November 2022 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

I always relish the month of November as we begin to enjoy cooler weather, recognize our living veterans, and celebrate Thanksgiving. One of my greatest honors as your representative is to meet veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Grenada, Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and a host of other conflicts around the world. Our men and women come from all backgrounds and as Americans they learned to work together for the USA. I am extremely thankful for your contributions and sacrifices in making our country the greatest on earth. 

From your love and stories you’ve shared with me along the way, I appreciate and recognize your contributions to our nation.

As always, we welcome your feedback about what you read here, and if there are any events or announcements you’d like to see featured, reach out to us by clicking here. You can also check our website for new updates on our Veterans’ Services tab. And as always, if you’re a veteran in FL-03 in need of assistance with any veterans-related issues, please call our Gainesville office at 352-505-0838.

With all that’s happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

In Liberty,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida’s Third Congressional District
 

Presenting Recovered Medals To Korean War Hero

This past week, we welcomed Mr. James Lewis Wilkerson to our office in Gainesville to present him with recovered service medals he earned during his time in the Korean War. Mr. Wilkerson received the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with four bronze stars, the combat infantryman badge, and the United Nations Service Medal. Mr. Wilkerson's family and friends attended the ceremony and honored him with the accolades he's earned. Please join me in thanking Mr. Wilkerson for his service.

Our office helps veterans and their families recover lost service medals and records. If we can help you or someone you know, reach out to our Gainesville office at 352-505-0838. 

Celebrating The Navy's Birthday In October

Last month, we celebrated the U.S. Navy's birthday! On October 13th, 1775, the Navy was established as the maritime branch of the U.S. military, charged with defending our nation both on and under the sea. Remember to thank all our active duty members and veterans from Florida's Third Congressional District for their service as we celebrate 247 years of the Navy.

Improved Processing Needed For Veterans' Claims Of Contaminated Water Exposure At Camp Lejeune

From August 1953 through December 1987, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry estimated one million individuals could have been exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. military training facility. In March 2017, the VA established a presumption of military service connection for eight illnesses related to veterans' exposure to that contaminated water.

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to determine whether Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staff followed regulations when processing and deciding claimed conditions potentially associated with contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

Be Vigilant Of PACT Act Scams

Scammers are taking advantage of new opportunities to commit fraud. There’s been an increase in PACT Act-related phishing (email), vishing (phone), and social media scams targeting veterans to access their PACT Act benefits or submit claims on their behalf. 

Veterans should be cautious of anyone who guarantees a lucrative financial benefit or service. To report suspected fraudulent activity, please contact at vaoighotline@va.gov or call 1-800-488-8244. 

National Personnel Records Center Update

The NPRC has returned to its pre-pandemic level of service for requests of military service separation documents. NPRC prioritized servicing requests for separation documents, because they are typically needed by veterans and their dependents to prove eligibility for a variety of benefits. NPRC currently services approximately 15,000 separation document requests each week, and the median response time is five days. Response times will continue to improve during the first quarter of FY 2023.

VA Health Chat App Available

Veterans enrolled for VA health care in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Island may contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center utilizing the VA Health Chat App. The app is available for Android and IOS. You can learn more about VA Health Chat at https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-chat. 

The VA Health Chat app is an exciting technology that provides easy, online access to chat with VA staff when Veterans have health concerns and other questions. The app accesses the VA Electronic Health Record and, for security purposes, requires Veterans to enter My HealtheVet (premium), DS Logon (premium), or ID.me. 

Checking Your VA Lab Test Results

Lab test results are one of the top-five most popular features veterans use on My HealtheVet. It's important to stay on top of your lab test results so that you can work with your provider to make decisions about your health and your health care.

COVID-19 test results are now available without a 'hold period,' meaning that they are available online in My HealtheVet as soon as VA has received or processed them.

Military Exposures & Your Health Newsletter

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service. Subscribe to the 'Military Exposures & Your Health Newsletter' to learn about the VA’s initiatives for veterans with service since 1990, such as the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, research on Karshi-Khanabad, screenings for breast cancer, and more.

You can read the latest issue of the Military Exposures & Your Health Newsletter here or by clicking the button below.

DFAS Military Service Earnings/Buy Back Estimator

To help you make a decision on whether or not you would like to buy back your military service time, use the new Military Service Earnings/Buy Back Estimator tool. This tool will project your estimated earnings and the estimated cost of buying back your military service time. 

The Basic Option to buy back requires that you apply to buy back your military service time within three years of civilian service and therefore, no interest will be charged. For federal employees with more than three years of civilian employment prior to application to buy back their military service time, there may be interest charges.

Veterans' Services Tab On Rep. Cammack's Website

The Veterans' Services tab of Rep. Cammack's website has information on a wide variety of topics, including news from the VA, resources for veterans, and more. These pages are consistently updated so our FL-03 veterans have the most updated information. Additionally, should you need assistance with the VA, our team can help you by opening a case and contacting the VA on your behalf.