got out of the service. How can I find out what federal or state Veterans benefits I may be eligible?

Answer: Meet with your local Veterans service officer to determine which benefits may be available to you, and how to apply. You can locate a Veterans service officer on our website:

http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers or call 1 800 833-5987

9. Question: I have not heard anything from the VA since filing my compensation or pension claim several months ago, how can I find the current status of my claim?

Answer: There several methods available for determining the status of a current VA claim. The preferred method is to contact your designated Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative who helped file your claim initially.

Or, call our toll free help number: 1 800 833-5987 or link to our website:

http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers

to locate a Veterans service officer who can assist you.

VA’s online electronic claims system called eBenefits is an online service of the Department of Defense and the VA. As an eBenefits user, you can apply for VA benefits, obtain a copy of your DD 214 or and other military records, check the status of your claim, or determine your eligibility for a VA home loan, all on-line.

The link to eBenefits is: www.ebenefits.va.gov

Or, calling the VA’s national toll free help line at 1 800 827-1000 is another option.

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10. Question: My doctor told me that I should not work due to my disability. How do I find out if I am eligible for benefits from the VA now that I am unable to work and unemployed?

Answer: There may be additional benefits available from the VA for service connected conditions which prevent Veterans from working. The best way to determine which benefit may be the best for you is to contact a Veterans service officer.

Call our toll free help line: 1 800 833-5987 or contact us on-line: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers for assistance.

11. Question: All my medical treatment is with the VA, I know that they have all my medical treatment records needed to support my disability claim. So, what is the purpose of the VA sending me to another VA Medical Center for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination?

Answer: A C&P exam is normally requested by the VA to confirm a current diagnosis or to establish a nexus (or a link) of your current diagnosis to your military service. While your VA medical treatment records are available, these treatment records may not provide the detailed medical information as to the severity of the claimed condition, information which is required for rating purposes. In order to for the VA to make a correct rating decision, a compensation and pension (C&P) exam may be necessary for them to do that.

12. Question: My service connected disability has become worse since my last VA evaluation. I was told that I can file for an increased rating. How do I do that?

Answer: As we discussed earlier, there are several options available that allow a Veteran to file a claim. However, we believe that the best practice is to meet with a Veterans service officer to get the most current and accurate guidance on how to file for an increased rating.

You can locate the nearest Veterans service officer by calling 1 800 833-5987 or on-line at:

http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers

13. Question: My DD 214 (or equivalent) has been lost; do I need a copy to accompany my VA disability claim application?

Answer: No. Submitting a copy of a DD 214 with the claim can be helpful. If the VA requires your DD 214 to complete the processing of your claim, they will obtain a copy. As a federal agency, the VA can obtain a copy much faster than if requested by the Veteran.

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14. Question: What do the terms “service connection” and “non-service connection” mean as used by the VA?

Answer: Service connection refers to a disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by your military service, a VA disability claim was filed, and a disability rating was assigned for that disease or injury by the Veterans Benefits Administration (known as the regional office).

Non-service connection is a disease or injury that was not incurred in or aggravated by your military service. Usually this means either a VA disability compensation claim has not been filed, or if a claim was filed, service connection was denied by a VA rating decision.

If you have a medical condition that is related to your military service, and believe it should be service connected by the VA, contact a Veterans service officer for more information.

15. Question: What is a non-service connected pension benefit? How do I apply if I am interested?

Answer: Veterans with wartime service who have a total and permanent non-service connected disability, or are age 65 or older, and have limited income and low net worth, may qualify for a VA pension benefit. For qualifying Veterans or their surviving spouses, a VA pension is an income maintenance benefit which pays the difference between the VA’s maximum allowable pension rate and your countable income. Pensions are not necessarily permanent; VA can modify or discontinue a pension due to changes in income or medical expenses, changes are to be reported to the VA. Additional pension amounts are available for beneficiaries who need the Aid & Assistance of others or who are Housebound.

Call our toll free help line: 1800 833-5987 for the assistance of a Veterans service officer with eligibility or application questions, or on-line: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers

16. Question: I am a Veteran over 65 and living in a nursing home. I was approached by a financial planner offering to assist me in applying for a VA pension. He says for a fee he will transfer my assets into a trust so I can then qualify for VA pension benefits. Why should I have to pay to apply for VA benefits?

Answer: Veterans and their families are a target for some dishonest advisors who claim to offer help with VA paperwork. The scheme is to convince Veterans over 65 to make decisions about their VA benefits without giving the whole truth about the long term consequences some which may be detrimental, according to professionals. What is not revealed is these transactions could mean a loss of eligibility for Medicaid benefits or the loss of use of assets by either the Veteran or a surviving spouse in the case of death. Your best defense against someone who wants to charge a fee to apply for a VA benefit is a firm “no thank you.”

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A Veterans service officer is trained to complete VA paperwork and to file a VA claim on your behalf. There is no fee for their services. Talk to a qualified Veterans service officer prior to agreeing to pay any one for their assistance in applying for VA benefits.To find a qualified Veterans service officer near you call our toll free help line 1 800 833-5987 or log on to our on-line website: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers

The VA Health Care System

17. Question: I am an honorably discharged Veteran, am I eligible for VA health care?

Answer: Honorably discharged Veterans may eligible for VA health care dependent upon other eligibility criteria including military related disabilities, income, and time of service. Priority of care goes to the service connected Veteran and then to low income Veterans. The next priority is all other eligible Veterans. Contact the nearest VA medical facility for eligibility information or call the VA’s health care benefits call center for assistance, toll free: 1 877 222-8387

18. Question: How do I enroll in the VA’s health care system?

Answer: Veterans and other beneficiaries not currently enrolled can enroll at any time.

Apply on-line at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll On-line is the fastest way to apply.

Apply by phone: call the VA’s health benefits call center toll free: 1 877-222-8387

Apply by mail: complete a VA Form 10-10EZ application and mail to VA’s Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta GA 30329-1647

Apply in person at any VA medical facility.

Contact the nearest VA medical facility or clinic for enrollment eligibility information or other assistance.

19. Question: How do I get hearing aids or eyeglasses from the VA?

Answer: If you have a service connected hearing or vision disability requiring hearing aids or eyeglasses, contact the nearest VA medical facility or clinic for assistance. If you require hearing aids of eyeglasses for a condition which is not considered to be service connected, the VA will determine your eligibility for these sensory aids through your VA primary care provider.

Contact your local VA provider or a Veterans service officer, 1 800 833-5987, for advice or assistance. The contact information for the VA Medical Centers:

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Sheridan VA Medical Center: http://www.sheridan.va.gov/ Cheyenne VA Medical Center: http://www.cheyenne.va.gov/ Black Hills VA Health Care System: http://www.blackhills.va.gov/

20. Question: Do I need to keep my private health insurance, or my Medicare part A or part B, if I am enrolled in the VA’s health care system?

Answer: It is important to realize that the VA provides health care and not health insurance. If private health insurance or Medicare coverage is available to you, then it is your choice as to the type of coverage best for you. Prior to making a decision, consider your potential out of pocket costs of VA health care or the costs of non-VA care if the VA is not readily available to you.

See Questions 27, 28, 29, and 30 for additional information regarding non-VA care.

For more information, link to the VA’s National Non-VA Health Care Program Office:

http://www.nonvacare.va.gov/veterans.asp

Individual eligibility determinations are complex and the services available at individual VA hospitals and clinic can vary widely.

Please contact your local VA health care facility for individual Veteran eligibility questions or concerns.

21. Question: If I have a complaint about my VA medical treatment, who should I contact at the VA medical center to resolve my concerns regarding the medical care I am receiving?

Answer: The best way to resolve concerns about your VA medical treatment is to contact the VA Patient Advocate. Here is how to locate the patient advocate at your VA Medical Center:

Sheridan VA Medical Center: http://www.sheridan.va.gov/patients/customerservice.asp Cheyenne VA Medical Center: http://www.cheyenne.va.gov/patients/customerservice.asp Black Hills VA Health Care System: http://www.blackhills.va.gov/contact/

22. Question: What are the advantages of using the VA’s MyhealtheVet automated on-line health information system?

Answer: The VA’s MyhealtheVet allows a Veteran to engage in several online activities with the VA concerning their individual health care. Most importantly it allows the Veteran to view

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and track treatment records, obtain VA prescriptions, as well as to communicate securely with their health care team to achieve an optimum level of health care.For access, follow the instructions on the VA’s MyhealtheVet website: www.myhealth.va.gov

23. Question: How can I find the location and the contact information for a VA facility? Answer: The VA has an internet page which will direct Veterans to their nearest facility: http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isflash=1

A local Veterans service officer may offer advice on finding a VA facility nearest you. Here is contact information for a Veterans service officer to assist: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers or call our toll free help line: 1 800 833-5987

24 Question: Does enrolling in the VA’s health care system meet the minimum essential coverage standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as Obama Care?

Answer: Yes, enrolling in VA health care, CHAMPVA for survivors, or Spina Bifida programs meets the minimum essential standards of the new health care law. If already enrolled, a Veteran does not need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards.

25. Question: Once enrolled in the VA health care system, does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) change VA health care benefits or my potential out of pocket costs?

For those enrolled in VA health care, the ACA health care law does not chance VA health care benefits or a Veteran’s out of pocket costs. Enrolled Veterans can continue to use VA or other federal health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or their private insurance.

26. Question: I am a women Veteran, how do I find out what VA health care services are available to me? Answer: Women Veterans are entitled to VA health care with two years of active duty, or if deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF), or have suffered military sexual trauma. For more information contact the Women Veterans Program Manager at the nearest VA Medical Center or the VA’s health benefits call center, toll free: 1 877 222-8387

27. Question: I required emergency care for a non-service connected medical condition. It was not possible for me to go to my VA Medical Center, so I went to the nearest hospital with an emergency room. Will the VA reimburse me for any non-service connected emergency medical care or services provided by a non-VA provider?

Answer: For the VA to reimburse the costs of non-VA provided emergency medical services, all of the following criteria must be met:

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(1) Veteran is enrolled in the VA health care system(2) Veteran has received health care services from the VA within the previous 24

months preceding the emergency treatment(3) VA facilities were not feasibly available(4) Treatment was considered to be an emergency according to the prudent

layperson standard(5) Veteran has no other health care plan including Medicare or Medicaid(6) No contractual or legal recourse is available from a third party (7) The claim for reimbursement was filed with 90 days of the date of discharge(8) Services were provided up to the point the Veteran is medically able to be

transferred to a federal facility

Consult your local VA Medical Center’s business office for guidance:

Sheridan VA Medical Center: http://www.sheridan.va.gov/ Cheyenne VA Medical Center: http://www.cheyenne.va.gov/ Black Hills VA Health Care System: http://www.blackhills.va.gov/

28. Question: I required emergency care for a service connected medical condition. A VA facility was not close, so I went to a non-VA emergency room for treatment. Will the VA reimburse for the costs of non-VA emergency care for a service connected condition?

Answer: For the VA to reimburse the costs for a service connected emergency, the following criteria must be met:

(1) Care or services were provided in a medical emergency, and(2) VA or other federal facilities were not feasibly available, and(3) VA was notified within 72 hours of the admission

Consult your local VA Medical Center’s business office for more information.

Sheridan VA Medical Center: http://www.sheridan.va.gov/ Cheyenne VA Medical Center: http://www.cheyenne.va.gov/ Black Hills VA Health Care System: http://www.blackhills.va.gov/

29. Question: If I believe my life or health is in danger, do I need to call the VA before I call and ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room for treatment?

Answer: No. Call 911 or go to the nearest medical emergency room immediately.

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30. Question: When should I contact the VA regarding an emergency room visit? How much will the VA pay if I am admitted?

Answer: You, your family, friends, or hospital staff should contact the nearest VA Medical Center as soon as possible, preferably within 72 hours of your emergency so you are better aware of what services the VA may or may not provide. If a VA bed is available, and you can be transferred safely, you must be moved. Ask VA what emergency services may or may not be covered so you can plan accordingly. How much the VA will pay depends on your VA eligibility. The VA may pay all, some, or none of the non-VA charges.

31. Question: I am a Veteran of the global war on terror (GWOT) who served in an overseas combat theater. As a returning service member, are there any VA health care benefits I should know about?

Answer: Every VA Medical Center has a team ready to welcome OEF/OIF/OND Veterans and to help coordinate their health care needs. Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after 11/11/1998 have special eligibility for VA health care. Under the “Combat Veteran” authority, VA provides cost-free health care services for conditions possibly related to military service for 5 years from the most recent date of discharge or release from active duty.

For more information about the various programs available for returning service members log on to www.oefoif.va.gov/VA_help.asp or contact the VA Medical Center’s OEF/OIF coordinator.

For assistance in locating an OEF/OIF coordinator call our toll free help line: 1 800 833-5987.

32. Question: I am a service connected Veteran, am I eligible for any reimbursement of my travel costs for my travel to and from a VA Medical Center for my VA treatment?

Answer: If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for mileage reimbursement, called beneficiary travel, for your travel expenses when obtaining VA health care. You qualify if:

(1) You have a service connected rating of 30% or more, or(2) You are traveling for treatment of a service connected condition, or(3) You are receiving a VA pension, or(4) Your income does not exceed the maximum annual pension rate, or (5) You are traveling for a scheduled compensation and pension

examination (C&P) exam.

For detailed information, contact your local VA Medical Center or visit the following links:

-For VA Income Thresholds: www.va.gov/healtheligibility/library/pubs/VAincomeThresholds

-For Pension income thresholds: www.vba.va.gov/bin/21/rates/pen01.htm

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33. Question. What are the VA’s special health registry examination programs?

Answer: A health registry examination is a personalized and comprehensive examination including laboratory tests, and where medically indicated, x-rays and EKG. The Registries are designed to determine and to follow any long term effects of exposure to environmental hazards. The exam is available to all eligible Veterans without co-payment or enrollment requirements.

Certain Veterans can participate in the following registries: Agent Orange, Gulf War/Iraqi Freedom, Depleted Uranium, and Ionizing Radiation.Contact the environmental health coordinator at your nearest VA Medical Center to request the registry examination you are interested:

Sheridan VA Medical Center: http://www.sheridan.va.gov/ Cheyenne VA Medical Center: http://www.cheyenne.va.gov/ Black Hills VA Health Care System: http://www.blackhills.va.gov/

For more information on these registries and related information, go to the VA’s web link: www.VA.gov/EnvironAgents or call the VA’s toll free special health issues helpline: 1 800 749-8387.

General Information

34. Question. I am a member of the National Guard. How can I find out what VA benefits I may be entitled?

Answer: As a member of the National Guard or Reserve you may qualify for a wide range of VA benefits. Generally, all honorably discharged or released National Guard or Reserve members are eligible for some VA benefits. Your length of service, wartime service, deployment history, service commitment, and/or your duty status (Title 10 or Title 32) may determine your eligibility for specific benefits.

A VA website is tailored to help National Guard and Reserve members learn about their benefits: www.benefits.va.gov/guardreserve or ask your unit how you can contact the Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) assigned to your command for additional information.

35. Question: What is the VA’s national toll-free telephone number?

Answer: The VA’s national toll-free number is 1 800 827-1000. This number is staffed by VA Veterans Service Representatives who provide information about disability compensation and pension benefits, health care enrollment, vocational rehabilitation and education programs, and guaranteed home loans available to Veterans.

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36. Question: I plan on separating from the military soon. What can I do before I separate to prepare my VA claim?

Answer: We recommend that you start early and get professional help. Seek out the services of an accredited and experienced Veterans service officer for advice. Make sure your military treatment records are accurate, complete, and up to date before you leave the service. The VA claims system is an evidence based system, so understand that the most important factor in a successful VA claim is presenting the evidence necessary to prevail. Keep copies of all your military treatment records and VA Forms or documents.

37. Question: I’ve heard from several Veterans that it is important to designate a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to act as my advocate when filing my VA claim application. How do I do that?

Answer: Designating a VSO representative is very important and may prove critical to the successful outcome of your claim. Designating your representative requires submitting a VA Form 21-22 to the VA.

The best way to do this is to contact a Veterans service officer by calling us toll free at:1 800 833-5987 or on-line at: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers

38. Question: What can I expect a Veterans service officer to do in the VA claims process?

Answer: Informed Veterans are more likely to obtain rightfully earned benefits. A Veterans service officer will assist you in the preparation of your VA disability compensation or pension claim application. You will receive expert advice and assistance at no charge for the services provided. Your privacy is protected. The Veterans service officer will act as your advocate with the VA decision-makers. Many are accredited by the VA to do this work.

39. Question: What does the VA term “accredited” mean to me?

Answer: Accreditation means the authority granted by VA to a Veterans service officer to assist Veterans and other claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of a VA claim. VA accreditation is for the sole purpose of providing representation services to VA claimants. Accredited Veterans service officers are responsible, qualified, trained, and with the legal authority to provide representation on VA claims.Claimants should exercise caution when designating a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to ensure the selection of an experienced, qualified, and competent representative. A claimant can only designate one VSO representative at a time.

Here is contact information for a Veterans service officer to assist you: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers or call toll free 1 800 833-5987.

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40. Question: I have an appointment to meet with my Veterans Service Officer regarding filing a VA claim for benefits. What documents or paperwork should I bring to the appointment?

Answer: It is a good idea to bring your original or a certified copy of your DD 214 (military discharge papers), social security numbers for spouse and children; date and place of your marriage; information or any divorce such as date and place and personal information on the former spouse; birthdates of children, and checking account information; or, for survivor’s benefits, a death certificate. If applying for a VA pension, which is an income based benefit, consider all income information, such as social security and amounts in a checking or savings accounts; interest or dividend income; information on net worth; any unreimbursed (out of pocket) medical expenses including private health insurance premiums, Medicare or Medicaid, nursing home expenses, or medication expenses.

41. Question: How can I obtain a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility or a duplicate certificate?

Answer: There are several ways to get a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility. The recommended method is applying through your agent or lender who can establish VA eligibility on-line and issue a certificate in a matter of seconds. Apply yourself on-line by using VA’s eBenefits automated information system to request a certificate. Or, you can apply by mail using VA Form 26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility. Un-remarried surviving spouses must apply by mail using a VA Form 26-1817, Request for Determination of Loan Guarantee Eligibility – Un-remarried Surviving Spouses. VA will determine surviving spouse eligibility and then issue a certificate.

42. Question: How can a Veteran obtain confidential help when experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis?

Answer: Veterans or family members in emotional distress can call the Veterans Crisis Line for help. VA offers specially trained and experienced responders who can help when emotional issues reach a crisis point. The toll free number to call is 1 800 273-8255. Confidential help is available for Veterans and their families or friends 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Online chat is also available at: www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

43. Question: Beginning in March 2014, most Veterans are no longer required to complete the annual financial assessment known as a Means Test. How does the VA track my income for VA health care eligibility purposes if I am no longer providing this information annually?

Answer: Under the new rule, Veterans will be required to have one financial assessment on file- their current file if already enrolled or the assessment provided when they apply. Veterans applying for enrollment for the first time will be required to submit income information with their application. VA will receive income information from the IRS and SSA. The VA will only contact the Veteran when the financial information received indicates a change in VA health care

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benefits may be appropriate. Consistent with VA’s current income verification process, no changes to the Veteran’s health benefits will occur unless the review process confirms the Veteran’s income exceeds the applicable income threshold.

44. Question: Can I appeal an administrative decision denying a VA health care benefit?

Answer: If you have been denied a health care benefit which you believe you are entitled, you can appeal. You must notify the VA health care facility making the determination in writing within one year of the date of the decision that you disagree with their decision. If you are considering an appeal, contact an accredited Veterans service officer for advice and assistance.

Here is contact information for a Veterans service officer to assist you: http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers or call toll free 1 800 833-5987.

45. Question: I recently received a VA rating decision granting service connection for my disability. I have been paying a VA copayment for my medical treatment, am I entitled to reimbursement of the VA copayments I paid prior to the VA rating decision?

Answer: If you have an award for a service connected condition, an increased rating for a service connected condition, or a VA pension, you may be eligible for reimbursement of VA copayments already made. Enrolled Veterans may also be eligible for beneficiary travel payments back to the effective date of award.

For more information, contact your local VA Medical Center’s enrollment coordinator or call VA’s health benefits call center at 1 877 222-8387. _________________________________________________________________

Wyoming Veterans Commission Disclaimer:

The answers to these frequently asked questions (FAQ) are intended as a general, abbreviated information guide only. Information provided is current at the time of original publication. Policies, procedures, rules, and regulations are subject to continual change; we attempt to keep this information as accurate and as current as possible.

For complete information on Veteran entitlements, or for specific information on eligibility criteria, you should be contacting an accredited Veterans service officer for assistance or advice on federal or state Veterans benefits.

Here is the contact information for a Veterans service officer who can assist you:

http://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans-commission/service-officers

or you can call the Wyoming Veterans Commission’s toll free help line: 1 800 833-5987.

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