July 2023 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

During the month of July, we celebrate Independence Day and the birth of our nation. For all of our veterans who have served honorably, we thank you for your service. We hope you enjoy July 4th celebrations with your friends and loved ones! 

Over the last several years, our team has been working to take on the hard challenges our veterans face, including restoring your faith and trust in the VA system. Our team, along with our counterparts across Florida, have been working on both the benefits and health care sides of the VA to increase transparency. With the PACT Act, we're going to see additional patient encounters, especially as folks across the Sunshine State drive significant distances to access care. We're committed to serve without delay and make sure the VA is there when you need it. 

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.

For Freedom,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida’s Third Congressional District
 

Happy Independence Day!

We wish all of our veterans a very Happy Independence Day! May we celebrate our national sovereignty and the legacy of freedom that still rings around the world today!

Remembering Marine Colonel John Glenn

Marine Corps Col. John Herschel Glenn, Jr. was an American Marine Corps aviator, engineer, astronaut, businessman, and politician. He was the third American in space and the first American to orbit earth, circling it three times in 1962. Born on July 18, 1921, Col. Glenn lived an amazing life of service to our country. 

Information On The PACT Act For Gulf War, Post-9/11 Era Veterans

You may already know the PACT Act expands health care eligibility for many veterans. One group that may be eligible for expanded benefits are post-9/11 veterans. A one-year special health care enrollment period for post-9/11 combat veterans began on October 1, 2022. Help spread the word before the special enrollment period ends.

If you meet the requirements, you can enroll in VA health care before October 1, 2023.

You can learn more about eligibility and requirements for the special enrollment period here or by clicking the button below.

VA Modernized Review System

The Modernized Review System gives claimants the opportunity to participate in the new Supplemental Claim and Higher-Level Review options or choose to file an appeal directly to the Board. 

You may opt in to the modernized system for any appeal currently in the legacy system for which you have received an SOC/SSOC dated on or after February 19, 2019. If you choose to opt in to the modernized system, the VA will process your claim under the decision review option(s) selected. The VA will no longer process your appeal in the legacy system and you will not be able to request additional review of VA's decision under the legacy appeals process. 

Learn more here or at the link below. 

Get Appointment Reminders To Your Phone

Have you heard about VEText? VEText is VA's text messaging appointment reminder system to alert veterans of upcoming health care appointments, allowing you to confirm or cancel quickly.

You will receive the first text message reminder seven days before your VA appointment. A second text message reminder will be sent two days before your appointment. The timing of the reminders may vary by facility. You should review the date and time of each appointment and use the prompts provided in the message to either confirm or cancel the appointment. You may receive multiple reminders if you have more than one appointment on the same day.

Learn more here or by clicking the button below.

VA Urgent Care

VA offers urgent care services to eligible veterans at VA medical facilities or at in‑network urgent care clinics. Use VA’s urgent care benefit to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections. To make sure you have a smooth experience, you can review the requirements and limitations associated with this benefit. 

For additional information, click here or the button below.

New Outdoor Experiences For Florida's Wounded Veterans

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson opened a new Operation Outdoor Freedom facility solely dedicated to offering wounded veterans recreational opportunities free of charge. The new facility, located at Pine Log State Forest in Washington County, consists of 620 acres and a fully ADA-compliant building that can house and feed 12 veterans during outdoor events. 

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.