Dear Neighbor,

July is a special month! The United States of America turns 248 years old and it's all thanks to the brave men and women of our military—both past and present—who protect our nation every day. Thank you to all who have vowed to protect America and safeguard it for future generations.

In this month's newsletter, Team Kat has supplied a variety of resources. If you're interested in learning about VA scammers, VA processing times, civil service retirement processes, and more, please keep reading! And as always, if you have questions about anything you read here, please reach out to us in Gainesville at (352) 505-0838. 

We wish you a safe, happy Independence Day and a great July. I look forward to seeing many of you during the celebrations across the district. 

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 read below about what we've been up to, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For the Republic,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack                                                                                Proudly Representing Florida's Third Congressional District

Happy Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July from Team Kat! America is the best country on Earth and we're blessed to call it home because of our veterans and active military members.

God bless America and thank you for your commitment to our freedoms.

Public Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) Fraud

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) seeks your help in preventing public DBQ fraud. VBA staff and others helping veterans obtain benefits, such as veterans service organizations, play a key role in identifying and reporting fraud targeting VA and exploiting veterans. The OIG released a September 2023 fraud alert directing veterans to avoid individuals and entities not accredited by VA that attempt to obtain payment for assistance with getting DBQs completed by physicians and filing the initial related claim (often promising higher benefits or seeking excessive payments).

How to identify potential fraud:

• Apparent alterations have been made to the DBQ, such as variations in fonts and sizes or signature tampering.
• Multiple DBQs use the same diagnosis and wording for different veterans on submitted paperwork.
• The veteran consulted a non-treating physician in-person more than 100 miles away or in a different state.
• Veterans refuse to attend an in-person VA examination without providing a valid reason.
• Responses in the public DBQ suggest a substantial increase in the veteran’s disability rating or a permanent and total disability evaluation, but there are no accompanying treatment records or supporting evidence.
  
  

Florida Veterans Crisis Line

For 24-hour counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 988 then press 1.

Remember, you are NOT alone! Florida veterans can call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 211. With questions, please contact our office. 

When Should We Be Concerned About VA Appeal Processing Times?

Military Service Deposits For Civil Service Retirement

Our office continues to hear from our veterans who have participated in this program. Often, veterans discover that there were glitches in the processing of their paperwork. Please take a look at this website and learn more about the resources available to prevent complications when you retire. 

 State Women Veterans’ Coordinator

The Sunshine State is home to approximately 164,000 women veterans. Many women veterans don't know they are eligible for the full range of federal and state benefits.

To help connect women veterans with earned benefits and services, FDVA hosts an annual state women veterans’ conference. A Women Veteran license plate is also available for purchase. For more information on women veterans' issues, call Vanessa Thomas at (727) 319-7418 or click the link below!

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