BY DENNIS HOWLAND, CHAIR

January was an active month for the Public Affairs Committee. At our meeting in Arlington, Va., we raised many issues to the Board of Directors that were brought to us by VVA members. The following is a recap of those issues:

VVA Veteran Magazine Format: In the past there have been conversations about changing the magazine to a smaller format like those published by other VSOs. Working toward a more cost-effective publication, the Public Affairs Committee voted to support Veteran editor Sean Venables in researching cost savings with the goal of reporting back his findings at our April meeting.

VVA Anthem: After requesting input from the membership over the past three months, we have determined three things to be true across the majority of members:

Most members thought we didn’t need an official VVA anthem.

A proposed song, written by VVA member Chuck Odom, that the committee had suggested, was roundly complimented, but was seen as too long.

The members felt that VVA had unofficially adopted an anthem many years ago in “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” by the Animals and composed by Barry Mann.

Ultimately, the committee chose not to recommend Chuck Odom’s song--or any other song. Instead, we decided to encourage and highlight veteran art and composition by putting a page on the VVA website to publicize songs and poetry submitted by members relating to Vietnam War veterans. Look for that to happen very soon.

Flags – We discussed two flags that are gaining attention: the Honor and Remember flag and the Suicide Awareness flag. There is much concern within our ranks that attempts are being made to replace the POW/MIA flag. Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives, calling for the government to recognize both flags as national symbols to be flown alongside the POW/MIA flag. Many states are considering similar legislation.

The Honor and Remember flag is meant to serve as a public reminder of the lives given and sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Opposition to the Honor and Remember flag comes from those who feel that the Gold Star Family Flag is already an active symbol of honoring those lost in battle and this new flag is not necessary.

In addition, many feel that the Honor and Remember flag, as well as the Suicide Awareness Flag, poses a risk of displacing or replacing the POW/MIA flag. As this flag is of great importance to Vietnam War veterans, this is understandably a sensitive issue. The Public Affairs Committee is remaining neutral on this debate for now, or until VVA takes an official position.

Cross Country Journey: VVA member Roger Rose has proposed that VVA create, host, and participate in a coast-to-coast walk-and-ride during in 2026 as part of 250th Anniversary commemorations. Potential locations for the event are U.S. Route 20, also known as Medal of Honor Highway, and U.S. Route 50.

This is an ambitious idea and would require members’ participation and for state councils and chapters to dig in and help. More will be discussed in April, but in the meantime, I would like your input. My email is dhowland@vva.org.

Young Marines – The committee voted to have Wes Guidry create a medal to present to members of Young Marines. The program is open to young people prior to high school graduation between the ages of 8 and 20. The organization has more than 235 units with 8,000-plus members throughout the country and overseas.

As with other youth organization medals, they can be obtained from the VVA Communications Department. Email mporter@vva.org for details.

The committee also discussed how important it is that VVA’s state councils and chapters participate in this year’s 250th anniversary and we are encouraging everyone to get involved.

Resolutions left active from the 2025 National Convention (None retired):

P-1 Community Service: Vietnam Veterans of America encourages chapters to take the initiative to make a better community for everyone and serve as a focal point to promote the relationship between Vietnam War veterans and their communities. To accomplish this mission, VVA should publish useful materials at the national, state, and local levels, including resolutions, through the media. The Public Affairs Committee emphasizes through its magazine column the importance of using VVA resource materials in community activities. VVA encourages coordinating with other veterans’ organizations to better serve all veterans. We encourage chapters to share their ideas and programs with the rest of the organization.

P-2 Children’s Welfare: VVA calls upon Vietnam War veterans and their families, through financial and personal contributions, to act responsibly to insure protection and development of infants and children in the United States and throughout the world. The committee continues to encourage participation in organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, adult counseling in Scouting programs, and working to help families understand new legislation regarding care of the descendants of Vietnam War veterans. We recommend participating in the Eagle Scout and JROTC medals programs and endorse the POW/MIA Committee’s Warriors bracelet program.

P-3 Chapter Involvement with Educational Institutions on Teaching the Vietnam War: VVA encourages the balanced, comprehensive teaching of the Vietnam War at all educational levels. Chapters are encouraged to establish ties with local schools and colleges for the purpose of making qualified individuals available to help teach the Vietnam War. State councils and chapters are asked to participate in Vets-In-Classrooms programs.

P-4 Regulation of Certain Activities at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial: VVA recommends that the National Park Service prohibit the use of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and adjacent areas for press conferences, politically motivated actions, and all conduct not in keeping with its purpose as a place of healing, remembrance, and acknowledgment of the costs of the Vietnam War. Furthermore, VVA urges the National Park Service to continue its vigilance concerning vendors and solicitors in the immediate vicinity of the memorial and ensure an atmosphere of reverence and respect for those honored there.

P-5 Endorsement for Participation in Local Environmental Efforts: VVA encourages chapters and state councils to network with other groups and participate in efforts to minimize the adverse effects of toxic and nuclear waste dumping, collect hazardous home waste, general recycling efforts, and home site energy efficiency. The issue of contaminated water at military installations is especially pressing.

P-7 Requirement to Report Progress on All Currently Approved Convention Resolutions, at Least Annually: The Public Affairs Committee continues to support the requirements of this resolution. The committee continues to update its resolutions and encourages other committees to do the same.

P-8 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: VVA calls upon its members and associates to support and maintain their commitment to conserve the legacy, respect, and honor that The Wall has come to mean to Vietnam War veterans and their families.

P-12 Public Awareness for Veterans Benefits Campaign: The Public Affairs Committee will do whatever is necessary to include at least $20,000 in the annual budget to advertise to the membership and to publicize the availability of veterans benefits and how to claim them.

P-13 Gold Star Mothers National Monument: VVA applauds Gold Star Mothers and supports the development and construction of an American Gold Star Mothers National Monument in Washington, D.C. Chapters and state councils are encouraged to reach out to Gold Star Mothers in their communities and to help with fundraising for the monument.

The Public Affairs Committee: Dennis Howland, Chair; Charles Stapleton; Dave Simmons; Dave Gates; Roger Rose; Jennifer Ellis; Ernie Boisvent; Dan Stenvold; Grant Coates; Justin Latini; Greg Pauline; Tom Brown; Steve Pennington; Chuck Renevier; and Ken Rose; Staff advisors: Mokie Porter; Sean Venables; Marc Leepson; and Kathleen Grathwol.

BY SANDIE WILSON, CHAIR

I want to begin this column with updates on the resolutions the delegates approved at the 2025 National Convention.

A 2016 law requires the federal government to research health problems and birth defects of children of all veterans exposed to toxins during their military service. The National Academy of Sciences reviewed the research on toxin exposure and determined that further study was needed. Unfortunately, an advisory committee for this study was never appointed, despite the law requiring it.

While VVA continues to advocate for this step forward, please note that children of veterans can still file for dependent compensation for their illnesses with the Denver VA. VVA is here to help with this process if needed.

For many years VVA has worked to expand the scope of the government’s accepted range for toxic exposure areas. Advisors to our committee continue to work on toxic exposure issues for Blue Water Navy veterans, as well as those who served in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. We are looking for more evidence from members to prove to Congress that veterans at other sites around the world should be eligible for compensation for their exposure to toxins during their service.

Thanks in part to efforts by Ron Brown, a Gulf War veteran who is an advisor to our committee and to the VA advisory committee, we are finally making headway into researching Gulf War Illness, as it has recently been given a diagnostic code. This is a true measure of progress, and as we saw with the PACT Act, the power of many veterans organizations working together can be remarkable.

VVA’s Agent Orange Guide has been updated and is available at https://vva.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/AgentOrangeGuide.pdf. Our committee remains open to holding an Agent Orange town hall or symposium if anyone in the organization is interested. Your suggestions and other input is welcomed. I am available at swilson@vva.org.

Agent Orange Committee: Sandie Wilson, chair; Frank Arminio; Liz Cannon; Jim Doyle; John Hargens; Ken Holybee; Marc McCabe; Roland Mayhew; John McGuinty; Jack McManus; Rossie Nance; Bill Patton; Linda Schwartz; Carlton Rhodes; John Wells; John Rossie; Nancy Switzer; Ron Brown; Kathy Andras; and Bobbie Morris, AVVA.

BY KATE O'HARE-PALMER, CHAIR

Our committee works closely with the VVA Government Affairs staff to keep us focused on current legislation that affects women veterans. They are a dynamic part of our organization.

We have reviewed and prioritized several proposed laws, including S.1245/H.R.2576, Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act, a bipartisan measure I mentioned in the last column. It has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

This bill supports survivors of Military Sexual Trauma. It mandates that the VA accept a wider range of evidence of PTSD or other mental health conditions linked to MST; expands the definition to include online harassment and digital abuse; expands treatment eligibility for former National Guard and Reserve members; and directs the VA to create specialized teams for reviewing MST claims.

Other bills we are working on include: Molly Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act of 2025 (S.2061); Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research ACT (HR.2717/S.1320); Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners for Veterans Act-SANE Access at VA (H.R.5203); Building Resources and Access for Veterans Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025; IVF for Military Families Act (S. 1231/H.R. 2557); Mammography Access for Veterans Act (S.1231/3395); Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act (S.778/H.R. 1646); and Veterans Families Health Services Act of 2025 (S.2534/H.R.4855).

Contacting your representatives in Congress regarding these bills is key. When they put a face and a name to bills, they are given a tangible reason to help move them forward. You can easily find your members of Congress at https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member.

S.J. Res.103, a joint resolution introduced in the U.S. Senate on January 27, aims to nullify a Reproductive Health Services VA rule. If passed, the new regulation would severely limit women’s access to full reproductive healthcare.

March is Women’s History Month. We encourage all of you to host an event in your chapters. Coins and pins the committee created are well received when presented to women veterans who attend these events. Contact the VVA National Office to request these at kgrathwol@vva.org.

Our committee’s Legacy project plans to honor at least one woman veteran from each state who has worked to improve women veterans’ lives. State council presidents have an application form for this.

Feel free to contact me about that or other women veterans’ matters at koharepalmer@gmail.com. I love hearing from you.

Members: Dottie Barickman, Linda Dickinson, Dr. Linda Schwartz, Liz Cannon, Sandie Wilson, John McGitny, Allan Perkal, Chuck Byers, Dr. Tom Hall. Bobby Morris, AVVA Advisor. Kat Grathwol, VVA Advisor. Advisors: Marsha Four, Linda Blankenship, Sandy Miller, Bev Stewart.

BY DOMINICK YEZZO, CHAIR

Vietnam Veterans of America Incarcerated chapters are models of organization, camaraderie, and service. Under harsh limitations and without complaint, they have achieved great things. I’m writing to provide our incarcerated brothers with information about the corporate transition of Vietnam Veterans of America and to quiet potentially troubling rumors.

As we continue to age as an organization, change will be necessary. The options facing the VVA Board of Directors are to close the organization or remain open. After careful deliberation, VVA President Tom Burke decided that our service to veterans and their families must continue: We are not closing. VVA is a powerful voice in Congress, especially helping veterans secure their earned service-connected benefits.

VVA is a nationally recognized brand. The only way to remain recognized in the same way and at the same level would be to allow younger veterans to join VVA.

Our corporate status is 501(c)(19). That means we must maintain a veteran-only membership. Furthermore, allowing younger veterans is a sterling example of our Founding Principle: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” It is both practical and the right thing to do.

We will keep our name because VVA is a powerful brand. We would grow bigger and stronger with the inclusion of younger blood to help lead us into the future.

The issues of closing down or remaining open at the chapter level are complex, perhaps even more difficult than National’s decision. A chapter may continue as a 501(c)(19) and remain under the guidance of National so long it has veteran membership. Or a chapter can remain open without an exclusive veteran-membership requirement by changing its corporate status to a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The other alternative is to dissolve by filing for dissolution and transferring assets to another charitable organization.

The reasons for a VINJUS chapter to remain or dissolve are unique to each chapter. The VINJUS Committee stands by your decision. I urge all VINJUS chapters to speak with their State Council president to help decide whether to remain open or to dissolve.

By GRANT COATES, CHAIR

January 27 marked the 53rd anniversary of the 1973 signing of the Paris Peace Accords, officially the “Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Viet Nam”.

We have a responsibility as members of Vietnam Veterans of America to continue to promote awareness of, and education about, the Vietnam War and its history. As the years go by, this effort becomes more important.

The education includes ongoing efforts to investigate all POW/MIA cases, including recovery actions involving the U.S. Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency and the Vietnamese government’s Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP). Efforts by private groups and organizations such as Mission: POW-MIA and Vietnam Wartime Accounting Initiative have helped with the accounting for missing war dead, both U.S. and Vietnamese, from the Vietnam War and deserve recognition.

The National League of POW/MIA Families is also part of VVA’s history. The organization’s origins date to groups created by Sybil Stockdale (the wife of Vietnam War POW, Navy Adm. James Stockdale) and a group of other wives of missing servicemembers in 1966 in California. The National League of Families was incorporated nationally in 1967.

In 1971, Mary Hoff, a member of the National League of Families proposed the creation of a symbol for American POWs and MIAs. The design for the flag was created by the artist Newt Heisley for Annin Flag makers in 1971.

The POW/MIA flag is officially recognized by federal law in conjunction with the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue, "as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation."

1,566 Americans are now listed by DPAA as missing and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War: Vietnam—1,232; Laos–279; Cambodia—48; Peoples Republic of China territorial waters–7. These numbers could change due to investigations resulting in changed locations of loss. The last announced identification was on September 25, 2025.

VVA’s Veterans Initiative Program continues the mission. Your help is needed.

Objects taken from the battlefields of Vietnam are more than souvenirs or war trophies. The items may help name and determine the location of war dead in Vietnam.

Maps, stories, after-action reports, pictures, and military items may have a story of interest to both American and Vietnamese researchers trying to recover remains from the battlefields.

Please contact the Veterans Initiative at:
Veterans Initiative Program
Vietnam Veterans of America
8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
vi@vva.org

Committee Members: Fred Barks; Terry Courville; Leslie DeLong; Phil Dermer; Dennis Howland; Chuck Renevier; Wayne Reynolds; Ted Wilkinson. Advisors: Barbara Coan, AVVA; Kaye Gardner, AVVA; Dave Huffman, Mission POW/MIA; Gary Jones, former Chair; Mokie Porter, Communications Director.

By KEN ROSE, NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

This January was a difficult one for many in the VA volunteer community, and a sobering reminder of life’s fragility. We know as veterans and volunteers: Service is not always loud, but it is always meaningful.

VA Voluntary Service is built on that kind of steady commitment, shown by people who give their time and heart to help veterans heal, feel seen, and feel supported. Some 40,000 people have recently been let go or have left the VA voluntarily, nearly 90 percent of them in the Veterans Health Administration.

This has had a strong impact on the staff who remain and has delayed care and benefits decisions. Beyond that, we have seen longer waiting times and delayed or diminished research.

If you currently are prescribed medication through the VA, please look up the recent Ingram-Collins decision, as it could mean that the medication you take could have an impact on your disability rating. The decision was rushed through and could affect 350,000 pending claims.

If you volunteer at National Cemeteries as part of an honor guard, an escort, or an administrative volunteer, please sign in as a VVA member so your efforts are properly recorded. After you sign in, the National Cemetery Administration should report those hours to its local VAMC Voluntary Service office. These are then forwarded to VA headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they are collated into quarterly reports which National Representatives, like myself, are asked to review. This process allows us to know what our volunteers are doing across the country.

Out of more than 150 cemeteries, I have only received a handful of reports with hours for VVA. Somewhere along the line, something isn’t getting reported. While there are certainly hours that were lost due to weather, health, or other complications, I believe some hours are not being reported. I will be contacting the VA to try to find out where the problem is.

The recent VA badging and background check rules have been confusing. While these rules are frustrating and may seem to make little sense, they unfortunately are here to stay. The rules for background checks apply to new and current employees and volunteers, even though they are not badged.

My advice is to fill out the forms and stay alert and be aware of every part of the process. We will lose many volunteers, but let’s make the best effort to stay the course.

There will be discussions with AVVA concerning the possible merging of the two organizations. I will do my best to answer your questions about how that would affect VA volunteers and about other VAVS matters.

Feel free to contact me at (215) 527-3494 or krose@vva.org.

By GUMERSINDO GOMEZ, CHAIR

I hope that, as we enter into spring, we can hope for better weather soon, as the cold and ice has been difficult for many of us.

The Minority Affairs Committee has continued to work for Korean Vietnam War veterans over the past 10 years in order to get VA medical benefits for them.

VVA helped get HR 366, which grants these much-deserved benefits to Korean American Vietnam War veterans, through Congress, and President Biden signed it the bill into law in November 2023. However, the Korean government is not complying with what the bill calls for, and will not reimburse the VA for services received, making the purpose of the bill unenforceable.

VVA has stood by these veterans and helped them establish a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Pennsylvania. The organization, VVAROKHLM, serves the more than 600 Korean Vietnam War veterans who are VVA Honorary Life Members and U.S. citizens. This organization will help these veterans and their families get VA benefits and advice in their own language.

California and Pennsylvania are working on state legislation that would give Korean Vietnam War veterans recognition as American veterans, which would make them eligible for state veterans benefits. The Minority Affairs Committee will continue to enthusiastically support this legislation.

If you are aware of issues that may have an impact on minority veterans, please let the committee know by contacting me at Sgtgomez@aol.com or 413-883-4508.

Committee Members: Francisco Ivarra; Dick Nolte; Chuck Odom; Fred Gasior; Fred Madrid; Joe Jennings; Jorge Pedroza; Kee J. Kim; Marc D. Goodell; Pete Peterson; and Bill Garcia.

By CHUCK ODOM, CHAIR

The Finance Committee has jumped into the new year with energy and renewed dedication. We reviewed the approved FY27 budget for errors and, finding none, forwarded our results to the Board of Directors. Our report noted “Nothing found”—the budget remains balanced and correct.

We look forward to the Audit Subcommittee working with the appropriate departments and our outside auditors. We will assist wherever we can to ensure we’ve all done our due diligence in accordance with the by-laws and Finance Committee policies.

Next, we will ask our investment Subcommittee to review the VVA investment strategy and report back to the full committee on their understanding of that strategy, following recommendations from our financial advisor, Michael Hearn.

This year will not only produce a workable, sustainable plan moving forward, but also help ensure we remain financially sound. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Please drop me a note by email or text, and we’ll work with you in a way that’s considerate of your time and efforts.

Finance Committee: Chuck Odom, Chair; John Margowski, B2A Subcommittee Chair; Marc Goodell, Investment Subcommittee Chair; Dan Stenvold, Secretary; Terry Courville, Charlie Hobbs, Liz Cannon, and Dennis Howland, members.

By DICK SOUTHERN, CHAIR

We are entering a new fiscal year for VVA, and we will increase our membership. Can we increase the membership numbers to 94,000-plus? You bet we can.

The committee remains available to help members and chapters recruit new members. We are a membership organization that advocates for veterans and helps them and their families lead better lives. Our members also serve their communities through charitable work and volunteer time.

Active Membership Affairs Committee Resolutions

Resolved, That: Vietnam Veterans of America recognizes that the National office must reply to all communications from state councils and chapters within five working days, and state councils and chapters must reply to all communications from the National office within ten working days.

Resolution M-2: Communication Between VVA’s Organizational Levels. Recognizing that communication is key, this resolution ensures that communication across the organization is completed within set timelines to maintain an open dialogue at all levels. The committee supports and continues this resolution.

Keep up your recruiting efforts.

If you have any questions or need help in membership matters, please get in touch with me at dick.southern@gmail.com

Committee Members: Dick Southern, Chair; Ted Wilkinson; John Weiss; Dave Lyons; Bob Pace; John Margowski; Bill Beecher; Wayne Reynolds; Charles Montgomery; Charles Hobbs; Perry Melvin; Jerry Orlemann; Greg Bethards; John McGinty; Jerry Corrigan; Jamil Khan; Ken Rogge; Toni Gigli; Fred Gasior; Larry Miller; Carlton Rhodes; Don Smith; Bill Duncan; Jerry Klein; Bill Meeks, special advisor; Nicole Kennedy, staff; Terry Rangle, AVVA.

By KEN HARBERT, VICE CHAIR

For many of us, the war did not end when we rotated home. It followed us into our sleep, into our families, and into decades of quiet struggle. Long before PTSD was widely understood, Vietnam War veterans were fighting battles no one could see. That shared experience is why the work of the PTSD and Substance Abuse Committee remains essential today. We know what untreated trauma looks like. We have lived it. Now we have to face another fight, ensuring that veterans can gain access to the timely and competent health care they deserve to treat this difficult condition.

The nation is in the grip of a mental health crisis, and veterans are not immune. In 2024, the Veterans Health Administration Inspector General identified shortages of psychiatric providers in more than 66 of 140 VA healthcare systems. These numbers are not abstract: they represent veterans waiting for appointments, veterans in crisis, and families carrying the weight of delayed care.

Meanwhile, PAs have served in the VA system for more than fifty years. Today, more than 3,000 practice in VA facilities, more than a quarter of them veterans. Many have extensive experience in behavioral health, addiction medicine, and trauma-informed care, both in military service and civilian practice. Across the country, thousands of PAs specialize in psychiatry, diagnosing mental illness, managing medications, and providing integrated care in hospitals, community clinics, and through telehealth.

Yet VHA policies adopted over the past decade have increasingly limited the ability of PAs to provide mental health services. In some cases, PAs with decades of military behavioral health experience are not eligible to practice in that capacity for the veterans they once served beside. That makes little sense in the face of documented workforce shortages.

I understand that the issue of PAs serving a more substantial role in the VA is controversial and has been discussed in the pages of The Veteran before. But, as we face this crisis, we would be foolish to turn down any chance at helping remedy the backlog and frustrations facing veterans at VA facilities.

Furthermore, PA education is nationally standardized and competency-based, including rigorous clinical training and behavioral health rotations. Many PAs pursue postgraduate fellowships in psychiatry and addiction medicine.

In civilian systems, they function as essential members of collaborative medical teams, expanding access while maintaining high standards of care. They are force multipliers, clinicians trained in both primary care and mental health, well suited to integrated VA settings. Expanding the appropriate use of qualified PAs in VA mental health services is another practical step toward meeting today’s crisis. It strengthens the workforce, reduces strain on overburdened providers, and—most importantly—improves access for veterans in need.

Our mission has always been clear: Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another. Ensuring access to mental health and substance use treatment is part of that promise.

The PTSD/SA Committee: Tom Hall, Chair; Ken Harbert, Co-Chair; Charles Stapelton; Craig Waize; Thomas Brown; Sandy Miller; Don Smith; Marsha Four; Kate O’Hare Palmer; Frederick Gasior; Alan Perkal; Dan Stenvolid; John McGinty; Nina Schloffel, AVVA Advisor; Lori Paton; and Wynella Bethard, AVVA.

By GARY ESTERMYER, CHAIR

The committee met January on January 29 and 30. There were eleven committee members and five guests at each meeting. On January 29, John Riling, Interim Director VVA’s Veterans Benefits Department, announced that Courtney Smith is the new Director and Eliot Wilson the new Deputy Director.

Courtney Smith then presented a PowerPoint that included current award data with monetary amounts. We learned that VVA averaged more than 44,600 awards per month, and our monthly benefits totaled more than $101 million. The average individual monthly benefit was around $2,375.00. The total of funds raised year to date added up to $308.4-million in new monthly benefits.

The committee welcomed old friend and new committee member Jerry Klein. He discussed the grant application process with us and noted that seven state councils and one chapter received $20,000 grants. The Vermont State council requested and received an $18,000 grant.

The Grant Subcommittee (Dick Southern, Vern Peterson, and Steve Schultze) will be meeting virtually to review the grant agreement form that will be sent out to those who will be receiving grant funds. Peterson, Schultze, and Jeannie Ebert volunteered to review and update the VB Program Policy. Eric Rivera of Veterans’ Voice of America spoke about issues he feels could be improved regarding VVoA’s program, such as data reporting apps and personnel training.

On Friday Marc McCabe spoke at length about the long-standing relationship that VVA has had with the law firm Bergmann & Moore in helping VVA clients with legal representation all the way through the appeal process. B&M has been contracted to help with our claims and IHP backlog over the years. They also have set up three levels of VSO training sessions and offered these sessions to VVA personnel at no cost.

Tort claim Camp Lejeune water contamination cases are now being conducted in North Carolina. Many legal teams are helped by the veterans and families who have made claims.

The Veterans Benefits Committee: Gary Estermyer, Chair; Mike Dolan, Vice Chair; Gerald Corrigan, Secretary; Bill Beecher; Ned Foote; Gumersindo Gomez; Larry Googins; Joe Jennings; Jerry Klein; Marc McCabe; Greg Paulline; Vern Peterson; Dick Southern; John Weiss; Jeannie Ebert; and Steve Schultze, AVVA. Staff advisors: Courtney Smith and Eliot Wilson.

By CHUCK BYERS AND ALAN PERKAL, CO-CHAIRS

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Community Care Program allows eligible veterans to receive healthcare from non-VA providers when VA services are unavailable, delayed, or otherwise not accessible. Once a community care referral is approved, veterans may either schedule their own appointments with authorized community providers or request that the VA schedule on their behalf.

There are advantages and disadvantages to self-scheduling. The advantages include timelier care, as well as increased patient autonomy. Via direct scheduling, veterans can find providers with immediate openings, along with times and locations that work for them. The committee believes that veterans can confirm accessibility more fully, removing some obstacles to care. What’s more, self-scheduling can reduce the load on understaffed VA employees, enabling them to redirect their focus on more immediate or high-risk concerns.

One major disadvantage of self-scheduling is that most of the administrative burden is put on the veteran. As a result, VA authorizations can be misplaced or not found by providers. This would be in addition to navigating provider networks, insurance, follow-up communications, and more.

Plus, some veterans have found that care scheduled outside the VA is not fully integrated into VA medical records. That can lead to delaying documentation that complicates medications, follow-up, and disability claims. Since not all community providers accept VA community care, the search for a provider can also be time intensive. In addition, incorrect management could lead to denied claims and unexpected bills, which require more time to manage.

If you decide to schedule yourself, remember to obtain complete authorization information, including service type, time limits, and restrictions. Next, confirm that the provider you’ve chosen accepts VA Community Care and that your VA records are transferred before your visit.

If any issues in scheduling arise, contact VA Community Care, and always verify that visit documentation is returned to VA after the completion of care.

To sum up: Veteran self-scheduling in community care can improve access, autonomy, and satisfaction when properly supported. It often leads to faster appointments and greater patient control. However, it also shifts administrative responsibility to veterans and increases the risk of miscommunication, delays, and billing problems, particularly for those with complex needs.

A flexible, veteran-centered approach is essential. The VA should encourage self-scheduling for veterans with the skill and ability to manage the health care system, while VA-assisted scheduling could remain accessible, responsive, and proactive for those who need additional support.

By strengthening guidance, coordination, and accountability, the VA can ensure that community care fulfills its purpose: timely, high-quality, and equitable veterans’ healthcare.

Healthcare Committee: Allan Perkal, Co-Chair; Chuck Byers, Co-Chair; Dr. Molly McGaughey, Special Advisor; Michael Dolan, Committee Member; Linda Schwartz, Committee Member; Roland Mayhew, Committee Chair; Chuck Renevier, Committee Member; Kate Palmer, Committee Member; Elizabeth Cannon, Committee Member; Dr. Tom Hall, Committee Member; Ken Harbert, Committee Member; Larry Miller, Committee Member; Marsha Four, Committee Member; Allan Perkal, Chair, Buncombe County Veterans Council; Vice President, Vietnam Veterans of America, North Carolina State Council; Co-Chair, Healthcare Committee, Vietnam Veterans of America.

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