who to contact about better veteran treatment

What can I do if I need help with veterans health care?

A patient advocate listens to veterans health care issues. The advocate will work with you to resolve the problem. For more information, call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387). If you or someone you know needs help now, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can:

Where can I get help for a veteran with PTSD?

If you or someone you know needs help now, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can: Veterans’ caregivers can find help through the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.

How do I talk to a fellow combat veteran?

You can also call 877-927-8387 to talk with a fellow combat Veteran about your experiences, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you’d like to connect with other Veterans, families, and local services, you can visit our Make the Connection website.

Can a combat veteran get counseling for free?

If you’re a combat Veteran, you can visit one of our Vet Centers to get free individual and group counseling for you and your family. You can access these services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care and aren’t receiving disability compensation. Vet Centers offer services such as: Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling

Who can help me with my VA appeal?

If you need help filing a claim or appeal, you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). We trust these professionals because they're trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes and can help you with VA-related needs.

What can I do if my VA isn't helping?

First, go to your VA health care team. If you still have concerns, ask to connect with your provider's supervisor or your VA medical center's chief of service. If you need more help, contact your medical center's patient advocate.

What is a VA ombudsman?

The VA's task-order and delivery-order ombudsman is the Associate Executive Director for Procurement Policy, Systems, and Oversight.

Does Military OneSource help veterans?

Military OneSource services are available to Veterans and their immediate family for up to one year post-separation or retirement. The confidential help that Military OneSource offers allows service members to seek the assistance they need while protecting their identity.

Will the VA pay for outside treatment?

VA can pay for emergency medical care outside the United States if the emergency is related to your service-connected condition.

Can the VA refuse to treat you?

You can agree to or refuse any treatment. You will be told what is likely to happen to you if you refuse a treatment. Refusing a treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you take responsibility for the impact this decision may have on your health.

Who is the current veterans ombudsman?

Nishika JardineYour Ombudsperson Colonel (Ret'd) Nishika Jardine served almost 37 years as an officer in the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (RCEME).

How do I contact my local ombudsman?

Additionally, all long-term care facilities are required to post, in a visible location, the phone number for the local Ombudsman office and the Statewide CRISISline number 1-800-231-4024.

How many VSOs are there?

There are over 100 VA-recognized, national Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and VA works most closely with the following organizations: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Who qualifies for Military OneSource?

Military OneSource eligibility A: Military retirees and those service members discharged under honorable or general under honorable conditions are eligible for services provided by Military OneSource for up to 365 days after their retirement date, end of tour date, or discharge date.

What can Military OneSource do for you?

Military OneSource offers a wide range of individualized consultations, coaching and non-medical counseling for many aspects of military life.Expanded Hourly Child Care Service. ... Adoption. ... Special Needs. ... Elder Care. ... Building Healthy Relationships. ... New MilParent. ... Transitioning Veterans. ... Education.More items...

Is Military OneSource the same as Tricare?

While Military OneSource does not directly manage or facilitate any part of the TRICARE health benefits program, we want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family to live your best MilLife.

Contact us online through Ask VA

Ask VA (AVA) is our new online tool that replaced the Information Routing & Inquiry service (IRIS) and the GI Bill Help Portal. Use Ask VA to send us your questions, updates, and documents online.

Call us

You can call us at one of these phone numbers to ask questions about VA benefits and services.

Contact your local VA facility

Find the phone number and address for your local VA health facility, regional office, cemetery, or other location. Find a VA location near you

Explore our FAQs and other resources

Our FAQs, step-by-step guides, and other resources can help answer specific questions you may have about these topics:

Helpful online tools

Find out how to change your address and other contact information in your VA.gov profile. This will update your information across several VA benefits and services.

How to contact a VA counselor?

Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Chat online. Send a text message to 838255. Veterans’ caregivers can find help through the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.

What are the benefits of being a veteran?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs the program. Benefits include: Inpatient and outpatient care at VA medical facilities. Prescription drugs from VA providers. Long-term care depending on needs, income, and space availability.

What is a patient advocate?

A patient advocate listens to veterans health care issues. The advocate will work with you to resolve the problem. Take additional steps to resolve problems with the VA. For more information, call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).

Can veterans get mental health care?

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive mental health services. Even if you're not enrolled in VA health care, you may be able to get help. All veterans can get free VA mental health care for a year after they leave the military. Vets who served in a combat zone can get free counseling and substance abuse screening at VA vet centers.

How to access VA mental health services?

To access free VA mental health services right away: Call or walk in to any VA medical center —anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility. Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours. Find your nearest Vet Center. Call us at 877-222-8387.

What is the VA mental health number?

We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-877-8339. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. Learn more about accessing VA mental health services. To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members:

How many hours a day does the VA provide mental health care?

This includes: Emergency mental health care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through VA medical centers and some local, non-VA hospitals. The Veterans Crisis Line, which offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Learn more about VA mental health services.

How to contact the VA about homelessness?

Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homelessness programs, health care, and other services in your area. The call is free and confidential.

What is the National Alliance on Mental Illness?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NAMI builds better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness by providing education programs for families and individuals living with mental health problems. The Jed Foundation.

What is the purpose of Veterans Treatment Court?

The goal of Veterans Treatment Courts is to divert those with mental health issues and homelessness from the traditional justice system and to give them treatment and tools for rehabilitation and readjustment . Veterans Treatment Courts were developed to avoid unnecessary incarceration of veterans who have developed mental health problems.

What happens if a veteran fails to meet the requirements of the program?

If the veteran fails to meet the requirements of the program — for example, if he or she fails drug screenings or disobeys court orders — the Court will impose sanctions which may include community service, fines, jail time, or transfer out of Veterans Treatment back to a traditional criminal court.

Can veterans have mental health issues?

The VA and local courts recognize that that many of the veterans today are also returning home with mental health issues that, left untreated, can result in much larger problems. An early sign that a veteran may have unaddressed problems may be when they first break the law.

Do veterans have PTSD?

Most veterans are strengthened by their military service, but the combat experience has unfortunately left a growing number of veterans with PTSD, other mental health issues, or brain injury. Recognizing this problem, many local states and communities have developed special Veterans Treatment Courts that seek to provide veterans suffering ...

Is a veteran's participation in treatment court voluntary?

A veteran’s participation in treatment court is always voluntary. Veterans who choose to participate are assessed by a mental health professional and their treatment needs are determined.

Do veterans get a second chance?

Men and women who have served the country are entitled to a second chance. Although most courts work with veterans of all service eras, communities are often motivated to start these courts by concerns about veterans returning from service and encountering legal trouble.

Do veterans need treatment courts?

However, a few will struggle and it is exactly those veterans who need a Veterans Treatment Court program the most . Without this structure, these veterans will reoffend and remain in the criminal justice system.

Why is a veteran treatment court judge better than a judge who only hears a case involving a

Because a veterans treatment court judge handles numerous veterans' cases and is supported by a strong , interdisciplinary team, he or she is in a much better position to exercise discretion and effectively respond than a judge who only occasionally hears a case involving a veteran defendant.

What is a veteran treatment court judge?

A veterans treatment court judge better understands the issues that a veteran may be struggling with, such as substance addiction, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. A veterans treatment court judge is also more familiar with the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefit Administration, State Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations, and volunteer veteran mentors and how they can all assist veteran defendants.

Do veterans need a treatment court?

However, a few will struggle, and it is exactly those veterans who need a veterans treatment court program the most. Without this structure, these veterans will reoffend and remain in the criminal justice system. The veterans treatment court is able to ensure they meet their obligations to themselves, the court, and their community.

Can veterans be involved in the criminal justice system?

Left untreated, mental health disorders common among veterans can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.

Do veterans stand before judges?

For those who have spent any time in traditional criminal courts, a visit to a veterans treatment court can be a revelation. Veteran defendants stand before the judge at parade rest, saying "Yes, ma'am/sir" or "No, ma'am/sir," and there is interaction with and support from their fellow veterans.

What to know about veteran treatment courts?

4 Things to Know About Veteran Treatment Courts. U.S. veterans are among the proudest and most noble servicemen and women in the world. They serve their nation with honor and dedication, sacrificing and suffering much to defend freedom and faithfully execute their orders. Sadly, many of these Americans leave for war strong and able-bodied, ...

How many veterans have mental health issues?

One in six struggle with addiction, and one in five suffer from PTSD or major depression. 320,000 veterans from these conflicts suffer from a traumatic brain injury.

How many vets are in prison?

Many seek to self-medicate with alcohol and substance abuse, often leading them down a destructive path. Currently, there are around 700,000 vets are in the criminal justice system, with many incarcerated for crimes related to their injuries and conditions.

What is volunteer mentor training?

Volunteer Mentors undergo training the covers topics like roles and responsibilities, boundaries, and issues typically faced by veterans, as well as how to swiftly connect their mentees to state and local resources and benefits they have earned.

Why do veterans never make it to the last step?

But many veterans never make it to the last step, in part because of the dangers lurking in the good intentions of their support networks. This is particularly true of federal programs to aid veterans, as these government benefits and support services play a dominant role in returning troops' rehabilitation.

What is the goal of any policy intended to help ill or injured veterans?

The goal of any policy intended to help ill or injured veterans should be to narrow the capacity-performance gap. The Department of Defense offers a useful example of how this goal should be pursued. The Pentagon has its own separate disability-rating system, one based more on the "social model" of disability.

What is the VA disability compensation program?

Code) is to compensate for disabilities based on "average loss of earnings" that would be expected for a worker with a particular diagnosis.

What is the most serious disability rating for PTSD?

Typically, in order to receive compensation for PTSD, a veteran must experience some level of social or occupational impairment (the most serious disability rating, of 100% , is reserved for total occupational and social impairment, persistent delusions, and symptoms of comparable severity).

What is the most common service related disorder?

One service-related condition that captures an enormous amount of public attention is post-traumatic stress disorder . PTSD encompasses a very wide range of complaints, including intrusive memories of the traumatic event (flashbacks and dreams), avoidance and emotional numbing, and anxiety and depression.

Does the VA base its compensation on disability?

This means, in essence, that the VA doesn't base its compensation on "disability" — how incapacitated a veteran really is — at all. Rather, VA disability benefits are based purely on a diagnosis, regardless of what that diagnosis actually means for a particular veteran's ability to resume a normal life.

Is returning troops better off financially?

Finally, returning troops also tend to be better off financially than their civilian peers. Both the earnings and overall incomes of veterans are higher than those of non-veterans. Among men in 2009, for instance, year-round workers averaged $51,230 in earnings if they were veterans and $45,811 if they were non-veterans.

Why is military training important?

Military training establishes work ethic, devotion to nation and fellow man, completion of assigned tasks, responsibility, physical fitness and reliability. Any employer will tell you that a physically fit veteran is the best hire a company can have. They help save our nation and deserve the best.

Is the Veterans Administration a sick puppy?

The Veterans Administration is like a sick puppy trying to serve the needs of our veterans. As the Vietnam War started to end, attention and due pressure was placed on the VA but it seems to be of little avail. A veteran has earned the status that affords him/her assistance.

Do vets need a legal defense fund?

Yes, Vets need a legal defense fund to address the neglect they are receiving. How many Vets are homeless – sleeping in parks or in homeless shelters. Too many of them need mental assistance but we just ignore them as they wither away. These heroes deserve so much better.