August 2023 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

On Team Kat, we're committed to recognizing our veterans' service. Often times, servicemembers serve in unimaginable conditions and don't receive the best care after years serving our nation. We work to champion the voice of the people through passionate advocacy and work to ensure our veterans receive the treatment, care, and gratitude they deserve. 

Earlier this year, we heard our veterans' pleas for quicker delivery of CPAP machines recalled by the manufacturer. We responded and reached out to the VA secretary, and based on the latest information available, every veteran with a defective CPAP should be well on the way to receiving a replacement. If this is not the case for you, please let us know. 

We want to restore faith and trust in our founding principles, including at the VA. Our team is actively working to address VA wait times, community care, and the appeals system searching for solutions that exceed our heroes' expectations. 

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
 

VERA Appointment Scheduling

We all know the VA's toll-free number can be disappointing due to wait times and lack of knowledge by the employee on the other end. To schedule a virtual appointment instead, consider using the VERA system, which allows you to choose the day and time you wish to contact the VA. Operated by the Regional Office's Public Contact Center, helpful and knowledgeable personnel work hard to veterans have access to the necessary resources. 

To access VERA, click here or the button below. 

Justice-Involved Veterans

For incarcerated veterans in federal, state, or local institutions, the VA can pay certain benefits depending on the type of benefit and reason for incarceration. 

Justice-involved veterans may be eligible for VA benefits, such as disability compensation, disability pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. VA disability compensation payments, however, are reduced if a veteran is convicted of a felony and imprisoned for more than 60 days. 

Learn more about benefits for incarcerated veterans here. 

Where Are My Lab Results?

Lab test results are one of the most popular features veterans use on My HealtheVet. To stay on top of lab results, you can make the best decisions for your health and health care. To access lab results after an appointment at a VA facility, visit your My HealtheVet portal and click "Health Records." From there, click "Labs and Tests" and use the options to print or save your results. 

You can learn more here or by clicking the button below.

Pre-Need Eligibility For Burial In VA Cemetery

You can apply to find out in advance if you can be buried in a VA national cemetery. This is called a pre-need determination of eligibility and it can help make the burial process easier for family members during their time of need. 

To apply, you'll need your or your sponsor's social security number, date and place of birth, military status and service history, and discharge papers. 

Learn more here or at the link below. 

In The Navy...

The Navy has rich traditions, but don't get mixed up! Ships don't have walls, they have bulkheads. They don't have windows, they have potholes. Your left side is your port side, and your right side is your starboard side. The mess deck is where you eat, and the deck is where you walk. Above your head is an overhead, not a ceiling or a roof. If you need a toilet, you'll find that in the head. The rack is where you sleep. 

Toxic Exposure Screenings

The PACT Act offers toxic exposure for all veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxins. A variety of reproductive health concerns are now considered presumptive conditions, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, and breast cancers. It's important to get screened and learn about your risks. 

For additional information, click here or the button below.

Florida Framework For Freedom

Governor DeSantis has signed the Framework for Freedom budget into law, which took effect on July 1. The budget, which includes nearly $500 million in veteran-related support, enhances our ability to provide first-class health care and benefit services to our veterans and their families. We are grateful to live in a state where our legislature remembers to recognize our veteran community through legislation such as this.

Additionally, the Governor signed one additional piece of legislation impacting our state’s veterans. House Bill 339, Education of Dependents of Deceased or Disabled Servicemembers, Prisoners of War, and Persons Missing in Action, was signed into law on June 22. The legislation broadens the eligibility for educational benefits provided to a dependent child or spouse of a disabled or deceased service member through the Children and /Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans Scholarship Program.

Lifetime Military Passes

A free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans. A free annual Military Pass is available for current U.S. military members and their dependents. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents can enter national parks for free with an Interagency Military Annual Pass through the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency) Program.

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.